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Iowa Nature|Parks & Gardens

Climb To The Top Of A 106-Foot Tower For The Most Breathtaking Views In Iowa

By Kim Magaraci | Published July 12, 2019

For a state with a reputation for being flat, Iowa certainly has some elevation! With rolling hills and staggering riverside cliffs and bluffs, there’s more to the Hawkeye State than meets the eye. Check out the tallest observation tower around in Cordova Park to enjoy the best views in Iowa.

Cordova Park is located in Merion County, on the shores of Lake Red Rock. This 1100 acre park is home to all sorts of fun activities.

The observation tower features a platform 106' in the air - the tallest observation tower in the area! You'll have to walk up 170 steps to reach the platform.

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Check out the story of this landmark tower before you head up there. The old water tower was converted for the public to enjoy.

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It costs just fifty cents to climb the tower - quarters only! The funds go to preserving and maintaining the structure so that it can be enjoyable for years to come.

From way up here, you'll be able to see Des Moines River valley laid out before you! On a clear day, you'll feel like you can see forever.

Look out across Lake Red Rock towards the Mile Long Bridge for a unique view of this landmark. For over 55 years, this bridge has spanned the gorgeous water.

Visit in the fall for an unbeatable view of the trees changing color all around the lake. It's hard to top this sky-high tower when it comes to finding the best views in Iowa.

Address: 1293 Emerald Avenue, Otley, IA, 50214

The tower is equidistant from Pella, Knoxville, Monroe and Otley, so it’s pretty easy to get to no matter where you’re coming from.

You can learn more about the tower online, here.

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