Iowa is such a large state that it’s nearly impossible to explore it all. If you’re looking for a new spot to check out this spring, plan a trip to any of these unique hidden treasures in Iowa and get to know the Hawkeye State a little better.
- Clayton County Motor Mill
Flickr / Carl Wyckoff You can tour the historic Motor Mill in Clayton County for free. This beautiful building was home to an 1860s era flour mill, and it is the centerpiece of a 155-acre park where you can bike, bike, kayak, fish and camp.
- Sabula
Flickr / CJ Oliver Did you know about Sabula, Iowa’s island? This unique spot is located in the middle of the Mississippi and is home to 500 Iowans. It’s also a popular vacation destination!
- George Wyth State Park
Facebook / Maxx Rentals George Wyth State Park is home to a hidden beach that will make you forget you’re living in a landlocked state. You can rent kayaks and canoes here, or just spend some time laying out in the sun after a day hike. Read more about it right here.
- The Spring at Backbone State Park
Flickr / Al Did you know that hidden deep in the woods of Backbone State Park is a naturally-fed spring pool? Over 2,000 gallons an hour and fed into this beautiful, crystal clear pond. Read more about it right here.
- The Decorah Ice Cave
Flickr / Michael Massa Even in the middle of summer, the Decorah Ice Cave is chilly! Ice exists in this cave well into June, and it’s always way cooler than the outside air. If you’ve never experienced a natural phenomenon like this, get to Decorah and check this out!
- Wapsipinicon State Park
Flickr / JDurchin This beautiful, underrated park contains nearly 400 acres of hiking, biking, fishing, camping and paddling. While everyone heads to Pikes Peak this summer, plan your trip for the serene oasis that is “Wapi”.Read more about it right here.
- Lake Anita
Facebook / Lake Anita State Park The gorgeous Lake Anita is not too far from Des Moines, and it’s so worth the drive. This little known lake shows off the best of Iowa’s wildlife and scenery, and the view from a kayak in the middle of the lake is absolutely breathtaking. Read more about it right here.
- The Dutchman’s Store
Flickr / BarbaraLN The Dutchman’s Store in Cantrill is everyone’s favorite country destination! Make your own peanut butter, shop for food, clothing and toys, and track down your favorite hard-to-find old fashioned candy. Read more about this charming store here.
- Kalona Historical Village
Facebook / Kalona Historical Village A visit to the historic village of Kalona is a trip back in time. Visit this 1800s era village, where 13 buildings show off early Iowan settler life.
- The Villages of Van Buren
Flickr / David Wilson The historic Villages of Van Buren County contain several tiny towns where old fashioned living is still the way of life. Enjoy learning about a culture that’s completely different than what you see in the rest of Iowa and spend a full day exploring each town.
- Devonian Fossil Gorge
Flickr / Alan Light The unbelievable Devonian Fossil Gorge was created by the Flood of 1993, when tons of soil, trees and roads were washed away. In 2008, a second flood exposed more of the Gorge. When the water receded, 375-million-year-old fossils from the Devonian ocean floor that once covered our state.
Are there any hidden gems in your Iowa hometown? Share them with us in the comments below!
Flickr / Carl Wyckoff
You can tour the historic Motor Mill in Clayton County for free. This beautiful building was home to an 1860s era flour mill, and it is the centerpiece of a 155-acre park where you can bike, bike, kayak, fish and camp.
Flickr / CJ Oliver
Did you know about Sabula, Iowa’s island? This unique spot is located in the middle of the Mississippi and is home to 500 Iowans. It’s also a popular vacation destination!
Facebook / Maxx Rentals
George Wyth State Park is home to a hidden beach that will make you forget you’re living in a landlocked state. You can rent kayaks and canoes here, or just spend some time laying out in the sun after a day hike. Read more about it right here.
Flickr / Al
Did you know that hidden deep in the woods of Backbone State Park is a naturally-fed spring pool? Over 2,000 gallons an hour and fed into this beautiful, crystal clear pond. Read more about it right here.
Flickr / Michael Massa
Even in the middle of summer, the Decorah Ice Cave is chilly! Ice exists in this cave well into June, and it’s always way cooler than the outside air. If you’ve never experienced a natural phenomenon like this, get to Decorah and check this out!
Flickr / JDurchin
This beautiful, underrated park contains nearly 400 acres of hiking, biking, fishing, camping and paddling. While everyone heads to Pikes Peak this summer, plan your trip for the serene oasis that is “Wapi”.Read more about it right here.
Facebook / Lake Anita State Park
The gorgeous Lake Anita is not too far from Des Moines, and it’s so worth the drive. This little known lake shows off the best of Iowa’s wildlife and scenery, and the view from a kayak in the middle of the lake is absolutely breathtaking. Read more about it right here.
Flickr / BarbaraLN
The Dutchman’s Store in Cantrill is everyone’s favorite country destination! Make your own peanut butter, shop for food, clothing and toys, and track down your favorite hard-to-find old fashioned candy. Read more about this charming store here.
Facebook / Kalona Historical Village
A visit to the historic village of Kalona is a trip back in time. Visit this 1800s era village, where 13 buildings show off early Iowan settler life.
Flickr / David Wilson
The historic Villages of Van Buren County contain several tiny towns where old fashioned living is still the way of life. Enjoy learning about a culture that’s completely different than what you see in the rest of Iowa and spend a full day exploring each town.
Flickr / Alan Light
The unbelievable Devonian Fossil Gorge was created by the Flood of 1993, when tons of soil, trees and roads were washed away. In 2008, a second flood exposed more of the Gorge. When the water receded, 375-million-year-old fossils from the Devonian ocean floor that once covered our state.
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