Posted in Iowa Nature June 10, 2022 by Raymond Goldfield

Hike Into The Clouds On The Prairie In Iowa’s Hawkeye Point

If you ask people what word comes to mind when they think of Iowa, “Flat” might be included. The Hawkeye State is smack in the middle of prairie and farmland, and people looking for mountain views have few choices. But that doesn’t stop the highpointers – people who visit the highest point in all fifty states – from looking to complete the set. Iowa’s high point might not be a mountain, but it’s a uniquely Iowa roadside attraction with its own charms and beautiful views.

The Iowa prairie doesn't look like the highest naturally occurring point in Iowa - but the Hawkeye state is full of surprises.

Welcome to Hawkeye Point, located 1,670 feet above sea level and about 4.5 miles north of the city of Sibley. You could miss it - if it wasn't surrounded by signs marking this unique highpoint.

The actual high point is located near an old grain silo, which has been converted into an observation tower to give you a true vantage point of the land all around.

The Hawkeye Point mosaic stone marking the spot is a popular photo opportunity, but far from the only one.

The signposts surrounding this spot are filled with mile markers to the high points of the other 49 states.

A decorated barn is one of many in the area, each marked with a unique quilt tile.

Similar to the mile markers, this roadside attraction features license plates from every other state in the United States.

It might not look like a mountaintop, but it's Iowa's own highpoint, and it's become a popular tourist attraction and a source of Hawkeye pride!

Have you paid a visit to Hawkeye Point before? Let us know what you think about this quirky high point and its silo observation tower in the comments section. If you’re planning a visit, make sure to check Iowa’s official tourism website to make sure you don’t miss any unique features.

Address: Hawkeye Point, Iowa 51249, USA