Posted in Iowa Nature July 08, 2022 by

Most People Have No Idea This Underwater City in Iowa Even Exists

Most Iowans know about Lake Red Rock, Iowa. Not only is it the largest lake in Iowa, but it’s a popular summer spot for nature lovers to enjoy swimming, boating, fishing, and more. What you might be surprised to learn is that when this lake was built, it submerged not one, not two, but six Iowa towns. Let’s take a look at the history of this fascinating lake, shall we?

Lake Red Rock is a place thousands of people go every summer to swim, camp, fish, and enjoy the outdoors.
Dave/Flickr
Most people aren’t aware that while they are enjoying the sun and water on the lake, they are above six Marion County river towns that were covered with water during the development of the lake.
The towns of Dunreath, Red Rock, Cordova, Rousseau, Fifield, and Coalport are all under the surface of the water at Lake Red Rock.
Marion County
The Corps of Engineers bought the area around Lake Red Rock in the early 60s. The lake was named Red Rock after the town it submerged, as it was the biggest town of the six.
In 1947, flooding in the area was severe. Local government agencies decided to build preventative structures to help alleviate the flooding situation.
slappytheseal/Flickr
They decided to build a structure above the town of Red Rock, just one mile west of the Mile-Long Bridge. Just a few months later, a second site, 10 miles downstream was chosen.
The Dunreath school was open until 1955.
Marion County
Residents between the two sites were understandably upset. Eleven years later, in 1959, the second site was approved. All land below elevation 760 was acquired for the project.
The Fifield Store was just one building in this lost town. The school operated until May 1959.
Marion County
Of the six towns under lake red rock, Iowa, Fifield was smaller than Red Rock, but still a charming town where you could get any supplies you needed.
Here's a photo of Dutch Hart’s Store in Cardova in 1920.
Marion County
Just a typical mid-western day in a typical mid-western town.
Here's one of the Red Rock House as it stood in 1958.
Marion County
One of the many homes and buildings that was destroyed in the process.
The dam was completed in 1968 and the gates closed in 1969.
Tushar Dayal/Flickr
The minimum pool elevation of 725 was raised to elevation 742 due to rapid siltation.
While the towns are long gone, there's still plenty of things to do at Lake Red Rock.
Ken Lund/Flickr
It is the largest lake in Iowa, after all. It’s a huge draw for campers, boaters, and fishermen. Elk Rock State Park is on both sides of the lake, providing amble camping opportunities, hiking trails and more.
The best view of the area is from the Cordova Observation Tower.
slappytheseal/Flickr
Named after the lost town of Cordova, it is the tallest observation tower in the Midwest located in a public park. There are 170 steps to the top, but the views at the top are well worth it. While you're gazing out at the panoramic views below, take a moment to remember all of the towns that had to be sacrificed for greater flood control.

Have you visited Red Rock, Iowa? Let us know in the comments below! For more historic towns, take this road trip to some of the most hauntingly beautiful ghost towns in Iowa.

Address: Lake Red Rock, Iowa, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center

Red Rock Iowa

July 13, 2022
Jackie Ann

What are the most well-known parks in Iowa?

With over 80 state parks and recreation areas in Iowa, you can bet you’re never too far away from an amazing outdoor adventure. The most popular state parks in Iowa are Pikes Peak State Park and Ledges State Park, and both will show you the raw, natural beauty of Iowa through the park’s extensive hiking trails, paddling trails, and campsites. Elk Rock State Park hugs the shores of Red Rock, Iowa, and has plenty of beautiful campsites near the lake so you can splash the day away at Iowa’s largest lake.

What are the most beautiful lakes in Iowa?

There’s nothing more relaxing than spending a day on a lake in Iowa. After you’ve enjoyed Lake Red Rock, schedule some time to explore all of our other beautiful lakes including swimming in Lake MacBride, fishing at Lake Sugema, or hiking the waterfront trails along Lake Darling. You can even rent a charming waterfront cottage at Lake Darling, which sounds like the perfect way to spend a relaxing weekend, doesn’t it?

Are there any good swimming holes in Iowa?

Summer just isn’t summer until you’ve floated around one of the many swimming holes in Iowa. There are plenty of access points along the Upper Iowa River, just be sure to check the currents before you jump in. If you’re looking for calmer waters, try Rathbun Lake at Honey Creek State Park. Not only is this beautiful lake one of our favorite swimming spots, but it’s also the second largest lake in Iowa (right behind our old friend, Lake Red Rock).

Address: Lake Red Rock, Iowa, USA