Iowa Swimming Holes
Iowa has 4 named swimming holes on record across 3 counties. Types include lake coves, springs, and creek pools. 2 need a hike. 3 have a closure or hazard note on file.
- No closure on file
- Closed, or no soaking or swimming
No swimming holes match.
| Name | Water type | Access | Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Development Lake cove | Access paved road | Fee No day-use entrance fee; Iowa non-resident vehicle permits repealed as of January 1, 2026. | Status Closure or warning on file | |
| Development Lake cove | Access paved road | Fee No day-use entrance fee; Iowa non-resident vehicle permits repealed as of January 1, 2026. | Status Closure or warning on file | |
| Development Spring | Access 1 mi hike, paved road | Fee – | Status Closure or warning on file | |
| Development Creek pool | Access 0.8 mi hike (round trip) | Fee No entrance fee stated on Decorah Parks or Visit Decorah Twin Springs pages. | Status No closure on file |
Photo credits (3)
- Backbone State Park: Kevin Schuchmann, CC BY-SA 3.0
- Lake Macbride: Tony Webster from Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States, CC BY-SA 2.0
- Twin Springs: Brandonrush, CC BY-SA 4.0
Common questions
Where are the swimming holes in Iowa?
4 named swimming holes are on record: Backbone State Park, Lake Macbride, Malanaphy Springs, and Twin Springs.
Are any swimming holes in Iowa closed?
A closure or hazard note is on file for Backbone State Park, Lake Macbride, and Malanaphy Springs. Each page has the dated detail.