There's A Little Known Network Of Rivers In Iowa... And It's Truly A Natural Marvel

Iowa geography is stereotypically not very diverse. Rolling prairies were arguably its most unique quality, and those have been mostly eradicated. There’s also the Loess Hills in the west, and while they are unique in the United States, they are relatively unimpressive when viewed next to their counterparts in Asia and Europe.

Further to the east, however, lies The Driftless Area, or the Paleozoic Plateau. Here, countless rivers network to make an amazing array of tributaries along the Mississippi River where Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, and Iowa meet. If you are used to the typical Iowan scenery, then The Driftless will seem to be truly foreign, and will make for a remarkable experience.

Wikipedia.org/ The Driftless Area

When this photo was taken, the Mississippi River was at a flood stage. The chaotic landscape twists and turns with the flow of the water, and its unique beauty is obvious from this bird's eye vantage point.

Wikipedia.org/ Effigy Mounds State Monument

This is a view of the driftless is captured from Effigy Mounds in Iowa. Here, nature is even more wild and unpredictable, and most of the land amongst the water is untouched.

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Wikipedia.org/ Pines Peak State Park

This image was taken from a viewpoint at Pikes Peak State Park. Notice how the land cuts through the current, and no free space goes unused by the green plant life.

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Wikipedia.org/ Wapsipinicon River

Wikipedia.org/ Wapsipinicon River

These images bring us closer to the waterfront. The dense woodlands are uncharacteristic in contrast to most of Iowa. It truly feels like a slice of land from a different state entirely.

Wikipedia.org/ Turkey River (Iowa)

Turkey River is just one of the tributaries found intermingling others amongst The Driftless. Here is Elkader Keystone Bridge, an impressive stone bridge in Elkader, Iowa.

Wikipedia.org/ Driftless Area

The Driftless Area occupies much more than the most northeastern parts of Iowa. Luckily, nature has been allowed free reign for most of this geographical beauty. It is truly magnificent to experience The Driftless and all its majesty.

Now that you know about The Driftless Area, are you going to check it out? Maybe you already have, and if that’s the case, share this article and tell us your stories in the comment section below!