Iowa May Soon Be Home To One Of The Best Dark Sky Reserves In The World
Raymond Goldfield
Author
If you live in a big city, it can seem like the night sky has all but disappeared. The stars have been replaced by the omnipresent lights of civilization. Sure, we all love modern conveniences, but there is no feeling like staring up at the clear night sky. That’s why the International Dark Sky Association has begun cataloging the areas in our country where you can see the sky the most clearly. There are no IDSA areas in Iowa that have their highest rating – those are mostly in the less-populated American west – but one state park has maintained the second-highest rating. You’ll definitely want to visit this isolated state park for the best stargazing in Iowa.
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Have you been to Nine Eagles State Park? Let us know about your visit or your picks for the best spots for stargazing in Iowa. It’s a good idea to check with the IDSA before planning your stargazing trip. If you’re looking for another peaceful retreat in Iowa, why not consider a visit to this off-the-grid town?
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Amazing Natural Attractions In Iowa
What are the best bucket-list nature spots in Iowa?
The best bucket-list nature spots in Iowa include:
- Maquoketa Caves. This area spans six miles and is full of hiking trails, caves, forests, and a lovely waterfall.
- Pine Lake State Park. Located near Eldora, this area has tons of hiking trails and a beautiful sandy beach to relax on.
- Decorah Ice Cave. This little cave is frozen inside all year long due to the ancient glacier that it rests upon.
- Dunning Spring Park. This is a gorgeous park and the main attraction here is the beautiful Dunning’s Spring Falls
Learn more about the best bucket-list nature spots in Iowa.
What are the best hiking trails in Iowa?
The best hiking trails in Iowa include:
- Lake MacBride Spillway. Located near Solon, this place is best in early spring when the snowmelt runoff creates tons of little waterfalls.
- Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge. This prairie near Prairie City is filled with wildflowers during the warmer months.
- Wildcat Den State Park. The trails here lead through lush forests, copious wildflowers, and beautiful rock formations.
- Effigy Mounds National Monument. Make sure to hike this trail during autumn when the whole area is awash in colors.
Find out more about the best hiking trails in Iowa.
What are the most beautiful lakes in Iowa?
The most beautiful lakes in Iowa include:
- Clear Lake. This lake which spans 3,684 acres is a popular place for photographers to capture the natural beauty here.
- Nine Eagles Lake. Located in Nine Eagles State Park, this stunning lake is popular with Iowans for camping and hiking.
- Storm Lake. This is the fourth-largest glacier lake in the state and has amazing scenery that covers 3,200 acres.
- Deep Lakes Park. This was once a quarry that has since been filled in and the water is so clear that you can see the fish.
Discover more about the most beautiful lakes in Iowa.