7 Otherworldly Natural Wonders That Belong On Every Iowan's Bucket List
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Kim Magaraci
Author
We’re lucky to live in such a beautiful state! Iowa may be overlooked by much of the country, but those who live here know that it’s truly a stunning place to explore. Here are a few of our favorite natural wonders of Iowa – have you seen them all?
The rolling hills of western Iowa are one of our state's signature features. Take a walk through Waubonsie State Park to enjoy a stunning view, or explore the hills through Loess Hills State Forest. If you prefer to stay in the car, the Loess Hills Scenic Byway is a great way to get out and see one of the most significant natural wonders of Iowa.
It's hard to talk about the natural features of the Hawkeye State without chatting about our border rivers! On the East, the mighty Mississippi River dominates the scene. Small towns along the river make picture-perfect destinations.
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On the other side of the state, the Missouri River sets the scene. The valley from the Loess Hills down toward Omaha is one of the most scenic spots in the whole state!
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The best way to explore the unique topography of the Driftless region is by kayak! Drop in the Upper Iowa River and you'll find enormous bluffs and cliffs along your path. You'll find river access in the Decorah area, near the Malanaphy Springs trail.
Maquoketa Caves is one of the natural wonders of Iowa that has a whole state park dedicated to it! On a short hike through the park, you can explore more than a dozen caves. The largest one, Dance Hall Cave, is more than 100 feet tall!
Ledges State Park is another one of the best little parks in Iowa. Visit to hike along the tops of cliffs or down along Pea's Creek to see picture-perfect beauty and the impressive work of erosion and glaciation.
The Decorah Ice Cave is one of the strangest natural wonders of Iowa. Even in the heat of the summer, the inner part of this cave is covered in ice! It's a great spot to go on a warm day to cool off, and it's just down the road from a beautiful waterfall at Dunning's Spring Park, too!
What are your favorite natural wonders in Iowa? Let’s talk about them in the comments below!
For more of the best scenery and history in the Hawkeye State, explore These 10 Iowa Hiking Trails That Lead To Some Incredible Pieces Of History.
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Featured Addresses
Loess Hills Trail, Missouri Valley, IA 51555, USA
Mississippi River, United States
Missouri River, United States
Upper Iowa River, Iowa, USA
Ice Cave Road, Ice Cave Rd, Decorah, IA 52101, USA
Ledges State Park, P Avenue, Madrid, IA, USA
Caves Road, Caves Rd, Maquoketa, IA 52060, USA