Eagle watching in the winter from viewing points along the lock & dam areas, riverboat cruises and 16 interpretive centers on the route are among popular visitor attractions. The Mississippi River – the second longest river in North America, which stretches miles-wide at some points – wields its influence on it all. The Great River Road National Scenic Byway serves as a reminder of the diverse and breathtaking scenery that Iowa has to offer, along with local restaurants, unique shops and other attractions.įrom the towering limestone bluffs in the northeast corner of the state, to riverfront parks, views of the mighty Mississippi River and winding roads to the south, the route meanders 328 miles, hugging Iowa’s eastern border part of the national byway that runs more than 2,000 miles from Minnesota to Louisiana. (Editor’s note: Check with the establishments on updated hours/closures when planning your trip.) It’s a lovely place to take photos and see a unique part of Iowa.Go Fish Marina Bar & Grill in Princeton, Iowa, is a hidden gem along the Great River Road National Scenic Byway. There are about 13 caves in the park to explore and a six-mile trail system to hike through the forest and caves. Learn about its history at the new interpretive center and make it a weekend by camping at one of its campsites. Full of caves, trails, campsites, and pine trees, it’s a beautiful park everyone should visit at least once. Maquoketa Caves State Park is in eastern Iowa. Visit this park if you want to see beautiful ledges and native wildlife. At this park, our crews have worked on trails, stone staircases, and a fence to help hikers stay safe and on the correct path. Ledges State Park also has campsites and trails that people can hike on to see the beautiful views. It stays about ankle deep throughout the year. Peas Creek also meanders through the park where people can fish or walk through it. It got its name due to the towering sandstone ledges throughout the park and overlooking the Des Moines River. Ledges is a State Park located in central Iowa northwest of Des Moines. Photo by Bella Araiza / AmeriCorps Member Ledges State Park Staircase built by members at Ledges State Park. While there you can head north to Effigy Mounds National Monument or east across the Mississippi river to Prairie Du Chien, Wisconsin, and check out the town! Our crews have done different projects at this site including invasive species management and trail building. Hike the trails to see fossil remains, Bear Mound created by Native Americans, and a spectacular view overlooking the town of McGregor and the Mississippi River. Located on the eastern Iowa border overlooking the Mississippi River, Pikes Peak harbors some beautiful views and history. Credit: US Department of Agriculture Pikes Peak State Park Pikes Peak State Park overlooking the Mississippi River. If you ever visit Wildcat Den, make sure to check out their amazing work! At this park, one of our crews worked to build a fence on a trail. After the park, you can take a short drive north to Davenport, Iowa, and Moline, Illinois. Visitors flock to this park near the Mississippi River to take in the beautiful nature and spend a weekend away. According to the Iowa DNR, it is one of the most photographed state parks due to its beautiful bluffs and nature which is best seen in the fall. Wildcat Den State Park located near the southeast border of Iowa is known for its natural sandstone bluffs and historical functioning grist mill. Visiting the loess hills is a unique experience with lots to do along the way. Our crews have served in the loess hill to remove cedar trees that tend to creep their way into the prairies. There is a scenic byway in which to travel and view the gorgeous scenery and different sites that the Loess Hills have. Today, they consist of oak savanna, prairie, and forest. They are the second largest deposition of loess, with the largest deposition being in China. The Loess Hills were formed after the last ice age when winds picked up loess (a type of soil) and deposited it in the western part of Iowa. Member Cutting Trees in Loess Hills, Photo by Jacqueline Boorom / AmeriCorps Member. Throughout the state, there are areas of forests, prairies, and oak savannas, all harboring beautiful native plants and animals. Iowa may seem like a state full of farmland (and it is), but there are some hidden treasures that everyone should visit. Bella Araiza, Recruitment Capacity Building Specialist Individual Placement / AmeriCorps Member
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