It should come as no surprise that Iowa is full of little-known, out-of-the-way hidden gems. These delightful secrets are so fun to stumble across for explorers of the Hawkeye State! You’ll find them everywhere: in the heart of the big cities just as well as in the lonesome acres of Iowa’s secluded prairies. The little-known Eden Valley Refuge observation tower in Iowa is neither in the city nor on the prairie, but it’s a hidden gem just the same!

Tucked away in Clinton County in the eastern part of central Iowa is a lush, secluded park known as Eden Valley Refuge.
ryan rehr / Alltrails
Filled with a beautiful forest, a quiet river, rugged bluffs, jagged boulders, rocky outcrops, and plenty of wildlife, this area is a perfect little natural oasis. Perhaps that's why it's named Eden Valley.
Mindy Eilers / Alltrails
But in addition to these natural attractions, Eden Valley Refuge also boasts some interesting man-made structures: a 12-bed bunkhouse that can be yours for under $50 per night, a swinging bridge, and even a secluded lookout tower that offers a stupendous view.
Douglas Rogers / Alltrails

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The observation tower is a tall, wooden structure that is perched at the end of the Hardwood Trail past the bunkhouse.
Ace Moore / Alltrails
It's the least used of all the trails in this quiet park, but it's well worth the journey.
Tanyajo Timm / Alltrails
Add in a trip over the rickety old swinging bridge to round out your adventure! It's located along the Whispering Pines Trail.
m k / Alltrails
Across the road from these trails is a nature center that's open seasonally, as well as two cabins and a campground.

Have you ever explored Eden Valley Refuge? Which trail is your favorite? Did you climb the observation tower? Learn more about all the attractions hidden away at this fun park in Iowa here. And if you love this adventure and want to climb yet another secluded Iowa tower, check out this one as well!

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Eden Valley County Refuge, 1415 50th Ave, Baldwin, IA 52207, USA