There are a few castles hidden across Iowa, but by and large, it’s not a structure type you see much of in the Hawkeye State. But there is a little-known, hidden gem of an overlook tucked away near Decorah, Iowa that, though it isn’t an actual castle, feels so much like one that you’ll be royally enchanted by it just the same! We’re talking about the Pulpit Rock Overlook in Iowa at Decorah’s Will Baker Park.

Have you ever heard of Pulpit Rock in Iowa? It's a stunningly unique rock formation along the Upper Iowa River in Decorah, Iowa.
Decorah Parks & Recreation
It looks deceptively small from a distance...
Darrin Ochsner / Google Maps
... but when you stand at its base, you realize just how massive it really is. It feels almost like a huge stone castle, which may have been what inspired the artisans who designed the amenities surrounding pulpit rock.
Darrin Ochsner / Google Maps
There's a picnic area surrounded by an old stone wall.
Travis Shulka / Google Maps

Related Stories

Most People Don’t Know There’s A Swinging Bridge Hiding Deep In Iowa's Woods

Most People Don’t Know There’s A Swinging Bridge Hiding Deep In Iowa's Woods

 Few People Know America Got Its First Carnegie Library West Of The Mississippi Right Here In Iowa In 1910

Few People Know America Got Its First Carnegie Library West Of The Mississippi Right Here In Iowa In 1910

 Take A Drive Across One Of Iowa's Last Singing Bridges Before It's Too Late

Take A Drive Across One Of Iowa's Last Singing Bridges Before It's Too Late
It's just the type of wall you might expect to find in the English countryside, marking the boundaries of a massive castle estate.
Joshua Haveman / Google Maps
But that's not all. There's also the Pulpit Rock Overlook itself, which is accessible at the end of a hidden staircase that climbs up and around the cracks and crevices of Pulpit Rock.
Darrin Ochsner / Google Maps
The ornate stonework, with its stunning geometric patterns and natural hues, is startlingly reminiscent of the balcony of an old stone castle.
Michael Harding / Google Maps
Who knew there was a little slice of old English (or Scottish or Welsh) estate hidden right here in Iowa? What a fun little secret spot to enjoy a fancy view. Check it out next time you visit Will Baker Park or Pulpit Rock Campground!
Ahmed Muaz / Google Maps

All comparisons to medieval times aside, this is a fun area to explore. Learn more about Pulpit Rock (and Pulpit Rock Campground) at the Decorah Parks website here. Have you ever been?

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

Related Articles

Explore Iowa

Featured Addresses
Pulpit Rock, Decorah, IA 52101, USA