If you take the spotlight off of Iowa’s well-known attractions, you will find so many amazing, hidden gems just waiting to be discovered. From fossil gorges to nature centers, to waterfalls and more, here are 12 of the best hidden places in Iowa:
- Devonian Fossil Gorge, Iowa City
poprox21/TripAdvisor The Devonian Fossil Gorge in Iowa City was created by the Flood of 1993 and expanded by the Flood of 2008 when water topped the emergency spillway. The overflow washed away tons of soil, huge trees, and part of the road. When the waters receded, the 375-million-year-old fossilized Devonian ocean floor was revealed. Visitors can now start their stroll back in time at the Entry Plaza, making their way down into the gorge to find thousands of fossils laid out at their feet. It’s one of the most fascinating secret parks in Iowa.
Read our coverage on the Devonian Fossil Gorge to learn more. Devonian Fossil Gorge, 2850 Prairie Du Chien Rd NE, Iowa City, IA 52240, USA
- Hitchcock Nature Center, Honey Creek
Trip Advisor The Hitchock Nature Center is one of the most beautiful little-known parks in Iowa. It consists of 1,268 acres located in the heart of the Loess Hills. The Loess Hills harbor some of the largest remaining prairie remnants in Iowa and provide refuge for plants and animals found nowhere else in the state. Hitchcock is open every day of the year for hiking, camping, picnicking, bird watching, snow sledding, star gazing, or simply enjoying nature.
Read our coverage on the Hitchcock Nature Center to learn more. Hitchcock Nature Center, 27792 Ski Hill Loop, Honey Creek, IA 51542, USA
- Historic Motor Mill, Clayton County
Carl Wycoff/FLickr The historic Motor Mill, located in Clayton County, is an old 1860’s flour mill known for it’s amazing architecture. They offer free tours, and the area is surrounded by a 155-acre park that offers hiking, kayaking, fishing, camping, bird watching, and more.
Read our coverage on the Historic Motor Mill to learn more. 28518 Galaxy Rd, Elkader, IA 52043, USA
- Decorah Ice Cave State Preserve
Caitlin C/TripAdvisor This cave in Decorah is frozen all year round due to the glacier it sits on, making it a great place to stay cool on a hot summer day! It’s one of the most amazing hidden places in Iowa.
Read our coverage on the Decorah Ice Cave State Preserve to learn more. Ice Cave Hill Park, 2559-2539 Ice Cave Rd, Decorah, IA 52101, USA
- Wabash Trace Nature Trail, Western Iowa
S C Hargis/Flickr The Wabash Trace Nature Trail is a gorgeous, 63-mile trail that runs through Council Bluffs, Mineola, Silver City, Malvern, Imogene, Shenandoah, Coin and Blanchard. Trail-goers will get the chance to walk the trail through the Loess Hills, and enjoy some of the finest scenery in all of Iowa.
Read our coverage on the Wabash Trace Nature Trail to learn more. Wabash Trace Nature Trail, Mineola, IA, USA
- Malanaphy Spring Falls, Winneshiek County
Christopher B/TripAdvisor Located in Winneshiek County, Malanaphy Spring Falls is one of Iowa’s most beautiful waterfalls. You can find this gem on the Upper Iowa River near Bluffton.
Read our coverage on the Malanaphy Spring Falls to learn more. Upper Iowa River Access Area, 2820 Bluffton Rd, Decorah, IA 52101, USA
- Sabula, Jackson County
CJ Oliver/FLickr Even if they’ve lived here all of their life, many people still don’t know that Iowa has its own island. The island of Sabula, located in Jackson County, sits on the Mississippi River and is home to over 500 people. The island is also a popular summer vacation spot for people from Illinois. It’s one of the most magnificent hidden places in Iowa.
Visit the Sabula website to learn more. Sabula, IA 52070, USA
- Fenelon Place Elevator Car, Dubuque
Jim Ellwanger/FLickr The Fenelon Place Elevator Car in Dubuque claims to be the steepest and shortest railroad in the world. While this claim is up in the air, something that isn’t disputed is the fact that you can get a pretty amazing view of the city when the train car reaches the top of the hill! It’s absolutely one of the best hidden overlooks in Iowa.
Read our coverage on the Fenelon Place Elevator Car to learn more. Fenelon Place Elevator Company, 512 Fenelon Pl, Dubuque, IA 52001, USA
- Clark Tower, Winterset
Brett Brooner/Flickr If you’re ever in Winterset, check out the City Park. There’s tons of fun stuff to see there, from a covered bridge to a hedge maze - and even this tower, which looks like something out of a fairy tale. Be prepared to do some hiking to get to it!
Read our coverage on the Clark Tower to learn more.
- Siewers Spring, Decorah
Matt Spielman/Google One of Iowa’s real hidden gems, Siewers Spring in Decorah runs along Trout Run Trail from the fish hatchery, so it’s no surprise that this is a great spot to do a little fishing while you take in the amazing scenery.
Read our coverage on the Siewers Spring to learn more. 2325 Siewers Spring Rd, Decorah, IA 52101, USA
- Mahanay Bell Tower, Jefferson
Timothy/Flickr The Mahanay Bell Tower in Jefferson is 14 stories tall, and has 14 bells that chime the time of day every 15 minutes. Visitors can ride the elevator up to the 120-foot high observation deck, and see the lovely scenery for miles.
Visit the Mahanay Bell Tower website to learn more. Mahanay Bell Tower, Jefferson, IA 50129, USA
- Three Mile Lake, Afton
Darrin Isaacson/Facebook Three Mile Lake in Afton is a gorgeous, and pretty unknown, area that offers fishing, boating, swimming, camping, and more. This is a great place to spend a day with the family, enjoying the fresh air and the remarkable beauty of nature of one of the most breathtaking hidden places in Iowa.
Visit the Three Mile Lake website to learn more. Three Mile Lake, Iowa 50830, USA
What’s the fun in secrets if you can’t share them, right?! Know of any more amazing hidden places in Iowa? Let us in on them!
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The OIYS Visitor Center
Hidden Places In Iowa September 23, 2021 Melissa M. What are some of the best hidden gems in Iowa? Did you know there’s a swinging bridge in Columbus Junction you can walk across or a magical cave in Dubuque? You can learn more about these and several other hidden gems around the state in our post, 10 Enchanting Spots In Iowa You Never Knew Existed. Where can I find hidden overlooks in Iowa? Located in Bellevue State Park you can find an easy 1.8-mile out-and-back trail that leads to a hidden overlook with spectacular views of the Mississippi River. At Pikes Peak State Park, take the Bridal Veil Trail first to a hidden waterfall and then continue on to a hidden overlook at the top of one of the highest cliffs in the state. It’s here you can marvel at the Mighty Mississippi below. What are the most beautiful little-known parks in Iowa? The state of Iowa has 83 state parks and recreation areas. While there are many that are quite popular, there are several little-known parks that should not be overlooked. Preparation Canyon State Park, Ledges State Park, and Palisades-Kepler State Park are just three on our list of Lesser-Known State Parks In Iowa That Will Absolutely Amaze You.
- Devonian Fossil Gorge, Iowa City
poprox21/TripAdvisor The Devonian Fossil Gorge in Iowa City was created by the Flood of 1993 and expanded by the Flood of 2008 when water topped the emergency spillway. The overflow washed away tons of soil, huge trees, and part of the road. When the waters receded, the 375-million-year-old fossilized Devonian ocean floor was revealed. Visitors can now start their stroll back in time at the Entry Plaza, making their way down into the gorge to find thousands of fossils laid out at their feet. It’s one of the most fascinating secret parks in Iowa.
Read our coverage on the Devonian Fossil Gorge to learn more. Devonian Fossil Gorge, 2850 Prairie Du Chien Rd NE, Iowa City, IA 52240, USA
- Hitchcock Nature Center, Honey Creek
Trip Advisor The Hitchock Nature Center is one of the most beautiful little-known parks in Iowa. It consists of 1,268 acres located in the heart of the Loess Hills. The Loess Hills harbor some of the largest remaining prairie remnants in Iowa and provide refuge for plants and animals found nowhere else in the state. Hitchcock is open every day of the year for hiking, camping, picnicking, bird watching, snow sledding, star gazing, or simply enjoying nature.
Read our coverage on the Hitchcock Nature Center to learn more. Hitchcock Nature Center, 27792 Ski Hill Loop, Honey Creek, IA 51542, USA
- Historic Motor Mill, Clayton County
Carl Wycoff/FLickr The historic Motor Mill, located in Clayton County, is an old 1860’s flour mill known for it’s amazing architecture. They offer free tours, and the area is surrounded by a 155-acre park that offers hiking, kayaking, fishing, camping, bird watching, and more.
Read our coverage on the Historic Motor Mill to learn more. 28518 Galaxy Rd, Elkader, IA 52043, USA
- Decorah Ice Cave State Preserve
Caitlin C/TripAdvisor This cave in Decorah is frozen all year round due to the glacier it sits on, making it a great place to stay cool on a hot summer day! It’s one of the most amazing hidden places in Iowa.
Read our coverage on the Decorah Ice Cave State Preserve to learn more. Ice Cave Hill Park, 2559-2539 Ice Cave Rd, Decorah, IA 52101, USA
- Wabash Trace Nature Trail, Western Iowa
S C Hargis/Flickr The Wabash Trace Nature Trail is a gorgeous, 63-mile trail that runs through Council Bluffs, Mineola, Silver City, Malvern, Imogene, Shenandoah, Coin and Blanchard. Trail-goers will get the chance to walk the trail through the Loess Hills, and enjoy some of the finest scenery in all of Iowa.
Read our coverage on the Wabash Trace Nature Trail to learn more. Wabash Trace Nature Trail, Mineola, IA, USA
- Malanaphy Spring Falls, Winneshiek County
Christopher B/TripAdvisor Located in Winneshiek County, Malanaphy Spring Falls is one of Iowa’s most beautiful waterfalls. You can find this gem on the Upper Iowa River near Bluffton.
Read our coverage on the Malanaphy Spring Falls to learn more. Upper Iowa River Access Area, 2820 Bluffton Rd, Decorah, IA 52101, USA
- Sabula, Jackson County
CJ Oliver/FLickr Even if they’ve lived here all of their life, many people still don’t know that Iowa has its own island. The island of Sabula, located in Jackson County, sits on the Mississippi River and is home to over 500 people. The island is also a popular summer vacation spot for people from Illinois. It’s one of the most magnificent hidden places in Iowa.
Visit the Sabula website to learn more. Sabula, IA 52070, USA
- Fenelon Place Elevator Car, Dubuque
Jim Ellwanger/FLickr The Fenelon Place Elevator Car in Dubuque claims to be the steepest and shortest railroad in the world. While this claim is up in the air, something that isn’t disputed is the fact that you can get a pretty amazing view of the city when the train car reaches the top of the hill! It’s absolutely one of the best hidden overlooks in Iowa.
Read our coverage on the Fenelon Place Elevator Car to learn more. Fenelon Place Elevator Company, 512 Fenelon Pl, Dubuque, IA 52001, USA
- Clark Tower, Winterset
Brett Brooner/Flickr If you’re ever in Winterset, check out the City Park. There’s tons of fun stuff to see there, from a covered bridge to a hedge maze - and even this tower, which looks like something out of a fairy tale. Be prepared to do some hiking to get to it!
Read our coverage on the Clark Tower to learn more.
- Siewers Spring, Decorah
Matt Spielman/Google One of Iowa’s real hidden gems, Siewers Spring in Decorah runs along Trout Run Trail from the fish hatchery, so it’s no surprise that this is a great spot to do a little fishing while you take in the amazing scenery.
Read our coverage on the Siewers Spring to learn more. 2325 Siewers Spring Rd, Decorah, IA 52101, USA
- Mahanay Bell Tower, Jefferson
Timothy/Flickr The Mahanay Bell Tower in Jefferson is 14 stories tall, and has 14 bells that chime the time of day every 15 minutes. Visitors can ride the elevator up to the 120-foot high observation deck, and see the lovely scenery for miles.
Visit the Mahanay Bell Tower website to learn more. Mahanay Bell Tower, Jefferson, IA 50129, USA
- Three Mile Lake, Afton
Darrin Isaacson/Facebook Three Mile Lake in Afton is a gorgeous, and pretty unknown, area that offers fishing, boating, swimming, camping, and more. This is a great place to spend a day with the family, enjoying the fresh air and the remarkable beauty of nature of one of the most breathtaking hidden places in Iowa.
Visit the Three Mile Lake website to learn more. Three Mile Lake, Iowa 50830, USA
poprox21/TripAdvisor
The Devonian Fossil Gorge in Iowa City was created by the Flood of 1993 and expanded by the Flood of 2008 when water topped the emergency spillway. The overflow washed away tons of soil, huge trees, and part of the road. When the waters receded, the 375-million-year-old fossilized Devonian ocean floor was revealed. Visitors can now start their stroll back in time at the Entry Plaza, making their way down into the gorge to find thousands of fossils laid out at their feet. It’s one of the most fascinating secret parks in Iowa.
Read our coverage on the Devonian Fossil Gorge to learn more.
Devonian Fossil Gorge, 2850 Prairie Du Chien Rd NE, Iowa City, IA 52240, USA
Trip Advisor
The Hitchock Nature Center is one of the most beautiful little-known parks in Iowa. It consists of 1,268 acres located in the heart of the Loess Hills. The Loess Hills harbor some of the largest remaining prairie remnants in Iowa and provide refuge for plants and animals found nowhere else in the state. Hitchcock is open every day of the year for hiking, camping, picnicking, bird watching, snow sledding, star gazing, or simply enjoying nature.
Read our coverage on the Hitchcock Nature Center to learn more.
Hitchcock Nature Center, 27792 Ski Hill Loop, Honey Creek, IA 51542, USA
Carl Wycoff/FLickr
The historic Motor Mill, located in Clayton County, is an old 1860’s flour mill known for it’s amazing architecture. They offer free tours, and the area is surrounded by a 155-acre park that offers hiking, kayaking, fishing, camping, bird watching, and more.
Read our coverage on the Historic Motor Mill to learn more.
28518 Galaxy Rd, Elkader, IA 52043, USA
Caitlin C/TripAdvisor
This cave in Decorah is frozen all year round due to the glacier it sits on, making it a great place to stay cool on a hot summer day! It’s one of the most amazing hidden places in Iowa.
Read our coverage on the Decorah Ice Cave State Preserve to learn more.
Ice Cave Hill Park, 2559-2539 Ice Cave Rd, Decorah, IA 52101, USA
S C Hargis/Flickr
The Wabash Trace Nature Trail is a gorgeous, 63-mile trail that runs through Council Bluffs, Mineola, Silver City, Malvern, Imogene, Shenandoah, Coin and Blanchard. Trail-goers will get the chance to walk the trail through the Loess Hills, and enjoy some of the finest scenery in all of Iowa.
Read our coverage on the Wabash Trace Nature Trail to learn more.
Wabash Trace Nature Trail, Mineola, IA, USA
Christopher B/TripAdvisor
Located in Winneshiek County, Malanaphy Spring Falls is one of Iowa’s most beautiful waterfalls. You can find this gem on the Upper Iowa River near Bluffton.
Read our coverage on the Malanaphy Spring Falls to learn more.
Upper Iowa River Access Area, 2820 Bluffton Rd, Decorah, IA 52101, USA
CJ Oliver/FLickr
Even if they’ve lived here all of their life, many people still don’t know that Iowa has its own island. The island of Sabula, located in Jackson County, sits on the Mississippi River and is home to over 500 people. The island is also a popular summer vacation spot for people from Illinois. It’s one of the most magnificent hidden places in Iowa.
Visit the Sabula website to learn more.
Sabula, IA 52070, USA
Jim Ellwanger/FLickr
The Fenelon Place Elevator Car in Dubuque claims to be the steepest and shortest railroad in the world. While this claim is up in the air, something that isn’t disputed is the fact that you can get a pretty amazing view of the city when the train car reaches the top of the hill! It’s absolutely one of the best hidden overlooks in Iowa.
Read our coverage on the Fenelon Place Elevator Car to learn more.
Fenelon Place Elevator Company, 512 Fenelon Pl, Dubuque, IA 52001, USA
Brett Brooner/Flickr
If you’re ever in Winterset, check out the City Park. There’s tons of fun stuff to see there, from a covered bridge to a hedge maze - and even this tower, which looks like something out of a fairy tale. Be prepared to do some hiking to get to it!
Read our coverage on the Clark Tower to learn more.
Matt Spielman/Google
One of Iowa’s real hidden gems, Siewers Spring in Decorah runs along Trout Run Trail from the fish hatchery, so it’s no surprise that this is a great spot to do a little fishing while you take in the amazing scenery.
Read our coverage on the Siewers Spring to learn more.
2325 Siewers Spring Rd, Decorah, IA 52101, USA
Timothy/Flickr
The Mahanay Bell Tower in Jefferson is 14 stories tall, and has 14 bells that chime the time of day every 15 minutes. Visitors can ride the elevator up to the 120-foot high observation deck, and see the lovely scenery for miles.
Visit the Mahanay Bell Tower website to learn more.
Mahanay Bell Tower, Jefferson, IA 50129, USA
Darrin Isaacson/Facebook
Three Mile Lake in Afton is a gorgeous, and pretty unknown, area that offers fishing, boating, swimming, camping, and more. This is a great place to spend a day with the family, enjoying the fresh air and the remarkable beauty of nature of one of the most breathtaking hidden places in Iowa.
Visit the Three Mile Lake website to learn more.
Three Mile Lake, Iowa 50830, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Hidden Places In Iowa
September 23, 2021
Melissa M.
What are some of the best hidden gems in Iowa? Did you know there’s a swinging bridge in Columbus Junction you can walk across or a magical cave in Dubuque? You can learn more about these and several other hidden gems around the state in our post, 10 Enchanting Spots In Iowa You Never Knew Existed. Where can I find hidden overlooks in Iowa? Located in Bellevue State Park you can find an easy 1.8-mile out-and-back trail that leads to a hidden overlook with spectacular views of the Mississippi River. At Pikes Peak State Park, take the Bridal Veil Trail first to a hidden waterfall and then continue on to a hidden overlook at the top of one of the highest cliffs in the state. It’s here you can marvel at the Mighty Mississippi below. What are the most beautiful little-known parks in Iowa? The state of Iowa has 83 state parks and recreation areas. While there are many that are quite popular, there are several little-known parks that should not be overlooked. Preparation Canyon State Park, Ledges State Park, and Palisades-Kepler State Park are just three on our list of Lesser-Known State Parks In Iowa That Will Absolutely Amaze You.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Did you know there’s a swinging bridge in Columbus Junction you can walk across or a magical cave in Dubuque? You can learn more about these and several other hidden gems around the state in our post, 10 Enchanting Spots In Iowa You Never Knew Existed.
Where can I find hidden overlooks in Iowa?
Located in Bellevue State Park you can find an easy 1.8-mile out-and-back trail that leads to a hidden overlook with spectacular views of the Mississippi River. At Pikes Peak State Park, take the Bridal Veil Trail first to a hidden waterfall and then continue on to a hidden overlook at the top of one of the highest cliffs in the state. It’s here you can marvel at the Mighty Mississippi below.
What are the most beautiful little-known parks in Iowa?
The state of Iowa has 83 state parks and recreation areas. While there are many that are quite popular, there are several little-known parks that should not be overlooked. Preparation Canyon State Park, Ledges State Park, and Palisades-Kepler State Park are just three on our list of Lesser-Known State Parks In Iowa That Will Absolutely Amaze You.
