Iowa "Secrets" ME

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COON RAPIDS, IOWA

Whiterock Conservancy

BY JACQUELINE KEHOE

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This guide is proudly produced in partnership with Travel Iowa.

01.

Stretching along a seven-mile section of the Middle Raccoon River valley, Whiterock Conservancy offers 40+ miles of hiking, mountain biking, and equestrian trails, paddling opportunities beneath sandstone cliffs, and epic star parties. (Spend the night here and you’ll enjoy Iowa’s darkest skies.)

While visiting from Cedar Rapids, artist Grant Wood spotted a home that drew his eye. The little white house with the large Gothic window would soon become iconic, living on forever in his masterpiece painting, American Gothic. Come to Eldon and you can create your own (Instagram) masterpiece.

ELDON, IOWA

American Gothic House

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River surfing while it’s snowing? Whitewater tubing? The Cedar River reaches its wildest point at the Charles City Whitewater Park, open to kayakers, SUPers, tubers, anglers, and river enthusiasts of all skill levels. (Rentals are available from multiple businesses nearby.)

CHARLES CITY, IOWA

Charles City Whitewater Park

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On western Iowa's rugged Loess Hills Scenic Byway, stop at the Hitchcock Nature Center to interpret all that stands before you. (Spoiler: At one point, it was all dunes.) Today, the continent’s tallest loess hills harbor prairies, oak savannas, and rolling forests—and incredible hiking trails and birding hotspots.

HONEY CREEK, IOWA

Hitchcock Nature Center

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Mark Twain proclaimed his adoration for Muscatine’s sunsets, and there’s no better place to take them in than Wildcat Den State Park. Catch them between sandstone tunnels, hiking across the Devil’s Punch Bowl, or primitive camping along the park’s high bluffs. (Best times to visit? Peak summer and fall.)

MUSCATINE, IOWA

Wildcat Den State Park

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The Mississippi, Yellow, and Upper Iowa rivers spent thousands of years carving deep valleys across Iowa, only for glaciers to roll in and undo most of their work. But not in the Driftless Area of northeast Iowa. Zigzagging for 144 miles, the Driftless Area Scenic Byway is a roller-coaster ride (one with ample stops for hiking, paddling, and fishing opportunities).

ALLAMAKEE / WINNESHIEK COUNTIES

Driftless Area Scenic Byway

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The first Iowa distillery to swing open its doors since Prohibition, Cedar Ridge has racked up the accolades, especially for its whiskey. Iowa is the #1 corn-producing state in the US, after all. Visit the tasting room for a superb vineyard view. (Don’t sleep on the wines, either!)

SWISHER, IA

Cedar Ridge Winery & Distillery

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This fifth-generation family farm leads hands-on workshops in the arts, cooking, and traditional crafts. Glamp onsite, and you’ll also get a lesson on how to unplug (and how to cuddle baby goats)—hello, goat yoga!

CEDAR FALLS, IA

Three Pines Farm

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At 88,000 square feet, this is the largest public skatepark in the United States. You heard that right. Find it on the Principal Riverwalk, right in downtown Des Moines. (Spectators welcome!)

DES MOINES, IA

Lauridsen Skatepark

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Rising above the Des Moines River Valley and Lake Red Rock, this is the tallest observation tower in the Midwest. Bring your turnstile quarters to climb 170 steps to the top, or wave up to the tiny figures on the platform from the comfort of your cabin on the water. (The view will be great either way.)

OTLEY, IA

Cordova Park Observation Tower

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There are few secrets left in this world, especially when it comes to travel. As a nation, we tend to go, to explore, to discover—so long as we follow the crowds.

Look down—there’s a 375-million-year-old ocean floor beneath your feet, ancient lifeforms still visible in the rock. (These critters predate the dinosaurs!) Since there are only two sites like this in the entire country, don’t forget to snap some pictures while you fossil-gawk.

IOWA CITY, IA

Devonian Fossil Gorge

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Every Thursday (weather permitting), cyclists gather for a 20-mile ride through the rugged Loess Hills. The terminus? Dinner at Tobey Jack’s Mineola Steak House.

COUNCIL BLUFFS, IA

Wabash Trace Nature Trail Taco Ride

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Throughout the rolling hills of northeast Iowa, countless coldwater streams (nearly off the grid) come stocked with trout for the taking. With a license or a guide, you can get to know this unparalleled corner of the state via rod and reel.

DRIFTLESS REGION

Trout Fishing in Northeast Iowa

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Stroll down a neon-lit nostalgia lane past 70+ classic cars with a trip to this old-school museum in Milford, near the state’s northern border. (If you fall in love, know that most of the vehicles are for sale!)

MILFORD, IA

Okoboji Classic Cars Museum

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These seven preserved German villages open the door to the past—and Iowa's artsy present. Stroll the shops, settle into the classic, family-style German fare, or grab a bespoke cocktail at the Hotel Millwright, a textile-mill-turned-boutique hotspot.

AMANA, IA

Amana Colonies

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This 19th-century brick-paved lane claims the title of “Crookedest Street in the World.” Good luck biking it (though you may need more luck driving it)! Either way, when you make it to the end, you’ll arrive with a new appreciation for taking the road less traveled.

BURLINGTON, IA

Snake Alley

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16 Incredible Secrets Iowa Is Ready to Share

But what happens when you follow your own path? What will you learn about the world, about yourself? What secrets will you uncover, and where will you, in turn, lead the pack?

Iowa wants you to know that this type of travel, that true discovery, is still possible. Take a look at these 16 Iowa destinations—and come see for yourself.

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Photo: Brian Gibbs

Photo: Travel Iowa

Photo: Greater Ottumwa Convention & Visitors Bureau

Photo: Travel Iowa

Photo: Three Pines Farm

Photo: Polk County Conservation

Photo: Travel Iowa

Photo: Vacation Okoboji

Photo: Travel Iowa

Learn more

Photo: Greater Ottumwa Convention &Visitors Bureau

Photo: Travel Iowa

Photo: Three Pines Farm

Photo: Polk County Conservation

Photo: Travel Iowa

Photo: Vacation Okoboji

MILFORD, IA

Okoboji Classic Cars Museum

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Photo: Travel Iowa