One of the best parts of living in Iowa is that we’re always close to some sort of nature. Whether it’s a park, a lake, a forest, or just a quiet country road, Iowans learn to love it! Check these outdoor adventures off of your Iowa bucket list and you’ll find yourself visiting places in the Hawkeye State that are sure to capture your heart.
- Explore the Mines of Spain
AllTrails / Lee Johnson The Mines of Spain, outside of Dubuque, was one of the first areas in the Midwest to be settled by Europeans. Julien Dubuque used this as his base for is trapping work.Learn all about Iowa history among the stunning views.
- Hunt for History at the Devonian Fossil Gorge
Flickr / Steve Shupe This fascinating fossil gorge was discovered after flooding, and now anyone can explore and find prehistoric fossils of their own.You’ll take home a whole bunch of treasure!
- Pay your respects at Effigy Mounds National Monument
Tripadvisor / Stephanie K. Effigy Mounds National Monument preserves a section of the Driftless Area that was used for centuries as a sacred tribal burial ground. Now, you can visit to pay your respects.This remarkable place is one-of-a-kind.
- Explore Endless Caves At Maquoketa Caves State Park
Flickr / Phil Roeder There’s no better place to cool off on a hot Iowa day than underground! Maquoketa Caves State Park takes you on an exciting discovery tour.See what makes this park one of the most popular in Iowa.
- Paddle the Upper Iowa River
Flickr / Michael Massa The Bluffton Palisades make the perfect backdrop to a kayak or canoe trip, and the gentle river is easy enough for beginners to navigate, too.The Driftless Area is a paddler paradise!
- Splash In The Malanaphy Springs Waterfall
Google Local / Lisa Gruette Hike a mile down a well maintained trail to find the hidden Malanaphy Springs Waterfall. Once you get there, you can climb up to the top, or splash and play in the cascade itself!Learn more about this family-friendly hike here.
- Hike a Stretch of the Wabash Trace Nature Trail
Facebook / Wabash Nature Trail Marathon The Wabash Trace Nature Trail is one of Iowa’s most scenic rail trails. It stretches on for more than 60 miles!Check it out, and plan your day on the trail here.
- Get In Touch With The Wilderness At Preparation Canyon
AllTrails / Steven Kennedy The Loess Hills are one of Iowa’s most remarkable natural wonders, and you’ll take in this unique topography from one of the most underrated parks around.Discover the beauty of the Loess Hills here.
- Relax out on Okoboji Lake
Flickr / Mary Fairchild Spending a day on the water may be the most relaxing thing you can do! Iowa’s Great Lakes offer so much in terms of recreation and entertainment.Read more about Iowa’s most beautiful lake here.
- Enjoy A Stunning View From Pike’s Peak
AllTrails / Brian Kem The best overlook in Iowa is at the top of Pike’s Peak. You can see for miles and miles on a clear day.See this stunner for yourself, and make plans to get out there!
- Find a Little Bit of Everything at Palisades-Kepler Park
AllTrails / Harry Ortiz Palisades-Kepler Park has a little bit of everything. Enjoy a hike, scenic views, stunning cliffs, wildlife, and more.What sort of adventure will you discover here?
What’s next on your Iowa bucket list?
AllTrails / Lee Johnson
The Mines of Spain, outside of Dubuque, was one of the first areas in the Midwest to be settled by Europeans. Julien Dubuque used this as his base for is trapping work.Learn all about Iowa history among the stunning views.
Flickr / Steve Shupe
This fascinating fossil gorge was discovered after flooding, and now anyone can explore and find prehistoric fossils of their own.You’ll take home a whole bunch of treasure!
Tripadvisor / Stephanie K.
Effigy Mounds National Monument preserves a section of the Driftless Area that was used for centuries as a sacred tribal burial ground. Now, you can visit to pay your respects.This remarkable place is one-of-a-kind.
Flickr / Phil Roeder
There’s no better place to cool off on a hot Iowa day than underground! Maquoketa Caves State Park takes you on an exciting discovery tour.See what makes this park one of the most popular in Iowa.
Flickr / Michael Massa
The Bluffton Palisades make the perfect backdrop to a kayak or canoe trip, and the gentle river is easy enough for beginners to navigate, too.The Driftless Area is a paddler paradise!
Google Local / Lisa Gruette
Hike a mile down a well maintained trail to find the hidden Malanaphy Springs Waterfall. Once you get there, you can climb up to the top, or splash and play in the cascade itself!Learn more about this family-friendly hike here.
Facebook / Wabash Nature Trail Marathon
The Wabash Trace Nature Trail is one of Iowa’s most scenic rail trails. It stretches on for more than 60 miles!Check it out, and plan your day on the trail here.
AllTrails / Steven Kennedy
The Loess Hills are one of Iowa’s most remarkable natural wonders, and you’ll take in this unique topography from one of the most underrated parks around.Discover the beauty of the Loess Hills here.
Flickr / Mary Fairchild
Spending a day on the water may be the most relaxing thing you can do! Iowa’s Great Lakes offer so much in terms of recreation and entertainment.Read more about Iowa’s most beautiful lake here.
AllTrails / Brian Kem
The best overlook in Iowa is at the top of Pike’s Peak. You can see for miles and miles on a clear day.See this stunner for yourself, and make plans to get out there!
AllTrails / Harry Ortiz
Palisades-Kepler Park has a little bit of everything. Enjoy a hike, scenic views, stunning cliffs, wildlife, and more.What sort of adventure will you discover here?
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Address: Mines of Spain Road, Mines of Spain Rd, Dubuque, IA 52003, USAAddress: Devonian Fossil Gorge, 2850 Prairie Du Chien Rd NE, Iowa City, IA 52240, USAAddress: Effigy Mounds National Monument, Iowa 76, Harpers Ferry, IA, USAAddress: Maquoketa, IA, USAAddress: Upper Iowa River Access Area, 2820 Bluffton Rd, Decorah, IA 52101, USAAddress: Okoboji, IA 51355, USAAddress: Malanaphy Spring Falls, 2820 Bluffton Road, Decorah, Iowa, 52101Address: Pikes Peak State Park, 32264 Pikes Peak Rd, McGregor, IA 52157, USAAddress: Palisades-Kepler State Park, 700 Kepler Dr, Mt Vernon, IA 52314, USAAddress: Preparation Canyon State Park, 340th St, Moorhead, IA 51558, USA
