Iowa’s 3 Most Treasured Views and Where to Find Them

Iowa might be known for corn, but if you've lived here for any amount of time, you know our state is so much more than fences and fields. Iowa has some stunning landscapes and views to take in if you're willing to drive a few miles to see them! In conjunction with USA Today's 'Most Treasured Views in America' project, the Des Moines Register decided to showcase three of Iowa's most stunning views. How many have you visited?

The Bridges of Madison County

In 1992, author Robert James Waller published his novel, 'The Bridges of Madison County'. Ever since then, fans across the nation have made the trip to see the historic bridges located just outside of Winterset, Iowa, according to the Register. The Clint Eastwood, Meryl Streep movie in 1995 only intensified the fandom.

There are six covered bridges to visit, including;

• Cedar Covered Bridge - the only bridge open to vehicles.
• Cutler-Donahoe Bridge
• Hogback Covered Bridge
• Holliwell Bridge
• Imes Bridge
• Roseman Covered Bridge

The Register reports that the Roseman and Holliwell bridges were both featured in the movie. While only the Cedar Bridge allows vehicles, fans can walk on all six of the bridges. You can stop by the Madison County Tourism Welcome Center in St. Charles for a map of the bridges.

The High Trestle Trail Bridge

The High Trestle Trail connects four counties in Central Iowa, and the High Trestle Bridge is the centerpiece, according to the Register. The 13-story former railroad bridge takes Iowans right over the Des Moines River Valley, offering stunning views no matter what time of year you visit.

The 25-mile trail is open to cyclists and pedestrians, but the bridge between Woodward and Madrid is a sight to see! The Register reports that blue lights light up the bridge at night. The High Trestle Bridge is the fifth-largest trail bridge in the world.

Effigy Mounds National Monument

The Register reports that Effigy Mounds National Monument features more than 200 prehistoric mounds built by pre-Columbian mound builder cultures in the Upper Mississippi River Valley. Many of the effigies are shaped like animals like bears and birds. You can visit the different mounds via a series of trails.

The only way to visit the Effigy Mounds is on foot. The Register reports that trail maps are available when you enter the park. Some require a short walk, while some mounds and many of the parks' amazing views require a longer hike on steep hills.

The Effigy Mounds National Monument is free and open to the public. There is no charge to visit the museum or for a ranger-guided tour of the park.

Get out and see what makes Iowa beautiful this spring and summer!