Ready for the best summer ever? Here are 10 places in Iowa to visit when you are looking for a fun place to cool off.

1. Richmond Springs pool at Backbone State Park, 1347 129th St, Dundee
SouthIA/Trip Advisor
This spring-fed pool is constantly recirculated by more than 2,000 gallons of cold water every minute. It's the perfect place to cool off after a long hike. More info and directions
2. Upper Iowa River, 7 miles north of Waukon on Highway 676, Decorah
mwmassa/Flickr
This beautiful swimming spot consists of several access points along the river at the Lower Dam, the Upper Dam, and Iverson Bottoms. More info and directions
3. Sugar Bottom Recreational Area, 2192 Mehaffey Bridge Road NE, Solon
Mike Willis/Flickr
This area is popular for boating, fishing, and swimming. There's a beautiful beach here where you'll definitely want to spend the day. More info and directions
4. City Beach Park, 1420 2nd Avenue South, Clear Lake
Tim Fuller/Flickr
This lovely beach in a scenic setting in northwestern Iowa is a must-do for the summer. More info and directions
5. Terry Trueblood Recreational Area, 4213 Sand Road SE, Iowa City
GailCheryl/Trip Advisor
You can swim, paddleboard, kayak, and canoe at this new recreation area in Iowa City. If you don't have your own equipment, you can rent it on site. More info and directions

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6. Ledges State Park, 1515 P Ave., Madrid
Carl Wycoff/Flickr
Maybe this is a better place for wading that actual swimming, but it's worth a visit. Ledges State Park is one of the most beautiful parks in Iowa. Don't miss it. More info and directions
7. Honey Creek Resort, 12633 Resort Drive, Moravia
Honey Creek Resort Website
This is more than just a quaint swimming hole. It's an outdoor recreation center that is it's own tiny town. Plan to spend a few days. More info and directions
8. Terrace Park Beach, West Okoboji
Susan T./Yelp
Clear blue waters await at this amazing Iowa beach. Don't worry about booking plane tickets. This western Iowa beach is just as beautiful as any ocean beach. More info and directions
9. Kearny State Park at Five Island Lake, Emmetsburg
J. Stephen Conn/Flickr
This beautiful western Iowa beach is a great place to go for a swim. It also has a boat dock, fishing area, and camp ground. More info and directions
10. Coralville Lake Beach, 4047 W Overlook Road NE, Coralville
Chun-Hung Eric Cheng/Flickr
The beach here was specifically developed for swimming, and is an ideal spot to soak up the sun. Hiking, fishing, boating, and camping are also popular at Coralville Lake. More info and directions

Where is your favorite place to enjoy a swim in Iowa? Tell us about it in the comments.

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