Visit the Upper Iowa River
Online or in Person

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by Nicki Ausen, Robert R. Buckmaster Intern

photo by Mary Ellen Leicht

This bald eagle and her eaglet nested on an INHF project along the Upper Iowa River this Spring. More eagle photos and information

As a member of the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation, you're helping protect the land, wildlife habitat, scenery and water quality of the Upper Iowa River. So INHF has made it easier for you to visit this beautiful area-whether you travel by canoe, car or computer.

As part of the "Explore Iowa" portion of our website, INHF created a section about the Upper Iowa River as our "Featured Destination." Located at www.inhf.org/upperiowariver.htm, these web pages contain information and links about what makes this area so special, how INHF members are helping protect it and how to visit.

Why it's special
The Upper Iowa is Iowa's only river eligible for designation as a national Wild and Scenic River. Its towering limestone palisades, chimney rocks and lush forest attract thousands of canoeists per year. Many of Iowa's cold-water trout streams feed into the Upper Iowa River, making it a popular fishing area. More recreation information, as well as gorgeous photos are available online.

INHF's role
INHF has completed many projects along the Upper Iowa. For example, brothers David and Bill Heine donated a conservation easement on 105 acres between Kendallville and Bluffton-one of the loveliest and most photographed bends of the river. David and his wife Kirsten placed an Emergency Wetland Protection easement on another river bend. Though not open for public use, conservation easements protect scenery, habitat and water quality benefits for everyone.

INHF also coordinated the River Bend area east of Decorah, which protected 11 private easements and one public site, totaling almost 900 acres. See more projects descriptions and a map on the website.

Going there
If a virtual visit isn't enough, INHF's site provides links to help you plan a vacation to the Upper Iowa River. For example, the Decorah Chamber of Commerce site lets you select phrases like "rent canoes," "go camping," or "Norwegian cuisine" from interactive menus to get lists of area providers. Links for surrounding counties and outdoor sports-affiliated resources provide similar information.

For more information, e-mail Cathy Engstrom, director of communications, or call (515) 288-1846.