Discover the 8 Most Remote Spots in Iowa And How to Get There Safely

Iowa’s rural landscape is the home of over 3 million people spread amongst 947 cities. Each of these cities seems densely packed together, but the lush landscape creates unique places to explore. Rather than going to a busy city like Des Moines or Cedar Rapids, take the time to visit one of these remote spots in Iowa that won’t take long to reach.

Top Remote Spots In Iowa And How To Get There

Remote Spot Near Titonka

With almost 3 hours of driving between you and the nearest major city, one of Iowa’s most visited remote places is about 3 miles west of Titonka. Titonka, located in Kossuth County, had just over 500 residents during the last census, starting with only 224 residents in the 1900 Census. The name comes from a Sioux word meaning “big black (buffalo).”

While you have to travel west of the city to reach this remote spot, Titonka is the home of the Union Slough National Wildlife Refuge. Many migratory birds call the wildlife refuge their home, creating a melodic backdrop for this remote spot.

GPS coordinates: 43°13’15″N, 94°05’45″W

Palisades Kepler State Park

If you want to make a trip down to the Cedar River, look no further than the Palisades-Kepler State Park. Many of the structures were built in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps. Through the years, family cabins were added, as well as a picnic shelter that you can reserve for a little privacy in this 840-acre park. 

Though this park is a beautiful area to explore the great outdoors, it has 5 miles of trails to stroll and escape from everything. The park is filled with ravines and river bluffs as you walk, so watch your step. The hardwood forest dates back to 1922. However, the park’s acreage doubled in 1928 after a donation from Louis H. Kepler. To reach this part of the park, take US-30 East for about 13 miles, turning right on Kepler Drive. 

GPS Coordinates: 41°54’40.3″N 91°30’08.6″W

Preparation Canyon

Taking a hike through Preparation Canyon helps you dive into yet another beautiful remote spot in Iowa. With 344 acres to explore, this area is largely unaffected by the surrounding cities. If you want to check out the local recreational activities, there are other hiking paths and camping areas to explore. The canyon is a part of Loess Hills. If you drive from Des Moines, the easiest way to reach the canyon is by taking I-80 West.

The Loess Hill Scenic Area lets you dive even deeper to get a moment alone in nature. It takes a little longer to reach, taking you a few miles into the park. With ridges in almost every direction and break areas with picnic tables, take a moment to rest along your walk. This area gives a unique opportunity to see the wildness of a remote area in Iowa that is relatively unaffected by humans.

GPS coordinates: 41°53’43.0″N 95°54’52.0″W

Wapsipinicon State Park

Found on the National Register of Historic Places, the Wapsipinicon State Park offers a unique forest with a stone arch bridge and other structures. The park offers 3 miles of trails that take you through prairies and forests. Taking a walk down to Horse Thief Cave and Ice Cave leads to a recreational space, but you can take the other path if you want to check out the local creek.

If you want to take the time to relax, Wapsipinicon State Park is also the home of the Wapsipinicon River. Affectionately known as the Wapsi, the river is abundant in flathead catfish, channel catfish, crappies, smallmouth bass, and bullheads. Driving from Des Moines only takes 30-40 minutes to get to the park if you take US-151 North.

GPS coordinates: 42°05’53.6″N 91°17’32.7″W

Hickory Ridge at Lake Red Rock

If you need a place that your car can’t even reach, check out Hickory Ridge. It is a beautiful place near Lake Red Rock where you can take a canoe or kayak out on the water. You can’t bring your car or truck, but you can bring camping gear along as you reach the campsite. Managed by the federal government, there are no reservations if you want to have a private group. Instead, you have to get there before anyone else does with the first-come, first-served space.

Taking a hike along one of the trails is a relaxing way to explore the area. However, these trails take you deep into the forest, so grab a map before you head out. To get to this remote spot in Iowa, take Interstate 80 West to leave Des Moines on a 2-hour drive to the lake.

GPS coordinates: 41°21’35.0″N 93°02’03.3″W

Effigy Mounds National Monument

If you need a moment alone, the Effigy Mound National Monument has a unique way to bring it. Built by Native Americans in the Woodland period, these effigies are shaped like bears, birds, and other animals to honor their buried loved ones. The land is sacred, and any time you spend here should be respectful of the area.

To reach the visitor center of this area, take IA-13 North from Cedar Rapids, driving about 2 hours northwest to explore this peaceful spot.

GPS coordinates: 43°05’20.3″N 91°11’08.3″W

Pikes Peak State Park

At Pikes Peak State Park, allow yourself to unwind with the views of the Mississippi River. With 11 miles of trails, you get a beautiful view of Bridal Veil Falls, Point Anne, and more. If you travel to Bear Mound, you get a unique glimpse of an effigy that seemingly has survived for decades. The trail to Point Ann is not for the faint of heart, but it brings you to an incredible view of Mcgregor.

GPS coordinates: 42°59’44.5″N 91°09’57.5″W

Eden Valley Wildlife Refuge

If you want to be near the local wildlife and nature, this remote spot in Iowa brings you right to the banks of Bear Creek. Spanning 201 acres, the Eden Valley Wildlife Refuge is available for hiking, camping, and taking in nature. Located about 2 miles south of Baldwin, a thick forest creates cool shade for even the longest walks. Plus, if you want to stay until the sun goes down, take a walk to the lookout tower for a spectacular view of the stars. Use US-151 North and IA-64 East to travel from Cedar Rapids, taking about an hour to reach the refuge.

GPS coordinates: 42°02’39.2″N 90°51’24.5″W

Discover the 7 Most Remote Spots in Iowa And How to Get There Safely: A Summary

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Amphibol/ CC BY-SA 4.0 / Original