The Tallest Waterfall in Iowa is Just Two Hours from Dubuque

There's something awe-inspiring about seeing a waterfall in person. In a landlocked state like Iowa, it might be easy to forget that the Hawkeye State provides us with immeasurably scenic spots that showcase nature's beauty.

If you're searching for a place to take your spouse or even the whole family this fall, there is a beautiful waterfall approximately two hours from Dubuque and the Tri-State area that also classifies as the tallest of its kind in the entire state of Iowa.

At 200-feet tall, Dunning's Spring Waterfall is the tallest waterfall in all of Iowa. The waterfall is located at Dunning's Spring Park in Decorah, IA. The park itself has a number of amenities, including a cookout and bonfire grill, multiple benches for resting, a scenic overlook, a waterfall and stream, a stone-arch bridge, an ice cave, and more.

Decorah's official park website has information on how you can access the waterfall in Dunning's Spring Park:

The Dunning's Spring Waterfall is a 200 yard walk from the gravel parking lot. Head north on paved drive across the road from the parking lot. Please note there is not parking at the waterfall. Ice Cave is a 1/2 mile walk from the gravel parking lot. Head east on Ice Cave Road. Ice Cave is open to the public with no fee for admission.

Dunning's Spring Park sits on 115 acres of land. The website "Only in Your State" calls the terrain "the most beautiful and unique in the state." VisitDecorah.com details the trails and gives first-timers some advice when visiting:

Dunning Springs is the site of a beautiful waterfall surrounded by limestone cliffs. The park features a walking path, scenic overlook, and bridge crafted by local stone mason, Ted Wilson. The trails throughout Dunning Springs and Ice Cave Park are numerous. Due to their complexity and technical difficulty, not all the trails are marked on printed maps. Talk to experts at the local bike shops about navigating this system.

Dunning's Spring Park, like all parks in Decorah, are open from 7am to 11pm every day. The website, Trip Advisor, also gives some very practical, need-to-know tips/information to anyone thinking of making it a day trip!