9 Spots in Iowa We’ve Always Known About (But Can’t Stop Visiting)

Regarding places I feel are annoyingly underrated, Iowa is definitely on my "Top Five Most Depressingly Underrated" list. I mean, come on: Iowa is astonishingly beautiful. You'll discover new hiking trails, state parks, campgrounds, small towns, and so much more everywhere you turn. It's a great state to live in and/or visit, and if you're planning to visit, I wouldn't blame you for deciding on a whim to move here. I get it: Iowa is amazing, thanks in part to its hidden gems.

Now, many of my favorite "hidden" gems aren't all that hidden; locals know about these for sure, but when it comes to the newcomers, these are the gems one must see. But beware: You may get hopelessly addicted to coming back.

1. Clark Tower - Winterset

Kicking this list off is the weird and wonderful Clark Tower, which you can find at City Park in Winterset. Did you know that there's an awesome fairytale castle in Iowa? This 25-foot-tall limestone tower was constructed in 1926 and holds up wonderfully today; you can climb to the top and enjoy cool views from there!

2. Three-Mile Lake - Afton

Three-Mile Lake, one of Iowa's coolest, cleanest lakes, is Hidden at the Three-Mile Lake Recreation Area in Afton. This little hiding spot is easily one of the most underrated things to do in Iowa; the lake is quiet and calm, and thanks to fewer crowds, it's outrageously peaceful. Here, you'll find boating, fishing, camping, glamping, and more opportunities for fun outdoors, and I promise it'll become one of your favorite spots, much as it has for the folks of Afton.

3. Chez Grace - Coralville

Foodies with a romantic streak, this one's for you. Chez Grace is one of the most romantic restaurants in Iowa, and it's found in an apartment building, of all places. But don't let the quirky locale fool you: This nosh spot serves up the best French dining experience you'll ever have outside of traveling to Europe. From the wine to the appetizers and beyond to dessert, there's no such thing as a bad experience at Chez Grace.

4. The Berry Patch - Nevada

When people think about Iowa, you bet they think about farms - lots of 'em. They aren't wrong; a lot of our beautiful state is farmland, and you can visit some of these farms and pick your own berries, flowers, pumpkins... wherever you choose, you'll discover a whole new world. The Berry Patch Farm in Nevada, Iowa, is open for picking season from May through October, and you'll find apples, blueberries, rhubarb, pumpkins, and so much more, depending on the time of year you arrive.

5. Yellow River State Forest - Allamakee County

The Yellow River State Forest is one of the most beautiful regions in Iowa; the Paint Creek Unit is located in Allamakee County, and it's a winner year-round (though in the fall, it is particularly jaw-dropping). Here, you can hike more than 45 miles of incredible trails, go leaf-peeping, do some wildlife and/or bird watching, camp, glamp, and more - the possibilities are only as limited as your imagination!

6. Pulpit Rock - Decorah

In Decorah, Iowa, Pulpit Rock is an unusual geological feature in the northeast corner of the Hawkeye State. You can hike a short trail up to the lookout point, easily one of our state's best. The views of the Upper Iowa River valley are to die for, and I think you'll find yourself hopelessly addicted to visiting after your first time. It's not every day you get to overlook things so dramatically in Iowa—but today can be that day!

7. The American Gothic House - Eldon

Everyone knows the painting, even if they don't know its title; a morose-looking couple stares blankly into the viewer (or elsewhere). Titled American Gothic, the farmer holds a pitchfork, and his wife leans into his side, looking to the horizon disapprovingly. Behind them is an old farmhouse - and this is that farmhouse! Come see the home the painting was inspired by (and if you want to see it in person, you'll have to meander off to the Art Institute of Chicago).

8. Dubuque

As one of my all-time favorite towns in Iowa, Dubuque is a hidden gem to defeat all others. Generally seen as wine country in Iowa, Dubuque is beyond beautiful. It seems to have it all: incredible river valley views, numerous wineries, and plenty of unique eateries to go around. Once you've visited the town of Dubuque, I suspect you'll strongly consider making it home for real. I sure did.

9. The Island of Sabula

Did you know that there is exactly one island city in Iowa? Yep, you read that right—Sabula Island is a hunk of land on the Mississippi River that approximately 493 people call home. With a beach, a campground, and even a harbor, this delightful little place makes for the perfect escape, whilst never leaving Iowa. Who says you need to go to the Caribbean for an island getaway? Not anymore.

So, what do you think? How many of these nine not-so-hidden gems in Iowa are ones you've visited before? How many do you plan on doing? Think about it: Iowa is full of adventure, and it's easy to find as long as you know where to look. Speaking of looking... why not see what incredible Iowa discoveries you can make using our new Travel Planner!