Many out-of-staters think Iowa is flat and boring, but little do they know that we have some of the most beautiful scenery around - including some absolutely magical waterfalls. One waterfall in particular, Dunning's Spring Falls in Decorah, is something everyone from Iowa (or from out-of-state) must visit at least once!
This spectacular 200-foot waterfall is just minutes from downtown Decorah, but looks like nothing you would expect to find in Iowa.
The waterfall can be accessed year-round by visiting Dunnings Spring Park on Ice Cave Road. Aside from the waterfall, the park area offers picnicking spots and hiking trails for visitors looking to make a day of it.
This video by Douglas Feltman perfectly captures the beauty and tranquility of Dunning's Spring Falls.
Pretty amazing stuff, right? Who would have known that Iowa has so much beauty to offer? And people say that our state is flat and boring. Obviously they haven't seen much of it!
Decorah is one of Iowa's most beautiful small towns, combining a wonderful small-town atmosphere and a rich cultural history with some stunning natural sites only minutes from downtown. When you talk about Decorah and waterfalls, almost everyone's mind immediately goes to Dunnings Spring Falls - and we can't blame them! It's definitely one of the state's most beautiful sights. But did you know there's a secret waterfall in Iowa only minutes from that park, and it's easy to find with only a short hike? Welcome to Twin Springs Park, one of the most relaxing and beautiful city parks in Iowa. It's best seen with a 0.8-mile loop trail, the Twin Springs Headwaters Loop Trail, which will take you right by a charming waterfall. We think it's a great way to spend a peaceful summer day and beat the crowds and the heat!
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One of the most laid-back parks in Iowa, Twin Springs Park is perfect for a hot summer day.
The park is a small area just outside of Decorah, and it's an ideal spot for a quick summer hike followed by a cookout. It's a dog-friendly park if you have fido on a leash.
There will rarely be anyone around except on the busiest days - but you might get some local company from the woods and the trout anglers targeting the holes along the stream.
Have you visited Twin Springs Park in Decorah and seen this beautiful secret waterfall in Iowa? Let us know about your visit in the comments section! If you want to see more pictures of the trail, make sure to visit the AllTrails trail listing. If you love hiking, consider a subscription to AllTrails Plus. The mobile app is remarkably convenient for hiking in remote areas, thanks to its downloadable trail maps with step-by-step instructions. And if you're looking for a memorable night out in Decorah after your hike, check out nearby Twin Springs Supper Club.
Some of my favorite hikes are those that include the best waterfalls in Iowa. These cascades are scattered around the state, and some take a pretty long and intense hike to reach. One that doesn't is located in Union Grove State Park, a beautiful rural haven about 65 miles northwest of Cedar Rapids. This laid-back park is home to maybe the best waterfall hike in Iowa, the Union Grove Lake Lower Loop. Coming in at only 2.3 miles, this easy loop trail is an ideal day adventure for beginner hikers and is full of beautiful sights even before you get to the park's famous spillway. We find this is an amazing hike any time of the year, because it's so accessible to all skill levels. Read on to discover why this hike belongs on your state park bucket list!
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Union Grove State Park is one of those laid-back hidden gems that's great for hiking, sight-seeing, and even camping.
Have you hiked the Union Grove Lake Lower Loop before? What's your favorite waterfall hike in Iowa? Let us know in the comments section! You can see more pictures of this trail on its official AllTrails trail listing, and visit the Union Grove State Park website for more information about this laid-back park's many amenities. And if you're looking to build up to more challenging hikes, we highly recommend a subscription to AllTrails +, so you'll always be equipped with downloadable trail guides and step-by-step directions, no matter how remote things get.
Looking for a unique place to eat around this area? Head to the nearby community of Marshalltown for The Flying Elbow, an over-the-top, wrestling-themed restaurant.
