OverviewIn Kansas, flatness is a way of life, in Iowa, it's an art.
Hawkeye Point is the highpoint of Iowa. Although the Mississippi River areas offer some hills and rocks in Eastern Iowa, Western Iowa is flatter than can be. However, one of those flat points rises above the rest, and although it does not tower over the landscape in any way, there is a value in reaching its farmland summit. Hawkeye Point gradually rises 20 feet above the surrounding farmland offering excellent panoramic views of the Iowa landscape. It is privately owned, but the owners are friendly and happy to have highpointers visit.
Getting ThereFrom I-90. Go to Worthington, Minnesota and take Exit 45, which is rt. 59 South. While still in Minnesota, look for signs to route 60 South. Once you hit the Iowa border, it is about 3 miles to the turn. Make a left on to 130th street. Their is a sign marking the turn for Hawkeye Point on route 60.
Once in the driveway, drive up about a tenth of a mile, and look for the silo to the right. Behind it is the highpoint marker and the highpoint of Iowa. There is a summit register.
HighpointingSome may ask why anyone would want to travel to this remote midwestern farmland area. Hawkeye Point certainly does not provide the best Iowa has to offer, but highpointing takes you places you would never think of going. Like a unique tour of America that few get to experience. Hawkeye Point is one of the few flatland highpoints, but it is accessible from I-90, a highway that goes from Boston to Seattle, and is used by many to drive cross-country. For more information on highpointing, check out the Highpointers Club.
Red TapeEntry is free
Be courteous when you go onto the property because Hawkeye Point is on the privately owned Sterler Farm.
Contact Information:
Sterler Residence
Rr 1 Box 86
Sibley , IA 51249-9801
(712) 754-2045
When To ClimbAny time of year.
Yellow River State Forest - The hills in IowaYellow River State Forest is located in Allamakee County in northeast Iowa (far away from Hawkeye Point), yet it is one of the hilliest areas in the entire state, with rises in the vicinity of 300'. There are even some nice rock outcroppings to visit that overlook the Mississippi River. The elevations in this area are above 1,000', but none approaching the height above sea level at Hawkeye Point.
Check out this page for information on hiking in the forest.
Check out this page for photos of the hills.
Miscellaneous InfoHiking, camping, and several lakes are available at Gull Point State Park about 25 miles away. Check out Gull Point
Check out this site for some rock climbing areas in Iowa.
Some of the included parks are:
Backbone State Park in the Northeast in Delaware County.
Palisades-Kepler near Cedar Rapids in the East
Wapsipinicon State Park near Cedar Rapids in the East
For a list of more Iowa State Parks and Recreation Areas see this site.
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