Waterfalls in Iowa

Iowa's waterfall geography is limited — the state is mostly glacially flattened. Dunning's Spring in Decorah in the Driftless Area is a significant natural spring with a small falls in a limestone bluff park. Backbone State Park on the Maquoketa River has rapids and small cascades. The northeast corner of Iowa along the Mississippi bluffs has the most waterfall potential, in the same unglaciated Driftless terrain that produces falls in southwest Wisconsin. Iowa residents drive northeast to Wisconsin or southeast to Missouri for significant waterfall experiences.

Waterfall flow varies by season — spring snowmelt produces peak flows. Check trail conditions before visiting remote sites. Some falls are seasonal and may be dry in late summer. Explore all waterfalls on the Trek4Free map →