Some people who aren’t from the Hawkeye State might think this midwestern state is nothing but prairie. However, Iowans know this place is filled with amazing natural wonders – some dating back to long before humans walked this Earth. Here are five that will make for an epic Iowa road trip – or a long-term plan to witness every corner of the state’s natural history.
- Kuehn Conservation Center
TravelIowa This wildlife preserve and hiking trail is great for a peaceful hike. It’s especially stunning during fall foliage.
Available for camping, it’s become a popular site for those who want to go hunting or bird-watching.
TravelIowa
- Dunning’s Spring Park
Cate N/TripAdvisor One of the most peaceful spots in all of Iowa, the small park can be navigated by an extensive network of wooden stairs.
Everyone’s heading to the same point - one of the most beautiful natural waterfalls in Iowa.
Nailuj110/TripAdvisor
- Crystal Lake Cave
Will B/TripAdvisor This large complex might look like a tourist attraction, but what’s hiding beneath has been building for countless years.
The complex cave network is full of some of the state’s most impressive stalactite and stalagmite formations, and tours are available to get the full experience.
Heidimb81/TripAdvisor
- Devonian Fossil Gorge
Poprox21/TripAdvisor Want to head even further back in time? Head to this pre-dinosaur fossil collection.
This Iowa City landmark has some of the world’s best preserved fossils from the ocean life at the time - some dating back over 400 million years!
Sjsjedi/TripAdvisor
- Pikes Peak State Park
Rehcsif/TripAdvisor This iconic state park is known for having some of the best views high in the sky in the entire midwest.
How high? It’s one of the only places in the state where you can get the feeling of being on top of a mountain in the sky.
John Rhodes/TripAdvisor
If you want to stay a little closer to earth, the hiking trails offer a gorgeous view of the park’s woods.
Steven P/TripAdvisor
Have you visited any of these natural wonders of Iowa? Which other landmarks are on your personal bucket list? Most of these natural wonders are free and have open access, but make sure to visit the website of Crystal Lake Cave to learn about their tour offerings before you go.
TravelIowa
This wildlife preserve and hiking trail is great for a peaceful hike. It’s especially stunning during fall foliage.
Cate N/TripAdvisor
One of the most peaceful spots in all of Iowa, the small park can be navigated by an extensive network of wooden stairs.
Nailuj110/TripAdvisor
Will B/TripAdvisor
This large complex might look like a tourist attraction, but what’s hiding beneath has been building for countless years.
Heidimb81/TripAdvisor
Poprox21/TripAdvisor
Want to head even further back in time? Head to this pre-dinosaur fossil collection.
Sjsjedi/TripAdvisor
Rehcsif/TripAdvisor
This iconic state park is known for having some of the best views high in the sky in the entire midwest.
John Rhodes/TripAdvisor
Steven P/TripAdvisor
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
Address: Kuehn Conservation Area, 32849 Houston Trail, Earlham, IA 50072, USAAddress: Dunning’s Spring Park, Ice Cave Rd, Decorah, IA 52101, USAAddress: Crystal Lake Cave Road, Crystal Lake Cave Rd, Iowa 52003, USAAddress: Devonian Fossil Gorge, 2850 Prairie Du Chien Rd NE, Iowa City, IA 52240, USAAddress: Pikes Peak State Park, Iowa 52157, USA
