Right by the Iowa/Minnesota border you'll find the highest point by elevation in Iowa. Although the surrounding area is almost flat, the monuments here make up for the lack
of a view. In addition to a series of signs pointing to each of the other 49 U.S. highpoints, you'll find a mini museum, historic farm equipment, and an American Gothic recreation you can stick your face in. Camping is available at a county operated campsite that you'll pass on your left as you drive to the highpoint. From what I can tell, camping is free there -- quite a bargain considering there are flush toilets, showers, firepits at each site, and a picnic area.
Hiking is nonexistent here, so you'll have to drive a bit to reach worthwhile trails. Nearby in Minnesota north of Interstate 90, check out Blue Mounds State Park to see pretty pink cliffs, a bison herd, and prairie flowers; Split Rock Creek State Park for a walk around a reservoir; or Pipestone National Monument to see petroglyphs and learn about sacred Native American quarries used to make ceremonial pipes. Near Sioux Falls, South Dakota, you can visit Good Earth State Park or Big Sioux Recreation Area. Further away near Sioux City, Iowa you can hike in Stone State Park, Adams Homestead and Nature Preserve, or Ponca State Park.
