Paws on the Sand

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Backbone State Park

Dundee, Iowa · Iowa state parks

Dogs on a leash all year

Iowa's first state park: trails along a narrow limestone ridge. Dogs on a 6-foot leash.

Source: Iowa DNR, Parks Use, Rules and Guidelines. Checked October 29, 2026.

Follow the signs at the trailhead: parks can close areas to dogs for wildlife.

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Iowa state parks: the rule in full

Pets must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet or confined, and may not run loose. Pets must be kept off beaches.