16 Most Stunning Locations To Go to In Iowa

2. Dunnings Spring Park

A stupendous marvel hidden alongside Iowa’s forest is the Dunnings Spring. The charming 200-foot cascading waterfall is just some minutes from downtown Decorah.

The radiant spring feeds into the Iowa River with a 200ft spectacular waterfall. Get greeted by the stone arch bridge as you enter the park and witness the falls from a distance! 

I like to recommend taking the boardwalk path for a panoramic view of Decorah’s downtown. It’s also possible to hike or picnic within the shade of forests alongside the roaring falls. This geological marvel is the proper place for a fast getaway. 

• Tackle: Ice Cave Rd, Decorah, IA 52101
• Location Map
• Greatest time to go to: spring to fall

My private highlights…

• Having a picnic surrounded by the luxurious greenery.
• Visiting the magnificent 200-foot-tall waterfall that flows into the Iowa River.
• Mountaineering up the path to the overlook level and seeing the unimaginable panoramic views.

3. Effigy Mounds Nationwide Monument

Historical Native American burial and ceremonial mounds are positioned in northeastern Iowa, alongside the banks of the charming Mississippi River.

Positioned a couple of miles from McGregor, the Effigy Mounds Nationwide Monument was established in 1949. On the bluffs overlooking the river, greater than 200 mounds, primarily within the form of birds and bears, are discovered.

The nationwide monument protect gives exceptional proof of the Woodland Indians and their tradition. I counsel mountain climbing alongside the deciduous forests or touring the museum with historical Indian artefacts.

• Tackle: 151 IA-76, Harpers Ferry, IA 52146
• Location Map
• Greatest time to go to: spring to fall

My highlights…

• Exploring the beautiful Hanging Rock Path.
• Admiring the picturesque views overlooking the river from the monument.

4. Dubuque

Iowa’s oldest metropolis, Dubuque, also called the Tri-State Space, lies on the junction of Iowa, Illinois, and Wisconsin. Initially a small lead mining city, Dubuque has grown into a contemporary port metropolis with incredible outside areas and leisure trails.

Take the world’s steepest cable trip within the Fenelon Place Elevator; the tri-state gives quick access to the gorgeous countryside across the river.

I like to recommend mountain climbing the path on the Julian Dubuque Monument or exploring the rugged panorama of the Mines of Spain Recreation Space, Dubuque is a middle of tradition and studying.

• Customer’s Middle Tackle: 280 Foremost St, Dubuque, IA 52001
• Location Map
• Greatest time to go to: all 12 months spherical

My favourite highlights…

• Driving on the world’s shortest but steepest cable trip, Fenelon Place Elevator and seeing the spectacular view of downtown Dubuque.
• Visiting the Nationwide Mississippi River Museum and studying concerning the fascinating historical past of America’s well-known rivers.
• Exploring the passages and formations found in 1868 by miners on the Crystal Lake Cave.

5. The Loess Hills Path Street

Paving its manner from north of Sioux Metropolis to St. Joseph, Missouri, the Loess Hills Nationwide Scenic Byway is a novel 200-mile-long land stretching via seven counties.

The charming panorama made up of windblown soil that fashioned dunes constitutes many of the Loess Hills landform.

With a top of as a lot as 60 ft, this uniquely American treasure is discovered solely in western Iowa and the Yellow River valley of China.

Drive or hike, this byway unfolds the restful pastures, small cities, and concrete facilities unraveling Iowa’s wealthy magnificence. With huge prairies, woodlands, rolling hills, and forest-covered bluffs, this panorama retains vacationers intrigued.

• Tackle: St. John Township, IA 51555
• Location Map
• Greatest time to go to: spring to fall

My favourite highlights…

• Driving down one of the vital distinctive and scenic roads within the space.
• Visiting the colourful Lavender Farm was was crammed with a marvel perfume and Insta-worthy blooms!
• Biking the attractive Wabash Hint Nature Path (which stretches over 63 miles lengthy).

6. Pikes Peak State Park

Pikes Peak State Park is an impressive state park close to McGregor. It contains a 500-foot bluff overlooking the Mississippi River.

Established in 1936, the state park is a photogenic spot. Stand atop and witness the breathtaking confluence of the Wisconsin and Mississippi rivers, or let the boardwalk information you to the picturesque Bridal Veil. The park additionally gives lovely valleys and bluffs.

Hike alongside the paths amongst lovely bluffs and valleys or camp round; the park gives the perfect leisurely place for picnicking.

• Tackle: 32264 Pikes Peak Rd, McGregor, IA 52157
• Location Map
• Greatest time to go to: spring to fall, the autumn colours are significantly beautiful

My private highlights…

• Mountaineering to the summit through the Barr Path and seeing the unimaginable views (it’s simply not for the faint-hearted).
• Testing the balcony at Backyard of the God Customer Middle the place I noticed the red-sandstone rocks body the height completely.
• Strolling across the park and photographing the beautiful surroundings.

7. Amana Colonies

The Amana Colonies, or just the Amanas, have been constructed and settled by the Germans in 1855. They consisted of seven villages in Iowa County.

Unfold throughout 26,000 acres, immediately, this Nationwide Historic Landmark is a recognized vacationer vacation spot and clings to its German roots. Positioned between the mighty Mississippi and Missouri River valleys, the seven villages of Amanas have a variety of fascinating websites to discover.

Tour across the Amana Heritage Society Museum or savor the normal meals and handicrafts, this go to will take you a step again in time.

The thriving and hospitable neighborhood, quaint countryside, clapboard houses, and lantern walkways completely exemplify the nation’s neighborhood spirit.

• Tackle: 622 forty sixth Ave, Amana, IA 52203
• Location Map
• Greatest time to go to: all 12 months spherical, Winterfest in is January

My highlights…

• Visiting the Amana Heritage Society and discovering the artwork and tradition museums with attention-grabbing shows.
• Wandering via the picturesque landscaped space surrounding the Fireplace Vineyard earlier than tasting some scrumptious wines.
• Having fun with a novel expertise panning for glistening gems, crystals and strange rocks at The Noble Stone.

8. Lake Okoboji

Often known as West Lake Okoboji, Okoboji Lake is a part of the charming Nice Lakes. Deriving its identify from the Dakota identify for the lake, it’s the deepest in Iowa.

Tucked away within the northwest, this enchanted lake has develop into well-known for vacationers.

Fashioned by the glacial actions retreating north, Lake Okoboji is spring-fed and 136 ft deep. The clear blue waters make it a well-liked vacation spot for limitless water leisure actions, together with swimming, boating and crusing.

• Tackle: 3800 Sunner Ave. Spirit Lake, IA 51360
• Location Map
• Greatest time to go to: summer season

My favourite highlights…

• Catching a sundown while overlooking the pristine waters at this well-known vacation spot.
• Biking on a path across the surrounding lake.
• Kayaking on the lake (there are rental choices).

9. Herbert Hoover Nationwide Historic Website

Good for historical past lovers, this cute little place is the place Herbert Hoover, the thirty first President of the US, was born.

As we speak, the two-room cottage, courting from 1874 (positioned in West Department), is open to the general public. It’s also possible to go to the Herbert Hoover Nationwide Historic Website, his birthplace, and different historic buildings reminiscent of his faculty, church, grave, and the Presidential Library and Museum.

My favourite highlights…

• Watching the film on the customer heart and studying concerning the historical past of this landmark.
• Testing the Presidential Library and Museum positioned close by, which is dwelling to artefacts from President Hoover’s life.
• Exploring the Blacksmith Store, the Schoolhouse and the Associates Assembly Home.

10. River Bluffs Scenic Byway

Bask in a crazy tour with a 109-mile scenic drive throughout Fayette and Clayton counties of Northeast Iowa. The towering bluffs, wooded hilltops, and rolling valleys with distinctive geology make this route a sought-after vacation spot for guests.

Designated as a state Byway, the historic cities, limestone buildings, inexperienced pastures, and leisure parks present glorious alternatives to expertise nature’s variety.

Gaze on the quaint countryside or path alongside forested streams; cruising alongside this scenic byway will captivate your curiosity within the space’s wealthy cultural historical past.

• Tackle: 201 Level Anne Lane Mc Gregor, IA 52157
• Location Map
• Greatest time to go to: spring to fall

My private highlights…

• Exploring via the hidden caves positioned throughout this space through the paths.
• Driving alongside the entire 109-mile freeway and absorbing the magnificent landscapes formed by three rivers.
• Stopping off at the perfect viewpoints and capturing Insta-worthy pictures.

11. Beulah Falls

Whereas Iowa might not be recognized for its rugged terrain, you’ll be shocked to be taught concerning the state’s hidden wonders, scattered all through caves, rivers, springs, and cliffs.

The Beulah Falls run over 20 ft of moss-covered rock in Clayton County close to the Spook Cave Campground. Tour this enchanted waterfall, which is extra spectacular and expansive throughout rainfall or snow.

• Location: close to the River Bluffs Scenic Byway in northeastern Iowa
• Location Map
• Greatest time to go to: Late April to Early June is when it’s most swollen.

My highlights…

• Happening the boat journey which took me via the darkish cave.
• Strolling to the light waterfall.
• Witnessing the colourful sundown over Spook Cave Campground.

12. Ledges State Park

The distinctive geological options, vibrant historical past, and scenic overlooks make the Ledges State Park. Established as early as 1924, the fantastic thing about the canyons, bluffs, and steep slopes present spectacular vistas of this charming land.

On the park’s west edge is the gushing Des Moines River, providing glorious canoeing and kayaking alternatives for water lovers.

Experience via the winding street alongside Pea’s Creek or hike the steep trails alongside Misplaced Lake; the Ledges State Park is each nature lover’s paradise.

• Tackle: 1515 P Ave, Madrid, IA 50156
• Location Map
• Greatest time to go to: spring to fall

My highlights…

• Canoeing alongside the Des Moines River that passes via the park and seeing spectacular views.
• Having a picnic whereas being surrounded by scenic areas all through the park.
• Discovering Creek Stroll, the place I might rock-hop back and forth!

13. Crystal Lake Cave

Craved by nature tens of millions of years in the past, the Crystal Lake Cave is a consistently evolving pure marvel. Positioned close to Dubuque, this underground labyrinth was found by James Rice in 1868. Stroll among the many limestone formations that repeatedly erode and form, making a spellbinding surroundings.

Discover this mineral-rich space with unimaginable crystalline patterns, hanging stalactites, and limitless weaving of underground tunnels with guided excursions.

Adventurous guests can take the Wild Cave Tour to discover hidden areas and underground formations. With well-lit passages and complicated formations, this panoramic underground has rather more to supply.

• Tackle: 6684 Crystal Lake Cave Rd, Dubuque, IA 52003
• Location Map
• Greatest time to go to: open from Memorial Day via October

My private highlights…

• Admiring the magnificent pure rock and limestone formations that repeatedly change!
• Exploring the lengthy winding paths via the caves on a guided tour and studying concerning the cave’s historical past.

14. Waubonsie State Park

Nestled within the state’s southwestern nook, Waubonsie State Park is likely one of the state’s older state parks. It’s comprised of a novel landform known as the Loess Hills. The steep slopes of this geological space have been fashioned hundreds of years in the past when westerly winds carried sediments away.

With hundreds of acres of protected wildlife, woodlands, oak savannas, wetlands, and prairie ridges, this lovely park gives sweeping views of the Missouri River Valley.

Camp round or path alongside the Sundown Ridge Nature Path via forest glades. The park gives diverse leisure alternatives amid serene magnificence.

• Tackle: 2585 Waubonsie Park Rd, Hamburg, IA 51640
• Location Map
• Greatest time to go to: spring to fall

My favourite highlights…

• Spending the night time on the scenic Omaha Campsite.
• Mountaineering alongside the Sundown Ridge Nature Path which had beautiful views over the Missouri River Valley.
• Going canoeing on the 7-acre Lake Virginia.

15. Pella

Pella, or the ‘Metropolis of Refuge’, is a small city in Marion County. Based by Dutch settlers in 1847, the quaint city is thought for its pure magnificence and Dutch heritage.

From Dutch heritage museums and beautiful tulip gardens to distinctive Dutch structure, Pella enables you to expertise real European atmosphere with out travelling Europe.

Simply an hour’s drive from Des Moines, you’ll land on this historic magnificence, which retains the basic Dutch appeal. From exploring the tallest working windmill, the Vermeer Windmill, to savoring Dutch delicacies, Pella offers you a hearty dose of Dutch tradition.

• Guests Middle Tackle: 915 Broadway St, Pella, IA 50219
• Location Map
• Greatest time to go to: spring when all of the flowers begin to bloom

My private highlights…

• Visiting the tallest working grain windmill in America, Vermeer Windmill (practically 125 ft tall).
•  Taking a visit to Molengracht Plaza which has been designed to be a duplicate of a Dutch sq. that includes a canal.
• Discovering distinctive merchandise within the super-cute retailers positioned within the coronary heart of the city.

16. Lake MacBride and Lake MacBride Waterfall

The state’s oldest and most scenic park, Lake MacBride close to Solon, is surrounded by rolling woodlands and a serene lake. A part of Lake MacBride State Park, the lake options many actions, together with mountain climbing, tenting, boating, and picnic areas.

With mesmerizing trails and surrounding landscapes, Lake MacBride gives a fantastic seaside space to benefit from the waters.

An ideal place for nature admirers, the park is filled with native birds and wildlife. From boating to swimming, the lake is each angler’s paradise.

• Tackle: 3525 Hwy 382 NE, Solon, IA 52333
• Location Map
• Greatest time to go to: spring to fall

My highlights…

• Mountaineering via the picturesque surroundings of the park and discovering the tranquil oasis.
• Taking a dip in water by the cascades to refresh after mountain climbing alongside the paths.
• Taking Insta-worthy pictures of the magnificent waterfalls.