10 Little Known Swimming Spots In Iowa That Will Make Your Summer Awesome

Discover ten great places in Iowa to cool off and enjoy various water activities this summer.

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

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.

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2. Upper Iowa River, 7 miles north of Waukon on Highway 676, Decorah

This beautiful swimming spot consists of several access points along the river at the Lower Dam, the Upper Dam, and Iverson Bottoms.

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3. Sugar Bottom Recreational Area, 2192 Mehaffey Bridge Road NE, Solon

This area is popular for boating, fishing, and swimming. There's a beautiful beach here where you'll definitely want to spend the day.

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4. City Beach Park, 1420 2nd Avenue South, Clear Lake

This lovely beach in a scenic setting in northwestern Iowa is a must-do for the summer.

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5. Terry Trueblood Recreational Area, 4213 Sand Road SE, Iowa City

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.

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6. Ledges State Park, 1515 P Ave., Madrid

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.

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7. Honey Creek Resort, 12633 Resort Drive, Moravia

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.

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8. Terrace Park Beach, West Okoboji

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.

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9. Kearny State Park at Five Island Lake, Emmetsburg

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.

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10. Coralville Lake Beach, 4047 W Overlook Road NE, Coralville

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.

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

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