The Best Swimming Holes In Iowa

Knowing the greatest swimming spots in Iowa is essential because the summertime in the Hawkeye State can be oppressively hot and humid. Swimming is a fantastic summer activity for keeping cool and having fun, and Iowa is home to many wonderful swimming spots. 

Here are the top swimming spots in Iowa. Additionally, when swimming near rivers, always verify the current before diving in and swim only if you’re confident in your abilities.

Upper Iowa River

Located near Decorah, the Upper Iowa River has a dreamy recreation area that’s perfect for cooling off! The Upper Iowa River and its corridor are used by tens of thousands of locals and visitors each year for leisure pursuits like canoeing, kayaking, fishing, tubing, animal observation, camping, and other things. 

The Upper Iowa River was one of the first in the country to be proposed as a National Wild and Scenic River in the 1960s, and it is arguably the most well-known river in Iowa. Along its course, the river and corridor evolve, evolving from a tiny, twisting river in a savanna to a broader, more active river surrounded by towering limestone stone walls and wooded cliffs.

The Upper Iowa River Watershed is home to many waterfalls because of the 35 inches of rain that fall there each year, as well as the area’s mountainous topography and karst geography. It is close to three of Travel Iowa’s list of “13 Wonderful Waterfalls in Iowa.” Odessa Spring, the biggest spring in Minnesota, empties straight into the Upper Iowa River.

Raccoon River

A fantastic place to beat the heat on a hot summer day is the 500-foot-long beach that overlooks Blue Heron Lake. From Memorial Day through Labor Day, the beachfront is accessible from 10:30 am until sundown. 

Spend an afternoon outside in the sunshine by bringing your picnic basket, beach ball, and blanket! This swimming spot is a swim at one’s own risk area because there are no lifeguards on patrol. With the exception of organized activities that have the director of parks and recreation’s approval, swimming is only permitted in the authorized roped area. 

Diving from watercraft is not permitted. Only defined locations are permitted for the use of inner tubes, air mattresses, and other beach-related items.

Rathbun Lake

Next, let’s take a look at what’s known as Iowa’s “ocean.” The largest body of water in southern Iowa is Rathbun Lake, located in Appanoose County. It has almost 11,000 acres of water, and 155 miles of coastline to discover, and is perfect for all kinds of water sports. 

The opportunities are endless here as you travel these stunning waters in a variety of boats. Whether you enjoy sailing or power boating or kayaking, or paddle boarding, they have you covered. Swim at one of the three permitted swimming beaches near the lake, which also has bathrooms, change rooms and parking. 

Rathbun Lake features eight parks that offer boat ramps, camping, climbing, and hunting. For your boating activities, there are two marinas at either end of the lake. They both offer gasoline, mooring spaces, and supplies.

City Beach Park

This .83-acre park, which is on the lakefront and is situated south of the CBD, has a beach area for swimming, water sports, and sunbathing. You have the chance to have a brief swim and take in the lake scenery at City Beach. Available restrooms and an outdoor shower. 

From Memorial Day through Labor Day, the City Beach Splash Pad is open. The business is open from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm. While utilizing the splash pad and nearby facilities, they kindly ask that you observe the posted guidelines.

Richmond Springs

Within the park, three miles south of the hamlet of Strawberry Point, sits this magnificent spring-fed pool. The Richmond Springs pool is near the entrance to North Park. There are a few old buildings here. 

The waterway and the steps are among them. Although the water in the pool bubbles like a miniature hot spring and emerges from the sandy bottom, the water is only 48 degrees. Every type of hike is available in Backbone State Park, from basic to demanding. 

After a strenuous climb, many guests cool themselves in the springs. A trail that is accessible to people with disabilities follows Richmond Spring Creek for a while. Near the springs, there is a shelter as well.

An excellent place to fish for trout is Richmond Springs. Every minute, these springs inject more than 2000 gallons of cold, swift-moving, pure water into Backbone’s stream. Overall, this is a great place to beat the heat during summer in Iowa. 

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Summary Of The Best Swimming Holes In Iowa

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