If you live in a big city, it can seem like the night sky has all but disappeared. The stars have been replaced by the omnipresent lights of civilization. Sure, we all love modern conveniences, but there is no feeling like staring up at the clear night sky. That’s why the International Dark Sky Association has begun cataloging the areas in our country where you can see the sky the most clearly. There are no IDSA areas in Iowa that have their highest rating – those are mostly in the less-populated American west – but one state park has maintained the second-highest rating. You’ll definitely want to visit this isolated state park for the best stargazing in Iowa.
The IDSA ranks all locations according to the Bortle Scale, with 1 being the best possible rating. Only one spot in Iowa scores a two, which means it’s the best location for stargazing around.
TravelIowa
It’s Nine Eagles State Park, an isolated park in Decatur County that’s one of the least-visited parks in the state.
Margaret C/TripAdvisor
That makes it a perfect day trip, as the beautiful lake at its center is a great place for recreation off the beaten path.
Iowa DNR
You’ll find an old-fashioned fishing pier that’s perfect for whiling the hours away - and you may even reel in dinner!
Margaret C/TripAdvisor
A small playground will keep the kids occupied while you’re waiting for the sun to go down.
SouthIA/TripAdvisor
The entire park is covered by a 5.8-mile loop trail for hikers. It’s an easy-to-navigate trail and is open to pets as long as they’re leashed.
Shirley Rankin/AllTrails
But when the sun goes down, Nine Eagles State Park transforms into a moonlit wonderland dotted with countless stars.
TravelIowa
Lie back under the trees and let the wonder take over you. This is the view the earliest humans had, and there’s nothing like a dark sky spot to put things in perspective.
Richard Rogers/Google
Have you been to Nine Eagles State Park? Let us know about your visit or your picks for the best spots for stargazing in Iowa. It’s a good idea to check with the IDSA before planning your stargazing trip. If you’re looking for another peaceful retreat in Iowa, why not consider a visit to this off-the-grid town?
TravelIowa
Margaret C/TripAdvisor
Iowa DNR
SouthIA/TripAdvisor
Shirley Rankin/AllTrails
Richard Rogers/Google
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Address: Nine Eagles State Park, 23678 Dale Miller Rd, Davis City, IA 50065, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Amazing Natural Attractions In Iowa January 03, 2023 William Suphan What are the best bucket-list nature spots in Iowa? The best bucket-list nature spots in Iowa include:
Maquoketa Caves. This area spans six miles and is full of hiking trails, caves, forests, and a lovely waterfall. Pine Lake State Park. Located near Eldora, this area has tons of hiking trails and a beautiful sandy beach to relax on. Decorah Ice Cave. This little cave is frozen inside all year long due to the ancient glacier that it rests upon. Dunning Spring Park. This is a gorgeous park and the main attraction here is the beautiful Dunning’s Spring Falls
Learn more about the best bucket-list nature spots in Iowa. What are the best hiking trails in Iowa? The best hiking trails in Iowa include:
Lake MacBride Spillway. Located near Solon, this place is best in early spring when the snowmelt runoff creates tons of little waterfalls. Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge. This prairie near Prairie City is filled with wildflowers during the warmer months. Wildcat Den State Park. The trails here lead through lush forests, copious wildflowers, and beautiful rock formations. Effigy Mounds National Monument. Make sure to hike this trail during autumn when the whole area is awash in colors.
Find out more about the best hiking trails in Iowa. What are the most beautiful lakes in Iowa? The most beautiful lakes in Iowa include:
Clear Lake. This lake which spans 3,684 acres is a popular place for photographers to capture the natural beauty here. Nine Eagles Lake. Located in Nine Eagles State Park, this stunning lake is popular with Iowans for camping and hiking. Storm Lake. This is the fourth-largest glacier lake in the state and has amazing scenery that covers 3,200 acres. Deep Lakes Park. This was once a quarry that has since been filled in and the water is so clear that you can see the fish.
Discover more about the most beautiful lakes in Iowa.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Amazing Natural Attractions In Iowa
January 03, 2023
William Suphan
What are the best bucket-list nature spots in Iowa? The best bucket-list nature spots in Iowa include:
Maquoketa Caves. This area spans six miles and is full of hiking trails, caves, forests, and a lovely waterfall. Pine Lake State Park. Located near Eldora, this area has tons of hiking trails and a beautiful sandy beach to relax on. Decorah Ice Cave. This little cave is frozen inside all year long due to the ancient glacier that it rests upon. Dunning Spring Park. This is a gorgeous park and the main attraction here is the beautiful Dunning’s Spring Falls
Learn more about the best bucket-list nature spots in Iowa. What are the best hiking trails in Iowa? The best hiking trails in Iowa include:
Lake MacBride Spillway. Located near Solon, this place is best in early spring when the snowmelt runoff creates tons of little waterfalls. Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge. This prairie near Prairie City is filled with wildflowers during the warmer months. Wildcat Den State Park. The trails here lead through lush forests, copious wildflowers, and beautiful rock formations. Effigy Mounds National Monument. Make sure to hike this trail during autumn when the whole area is awash in colors.
Find out more about the best hiking trails in Iowa. What are the most beautiful lakes in Iowa? The most beautiful lakes in Iowa include:
Clear Lake. This lake which spans 3,684 acres is a popular place for photographers to capture the natural beauty here. Nine Eagles Lake. Located in Nine Eagles State Park, this stunning lake is popular with Iowans for camping and hiking. Storm Lake. This is the fourth-largest glacier lake in the state and has amazing scenery that covers 3,200 acres. Deep Lakes Park. This was once a quarry that has since been filled in and the water is so clear that you can see the fish.
Discover more about the most beautiful lakes in Iowa.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
The best bucket-list nature spots in Iowa include:
- Maquoketa Caves. This area spans six miles and is full of hiking trails, caves, forests, and a lovely waterfall.
- Pine Lake State Park. Located near Eldora, this area has tons of hiking trails and a beautiful sandy beach to relax on.
- Decorah Ice Cave. This little cave is frozen inside all year long due to the ancient glacier that it rests upon.
- Dunning Spring Park. This is a gorgeous park and the main attraction here is the beautiful Dunning’s Spring Falls
Learn more about the best bucket-list nature spots in Iowa.
What are the best hiking trails in Iowa?
The best hiking trails in Iowa include:
- Lake MacBride Spillway. Located near Solon, this place is best in early spring when the snowmelt runoff creates tons of little waterfalls.
- Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge. This prairie near Prairie City is filled with wildflowers during the warmer months.
- Wildcat Den State Park. The trails here lead through lush forests, copious wildflowers, and beautiful rock formations.
- Effigy Mounds National Monument. Make sure to hike this trail during autumn when the whole area is awash in colors.
Find out more about the best hiking trails in Iowa.
What are the most beautiful lakes in Iowa?
The most beautiful lakes in Iowa include:
- Clear Lake. This lake which spans 3,684 acres is a popular place for photographers to capture the natural beauty here.
- Nine Eagles Lake. Located in Nine Eagles State Park, this stunning lake is popular with Iowans for camping and hiking.
- Storm Lake. This is the fourth-largest glacier lake in the state and has amazing scenery that covers 3,200 acres.
- Deep Lakes Park. This was once a quarry that has since been filled in and the water is so clear that you can see the fish.
Discover more about the most beautiful lakes in Iowa.
