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Nature|Waterfalls

This Tiered Waterfall And Swimming Hole In Iowa Must Be On Your Bucket List

Beeds Lake State Park in Iowa is a hidden gem known for its beautiful lake, charming trails, and stunning manmade waterfall.

Updated May 5, 2023

Written by 

Raymond Goldfield

Beeds Lake State Park in Hampton, Iowa is one of the state's lesser-known state parks - but that just means it's a hidden gem waiting for you to discover. While its charming grounds and trails are an attraction in and of itself, the real highlight comes when you find the water. It's not just a bucket-list worthy lake for swimming and recreation, it'll bring you right up to one of the state's most stunning waterfalls.

Beeds Lake State Park in Hampton, Iowa, is a long drive from any major city.

Sign for Beeds Lake State Park surrounded by colorful flowers and green grass in a wooded area.
P & G S/TripAdvisor

But it's worth it for a little slice of nature in the summer.

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The charming state park is full of beautiful old buildings.

A stone building with a circular roof surrounded by trees with autumn foliage and picnic tables nearby.
Ann Sullivan-Larson/Wikipedia

Each one provides its own story and is teeming with Iowa history.

The trails in the park are easy to hike, and some take you right up to the water.

A serene riverbank scene with lush green grass and trees under a clear blue sky.
Jake Fields/AllTrails

The lake here is one of the most beautiful lakes in the state.

And speaking of that water - the crystal-clear Beeds Lake has a sandy beach.

A serene lake surrounded by lush green trees under a partly cloudy sky.
P & G S/TripAdvisor

Here you can swim and there is also a larger lake ideal for boating and fishing.

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But the main attraction of Beeds Lake State Park is on the other end...

A waterfall cascading over a dam into a calm lake, surrounded by trees and clear blue skies.
TravelIowa

... where there is a dramatic spillway leading to a manmade waterfall.

For a much closer look at this wonder, head down one of the ground-level trails.

A serene forest path leads to a waterfall, surrounded by lush greenery and tall trees.
Destiny Meyer/AllTrails

If you love to hike, these trails will amaze you!

There are many amazing views of this tiered, uniform waterfall now covered with moss.

A serene view of a waterfall cascading over a stone dam, surrounded by trees and reflecting in a calm pond.
Nailuj110/TripAdvisor

It is really a photographer's dream!

You'll want to get up close to give the smooth, rhythmic motion of the water a clear look.

A cascading waterfall flows down a stepped stone structure into a calm body of water below.
Nailuj110/TripAdvisor

It really is a beautiful sight to see and thing to feel.

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Beeds Lake State Park is definitely one of the most peaceful places in Iowa.

A serene sunset over a calm lake, with trees framing the scene and vibrant colors reflecting on the water.
Management/TripAdvisor

And you'll want to give it a prime spot on your bucket list.

Have you dropped by this beautiful state park and taken in the simple joys of its swimming hole and waterfall? Let us know all about your trip in the comments section below. The park is open year-round, but amenities may vary by season. Visit the official state website for more information about what's waiting for you at this little slice of Iowa heaven.

For other fun swimming holes in The Buckeye State, be sure to read this article about 10 swimming holes that are a must visit.

If you’re still in the mood for more Iowa adventures, take a look at this video:

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Nature|Waterfalls

The Stunning Top-Secret Waterfall In Iowa Nobody’s Ever Heard Of

Published Aug 2, 2024

Written by 

Raymond Goldfield

Decorah is one of Iowa's most beautiful small towns, combining a wonderful small-town atmosphere and a rich cultural history with some stunning natural sites only minutes from downtown. When you talk about Decorah and waterfalls, almost everyone's mind immediately goes to Dunnings Spring Falls - and we can't blame them! It's definitely one of the state's most beautiful sights. But did you know there's a secret waterfall in Iowa only minutes from that park, and it's easy to find with only a short hike? Welcome to Twin Springs Park, one of the most relaxing and beautiful city parks in Iowa. It's best seen with a 0.8-mile loop trail, the Twin Springs Headwaters Loop Trail, which will take you right by a charming waterfall. We think it's a great way to spend a peaceful summer day and beat the crowds and the heat!

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One of the most laid-back parks in Iowa, Twin Springs Park is perfect for a hot summer day.

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Nick Chill/Google Local

The park is a small area just outside of Decorah, and it's an ideal spot for a quick summer hike followed by a cookout. It's a dog-friendly park if you have fido on a leash.

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Darrin Ochsner/google Local

The small park only has one trail, an easy 0.8-mile loop trail. Just follow it along the creek...

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Darrin Ochsner/Google Local

And you'll come to a beautiful, tiny waterfall that makes an incredibly peaceful photo opportunity.

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Tom Huffman/Google Local

There will rarely be anyone around except on the busiest days - but you might get some local company from the woods and the trout anglers targeting the holes along the stream.

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Nick Chill/Google Local

This park only takes a short time to explore, but it's well worth sticking around for a beautiful sunset by the falls.

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Logan Strom/AllTrails

Have you visited Twin Springs Park in Decorah and seen this beautiful secret waterfall in Iowa? Let us know about your visit in the comments section! If you want to see more pictures of the trail, make sure to visit the AllTrails trail listing. If you love hiking, consider a subscription to AllTrails Plus. The mobile app is remarkably convenient for hiking in remote areas, thanks to its downloadable trail maps with step-by-step instructions. And if you're looking for a memorable night out in Decorah after your hike, check out nearby Twin Springs Supper Club.

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Nature|Waterfalls

The Union Grove Lake Lower Loop Is One Of The Best Waterfall Hikes In Iowa

Published Jul 3, 2024

Written by 

Raymond Goldfield

Some of my favorite hikes are those that include the best waterfalls in Iowa. These cascades are scattered around the state, and some take a pretty long and intense hike to reach. One that doesn't is located in Union Grove State Park, a beautiful rural haven about 65 miles northwest of Cedar Rapids. This laid-back park is home to maybe the best waterfall hike in Iowa, the Union Grove Lake Lower Loop. Coming in at only 2.3 miles, this easy loop trail is an ideal day adventure for beginner hikers and is full of beautiful sights even before you get to the park's famous spillway. We find this is an amazing hike any time of the year, because it's so accessible to all skill levels. Read on to discover why this hike belongs on your state park bucket list!

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Union Grove State Park is one of those laid-back hidden gems that's great for hiking, sight-seeing, and even camping.

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Jason Sydejko/AllTrails

There are two main trails here, and the Union Grove Lake Lower Loop trail is an easy 2.3-mile loop trail that's suitable for all skill levels.

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Darrin Ochsner/AllTrails

The trail is most popular in the summer, when the lake is at its most beautiful and is ripe for recreation.

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Le Cox/AllTrails

The highlight here, though, is probably the park's famous, small waterfall - a beautiful sight.

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Valerie Boelman/AllTrails

A small spillway, it's one of the most beautiful sights in the park and offers a great photo op for visitors.

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Daniel Valencia/AllTrails

While more people visit during warm weather, it's uniquely peaceful in the winter, as well, when it's frozen solid.

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Jon Day/AllTrails

Have you hiked the Union Grove Lake Lower Loop before? What's your favorite waterfall hike in Iowa? Let us know in the comments section! You can see more pictures of this trail on its official AllTrails trail listing, and visit the Union Grove State Park website for more information about this laid-back park's many amenities. And if you're looking to build up to more challenging hikes, we highly recommend a subscription to AllTrails +, so you'll always be equipped with downloadable trail guides and step-by-step directions, no matter how remote things get.

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Looking for a unique place to eat around this area? Head to the nearby community of Marshalltown for The Flying Elbow, an over-the-top, wrestling-themed restaurant.

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