Here’s The Ultimate Bucket List For Iowans Who Are Obsessed With The Nature

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.

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!

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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.

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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!

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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.

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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?

What’s next on your Iowa bucket list?