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Waterfalls In Iowa

8 Most Beautiful Waterfalls In Iowa | You Must Visit In 2024

Ranked at number 11 as the best place to live in the US, Iowa is the home to towering cliffs, mysterious caves, sandy beaches, scrumptious delights, and bright blue lakes. Not just this, Iowa is also popular for its visually enthralling waterfalls.

If we talk about the waterfalls in Iowa, they are a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Apart from gazing at their natural beauty, you can sit beside them and meditate in the serene environment. Here are the best waterfalls in Iowa.

List Of 8 Amazing Waterfalls In Iowa

The waterfalls of Iowa are the hidden gems of the state. They are distributed across the state, nearby springs, caves, cliffs, and rivers. Here is a comprehensive list of Hidden waterfalls, Iowa.

  • Union Grove Lake Waterfall | The Secret Waterfall
  • Beulah Spring Falls | The Spooky Waterfall
  • Malanaphy Spring Falls | The Mossy Waterfall
  • Willow Creek Waterfall | The Private Waterfall
  • Dunning's Spring Falls | The Wedding Destination Waterfall
  • Duck Creek Waterfall | Hidden Among the Trails
  • Bridal Veil Falls | The Easy Trail
  • Siewer's Spring Waterfall | The Small Stair Cascade

1. Union Grove Lake Waterfall | The Secret Waterfall

Union Grove Lake Waterfall is a part of the Union Grove State Park in Tama County. If you plan, a trip with your family to Iowa, you can visit this park. Along with providing a stunning view of the waterfall, there are spots for picnicking, hiking, bird watching, and even fishing.

Nested in the woods and created by the channel from the lake’s spillway, the waterfall is a perfect spot to click some pictures for your social media handle.

  • Location: 2180 C Ave, Garwin
  • Fee: Free

2. Beulah Spring Falls | The Spooky Waterfall

Why are we saying this is a spooky waterfall? The waterfall was created after a terrible storm hit Beulah and turned it into a ghost town. Most visitors tend to take the boat tour through the spooky cave and sit and relax in the campground nearby. What they miss is this waterfall.

This small waterfall is easy to walk up to and offers visitors a stunning photo point. The best thing is that it is not crowded. Unlike many other waterfalls in Iowa, the gentle stream allows you to walk right up to the rushing waters.

  • Location: Inside Spook Cave Campground
  • Fee: Free

3. Malanaphy Spring Falls | The Mossy Waterfall

Among the rocky areas and mossy foliage near the Upper Iowa River is the Malanaphy Spring Falls. It is a 30-foot waterfall fed by a spring and falls into the Upper Iowa River. The rocky area can be hiked via the two-mile trail, taking you to the fall along the Iowa River.

Apart from enjoying the scenic and green beauty of the astonishing waterfall, you can also just sit beside it and observe the greenery and flora all around. When you are done, you can grab a bike to eat in the Downtown at Mabe’s Pizza, Magpie Coffeehouse, etc.

  • Location: Near Decorah, Iowa
  • Fee: Free

4. Willow Creek Waterfall | The Private Waterfall

Located in the Rock Crest historical district, Willow Creek Waterfall is one of the top waterfall spots in IA. The views of this waterfall are truly a spectacle to witness. However, it is on a private property, so you can only gaze at its beauty from the State Street bridge between 1st Street NE and S Carolina Avenue.

Due to its private location, it is a place for absolute tranquillity. While exploring Iowa's waterfalls in Mason City, you can visit the Frank Lloyd Wright Stockman House and MacNider Art Museum.

  • Location: Rock Glen/Rock Crest historical district
  • Fee: NA

5. Dunning's Spring Falls | The Wedding Destination Waterfall

Among all the waterfalls in Iowa, this one is unique in a way. Unlike the others, Dunning's Spring Falls is an ideal wedding destination. It is located in the Dunnings Springs Park off the Ice Cave Road. There is a parking near the 200-foot waterfall from where you have to just take a 200-yard walk to this beauty.

Looking just like a scene out of a fairy tale, the waterfall is perfect for clicking pictures with your partner. It is also a great spot for picnicking with your family and friends.

  • Location: Ice Cave Rd, Decorah
  • Fee: Free

6. Duck Creek Waterfall | Hidden Among the Trails

Hidden under the winding trails of the beautiful Devil’s Glen Park, the waterfall is a hidden gem in Iowa. Fed by the Duck Greek, the calmly flowing water falls from the limestone bluffs into the Mississippi River.

The well-paved trails along the park can access it, and if you want more, you can check out the Creek Pancake House along with several picnic areas along the trail.

  • Location: Devils Glen Park, Bettendorf
  • Fee: Free

7. Bridal Veil Falls | The Easy Trail

If you want to unravel the beauty of this fascinating waterfall, you have to take one of the easiest Iowa waterfall hikes. Costing you a round trip of 1 mile, the hike from the Pikes Peak State Park parking lot takes you to the base of the waterfall.

The well-marked trails are easy for people of all ages. Further, when you reach the base of the falls, via the stairs, you can see the perfectly reflecting sun rays making the water turn golden.

  • Location: Near McGregor, Iowa
  • Fee: Free

8. Siewer's Spring Waterfall | The Small Stair Cascade

The Siewer's Spring Waterfall is one of the iconic waterfalls in Iowa. Gradually cascading down over multiple smaller steps, the waterfall is a true delight for those who love tranquillity. One of the best things about this waterfall is that you can go fishing here.

Besides, the surrounding greenery is perfect for hosting a family picnic. Though the waterfall can keep you glued to it for hours, if you want to explore more, you can head to Decorah's famous eagle's nest nearby.

  • Location: 2325 Siewers Spring Rd, Decorah
  • Fee: Free

Adotrip is your ideal travel companion when planning a trip to Iowa, renowned for its breathtaking waterfalls. Our platform offers a seamless experience, from itinerary customisation to booking accommodations and guided tours. With Adotrip, you can explore its natural wonders like never before, ensuring a memorable and hassle-free journey. Discover the cascading beauty of Iowa's waterfalls with us, and let the adventure begin.

With us, nothing is far!

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Frequently Asked Questions About Waterfalls In Iowa

Q1. Are there any natural waterfalls in Iowa?
A1. Yes, there are several natural waterfalls in Iowa, such as Union Grove Lake Waterfall, Willow Creek Waterfall, Duck Creek Waterfall, etc.

Q2. Where can I find the largest waterfall in Iowa?
A2. Dunning's Spring Waterfall is the largest in Iowa, located on Ice Cave Road, Decorah.

Q3. Is it safe to swim at waterfalls in Iowa?
A3. No, it is a bit unsafe to attempt swimming at the waterfalls in Iowa. If you still want to, consider waterfall features, weather, property types, water quality, and other aspects in mind.

Q4. Are there any historic sites near waterfalls in Iowa?
A4. Historic Park Inn. Near Willow Creek Waterfall and the Lockmaster House Museum near Big Springs Nature Area are the historic sites near Iowa waterfalls.

Q5. What are the best hiking trails leading to waterfalls in Iowa?
A5. Bridal Veil Falls Trail, Bridal Veil Falls Trail, Ice Cave Trail, and Canyon Road Trail are the best hiking trails leading to waterfalls in Iowa.

Q6. Do any waterfalls in Iowa freeze in the winter?
A6. Yes, the Union Grove Lake Waterfall is the one that freezes in winter.

Q7. Are there picnic areas near popular waterfalls in Iowa?
A7.
Yes, there are some scenic picnic areas near waterfalls like Union Grove Lake Waterfall, Dunning’s Springs Falls, Duck Creek Waterfall, and more.

Q8. Can I go fishing near waterfalls in Iowa?
A8.
Yes, near some waterfalls, you can go fishing, such as the Union Grove Lake Waterfall and Siewer's Spring Waterfall.

Q9. Are there any annual events or festivals celebrating waterfalls in Iowa?
A9.
No, there are no special festivals or events celebrated near waterfalls in Iowa. However, wedding ceremonies are hosted near Dunning's Spring Falls.

Q10. What is the geological history of waterfalls in Iowa?
A10.
Several aspects describe the geological history of waterfalls in Iowa, such as river erosion, the Mississippi River valley, Karst Topography, and Glacial Activity.

--- Published By  Adotrip

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