The Hawkeye State is a great place for nature lovers to explore. If you’re looking for a breath of fresh air, head to these 9 Iowa natural wonders and discover something incredible hiding right here in our little slice of paradise.
Exploring our state is always an adventure, but there’s so much to see beyond its borders! Sign up for our Bucket List Newsletter to see must-visit destinations throughout the nation and inspire your travels, both near and far.
- West Lake Okoboji
Flickr / Mary Fairchild Did you know that Iowa only has about 35 natural lakes? Most of them are up in the Iowa Great Lakes region, and the rest of the state is dotted by man-made bogs and reservoirs. West Lake Okoboji is the gem of the Iowa Great Lakes region, and when you visit, you’ll see this Iowa natural wonder shine in the sun.
- The Bluffs Of The Upper Iowa River
Flickr / Ellen Macdonald The Upper Iowa River is part of the Driftless Area, which remained untouched during the last Ice Age. The remarkable cliffs and bluffs can be experienced when you drop in to paddle down the river.
- The Mississippi River From Pike’s Peak
Flickr / Neal Wellons The mighty Mississippi River has shaped so much of Iowa’s history, and you can get a birds-eye view of this national treasure from the highest point in Iowa - Pike’s Peak
- Maquoketa Caves
Flickr / Michael Kappel There’s a stunning underground network of caves in Maquoketa that create the most remarkable Iowa natural wonders. You can visit many of them, but be sure you’re not afraid of the dark!
- Malanaphy Springs
Flickr / Michael Massa You’ll have to walk about a mile from the trailhead to discover Malanaphy Springs Falls, but this is one of the most beautiful cascades in Iowa and it’s so worth the effort.
- The Loess Hills
Flickr / Michael Leland After miles and miles of flat farmland, suddenly, Western Iowa rises high above the Earth to show off the Loess Hills. The Hills, and the Missouri River Valley, are remarkable geographic wonders.
- Crystal Lake Cave
Flickr / Soumit Nandi Visit Crystal Lake Cave to discover another wonder of the Driftless Region. On your tour, you’ll learn all about these water-carved cave systems.
- Decorah’s Ice Cave
Flickr / Michael Massa Step inside this Decorah cave in the middle of August and you’ll find - ice?! This is a bizarre spot in the Hawkeye State that’s sure to leave you scratching your head.
- Dunning’s Spring Falls
Google Local / Adam Boggs Just down the road from the Ice Cave, you’ll find Dunning’s Spring Falls. You can walk right up to the top of this Iowa waterfall and take in a breathtaking view. It’s one of the best picnic spots in the state!
Learn more about the fascinating Decorah Ice Cave when you read About How Iowa’s Frozen Cave Is Positively Surreal.
Flickr / Mary Fairchild
Did you know that Iowa only has about 35 natural lakes? Most of them are up in the Iowa Great Lakes region, and the rest of the state is dotted by man-made bogs and reservoirs. West Lake Okoboji is the gem of the Iowa Great Lakes region, and when you visit, you’ll see this Iowa natural wonder shine in the sun.
Flickr / Ellen Macdonald
The Upper Iowa River is part of the Driftless Area, which remained untouched during the last Ice Age. The remarkable cliffs and bluffs can be experienced when you drop in to paddle down the river.
Flickr / Neal Wellons
The mighty Mississippi River has shaped so much of Iowa’s history, and you can get a birds-eye view of this national treasure from the highest point in Iowa - Pike’s Peak
Flickr / Michael Kappel
There’s a stunning underground network of caves in Maquoketa that create the most remarkable Iowa natural wonders. You can visit many of them, but be sure you’re not afraid of the dark!
Flickr / Michael Massa
You’ll have to walk about a mile from the trailhead to discover Malanaphy Springs Falls, but this is one of the most beautiful cascades in Iowa and it’s so worth the effort.
Flickr / Michael Leland
After miles and miles of flat farmland, suddenly, Western Iowa rises high above the Earth to show off the Loess Hills. The Hills, and the Missouri River Valley, are remarkable geographic wonders.
Flickr / Soumit Nandi
Visit Crystal Lake Cave to discover another wonder of the Driftless Region. On your tour, you’ll learn all about these water-carved cave systems.
Step inside this Decorah cave in the middle of August and you’ll find - ice?! This is a bizarre spot in the Hawkeye State that’s sure to leave you scratching your head.
Google Local / Adam Boggs
Just down the road from the Ice Cave, you’ll find Dunning’s Spring Falls. You can walk right up to the top of this Iowa waterfall and take in a breathtaking view. It’s one of the best picnic spots in the state!
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Address: Caves Road, Caves Rd, Maquoketa, IA 52060, USAAddress: Loess Hills State Forest, Jackson Township, IA 51564, USAAddress: Malanaphy Spring Falls, 2820 Bluffton Road, Decorah, Iowa, 52101Address: Ice Cave Road, Ice Cave Rd, Decorah, IA 52101, USAAddress: Crystal Lake Cave Road, Dubuque, IA, USAAddress: Upper Iowa River Access Area, 2820 Bluffton Rd, Decorah, IA 52101, USAAddress: Pikes Peak State Park, 32264 Pikes Peak Rd, McGregor, IA 52157, USAAddress: West Okoboji Lake, Iowa, USAAddress: Dunning’s Spring Park, Ice Cave Rd, Decorah, IA 52101, USA
