OTLEY, Iowa — Nestled on the north shore of Lake Red Rock is a park with an iconic landmark and plenty of other things to do.

Cordova Park is best known for Cordova Tower. The tower was once a water tower, built in 1972. It was decommissioned around 10 years later. By 1998, the water tower was transformed into an observation tower. Cordova Tower is one of the tallest observation towers in the Midwest, standing 106 feet tall. The tower also has the longest continuous fiberglass staircase in the world.

From the top of Cordova Tower, downtown Des Moines can be visible on a clear day! This also depends on vegetation, which can obscure the view of 801 Grand. Park officials also note that the tower is a good spot for viewing bird migration and viewing fall foliage.

Cordova Park is also home to trails, cabins for rent, a pavilion, and picnic areas. If you’re looking for scenic photos, the Cordova cliffs are also found along the lakeshore.

Cordova Park is open year-round. Admission to the park and the tower is free. Find out more about the park here.