Most Iowans are familiar with Lake Red Rock, Iowa. Not only is it the largest lake in Iowa, but it’s a popular summer spot for nature lovers to enjoy swimming, boating, fishing, and more. What might be surprising to you is that there are several towns under Lake Red Rock. When this lake was built, it submerged not one, not two, but six Hawkeye State towns. Let's take a look at the fascinating history of this beautiful lake, shall we?

Lake Red Rock is a place thousands of people go every summer to swim, camp, fish, and enjoy the outdoors.

Most people aren’t aware that while they are enjoying the sun and water on the lake, they are above six Marion County river towns that were covered with water during the development of the lake.

These six towns under Lake Red Rock are Dunreath, Red Rock, Cordova, Rousseau, Fifield, and Coalport.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers purchased the area around Lake Red Rock in the early 1960s. The lake was named after one of the towns that it covered, as it was the biggest of the six towns.

The decision to bury these towns was not an easy one. In 1947, the area was facing severe flooding. Local government agencies decided that there was a need for preventative structures to help alleviate the flooding.

It was decided that a structure was needed above the town of Red Rock, Iowa, just one mile west of the famous Mile-Long Bridge. Just a few months later, a second site, 10 miles downstream, was chosen for another structure.

Understandably, residents that lived between the two sites were quite upset by the news. In 1959, the second site was officially approved. All land below the elevation of 760 was acquired for the project.

While Red Rock, Iowa, was the largest of the towns to be submerged, all six were home to residents, buildings, and lives lived.

How deep is Lake Red Rock? At its maximum depth, the lake goes down an impressive 55 feet.

It's amazing to think that there are remnants of six towns lying underneath all that water.

The dam was completed in 1968 and the gates closed in 1969.

While the towns are long gone, there are still plenty of things to do at Lake Red Rock.

It is the largest lake in Iowa, after all.

It’s a huge draw for campers, boaters, and fishermen. Elk Rock State Park is on both sides of the lake, providing ample camping opportunities, hiking trails, and more.

The best view of the area is from the Cordova Observation Tower.

Named after the lost town of Cordova that's one of the towns under Lake Red Rock, it is the tallest observation tower in the Midwest that is located in a public park.

There are 170 steps to the top, but the views at the top are well worth it. While you're gazing out at the panoramic views below, take a moment to remember all of the towns that had to be sacrificed for greater flood control.

Check out this great drone footage over Lake Red Rock from Youtube user Danny Engesser:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gmc7qCL95iQ

For more historic towns, take this road trip to some of the most hauntingly beautiful ghost towns in Iowa.

Have you ever visited Lake Red Rock, Iowa? Let us know in the comments! If you're looking for great vacation rental homes near Lake Red Rock, check out all the listings on Vrbo.