Natural beauty isn’t hard to find in the Hawkeye State: All you have to do is look around – and if you do, you just may come across caves, forests, rivers, bluffs, and even waterfalls in Iowa! If you spend enough time exploring, you’ll find some of the prettiest scenery in the country in every corner of our great Midwestern State. Whether it’s wild and scenic rivers, rolling Loess Hills, or gorgeous natural springs, there’s always something to discover here. Check out the hidden waterfall near Decorah that will become your own little paradise.
Tucked into the limestone bluffs that tower above the Upper Iowa River valley, near the scenic college town of Decorah, you’ll find the breathtaking Malanaphy Springs - a waterfall that plunges downward and into the river below.
Google Local / Kienan Mick
The spring itself starts high above the river, rising from a crevice in the limestone bluffs. Savvy adventurers can hike up to the source.
Google Local / Arielle Juilette
Most visitors choose to hang out closer to the river, along a sixty foot cascade and a ten foot fall waterfall that pours into the Upper Iowa River.
Google Local / Jason Fox
In the summertime, splashing in the falls is the perfect way to beat the Midwestern heat.
Google Local / Jason Shaw
There’s no better picnic spot than among the rocks at the base of the falls, where you can relax to the sound of running water.
Google Local / Lisa Gruette
The best part of visiting Malanaphy Springs? It won’t cost you a cent! You can visit the Malanaphy Springs Preserve and the Upper Iowa River any time you wish.
Google Local / Chris Bergan
After a visit to Malanaphy Spring’s, you’ll be eager to visit all the other waterfalls in the Hawkeye State. While you’re in town, visit another of the waterfalls in Iowa. They’re located nearby, and you won’t even need to hike to get to it.
Google Local / Kienan Mick
Google Local / Arielle Juilette
Google Local / Jason Fox
Google Local / Jason Shaw
Google Local / Lisa Gruette
Google Local / Chris Bergan
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Address: Malanaphy Spring Falls, 2820 Bluffton Road, Decorah, Iowa, 52101
The OIYS Visitor Center
Waterfalls In Iowa January 05, 2023 Trent Jonas Iowa Waterfalls Some folks may be surprised to learn that there are waterfalls in Iowa. Waterfalls are primarily located in the bluff country of the state’s northeast, but you’ll find waterfalls throughout the Hawkeye State. One of the most spectacular waterfalls in the state, Dunning’s Spring, is not far from Malanaphy Springs. Another nearby waterfall is Siewers Spring, which is adjacent to the Decorah Fish Hatchery. Scenic Places In Iowa In fact, there are many many scenic places in Iowa, ranging from the Driftless Area in the state’s northeast corner to the bucolic - and iconic - scenery of Madison County and its famous covered bridges in the southwest, not to mention the valleys of the mighty rivers, the Mississippi and Missouri, that make up Iowa’s eastern and western borders, respectively. The best way to get out and see all that the Hawkeye State has to offer is to take an Iowa road trip. The Upper Iowa River The Upper Iowa River is quite possibly the wildest and most beautiful river you’ll find in the Hawkeye State. It winds its way across the northeast corner of Iowa, past majestic limestone bluffs, through forested valleys on its way to the Mississippi River. Floating the river in tubes, as well as paddling canoes and kayaks along its course, are popular ways to enjoy the Upper Iowa’s beauty. Things To Do For Free In Iowa There are so many fantastic things to do for free in Iowa that it would be impossible to list them all here. One excellent example is visiting Effigy Mounds National Monument, near McGregor, which is probably the premier National Park Service unit in the state. A visit to the nearby Yellow River State Forest is also absolutely free.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Waterfalls In Iowa
January 05, 2023
Trent Jonas
Iowa Waterfalls Some folks may be surprised to learn that there are waterfalls in Iowa. Waterfalls are primarily located in the bluff country of the state’s northeast, but you’ll find waterfalls throughout the Hawkeye State. One of the most spectacular waterfalls in the state, Dunning’s Spring, is not far from Malanaphy Springs. Another nearby waterfall is Siewers Spring, which is adjacent to the Decorah Fish Hatchery. Scenic Places In Iowa In fact, there are many many scenic places in Iowa, ranging from the Driftless Area in the state’s northeast corner to the bucolic - and iconic - scenery of Madison County and its famous covered bridges in the southwest, not to mention the valleys of the mighty rivers, the Mississippi and Missouri, that make up Iowa’s eastern and western borders, respectively. The best way to get out and see all that the Hawkeye State has to offer is to take an Iowa road trip. The Upper Iowa River The Upper Iowa River is quite possibly the wildest and most beautiful river you’ll find in the Hawkeye State. It winds its way across the northeast corner of Iowa, past majestic limestone bluffs, through forested valleys on its way to the Mississippi River. Floating the river in tubes, as well as paddling canoes and kayaks along its course, are popular ways to enjoy the Upper Iowa’s beauty. Things To Do For Free In Iowa There are so many fantastic things to do for free in Iowa that it would be impossible to list them all here. One excellent example is visiting Effigy Mounds National Monument, near McGregor, which is probably the premier National Park Service unit in the state. A visit to the nearby Yellow River State Forest is also absolutely free.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Some folks may be surprised to learn that there are waterfalls in Iowa. Waterfalls are primarily located in the bluff country of the state’s northeast, but you’ll find waterfalls throughout the Hawkeye State. One of the most spectacular waterfalls in the state, Dunning’s Spring, is not far from Malanaphy Springs. Another nearby waterfall is Siewers Spring, which is adjacent to the Decorah Fish Hatchery.
Scenic Places In Iowa
In fact, there are many many scenic places in Iowa, ranging from the Driftless Area in the state’s northeast corner to the bucolic - and iconic - scenery of Madison County and its famous covered bridges in the southwest, not to mention the valleys of the mighty rivers, the Mississippi and Missouri, that make up Iowa’s eastern and western borders, respectively. The best way to get out and see all that the Hawkeye State has to offer is to take an Iowa road trip.
The Upper Iowa River
The Upper Iowa River is quite possibly the wildest and most beautiful river you’ll find in the Hawkeye State. It winds its way across the northeast corner of Iowa, past majestic limestone bluffs, through forested valleys on its way to the Mississippi River. Floating the river in tubes, as well as paddling canoes and kayaks along its course, are popular ways to enjoy the Upper Iowa’s beauty.
Things To Do For Free In Iowa
There are so many fantastic things to do for free in Iowa that it would be impossible to list them all here. One excellent example is visiting Effigy Mounds National Monument, near McGregor, which is probably the premier National Park Service unit in the state. A visit to the nearby Yellow River State Forest is also absolutely free.
