The Most Instagrammable Spots in Iowa
Nestled about an hour northwest of Des Moines, the Effigy Mounds National Monument offers a profoundly unique glimpse into Iowa’s ancient past and a stunning natural setting that’s a dream for photography enthusiasts. The park features more than 200 prehistoric mounds shaped like animals perched on bluffs overlooking the Mississippi River. Hiking the Effigy Mounds Trail, a moderate 3-mile loop, brings visitors up close to these earthen sculptures dating back over a thousand years. The elevated viewpoints provide sweeping panoramas of the river valley below, especially magical during fall when the forest explodes in vibrant reds and golds. The interplay of ancient history and natural beauty makes it an incomparable spot for capturing evocative images that speak both to time and place.
Just south of the Quad Cities, in the town of Davenport, the Figge Art Museum stands as a modern architectural marvel set against the scenic Mississippi Riverfront. Its sleek glass façade reflects the changing light, making it a favorite subject for photographers. Inside, visitors can explore an impressive collection that spans American, European, and Mexican art, including works by Grant Wood, Iowa’s own iconic regionalist painter. The museum’s rooftop terrace offers a quieter perch for cityscape shots, with views stretching over the river and downtown Davenport. Early spring and late autumn light soften the angles of the building and surrounding landscape, enhancing the contrast between the urban and natural elements.
Travel about 90 minutes northeast of Des Moines to the small town of Decorah, home to the Dunning’s Spring Park, a hidden gem of Iowa’s Driftless Area. This park’s lush, hilly terrain is a refreshing departure from the state’s typical flatness. The centerpiece is a series of clear springs bubbling into a narrow creek that meanders beneath towering limestone bluffs and through dense forest. The 1.5-mile main trail is easy and family-friendly, winding past waterfalls and historic stone bridges. Photographers are drawn to the dynamic textures of moss-covered rocks and the play of light filtering through the canopy, especially during early morning or after rainfall when mist adds an ethereal quality. The park’s combination of water, stone, and greenery creates a serene, storybook setting.
On the western edge of the state, near Council Bluffs and just across the Missouri River from Omaha, the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge provides a striking photo opportunity with its modern cable-stayed design. Spanning nearly a mile, it connects Iowa to Nebraska and offers a unique vantage point for river and city skyline shots. Walking the bridge at sunset transforms the experience, as the golden hour casts warm hues on the steel cables and the water below. On the Iowa side, adjacent parks offer inviting spots to frame the bridge with lush greenery or the sparkling river surface. This location is perfect for capturing the intersection of urban infrastructure and natural landscapes in a fresh, contemporary way.
In eastern Iowa, about 45 minutes northeast of Cedar Rapids, the Maquoketa Caves State Park is a natural wonderland that draws adventurers and photographers alike. The park features over a dozen caves formed from Silurian dolomite rock, set among wooded hills and bluffs. Trails like the Cave Trail loop, approximately 2 miles with some moderate climbs, lead visitors through rugged terrain peppered with caves open for exploration. Dramatic lighting contrasts in the caves, with beams of sunlight piercing earthy openings, create moody and mysterious photographs. Spring and fall are especially picturesque when wildflowers bloom or leaves turn fiery red and orange, adding bursts of color to the rocky landscape.
Further south, the Amana Colonies, located about 30 minutes west of Iowa City, offer a charming blend of historic architecture and pastoral scenery. This group of seven villages was settled by German Pietists in the 19th century and preserves its heritage through well-maintained stone buildings, quaint shops, and craft workshops. Photographing the half-timbered houses and cobblestone streets provides a step back in time, with a distinctive European feel rare in the Midwest. Early morning light and quiet weekdays yield the best conditions for capturing the tranquil atmosphere. Seasonal festivals bring colorful accents and period costumes, but the timeless charm of the villages endures year-round.
On the northern edge of Iowa, near Mason City and about two hours north of Des Moines, the Clear Lake area beckons with its shimmering waters and lively town center. Clear Lake itself is a large glacial lake offering plenty of waterfront photo ops, especially from the Lakeside Park Pavilion or along the East Lakeshore Drive. The combination of blue water, sailboats, and lush green surroundings is particularly photogenic during summer’s golden hours. Mason City, famous for its Prairie School architecture and as the hometown of Meredith Willson, adds an architectural contrast with spots like the Historic Park Inn Hotel, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. This pairing of natural beauty and architectural heritage provides a richly varied visual experience for visitors.
Finally, in the southwest corner of Iowa, roughly an hour southwest of Des Moines, the Loess Hills Scenic Byway winds through a rare geological formation of windblown silt hills, creating dramatic ridges and valleys unseen in much of the Midwest. The byway stretches for about 200 miles, but short detours near towns like Pisgah offer particularly photogenic overlooks such as the Pisgah Ridge Overlook. From here, the rolling hills extend in wave-like patterns under open skies, a captivating landscape that changes character with the seasons. Early morning fog or late afternoon sun highlight the steep slopes and grasslands, transforming the scene into a photographer’s paradise. This lesser-known natural spectacle stands apart from Iowa’s typical flat farmland and invites visitors to see the state’s diverse geography in a new light.