Upper Iowa River

The Upper Iowa River winds through three northeast Iowa counties (Howard, Winneshiek, and Allamakee) before entering the Mississippi River.

Meanwhile, the Upper Iowa River courses through stunning bluffs and palisades, pastoral farmland and vibrant communities. It is popular with paddlers, tubers, anglers and other outdoor enthusiasts.

The Upper Iowa River and its associated corridor are ecological treasures. This region supports wooded bluffs, hillside "goat" prairies and floodplain wetlands. It also provides critical habitat for diverse fish and wildlife, and native plants and insects.

Click on the links at right to learn more about this special river, what you can see/do there, how the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation is protecting the river's natural beauty with the help of many partners — and how you can help.