You’ll find Coralville Lake snug between Cedar Rapids and Iowa City. It’s a perfect day trip if you’re nearby and an easy weekend trip if you’re farther out. You can stay overnight at one of nearly 500 campsites.
But even if camping isn’t your thing, there are plenty of other ways to enjoy the human-made lake. There’s boating, fishing and beaches for swimming. Or if you prefer to stay on land, wander through miles of trails for hiking and mountain biking, or keep it simple with a picnic at any of the playground areas.
Mid- to late October is the best time to see the forest in its fall finery, especially in the lake’s reflection around sunrise and sunset.
