See one of the tallest observation towers in the Midwest
Cordova Observation Tower sits on the north shore of Lake Red Rock in Marion County, Iowa, and is one of the tallest observation towers in a public park in the Midwest.
Location: Cordova Park, 1293 Emerald Drive, Otley, IA 50214
When is the Cordova Observation Tower open?
According to the Cordova Park webpage, it is open from 7 am to 8 pm. However, you’ll notice that the entrance has an automated gate, which means that once the gate is closed, you are not able to get out of the park. With that in mind, please be sure to read the signage as you enter to verify what time the gates will close.
How much does it cost to climb the Cordova Observation Tower?
It is 2 quarters per person to enter. There is a turnstile at the base of the tower and it only accepts quarters – and each person is 2 quarters. There is no change available on site, so you must bring enough quarters with you.
How tall is the Cordova Observation Tower?
The observation deck measures 106 feet from the base and contains 170 stairs that you’ll need to climb. Not only is Cordova Observation Tower the tallest observation tower in Iowa, but it is also one of the tallest in any public park in the entire Midwest. On top of that, its 170 steps are the longest continuous fiberglass staircase in the world.
Was it originally a water tower?
Yes, it was originally installed as a water tower in 1972, which lasted until 1984. In 1988 Marion County Conservation Board made plans to turn the water tower into an observation tower which was completed in 1999.
What is the view like?
From the top, you can see Lake Red Rock and the nearby mile-long bridge that crosses the lake and heads south toward Knoxville. On a clear day, you can see up to 35 miles away
What else is nearby that we should explore?
Hike down to the lake
There is a make-shift trailhead at the base of the tower, on the backside of the picnic shelter. This make-shift trail leads you down the lake. Depending on the water level, the trail may bring you the many rocks and boulders along the shore.
Cordova cliffs
Another popular scenic view is commonly called Cordova Cliffs and is just to the east of the observation tower. Here’s the Google Maps location for the closest parking to Cordova Cliffs, and here is the Google Maps location for Cordova Cliffs.
Rent a cabin
Cordova Park has several year-round available cabins for family outings. Check out their webpage for cabin rentals available at Cordova Park.
Drive across the mile-long bridge
Take a drive across the mile-long bridge that is just west of the Cordova Observation Tower.
Visit the Peace Tree stump
The Peace Tree was an extremely large 500-year-old sycamore tree that was originally rooted about a mile west of the current day mile-long bridge. Prior other Lake Red Rock, it was speculated that the tree was a place where white settlers and Native Americans met to trade goods. When the dam was built and Lake Red Rock was filled in 1969, the Peace Tree was flooded. However, the tree was so large that the trunk still stuck out above the water and served as a marker for kayakers and boaters. In 2018, flooding at Lake Red Rock uprooted the Peace Tree and it began floating in the lake. With help from the marina, two boats are used to tow the tree back to shore and it was eventually placed in a parking lot area as you approach the marina. Here’s the exact Google Map location for where the remains are the Peace Tree are stored.
