Posted in Iowa Nature, Waterfalls March 05, 2022 by

6 Easy-Access Iowa Waterfalls That Are Perfect For A Summer Adventure

Find yourself searching for “waterfalls near me in Iowa?” There are plenty of waterfalls in Iowa if you just know where to look. You’re for a real treat today, as we have collected some of the most beautiful cascades in all of the Hawkeye State for you. Each of these are relatively easy to access, so you won’t even have to exert the effort of going on a lengthy hike!

1. Malanaphy Springs Falls: 2820 Bluffton Rd, Decorah, IA 52101
Google Local / Lisa Grouette
This waterfall hike in Iowa requires just a short one-mile trail to reach. It's a quiet and flat trail that's the perfect place to bring children on a hot summer's day. The shady trail leads you right to the base of the off-the-beaten path falls. You can even take a dip in the water to cool off before heading back home. This is a trail that's so much fun for the whole family.
Malanaphy Spring Falls, 2820 Bluffton Road, Decorah, Iowa, 52101
2. Dunning's Spring Park: Ice Cave Rd, Decorah, IA 52101
Google Local / Manij Shrestha
Dunning's Spring Park is home to one of the most popular waterfalls in Iowa. It's really no wonder, as it's the definition of easily accessible. You can practically see this gem from the parking lot! Take just a short walk over the bridge and you can get as close to this 200-foot cascade as you'd like. This is a great hike in a great park.
Dunning's Spring Park, Ice Cave Rd, Decorah, IA 52101, USA
3. Union Grove State Park: 1215 220th St, Gladbrook, IA 50635
Google Local / Karl W.
Union Grove State Park is home to a pretty spillway that's a photographer's dream. You won't have to hike too far to get here, making it great for kids. It's a perfect spot for a family picnic. Read more about this beautiful state park here.
Union Grove State Park, 1215 220th St, Gladbrook, IA 50635, USA
4. Lake Macbride Falls: 3525 Hwy 382 NE, Solon, IA 52333
Google Local / Shravan Kumar
Lake MacBride State Park is one of the best parks in Iowa. It's home to a spillway that you would never guess wasn't a natural oasis. For a real treat, wait to catch a sunset here. The park is named for famed Iowan conservationist Thomas Huston MacBride.
Lake MacBride, Lake McBride, Iowa 52333, USA
5. Bridal Veil Falls in Pikes Peak State Park: 32264 Pikes Peak Rd, McGregor, IA 52157
AllTrails / Linda Stohler-Enearl
Pikes Peak State Park is renowned for being one of the most beautiful places in Iowa, and it's really no wonder. It's home to dozens of natural wonders. One of the most-visited waterfalls in Iowa is Bridal Veil Falls, and you can reach it with just a very short boardwalk trail. Some of the trails will give you great views of the Mississippi River as well .
Pikes Peak State Park, 32264 Pikes Peak Rd, McGregor, IA 52157, USA
6. Beeds Lake State Park: 1422 165th St, Hampton, IA 50441
Google Local / Michael Rolo
Does this enormous spillway look familiar? It's one of the most photographed spillways in the Midwest! Visit Beeds Lake State Park to see this impressive feat of engineering in person. It's part of the park's 99-acre reservoir. It's a perfect backdrop for photos!

Did we miss your favorite waterfall hikes in Iowa? Share them with us in the comments and we’ll be sure to check them out!

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Address: Malanaphy Spring Falls, 2820 Bluffton Road, Decorah, Iowa, 52101
Address: Dunning's Spring Park, Ice Cave Rd, Decorah, IA 52101, USA
Address: Beeds Lake, Mott, IA 50441, USA
Address: Lake Macbride Trail, Solon, IA 52333, USA
Address: Pikes Peak State Park, 32264 Pikes Peak Rd, McGregor, IA 52157, USA
Address: Union Grove State Park, 1215 220th St, Gladbrook, IA 50635, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center

Best Hiking Trails In Iowa

March 10, 2022
Lisa Sammons

Are there other hiking trails with waterfalls in Iowa?

We love Union Grove State Park: it's a beautiful place centered around the lovely Union Lake. It's also home to a secret hidden waterfall that many aren't even aware of! You can access the falls by taking a short hike over a bridge. Once you reach the waterfall, you can even take a dip in the swimming hole if it's a hot day.

What are some of the best parks in Iowa for hiking?

We are a beautiful state with an incredibly diverse landscape. Pikes Peak State Park often comes out atop list of best state parks in Iowa, but we've got plenty of other amazing parks in the Hawkeye State as well.

What are some of the best kid-friendly hikes in Iowa?

On a day when you don't want to spend all your daylight hours outside, check out some of these short trails in Iowa. They're all under one mile in length, making them perfect for kids or novice hikers!