While Iowa is most well known for its sprawling farmland, there are so many diverse and beautiful places to explore. One of the most beautiful places for its natural beauty is Lake Red Rock. It’s the largest lake in Iowa, and there’s plenty of rugged wilderness to make you feel like you’ve died and gone to heaven.

With over 15,000 acres of water, Lake Red Rock is Iowa's largest lake. This beautiful lake is surrounded by 35,000 acres of lush natural land to explore.
Flickr/slappytheseal
Lake Red Rock, also known as Red Rock Reservoir, is formed by the Red Rock Dam on the Des Moines River, about 55 miles outside the city of Des Moines.
Flickr/Keith Yanner
Aside from soaking in the beauty of the lake, there are various recreational activities you can enjoy during your visit, such as camping, hiking, boating and fishing.
Flickr/we play endlessly
Next to the lake is Elk Rock State Park, Roberts Creek Park and Cordova Park, where you can hike and enjoy nature.
Flickr/slappytheseal
Cordova Park is home to Cordova Tower, an observation tower that stands a staggering 106 feet tall.
Flickr/slappytheseal

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If you’re brave enough to climb to the top, you’ll be rewarded with some amazing views.
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Lake Red Rock is also part of a water trail, where you can float down the Des Moines River from the southeast corner of Polk County to the lake and down to Red Rock Dam.
Flickr/Tushar Dayal
Over the lake is the impressive "Mile Long Bridge," which is located on Iowa Highway 14.
Lake Red Rock is one of Iowa’s best bird watching areas. Depending on the time of year, you’ll see bald eagles, herons, egrets, pelicans, gulls, ducks and more.
Flickr/Jason Mrachina
One of the most popular trails in the area is Volksweg Trail, connecting the town of Pella with Lake Red Rock.
Flickr/Carl Wycoff
Volksweg is a Dutch word, meaning "people’s path," and it is a 14-mile asphalt trail perfect for hiking and biking.
If you want to extend your beach visit to a weekend getaway, you can check out local wineries, like Tassel Ridge Winery in Leighton, visit nearby Pella, and more.
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Yelp/Valerie H.

Have you been to Lake Red Rock? What did you think? For more of Iowa’s natural beauty, These 11 Trails In Iowa Will Lead You To Unforgettable Places.

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