Despite being a landlocked region, Iowa has several attractive water features. In fact, you would find many scenic waterfalls throughout the state, including natural ones cascading over various rock formations and human-made spillways. Most of them can be easily accessed without hiking, making them suitable for kids and non-hikers. Here’s a list of waterfalls that you wouldn’t want to miss on your upcoming trip to the Hawkeye State.
Though technically a spillway, these falls appear stunning as they cascade in a stairway formation into the creek below. You can even hike to the top to get a different view. Do pack your picnic baskets to have an ideal time at the adjoining grounds that offer a scenic and peaceful setting.
Nearest City: About 2 miles from Decorah
Hiking & Other Activities: A short, easy walk from the parking lot will take you to the falls. Make sure to visit Decorah Fish Hatchery located within the area for an enjoyable educational time. In addition, you can also watch the nearby bald eagle nests and, if lucky, catch a glimpse of the eagles too.
Bridal Veil Falls is a small but lovely waterfall within Pikes Peak State Park in northeast Iowa. It is best to visit it after a heavy rainfall to see it plunging in full flow over a greenery-covered rock ledge. Some even have fun going behind the waterfall to soak themselves in the pouring water during summer. You can also pack your meals to enjoy them at the surrounding picnic areas featuring a rustic picnic shelter and two gazebo shelters.
Nearest City: About 3 miles from McGregor
Hiking & Other Activities: A hike along the one-mile trail comprising a wooden boardwalk and stairs leads to the waterfall. It starts from the parking lot and is easy to access. In addition, the spectacular views of the Mississippi River from the 500-foot bluff are something you ought not miss. You could also head to the neighboring Effigy Mounds National Monument to get an insight into the prehistoric woodland culture. If wishing to extend your stay, a campground is available inside the park.
This beautiful waterfall sits within Backbone State Park. It is a part of a spillway flowing all year round. The surrounding wilderness area has abundant wildlife species like squirrels, deer, and bald eagles that you might spot. After taking in the views, don’t miss heading to the famous and spectacular Richmond Springs, also located inside the state park.
Nearest City: About 2.5 miles from Dundee.
Hiking & Other Activities: You’ll have to take the West Lake Trail to reach the spillway or witness them while driving along 129th Street inside the park.
You will find this pretty little natural waterfall within Devil’s Glen Park in eastern Iowa. It sits on Duck Creek, boasting picturesque views of the surrounding dense woods while flowing down the limestone bluffs. The creek meanders about 19 miles before draining into the Mississippi River.
Nearest City: About 2 miles from Bettendorf
Hiking & Other Activities: A section of the 12-mile Duck Creek Recreational Trail inside Devil’s Glen Park will take you to the waterfall. It also traverses through several other parks with the creek running parallel to it. Besides this, you could check out the public golf disc or enjoy a picnic within the park.
The scenic Briggs Woods Waterfall cascades in several small tiers into the stream that soon empties into the Boone River. You could have a relaxing time sitting here and enjoying the beauty and serenity of the place. After seeing it, don’t miss heading downstream for a short distance to get views of the river.
Nearest City: About 4.5 miles from Webster City
Hiking & Other Activities: The waterfall can be seen from a short and easy hike along Boone River Recreational Trail inside Briggs Woods Park. You can further explore along this six-mile-long path for additional views. Picnic areas and camping facilities are also available inside the park.
Beed’s Lake Spillway is a part of Beed’s Lake State Park in Franklin County. It provides a mesmerizing sight as it tumbles down the multi-tiered rock formation. Visitors make it a point to especially come here to witness the gorgeous dam and spillway that provides several photography opportunities.
Nearest City: About 3.5 miles from Beed’s Lake
Hiking & Other Activities: An easy hike via a short path will lead you to the spillway and falls. After admiring their beauty, you can spend the rest of the day at Beed’s Lake to enjoy swimming, boating, fishing, and numerous other recreational activities.
This splendid waterfall gently flows behind Frank Lloyd Wright Stockman House and Interpretive Center. However, getting closer to it is not permissible as it’s on private property. You can get the best views from the State Street bridge, close to the junction of 1st Street Southeast and South Carolina Avenue.
Nearest City: About 0.5 miles from Mason City
Hiking & Other Activities: This the waterfall sits on private property, it is possible to see it from the roadside bridge without hiking. Besides this, plenty of historic sites dots the place. You can visit the Stockman House and the nearby MacNider Art Museum. If wanting to indulge yourself in some fun activities, you can check out the East Park located in the vicinity. It offers many hiking trails, playgrounds, and sports courts.
Ledges State Park in central Iowa is home to several steep but scenic hiking trails and impressive water features. One of the ideal family spots is Canyon Road, on which many small cascades spill at the side. Kids enjoy splashing and playing iwhile adults, too, have fun wading in them during the hot days.
Nearest City: About 4 miles from Boone
Hiking & Other Activities: It’s close to the parking lot and can be accessed by a short walk. If you wish to explore more, be sure to access the park’s other attractions on Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad and High Trestle Trail.
Union Grove State Park houses a stunning spillway that provides excellent photo opportunities. It also offers a serene and enchanting experience with the only sound of the waterfall as it gushes down. You can wade in the rock-filled waters to get upfront views of it.
Nearest City: About 5 miles from Gladbrook
Hiking & Other Activities: A short trail across the creek from the parking area, accessible by hikers of any skill level, leads to the waterfall. Additional activities to enjoy within the state park include swimming, fishing, and boating in Union Grove Lake. You can also hike the other surrounding trails and stay overnight in the cabins or at the campground in the vicinity.
Despite its name, MacBride Falls is technically a spillway boasting impressive views of the rock formations all around. It sits between Lake MacBride and Coralville Reservoir within the MacBride Falls State Park. You can spend time sitting by the cascading beauty and enjoying a picnic.
Nearest City: About 5 miles from Solon
Hiking & Other Activities: A hike along the 1.7-mile trail from the Nature Area is needed. It is easy and takes you through a dense forest before reaching the waterfall. Once you have had your fill at the waterfall, you can head to Lake MacBride to enjoy cooling off there. For overnight accommodations here, you can consider staying at any of the two campgrounds within the state park.
The captivating Beulah Springs Falls sits near the Spook Cave and Campground. It plunges over a rocky cliff covered with moss from a height of about 20 feet into the Bloody Run Creek. Though you can witness it any time of the year, coming here when the snow melts or when it rains heavily will allow you to see its broader and more vigorous form.
Nearest City: About 8.8 miles from McGregor
Hiking & Other Activities: From the campground near the parking lot, a short, easy walk off the road will bring you to Beulah Spring Falls. While you are here, you shouldn’t miss being a part of the guided boat tour to Spook Cave.
Within Malanaphy Springs State Reserve, this little waterfall tumbles over a rocky bed into a clear, shallow pool below. The awe-inspiring backdrop of the wilderness and rock formations, along with the soothing sound of the waters, make it an excellent spot to spend some peaceful time in the lap of nature. You can also enjoy wading and splashing in the pool with your kids. To get a different view of the surrounding, you can climb to the top also. But, the loose and slippery rocks on the way need some close attention.
Nearest City: About 5 miles from Decorah
Hiking & Other Activities: Hiking a 1.8 mile out and back trail through the dense woods and along a creek will take you to the waterfall. It is family-friendly and provides shade all along the flat terrain. You can also head to the Iowa River to indulge in activities like canoeing and kayaking.
Visiting this glorious 200-foot waterfall is ideal for a family outing any time of the year. Located within Dunnings Spring Park, it slides down in multiple cascades over several rock faces. You can enjoy taking several photographs of it or soaking in its views while having your meals.
Nearest City: About a mile from Decorah
Hiking & Other Activities: This waterfall sits just off Ice Cave Road and hence requires a short, effortless walk to reach it. You will also find the ice cave within the premises, accessible by a half-mile trail. Stunning ice formations remain here till late summer.
Woodman Hollow Falls sits within Woodman Hollow State in Webster County. It is a 12-foot waterfall formed by a spring on the Des Moines River. The area is rich in greenery with various plants, ferns, and mosses all around. You can also enjoy beautiful seasonal wildflower blooming sights, especially if you are visiting from March to August.
Nearest City: 7 miles from Fort Dodge
Hiking & Other Activities: A half-mile trail from the parking lot through the lush woods will bring you to the waterfall. You can spend time exploring the scenic ravines and creeks in the adjoining area.
TOP PICKS
Best Waterfalls for Hiking: Malanaphy Springs Falls, MacBride Falls, Bridal Veil Falls
Best Waterfalls for Swimming: Ledges State Park Waterfall, Malanaphy Springs Falls
Best Waterfalls for Camping: MacBride Falls, Union Grove State Park Spillway and Falls, State Briggs Woods Waterfall
Best Hidden Waterfalls: Union Grove State Park Spillway and Falls, Beulah Spring Falls, Briggs Woods Falls
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