We’ve been saying this all along, but here it is again: Iowa is so much more than cornfields and flat land. If you take the time to look around, you’ll see that our state is full of amazing natural wonders like nothing you would ever expect. From towering bluffs formed by ancient glacial deposits to magical and cavernous caves, Iowa has so much to offer. If you need proof, just check out these 10 incredible natural wonders in Iowa.

1. The steep and rolling Loess Hills of western Iowa
Michael Leland/Flickr
Our list of stunning natural wonders in Iowa begins with the iconic Loess Hills. During the Ice Age, glaciers moved across the Midwest, grinding rock into dust as they went. When the glaciers started to melt, the valleys flooded and the sediment formed deposits that dried out and eventually became covered by grass. Because of this long process of Mother Nature, we have the beautiful Loess Hills. Learn more about why Loess Hills is considered to be one of the most beautiful places in Iowa.
2. The otherworldly beautiful Maquoketa Caves
Michael Kappel/Flickr
Because it is located in the Driftless Area of Iowa, which escaped glaciation during the ice age, the limestone caves of Maquoketa were subject to thousands of years of natural erosion, which gave us the wonderful and magical Maquoketa Caves we have the pleasure of visiting today. These Iowa caves are an absolute must-visit.
3. The ancient and towering bluffs along the Upper Iowa River
Ellen Macdonald/Flickr
The Upper Iowa River in the northeast part of the state is another landmark located in the Driftless Area of Iowa. Because no glaciers came through to flatten the land, there are steep bluffs and canyons that line the river's edge, making it unlike most of the other rivers in Iowa.
4. The beautiful scenery of Pikes Peak State Park
U.S. Department of Agriculture/Flickr
Pikes Peak is a gorgeous park overlooking the Mississippi River, near McGregor. From the top of the 500-foot bluff, you can see the beauty of Mother Nature for miles. Indeed, Pike's Peak State Park is home to the very best lookout in Iowa.
5. The magical and cavernous Crystal Lake Cave
Soumit Nandi/Flickr
No list of natural wonders in Iowa is complete without the Crystal Lake Cave. Over a very long amount of time, the slow-moving groundwater carved a cave from layers of limestone. After a while, the water became acidic and seeped through the ground, creating the caverns and passages that we now walk through at Crystal Lake Cave in Dubuque.

Related Stories

The Ice Cave Road In Iowa Is A One-Mile Out-And-Back Hike With A Waterfall Finish

The Ice Cave Road In Iowa Is A One-Mile Out-And-Back Hike With A Waterfall Finish

 7 Incredible Natural Wonders In Iowa That You Can Witness For Free

7 Incredible Natural Wonders In Iowa That You Can Witness For Free

 Loess Hills Is A Scenic Outdoor Spot In Iowa That's A Nature Lover’s Dream Come True

Loess Hills Is A Scenic Outdoor Spot In Iowa That's A Nature Lover’s Dream Come True
6. The serene beauty of nature at Ledges State Park
Carl Wycoff//Flickr
The sandstone that forms the cliffs of Ledges State Park, near Boone, are the remnants of a prehistoric sea that covered the Midwest around 300 million years ago. The cliffs themselves were formed as a result of the glaciation during the Ice Age when the water from the melting glaciers carved out cliffs that would be used for our enjoyment 13,000 years later. These ancient glacial deposits in Iowa are nothing short of remarkable.
7. The breathtaking view of the Mississippi River near Effigy Mounds
Travis/Flickr
Unlike much of the rest of Iowa, this area was bypassed by the last of the glaciers to move through the Midwest, which left time for the streams to carve out deep channels in the terrain, eventually creating this beautiful scene we get to enjoy today.
8. The stunning scenery at Eagle Point Park
John Kunze/Flickr
Eagle Point Park in Dubuque is a lovely area that's situated on a bluff overlooking the Mississippi River. The area is full of natural beauty, which you can enjoy from the gorgeous overlook. The park is just one of many gifts Mother Nature bestowed upon Iowa. Eagle Point Park boasts some of the best views in Iowa, so be sure to bring your camera!
9. The wild, natural beauty of Three Mile Lake
Darrin Isaacson
Three Mile Lake in Afton is a mecca for nature of all kinds. From the fish that swim in the lake to the birds that nest in the nearby wooded area, to the deer and other creatures that make their home here, the area is truly one of nature's wonders right here in Iowa.
10. Iowa's Great Lakes, particularly Spirit Lake
Skywayman/Wikimedia
Spirit Lake, like the rest of the Iowa Great Lakes, is a giant glacial pothole that was formed during the last Ice Age, when the glaciers in the area melted and formed lakes. Thanks to some glaciers melting 13,000 years ago, we now get to spend our summers enjoying this beautiful lake with its clear, blue waters.

These photos make me truly grateful to live in such a wonderful state. What are some more natural wonders in Iowa you’ve stumbled upon here in our great state? Share your thoughts with us!

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

More to Explore

Natural Wonders In Iowa

Beth C. | February 11, 2021

Does Iowa have any other natural wonders?

The above list of 10 natural wonders in Iowa is a great place to start, but you should know that it's by no means an extensive list. In fact, there are hundreds upon hundreds of fascinating natural attractions to explore in Iowa. Some other natural wonders in Iowa include West Lake Okoboji, Malanaphy Springs, Decorah's Ice Cave, and Dunning's Spring Falls.

What are the best hidden gems in Iowa?

Now that you've explored some of the most popular natural wonders in Iowa, you're ready to uncover the lesser-known hidden gems. Well, you're in luck! Iowa is tailor-made for an adventure, and you'll love exploring any of the following hidden gems in Iowa: the swinging bridge a Columbus Junction, Siewers Spring in Decorah, East Park in Mason City, Wabash Trace Natural Trail in Council Bluffs, and Jester Park in Granger.

What are the best state parks in Iowa?

It's hard to imagine Iowa without its assortment of breathtaking state parks. Showcasing the state's diverse landscapes and wildlife, these parks are the perfect place to explore if you're looking to renew your appreciation for the beauty of Iowa. Some must-see state parks include Bellevue State Park, Backbone State Park, Ledges State Park, Wapsipinicon State Park, Pine Lake State Park, Lake Macbride State Park, and Stone State Park.

Related Articles

Explore Iowa

Featured Addresses
Loess Hills Trail, Missouri Valley, IA 51555, USA
Caves Road, Caves Rd, Maquoketa, IA 52060, USA
Pikes Peak State Park, 32264 Pikes Peak Rd, McGregor, IA 52157, USA
Crystal Lake Cave Rd, Mosalem, IA 52003, USA
Ledges State Park, P Avenue, Madrid, IA, USA
Effigy Mounds National Monument, Iowa 76, Harpers Ferry, IA, USA
Eagle Point Park, 3923 N 3rd St, Clinton, IA 52732, USA
Three Mile Lake, Iowa 50830, USA
Spirit Lake, IA 51360, USA