Posted in Iowa Nature, On The Water July 06, 2022 by

If You Didn’t Know About These 10 Swimming Holes In Iowa, They’re A Must Visit

Summers in the Hawkeye State can get very humid and sweltering hot, which is why you’ve got to be knowledgeable about the best swimming holes in Iowa. Swimming is a great way to cool off and have summer fun, and luckily, there are lots of great places to go swimming in Iowa. Here are 10 of the best Iowa swimming holes. And of course, with the river spots, make sure to check the current before going for a swim, and swim with caution.

1. Upper Iowa River, Decorah
Flickr/Michael Massa
Among the most easily accessible places to go swimming in Iowa, there are several Department of Natural Resources access points along the river where you can go and swim. There is water access at the Upper Dam, Lower Dam, and Iverson Bottoms Access is 7 miles north of Waukon on Highway 76, 6 miles northwest on Iverson Bottoms Road.
Upper Iowa River, Iowa, USA
2. Racoon River along the trail, Redfield
Flickr/JanetandPhil
One of the lesser known of all Iowa swimming holes, the Racoon River offers water access from hidden river sandbars off the beaten path. To get there, take I-80 to Exit 100 to Redfield. Parking is just off the highway by the old train depot on the south side of town. If you head west on the trail a couple of miles, there are trails down to the sandbars. If you want more privacy, go to the bend in the river.
Raccoon River, Iowa, USA
3. Wabash Trace Rail Trail, North of Coin
Flickr/regan76
Either south of Shenandoah or north of Coin, you can find trails that lead to stream access. The bank is steep, but if you climb down and head east, you’ll find private sandbars, making for one of the more secluded places to go swimming in Iowa.
Wabash Trace Nature Trail, Mineola, IA, USA
Wabash Trace Nature Trail, Mineola, IA, USA
4. Sandy Beach, Coralville Lake
Flickr/Alan Light
Centered around Coralville Lake, the Sandy Beach Public Use Area is the perfect place to beat the summer heat. It's not just one of the best swimming holes in Iowa, though. The lake is perfect for a slew of activities, including fishing and boating.
3369 Sandy Beach Rd NE, Solon, IA 52333, USA
5. Rathbun Lake, Honey Creek State Park
Flickr/Anna
Rathbun Lake at Honey Creek Resort isn't just one of the best swimming holes in Iowa. It's also the second-largest lake in Iowa.
Honey Creek State Park, 12194 Honey Creek Pl, Moravia, IA 52571, USA
6. Sugar Bottom Recreational Area, Solon
Flickr/Mike Willis
Sugar Bottom Recreational Area is brimming with perks, including a sandy beach that's perfect for swimming as well as boating, fishing, and more.
Sugar Bottom Recreational Area, 2192 Mehaffey Bridge Rd NE, Solon, IA 52333, USA
7. City Beach Park, Clear Lake
Flickr/Tim Fuller
One of the more scenic places to go swimming in Iowa, City Beach Park is a lovely beach in a scenic setting.
City Beach Park, S Lakeview Dr, Clear Lake, IA 50428, USA
8. Kent Park, Oxford
Flickr/Daniel McDermott
Kent Park is a man-made lake with a nice little beach and a walking trail around the water. Even better, one of the best campgrounds in Iowa is just a short distance from the park, so you can turn your day of water-related fun into an overnight adventure.
Kent Park, Iowa, USA
9. Spirit Lake
Flickr/vandenn
No list of Iowa swimming holes would be complete without Spirit Lake. It is part of the Iowa Great Lakes and is the largest of the lakes. It offers beautiful beaches for swimming and other recreational activities.
Spirit Lake, IA 51360, USA
10. Lake Okoboji
Flickr/Mary Fairchild
Lake Okoboji is also part of the Iowa Great Lakes. There are many beaches and other fun summertime activities to choose from.
West Okoboji Lake, Iowa, USA

So, do you agree? Are these the best swimming holes in Iowa? Ever been to any of the swim spots mentioned above? If so, which ones and what’d you think? Know of any other places to swim in Iowa? Tell us!

Visiting the best swimming holes in Iowa isn’t the only way to celebrate the summer season. If you’re looking for more summer fun ideas, take a look at these amazing summer activities in Iowa that belong on your bucket list.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.

The OIYS Visitor Center

Best Swimming Holes In Iowa

July 11, 2022
Daniella DiRienzo

Where can I go tubing in Iowa?

The options for summer fun in the Hawkeye State don’t end with the best swimming holes in Iowa. There are so many other ways to beat the summer heat, including tubing. Fortunately, Iowa is home to several outfitters that facilitate floats on rivers throughout the state. One such outfitter is Seven Oaks. Located in Boone, Seven Oaks facilitates floats on the Des Moines River, which is rich with scenery and sandbars. Not into tubing? No problem! Seven Oaks rents canoes and kayaks too.

What are the best waterparks in Iowa?

If Iowa swimming holes are too slow paced for you, then you’re sure to love a visit to one of the best waterparks in Iowa, Lost Island Waterpark! Offering an island getaway in the middle of Iowa, the tropical-themed park boasts palm trees and island music. There are also lots of waterslides and rides. More specifically, there are 11 major waterslides, four kid areas, and a lazy river. Not sure the waterpark will provide enough entertainment for your clan? You’ll be happy to know that the grounds also include an amusement park with rides, mini golf, and more.