Iowa's famous covered bridges were the star of a famous novel, and of course, the Clint Eastwood movie "Bridges of Madison County". While not every bridge is still standing, some are, and you can enjoy a hike across one at one of Iowa's most charming city parks.
Winterset is home to one of Iowa's famous Bridge of Madison County, and you can see it while you explore Winterset City Park.
You'll find the Yellow River State Forest in Allamakee County in extreme northeastern Iowa - about 40 minutes east of my hometown of Decorah. The closest communities to the forest are Harpers Ferry and Waukon Junction. This stretch of wilderness butts up against Effigy Mounds National Monument and stretches westward, from the Mississippi River bluffs, deep into the Hawkeye State's Driftless Area.
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There are many things that make the Yellow River State Forest the wonderful and unique place that it is: a true rugged-wilderness feeling in a state that's often thought of as nothing but one big cornfield; the potential for peace and solitude; deep, creased valleys and soaring bluffs above rushing streams. At more than 8,500 acres, it's one of the largest remaining swaths of hardwood forest west of the Mississippi River and home to Iowa's only fire tower. And it's not only people who find this place so incredible, Yellow River State Forest has been designated a Globally Significant Bird Conservation Area - and for good reason: The Upper Iowa Audubon Society reports that more than 172 species have been recorded in the area. This means you could see literally dozens of bird species in a single day at this iconic Iowa birding area.
Perhaps best known as a haven for the threatened red-shouldered hawk, the Yellow River State Forest is a year-round home to several other species of raptors, such as barred owls, as well as those that migrate seasonally up and down the Mississippi River flyway.
Migrating waterfowl and songbirds visit the forest every year, including several species of warblers like this ovenbird. Many spend their summers at Yellow River State Forest before heading back south when colder weather begins to set in.
The best way to explore Yellow River State Forest - whether you're birding or simply enjoying a day trip to the forest - is by getting out on its more than 50 miles of multi-use trails. This is one of the most remote parts of the state, so I recommend downloading trail maps from AllTrails Plus - which offers offline navigation when you don't have a signal - before you head out.
I was in third grade when I first laid eyes on Pulpit Rock at Will Baker Park in Decorah, Iowa. I was camping with my family at the nearby namesake campground, and being a flatlander from the southern part of the state, I was in gape-mouthed awe of the towering limestone formation. Other than chasing trout with my Dad in nearby Twin Springs, I spent much of that weekend scrambling around on the Pulpit Rock bluffs. What I didn't know at the time was that those camping trips to Pulpit Rock were actually scouting expeditions, and not too much later, my family relocated from Iowa City to Decorah. So, I got to grow up hiking around the park. And as I got bigger, the trails got shorter, but I was still amazed by this rock formation in my backyard. Even though I moved for college and haven't lived in town for quite some time, I still think it's pretty darn cool, and I like to visit when I go back home.
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In the time since I left, my charming hometown of Decorah has emerged as something of a tourist hotspot in the Hawkeye State, but with all the focus on the Upper Iowa River, the singletrack, and the waterfalls, Pulpit Rock is often overlooked as an area attraction. That's why I think it's one of the best natural hidden gems in Iowa.
The hike from the base of the bluff to the lookout over Pulpit Rock is pretty short loop - it comes in at only half a mile. But AllTrails rates it moderately challenging - and my middle-aged body agrees - due to the steep climb, stairs, and rough patches on the trail.
But the little bit of effort that the hike takes earns you a big payoff at the top, with awesome views of the - as you'll see from the overly - aptly named pulpit rock and the bucolic Upper Iowa River valley.
After you've had your fill of exploring Pulpit Rock and Will Baker City Park, keep the groove going with a cold beverage from Pulpit Rock Brewing Co., where you'll find 10 or so revolving brews on tap, as well as cans for sale. It's only a mile or so from its eponymous landmark, on the west side of the College Dr. bridge over the Upper Iowa River.
It's also a great jumping off point if you want to continue exploring the area with a visit to Dunning's Spring and/or Ice Cave State Preserve. These two popular parks are adjacent to each other on Ice Cave Road, just another mile or so downstream from the brewery. Dunning's Spring Park is home to Iowa's tallest waterfall. In the preserve, you'll find Ice Cave, which stays cool enough to preserve ice crystals throughout the year. Along with Pulpit Rock, these are two more reasons to visit the area. If you want to make a weekend of it, I recommend you book a stay at the Historic Hotel Winneshiek, which offers a prime Water St. location in Decorah's charming downtown area, as well as a great lobby bar. I think you'll really like it.
