If you are in the mood for exploring Iowa's many natural areas, you are in for a treat. We've put together a Iowa waterfalls road trip we think you may enjoy. Since there are so many wonderful waterfalls in Iowa it's helpful to have a handy dandy map. This trip is just over 400 miles. You’ll see some of the best scenery Iowa has to offer during this 8.5-hour drive.
Here is the interactive Google Map for our waterfall tour in Iowa. If you want to change the route, just tap or click on it and mess around with the order until it pleases you.
You may want to take the weekend to really enjoy this waterfall road trip in Iowa. Take a look at the nearby towns and find a cool bed and breakfast or even an Airbnb and make it a long luxurious weekend of sightseeing. Take advantage of this fun road trip idea when you are in need of some outdoor adventures!
1. Dunning’s Spring - Decorah
There are a few waterfalls in northeast Iowa. You’ll start in Decorah and Dunning’s Spring Falls. Take the time to go to the top for the best view. This area is amazing, so stick around and explore a bit. It’s some of the most beautiful and unique terrain in the state. And you can take one of the best waterfall hikes in Iowa here.
Take a look at the beautiful scenic views you'll find on this wonderful waterfall hike in Dunning's Spring Park in Decorah, Iowa:
2. Siewers Spring - Decorah
Also in Decorah, Dunning’s second waterfall offers some of the best fishing around. It’s on Trout Run Trail, so if you are a fishing enthusiast, you’ll want to bring your gear. Who knows, you might catch lunch! You'll love spending time at Siewers Spring Falls in Iowa.
3. Malanaphy Spring - Bluffton
Located in Winneshiek County on the Upper Iowa River, this area is simply breathtaking. It’s not far from the community of Bluffton. Take a short two-mile hike to see Malanaphy Falls and see them in all their magnificence. It's truly one of the best waterfall hikes in Iowa.
4. Beulah Spring - McGregor
This incredible Iowa waterfall is in Clayton County. It’s close to Spook Cave in McGregor, which is worth the time it takes to tour. It’s the only underground boat tour in the state and it takes passengers through the most amazing ancient caves. Beulah Spring Falls in Iowa is a spectacular place to visit.
Lets's continue our Iowa waterfall tour by watching this spring-fed waterfall in action in this enchanting time-lapse video:
5. Bridal Veil Falls - McGregor
Located in the beautiful town of McGregor, this Iowa waterfall is in Pikes Peak State Park. There are a lot of amazing hiking trails here and much of the park is handicapped accessible. The view from the lookout point of the Mississippi River is breathtaking. This is another park you’ll want to plan to spend time exploring. If you're looking for hiking trails with waterfalls in Iowa, take the one to Bridal Veil Falls.
6. Macbride Falls - Solon
Near the small town of Solon, Macbride Falls is a stunning natural wonder and also one of the most underrated waterfalls in Iowa. Luckily, it’s located very close to a town that’s tiny but full of great restaurants.
Let's take a short but scenic hike to Macbride Lake and waterfalls in this quick video:
7. Union Grove Lake Waterfall - Gladbrook
Next, you’ll head into rural Tama County to Union Grove Lake. Union Grove Lake State Park is located between Waterloo and Marshalltown. And it's here you'll find one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Iowa.
8. Willow Creek Waterfall - Mason City
The last waterfall on the road trip is In Mason City. This one is on private property but you can see it from the bridge on East State Street. It's quite a lovely waterfall to see!
There are a few other waterfalls in Iowa worth mentioning, as well (you could even add them on to your Iowa waterfalls road trip). Beads Lake in Hampton has a waterfall that is the result of a dam. Iowa Falls has man-made waterfalls that are easy to kayak close to. Also, check out Marble Rock and the man-made waterfall in Mitchell. East of Mason City is the Shell Rock River Falls at Nora Springs.
What are some of your favorite Iowa waterfalls? Let us know in the comments.
Subscribe to our newsletter
Get the latest updates and news
Thank you for subscribing!