Iowa’s most popular and most beautiful lakes are always hopping – and that’s both a blessing and a detriment if you’re hoping to enjoy some peace and quiet on the water. Whether you’re looking to go fishing, bird-watching, boating, or just relaxing by the shore, none of those things are exactly helped by large throngs of fellow visitors! That’s why I always love finding a little-known lake in Iowa perfect for enjoying some peace and quiet – and there’s a great one in DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge. Well, sort of – DeSoto Lake is actually right on the western border, split halfway between Iowa and Nebraska. It also has a surprisingly fascinating history and is a great place to catch some fish or some rays. So come along with us and discover why DeSoto Lake should be your next back-to-nature getaway!

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Have you visited DeSoto Lake at the DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge? Let us know about your trip to this little-known lake in Iowa in the comments section! If you’d like to learn more, visit the its official U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service web page, as well as our own past coverage of this unique wildlife area. And finally, for all the avid hikers out there, check out AllTrails + – it’s ideal for exploring out-of-the-way locations like this, because you’ll always be able to stay connected with features like downloadable trail maps.

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