Some of the most amazing experiences you can have in Iowa won’t cost you a dime. Take in a vista of America’s greatest river, drive through spectacular windswept hills or step into the wonders of a natural cavern – you’ll more than get your money’s worth! Save your cash for something less spectacular: here are seven free spots you have to witness.
- Mississippi River
Travis/Flickr America’s greatest river flanks Iowa’s eastern border and it’s a sight to behold. Climb atop a towering bluff for a panoramic view of the Mississippi or linger near the banks and watch barges and pleasure craft drift by. Bring your binoculars - this is a major route for migratory birds and you can see eagles, geese and pelicans.
- Loess Hills
Michael Leland/Flickr On the far western side of Iowa, you’ll find an extraordinary sight. The Loess Hills is a landform that covers more than a thousand square miles on the edge of the Missouri floodplain. The hills are formed by wind deposited soils and it’s a land of prairie and forest-covered steep bluffs, narrow ridges and rolling hills.
- Ledges State Park
Carl Wycoff//Flickr This park along a tributary of the Des Moines River is a wondrous place - it’s filled with canyons, bluffs and rock formations. Native Americans had a history here that stretches back thousands of years. It’s a must-visit spot for nature lovers and those who simply enjoy a gorgeous natural area.
- Pikes Peak State Park
U.S. Department of Agriculture/Flickr One of the most unforgettable views in the Midwest can be found at this state park in Northeast Iowa. Located along the Mississippi River, the park has 11 miles of trails and gorgeous vistas from atop 500-foot bluffs.
- Iowa’s Great Lakes
Google Local / Anton Bezuglov In Northwest Iowa, this beautiful chain of glacial lakes covers more than 15,000 acres and is a recreational playground. Enjoy the lake your way: relax on a soft sand beach, go fishing or boating or just take in a beautiful Iowa sunset.
- Upper Iowa River
Ellen Macdonald/Flickr This stunning river cut cuts through an area that the last glaciers never reached. It’s filled with steep canyons and rare wildlife and it’s popular with paddlers who are looking for an unforgettable experience.
- Maquoketa Caves
Flickr / Michael Kappel These famous caves will take you into another world. The Maquoketa Caves State Park.is a breathtaking destination, home to 16 caves, with a combination of standalone caverns and connected systems. Forest trails and staircases will lead you into a place like no other.
How many have you visited? Which do you want to visit next?
Travis/Flickr
America’s greatest river flanks Iowa’s eastern border and it’s a sight to behold. Climb atop a towering bluff for a panoramic view of the Mississippi or linger near the banks and watch barges and pleasure craft drift by. Bring your binoculars - this is a major route for migratory birds and you can see eagles, geese and pelicans.
Michael Leland/Flickr
On the far western side of Iowa, you’ll find an extraordinary sight. The Loess Hills is a landform that covers more than a thousand square miles on the edge of the Missouri floodplain. The hills are formed by wind deposited soils and it’s a land of prairie and forest-covered steep bluffs, narrow ridges and rolling hills.
Carl Wycoff//Flickr
This park along a tributary of the Des Moines River is a wondrous place - it’s filled with canyons, bluffs and rock formations. Native Americans had a history here that stretches back thousands of years. It’s a must-visit spot for nature lovers and those who simply enjoy a gorgeous natural area.
U.S. Department of Agriculture/Flickr
One of the most unforgettable views in the Midwest can be found at this state park in Northeast Iowa. Located along the Mississippi River, the park has 11 miles of trails and gorgeous vistas from atop 500-foot bluffs.
Google Local / Anton Bezuglov
In Northwest Iowa, this beautiful chain of glacial lakes covers more than 15,000 acres and is a recreational playground. Enjoy the lake your way: relax on a soft sand beach, go fishing or boating or just take in a beautiful Iowa sunset.
Ellen Macdonald/Flickr
This stunning river cut cuts through an area that the last glaciers never reached. It’s filled with steep canyons and rare wildlife and it’s popular with paddlers who are looking for an unforgettable experience.
Flickr / Michael Kappel
These famous caves will take you into another world. The Maquoketa Caves State Park.is a breathtaking destination, home to 16 caves, with a combination of standalone caverns and connected systems. Forest trails and staircases will lead you into a place like no other.
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Address: Davenport, IA, USAAddress: Loess Hills State Forest, Jackson Township, IA 51564, USAAddress: Ledges State Park, P Avenue, Madrid, IA, USAAddress: Pikes Peak State Park, 32264 Pikes Peak Rd, McGregor, IA 52157, USAAddress: Spirit Lake, IA 51360, USAAddress: Upper Iowa River, Iowa, USAAddress: Maquoketa, IA, USA
