Bounded entirely by rivers to the east and the west, Iowa boasts some of the largest, longest, deepest, and most beautiful lakes in the country. Tucked between rolling hills and deep valleys, surrounded by dense forests and pristine woodlands, and bordered by sandy beaches and marshy wetlands, the lakes in Iowa don’t disappoint when it comes to spending a day hiking, mountain, boating, sailing, swimming, or fishing on or off their shores.

Backbone Lake

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Big Creek Lake

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