Jones County: Nature, River Valleys and Grant Wood Art

Jones County offers riverside landscapes and trails through forests, prairie and wetlands for nature experiences. Those weighing nature and culture for their trip will find a range of options here, from paddling on the Maquoketa River to exploring the Grant Wood story and historic buildings.

River Valleys and Natural Areas

Pictured Rocks is a 726-acre wildlife management area on the Maquoketa River. Steep limestone walls enclose a narrow river valley, and hiking trails pass through undeveloped deciduous forest. There is a developed river access for canoes and kayaks. Access to the caves at Pictured Rocks requires a permit form from the director of the Jones County Conservation Board. Check this requirement before your visit.

Whitewater Canyon offers a different landscape: the 562-acre wildlife management area encompasses forest, upland and riverside habitats. Cliffs rise 200 feet above Whitewater Creek, and overlooks offer views into the valley. Hiking trails provide access to several caves and rock shelters. In winter, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing are available on ungroomed trails. The season therefore also changes how you can use the trails here.

You can experience other stretches of river from the water. A trip on the Wapsipinicon River through Stone City offers views of historic stone buildings and homes. The river runs for about 43 miles through Jones County. From Stone City Access, canoe and kayak trips follow limestone bluffs, rocky cliffs and wooded banks. Eby's Mill Access has a paved, developed ramp and is suitable for kayaks, canoes and tubes.

Eby's Mill Wildlife Area Leifker Addition offers a mile of shoreline on the Maquoketa River and hiking trails. It is part of the Indian Bluffs-Pictured Rocks Bird Conservation Area. Together with the river valleys and their cliffs, this place reveals another side of the county's natural areas.

Trails for Different Outings

Central Park has about five miles of hiking trails through forest, restored prairie and wetlands. The StoryWalk® Trail combines pages from a book with interactive activities and is designed as a family activity. The Jones County Nature Center offers exhibits, hands-on activities and regular public programs. Check the schedule if you would like to plan around a program.

The Grant Wood Trail begins at the Martelle Trailhead: a 0.5-mile paved recreational corridor that can be used year-round. Shaded, tree-lined stretches alternate with remnants of wetland prairie vegetation. The short corridor is quite different from the approximately five-mile trail network in Central Park, giving each a different scale for a walk.

The paved Wapsi Trail is 10 feet wide and connects Anamosa, historic Hale Bridge and Wapsipinicon State Park. Native prairie plantings have been established along the trail. In winter, the multi-use trails at Wapsipinicon State Park are open to cross-country skiing and snowmobiling. The campground is fully reservable; reservations are required. Arrange your reservation before your trip.

Grant Wood, Art and Architectural History

The Grant Wood Art Gallery displays prints of Grant Wood's paintings, furniture designed by him and materials related to the Stone City Art Colony. The Grant Wood Scenic Byway presents both the gallery and the art site known as the Stone City Art Colony as art attractions. The connection between art and landscape also shapes route planning: the 80-mile paved byway is a driving route from Stone City to the Mississippi River. From Anamosa, it runs west to Stone City and east to Antioch School. Check the route directions before setting out.

Antioch School is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. In Anamosa, the Anamosa State Penitentiary Museum opened to the public in 2002. Its collection includes original uniforms, architectural artifacts, weapons made by prisoners and detailed architectural exhibits. Confirm access in advance if you plan to visit the museum.

Wapsipinicon State Park also combines nature and history. Many of its structures, including the stone arch bridge, lodge and shelters, were handmade by prisoners at nearby Anamosa State Penitentiary. Possible activities include boating on the Wapsipinicon River, hiking, camping and cave tours; check specific park offerings separately.

Highlights for Your Trip

A simple comparison can help with trip planning: river access points, valleys and hiking trails offer nature experiences, while the gallery, byway and historic buildings bring Grant Wood and architectural history to the forefront. You can take both interests into account when choosing a hotel without presuming a particular property or location. When planning, note the stated requirements for cave access, campground reservations and museum visits.

Discover More Destinations

Anamosa, Cherokee County, Woodbury, Cerro Gordo County, Emmet County, Buena Vista County, Polk, Hardin County

For the broader travel overview: Iowa.