Iowa is kind of one of America’s hidden gems. It’s so full of natural beauty, but it’s often overlooked by people who assume there’s nothing but cornfields and hogs here. Black Hawk Cave and Spring in Crapo (pronounced KRAY-po) Park in Burlington is a perfect example. Most people have no idea it’s there, but it’s a truly beautiful part of Iowa’s landscape.

Crapo Park, located on the edge of Burlington, is a rather unexpected place to find such a raw, beautiful sight.
flickr/Bryan Vorkapich
The park is right on the banks of the Mississippi. It contains a botanical garden, a lake, a fountain, and an arboretum. It's a beautiful refuge from everyday life.
The park was established in 1895, and several elements have been added over the years.
flickr/photolibrarian
Blackhawk Cave and Spring, however, have been there much longer than the park.

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The cave and spring were named after Chief Black Hawk of the Sauk tribe.
Leopold Heritage Group
The cave is a small tube which you can climb into; you can go for around 100 feet before the passage gets too narrow to continue.
The natural spring runs through the cave and spills out over the rocks in the front.
Mapio
The water is clear and cool, and many people visit the spring to fill up jugs with it.
Outside of the cave is a plaque commemorating Chief Black Hawk.
Leopold Heritage Group
According to the plaque, Black Hawk and his people used the spring when camping in the area.

The spring is not only beautiful; it’s a living piece of history. Have you ever visited this natural spring? Tell us about it in the comments!

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