While the wonders of Backbone State Park and the rich history of Effigy Mounds are compelling, not everyone is excited about the prospect of a long hike. Here are ten natural wonders you can see right here in Iowa; no hiking required. Many of these natural wonders offer a better view if you are willing to leave your vehicle. However, for most of the amazing sights on this list, even that isn't a requirement.

1. See this awesome terrain from the comfort of your automobile at Palisades-Kepler State Park in Linn County. For the adventurous, hiking is an option.

Palisades-Kepler State Park is situated along the Cedar River. It covers 840 acres and the winding drive through the park reveals deep ravines, exposed rocks along the river, and an abundance of wildlife.

2. With the Raccoon River on one side and the Des Moines River on the other, Des Moines offers beautiful views from many vantage points.

The Raccoon River is just over 30 miles long and is a tributary of the Des Moines River. It is also the source of drinking water for the residents of Des Moines. If your timing is right, our capital city is a beautiful place to watch an amazing Iowa sunset.

3. Those of us who love a good road trip know that the view from the highway coming into East Dubuque is definitely one of the most beautiful in our state.

Take highway 151 through town or enjoy the views from highway 20. Either way, you'll be charmed by the terrain surrounding this charming river town.

4. For all of its harsh weather, Iowa offers some of the greenest fields on earth. The rural areas of the state are worth a look in August.

A drive down highway 30 from Tama to Ames offers great views of our lush fields.

5. Pikes Peak State Park near McGregor offers year-round views of Iowa that are simply breathtaking.

This view shows the Mississippi River. Bluffs are as high as 500 feet and offer views for miles.

6. The water lily pond is a sight to behold.

Head out to Reiman Gardens in Ames in late summer for the best chance of seeing a frog. Look closely at the middle of the photo. Can you see him?

7. Le Claire is a great place to watch for eagles.

You can watch the famous Decorah Eagles from the comfort of home during their most active times at www.decoraheaglecamalerts.com

8. In western Iowa, the steep Loess Hills are a result of a natural phenomenon that originated in the Ice Age.

Grass covered sediment left from glacial activity during the Ice Age gave us the stunning Loess Hills that rise 200 feet above the plains, forming a 200-mile ridge along the Missouri River.

9. Farms like this one near Anamosa, Iowa dot the landscape.

For more views like this one, drive along Buffalo Ridge Road between Anamosa and Waubeek. Head down nearly any gravel road to see Iowa's rich agricultural history, up close.

10. Seeing the incredible Crystal Lake Cave 5 miles south of Dubuque doesn't require any hiking, but you will have to get out of the car.

These two million year old mineral formations are a sight to behold. You can see the caves during a 1.5-hour guided tour.

As you can see, enjoying the natural wonders of Iowa doesn't require a hiking trip. Is there anything we missed?