The Ultimate Bucket List For Anyone In Iowa Who Loves The Outdoors
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dpaulson
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Here in Iowa, there’s so much beauty to see and explore, especially if you’re a nature lover. Whether you enjoy biking, hiking, swimming or camping, there’s really something here for everyone. If you love the outdoors, the following are 11 things you must add to your outdoor bucket list.
The Hitchcock Nature Center is in the heart of the unique and beautiful Loess Hills. It consists of 1,268 acres of some of the largest remaining prairie remnants in Iowa. On your visit, you’ll see all kinds of plants and animals that are found nowhere else in the state.
This popular spot in Maquoketa is a must-see for out-of-towners and in-staters alike. The Maquoketa Caves consist of six miles of beautiful trails, forest, caves (of course) and even a waterfall.
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Lake Red Rock is Iowa's largest lake. It’s a beautiful destination for fishing, lounging on the beach, hiking and camping.
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Ledges State Park is one of the most beautiful spots in the state. It offers great camping, hiking and rock climbing, among other things.
Pikes Peak State Park offers gorgeous hiking trails among the trees, as well as an overlook spot with spectacular views of the Mississippi River.
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Eldora’s Pine Lake State Park has an extensive trail system and plenty of scenic natural beauty. There is also a sandy beach where you can lounge, swim and soak in the sun.
The Wabash Trace Nature Trail is 63 miles of trail running through Council Bluffs, Mineola, Silver City, Malvern, Imogene, Shenandoah, Coin and Blanchard. If you love hiking and getting out into nature, this trail provides some beautiful scenery and plenty of wild space.
Crystal Lake Cave offer one of the most beautiful and interesting natural destinations in Iowa. The cave was formed over millions of years as slow-moving groundwater carved the cave out of layers of limestone. Visitors can walk through the cave and explore all of the natural wonders inside.
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Northeast Iowa doesn’t disappoint when it comes to natural beauty. Dunnings Spring Park is home to Dunning's Spring Falls, a beautiful waterfall that you can enjoy, along with amazing views, as you explore the park.
While you’re in the area, the ice-cave is definitely worth a visit. Decorah’s Ice Cave is an above ground cave near the beautiful Dunning's Spring. Even though it’s a small cave, it is cold all year long and ice covered all year long due to the glacier it sits on.
If you’re a water lover, the Iowa Great Lakes region, located in northwestern Iowa, offers some of the best lake recreational activities in the state. Visit the beaches at Okoboji and Spirit Lake to swim, water ski, kayak and much more.
What would you add to the list? For more beautiful Iowa destinations, check out 10 of the best nature trails in Iowa.
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