The Hawkeye State is full of unique places to visit and cool sights to see that have been hidden under your nose this whole time. When it comes to treasures, Iowa’s got dozens of them, all waiting to be discovered. Start off by tracking down these nine nifty spots before summer’s over.
- Hike to the castle at Pilot’s Knob
Flickr / Joe Passe Iowa’s Hidden Castle at Pilot’s Knob is well worth exploring! The surrounding park is a great place to get in touch with nature as well.
- Cross the Swinging Bridge
Flickr / Chris Brooks This supposedly haunted bridge is a great reason to visit Columbus Junction. Cross the bridge - if you dare - and learn the local legend that gave the bridge the nickname “Lover’s Leap”.
- Visit the Figge Art Museum in Davenport
Flickr / Steve Tatum This gorgeous museum is a work of art in itself! The ever changing exhibits and permanent displays make this a grand destination for even the fussiest art critic
- See Sabula
Flickr / CJ Buckwalter Iowa’s only Island shows you a side of the Mississippi River that’s pretty unusal! Visit this town for a day trip that’s unlike any other you can take in the Hawkeye State.
- Ride the Fourth Street Elevator in Dubuque
Flickr / Jim Ellwanger The shortest and steepest scenic railway in the world is right here in Iowa! Ride from the bottom to the top in just a few short minutes and enjoy the view of town along the way.
- Discover Dunning Springs Falls
Flickr / Michael Masse Decorah is hiding a natural wonder other than its famous ice cave! Right next to the cave you’ll find Dunning Springs Park, which leads you to a beautiful waterfall just a short walk from the parking lot.
- The entire town of Eldora
Facebook / RAGBRAI Eldora This charming small city is one of the Iowa’s hidden gems. Visit during a festival weekend or just to shop, dine, and enjoy the serene scenery.
- Tour the Clayton Motor Mill to see history up close.
Flickr / Carl Wyckoff The Motor Mill in Clayton County is open to the public for free tours. This 1860s era flour mill is on the site of a beautiful park where you can bike, bike, kayak, fish and camp.
- Explore Crystal Lake Cave in Dubuque
Flickr / Soumit Nandi This magical, enchanting cave is easy for anyone to explore. Bring a camera and be ready to capture some outo f this world scenery.
If you prefer wonders of the culinary type, check out our list of 11 Hole In The Wall Restaurants In Iowa That Will Blow Your Taste Buds Away!
Flickr / Joe Passe
Iowa’s Hidden Castle at Pilot’s Knob is well worth exploring! The surrounding park is a great place to get in touch with nature as well.
Flickr / Chris Brooks
This supposedly haunted bridge is a great reason to visit Columbus Junction. Cross the bridge - if you dare - and learn the local legend that gave the bridge the nickname “Lover’s Leap”.
Flickr / Steve Tatum
This gorgeous museum is a work of art in itself! The ever changing exhibits and permanent displays make this a grand destination for even the fussiest art critic
Flickr / CJ Buckwalter
Iowa’s only Island shows you a side of the Mississippi River that’s pretty unusal! Visit this town for a day trip that’s unlike any other you can take in the Hawkeye State.
Flickr / Jim Ellwanger
The shortest and steepest scenic railway in the world is right here in Iowa! Ride from the bottom to the top in just a few short minutes and enjoy the view of town along the way.
Flickr / Michael Masse
Decorah is hiding a natural wonder other than its famous ice cave! Right next to the cave you’ll find Dunning Springs Park, which leads you to a beautiful waterfall just a short walk from the parking lot.
Facebook / RAGBRAI Eldora
This charming small city is one of the Iowa’s hidden gems. Visit during a festival weekend or just to shop, dine, and enjoy the serene scenery.
Flickr / Carl Wyckoff
The Motor Mill in Clayton County is open to the public for free tours. This 1860s era flour mill is on the site of a beautiful park where you can bike, bike, kayak, fish and camp.
Flickr / Soumit Nandi
This magical, enchanting cave is easy for anyone to explore. Bring a camera and be ready to capture some outo f this world scenery.
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