While Clint Eastwood, Meryl Streep, and author Robert James Waller could undoubtedly tell you all about the famous bridges of Madison County, Iowa, I’m afraid I’m at a complete loss. I didn’t even know they were in Iowa, until I started doing research for this feature. But – when it comes to the not-nearly-so-famous parks of Madison County, Idaho, I eagerly admit to being a bit of an aficionado. I would, of course, have to credit much of that to my three children, who are in perpetual need of entertainment, preferably anywhere other than our own front yard. And so, we have come to know a lot about parks. And in Madison County, there are a lot of parks.

Two of the most popular parks in Rexburg are Smith Park and Porter Park, where many community events are hosted and green grass, footpaths, shaded areas, and playlands abound. By contrast, I suspect Rexburg’s Nature Park is perhaps the best kept secret when it comes to the parks of Madison County.

Located at the north end of Fifth West, just before it curves back around and disappears along the north side of the fairgrounds, the Nature Park is tucked quietly behind a simple rail fence and trees, almost as if in camouflage from civilization. And then again, wandering the paved footpaths leading around and even dividing through a pond hemmed with cattails and populated with perch, trout, koi, and ducks, perhaps the Nature Park is just as oblivious to the bustle of Rexburg traffic, with its errands to run and chores to complete.

Nevertheless, bring your sneakers, your roller blades, your stroller, your scooter, or even your bicycle and pick the path that suits you best to enjoy the tall grasses, wildflowers, dense trees and shrubbery, and fowl. Better yet, bring a picnic lunch, your fishing pole, or just a blanket and a good book to read, and plan on staying a while. (The ducks recommend a loaf of bread as well, although I think they mention that with ulterior motives in mind.)

Having dropped off my daughter at ballet lessons just down the street one day, my two boys immediately insisted on a “boys’ adventure” – including the required loaf of bread – and away we went to explore nature in Rexburg. Leaving the car parked along the east side of the park, we followed a canal submerged in tall grasses before turning and heading north through the center of the pond area. Fishermen – mostly boys and young families – were scattered intermittently along the west side of the trail, as well as along the north shore of the pond, waiting for that much-anticipated tug on their fishing line. And while I've been assure it's easy to catch something, I've also been cautioned to bring small hooks and plan on small bits of worm – apparently for rather small fish. I took that to mean you probably won't find Moby here, but you will find plenty of fishing fun, particularly for the little ones.

Beyond the pond we found welcoming grassy areas, large picnic shelters with plenty of tables, a grilling area by each shelter, and even running water – not to mention a handful of magpies determined to quibble over the scattered crumbs of a recent picnic by park visitors.

Finally, to the far north end of the nature park, we were warmly greeted by a well-established colony of ducks – and one white goose who looked very much like he’d just come from the movie set for Babe – who appeared more than happy to help relieve the boys of their bread supply. We attempted in vain to make friends with a couple of rather cranky geese nestled among the dried cattails, but soon contented ourselves with the rather amiable friendship of a variety of ducks.

Between hungry boys, and even hungrier ducks, we soon spent our loaf and wandered back the way we’d come, enjoying the tree-shaded path, tossing pebbles into the still water, stopping every so often at a park bench along the way, and chatting with a couple of fishermen who didn’t have much to say, or much to show for their efforts, but were optimistic their casts would soon yield results. And really, even if it was no less than a nibble, who couldn’t enjoy such a fine morning with the ease of nature? Indeed, they had found the perfect win-win situation.

We found our own win-win situation as well, having crossed over the canal by way of a wooden footbridge, to the mown grass, paved footpaths, and playground equipment connecting on the south end of the nature park. Here again were additional picnic tables, restrooms, and a drinking fountain, providing additional romping area for the kids, with perhaps a bit more of a civilized touch.

As we left this little haven tucked away at the north end of Fifth West, I realized there was no way we could keep this secret from our daughter, which means we’d definitely be coming back – soon – and this time, we’d better plan on two loaves of bread, if we wanted anything left for the ducks.

Getting Therre: Reom Rexburg's Main Street, turn North on 5th West. Follow 5th West as it curves around the track at the Madison County Fairgrounds. Once around the curve, you're at the Nature Park.