The Top 20 Natural Monuments in Iowa
Iowa’s landscape is a beautiful place to explore — something that you can best experience by visiting one of our 20
beautiful natural monuments in Iowa. To help you find the one for, you can see all the details you need to explore the best natural monuments, and better plan your next outdoor adventure!
beautiful natural monuments in Iowa. To help you find the one for, you can see all the details you need to explore the best natural monuments, and better plan your next outdoor adventure!
Last updated: November 21, 2025
Decorah Impact Crater Marker
Highlight • Monument
About 465 to 470 million years ago, a meteorite struck near present-day Decorah, Iowa, creating a 3.5-mile (5.6 km) wide impact crater buried beneath the city's surface.
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Dunning's Spring Waterfall
Highlight • Waterfall
Park in the gravel area just south of the entrance to Dunning’s Spring Park. Walk to the waterfall and be sure to take time to walk across the stone bridge …
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Pulpit Rock
Highlight • Natural Monument
Pulpit Rock, a prominent limestone bluff in Decorah, Iowa, is a picturesque natural landmark in Will Baker Park. This striking geological formation, sculpted by centuries of erosion, offers dramatic views …
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Effigy Mounds National Monument Visitor Center
Highlight • Rest Area
The visitor center is a great place to begin your exploration of Effigy Mounds National Park. There is an exhibit that describes the natural and human history of the area. …
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Twin Springs Park
Highlight • Natural Monument
Park anywhere along Twin Springs Road and follow the stream “up river” until the stream disappears into the ground—you have found the source of Twin Springs! Twin Springs park used …
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Fire Point Viewpoint
Highlight • Viewpoint
Here is a great view of the Mississippi River Vally from a blufftop in the Effigy Mounds National Monument. You can see Pikes Peak State Park far to the south and Prairie du Chien across the river in Wisconsin.
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Eagle Rock Viewpoint
Highlight • Viewpoint
This is a viewpoint of the Mississippi River Valley from a blufftop in Effigy Mounds National Monument. This is a great location for watching Bald Eagles, especially in the winter months.
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Mount Hosmer
Highlight • Viewpoint
Mount Hosmer is a bluff overlooking the Mississippi River near Lansing, Iowa. It offers views of the town of Lansing, the Blackhawk Bridge, and the vast expanse of the Mississippi …
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Nazekaw Point Overlook in Effigy Mounds NM
Highlight • Viewpoint
The hike to Nazekaw Point from the Effigy Mounds National Monument visitor center is 2 miles roundtrip, 350 feet elevation gain, 1 hour. This hike features a view of the …
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Crows Nest - Overlook at Pikes Peak State Park
Highlight • Viewpoint
This is an easily accessible viewpoint of the Mississippi River Valley in Pikes Peak State Park near McGregor, Iowa.
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