Iowa State Maps

These maps show Iowa State's Counties, Cities, Federal Areas, Physiographic, and Ecoregion's.





Iowa County Map

The 99 Counties of Iowa and Their Name Origins

Iowa County Sizes Map

Iowa State County Sizes Map

Smallest County in Iowa State

Dickinson County: 407 sq miles

Largest County in Iowa State

Kossuth County: 983 sq miles

Mean and Median Area of Counties in Iowa State

Mean Area: 573 sq miles

Median Area: 570 sq miles

Iowa Major Cities Map

Major Cities of Iowa State and Their Locations

1. River Ports

Davenport: A major city located along the Mississippi River. It has a rich history in trade and agriculture due to its river access.

Burlington: Another important city on the Mississippi River, known for its historic downtown and its role as a key trading post during the 19th century.

Muscatine: Located along the Mississippi River, Muscatine has a rich industrial history, particularly in button manufacturing from freshwater mussels, and now supports a mix of agriculture and manufacturing industries.

2. Historic Paths or Routes

Des Moines: Iowa's capital and largest city, strategically located at the intersection of historic trade routes. Des Moines is now a hub for insurance, finance, and publishing industries.

Cedar Rapids: Known as the "City of Five Seasons," Cedar Rapids is an economic hub, particularly in the food processing industry, with several historic rail routes passing through the city.

Ames: Home to Iowa State University, Ames is an important center for education and agriculture, with historic paths linking it to central Iowa's farming communities.

3. Agricultural Centers

Waterloo: An important agricultural and manufacturing city, located along the Cedar River. Waterloo has a rich history in tractor manufacturing and is known for its role in the state’s agricultural economy.

Sioux City: Located on the Missouri River in western Iowa, Sioux City is a key regional hub for agriculture, meatpacking, and food production industries.

4. Educational and Cultural Centers

Iowa City: Home to the University of Iowa, Iowa City is a cultural and educational center, known for its vibrant literary scene and as the location of the famous Iowa Writers' Workshop.

Dubuque: One of Iowa’s oldest cities, located along the Mississippi River, Dubuque is a historic center of commerce and culture, now known for its beautiful riverfront, architecture, and tourism industry.

5. Growing Suburban Cities

West Des Moines: A rapidly growing suburb of Des Moines, it has become a major commercial and retail hub, with a strong connection to the state's financial sector.

Ankeny: Located just north of Des Moines, Ankeny is one of Iowa’s fastest-growing cities, with a burgeoning suburban community and a growing manufacturing and tech industry.

Iowa State Shaded Relief Map

Topographic Tour of Iowa

Iowa State is characterized by its rolling plains, carved by ancient glacial activity, and shaped by its unique geology and climate. Iowa's landscape features a mix of flat plains, gentle hills, and numerous river valleys, making it a critical agricultural hub.



Iowa Physiographic Regions Map

Physiographic Regions of Iowa

CENTRAL LOWLAND, DISSECTED TILL PLAINS

This region, located in southwestern Iowa, features gently rolling hills and rich soils, making it ideal for agriculture. The land here was shaped by glaciers and is dissected by numerous river valleys.

CENTRAL LOWLAND, TILL PLAINS

The Till Plains cover much of central Iowa, with flat to gently rolling terrain. These plains were formed by glacial till deposits, creating some of the most fertile soils in the world.

CENTRAL LOWLAND, WESTERN LAKE

This area in northwestern Iowa is characterized by the presence of natural lakes and wetlands, offering diverse ecosystems and recreational opportunities.

CENTRAL LOWLAND, WISCONSIN DRIFTLESS

The Driftless Area in northeastern Iowa escaped glaciation during the last Ice Age, resulting in rugged terrain with steep valleys, bluffs, and rock formations. This region is known for its scenic beauty and outdoor recreation.

Iowa Federal Lands Map

Notable Federal Lands: Some of the Largest and Most Fascinating Destinations in Iowa

1. Effigy Mounds National Monument

This monument preserves prehistoric mounds built by Native American cultures along the Mississippi River. The mounds are shaped like animals, and visitors can hike trails to view them while learning about their cultural significance.

2. Union Slough National Wildlife Refuge

Located in north-central Iowa, Union Slough National Wildlife Refuge was established to protect one of the few remaining remnants of prairie pothole wetland ecosystems. The refuge provides critical habitat for migratory birds, waterfowl, and other wildlife. Visitors can enjoy birdwatching, hiking, and seasonal hunting opportunities.

3. Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge

This refuge stretches along the Mississippi River across four states, including Iowa. It provides crucial habitat for migratory birds, fish, and wildlife, covering over 200,000 acres of floodplain forests, wetlands, and backwaters. Visitors can engage in activities such as fishing, boating, birdwatching, and hiking, while enjoying the scenic beauty of one of the largest river refuges in the country.

Iowa Ecoregions Map

Ecoregions of Iowa

Central Dissected Till Plains Section

This ecoregion covers much of southwestern Iowa and is characterized by its fertile soils and rolling hills, ideal for agriculture. It is heavily altered by farming, with much of the original prairie replaced by cropland.

Minnesota & NE Iowa Morainal, Oak Savannah Section

Located in northeastern Iowa, this region was shaped by glaciation, resulting in rugged hills, bluffs, and valleys. It is known for its oak savanna ecosystems, as well as the remnants of native prairie.

North-Central Glaciated Plains Section

This ecoregion covers much of central and northern Iowa. It consists of flat to gently rolling plains formed by glacial deposits, supporting extensive agricultural activity.

North-Central U.S. Driftless and Escarpment Section

The Driftless Region in northeastern Iowa features steep hills, cliffs, and scenic river valleys. This unique area escaped glaciation, preserving its rugged topography and diverse ecosystems.