Hawkeye Point

[Abby Brown] Well, we made it. Just over there is a site and you can only see in one particular spot in Iowa. Come on!

(Map marking Osceola County in northwest Iowa.)

This is Hawkeye Point. It’s in Sibley, Iowa, and it’s the highest natural point in our state. 1,670 feet.

The slow movement of ancient glaciers over most of Iowa helped shape the land and this high point area is certainly no different. This site used to be farmland, so it wasn't easily recognizable as the high point. For a long time, Iowans were told Ocheyedan Mound was the highest point in the state. But in 1971, land surveyors discovered a point that was elevated 50 more feet, Hawkeye Point.

(An elevated coin-like structure made out of yellow, gray and red mosaic squares depicting a compass with the words Hawkeye Point and an outline of the state of Iowa.)

In 2008, this roadside stop was created so visitors could come and celebrate this unique spot. You can stand on the marker and take a picture of your feet to prove you stood on top of Iowa. There are other fun things to do on the grounds too, like a walk through the red corn crib. It's like a mini-ag museum. There's also some antique farm machinery on display and check out this observation deck on this silo. The views are gorgeous. The Minnesota border is only three miles away. These signs show the city and each of the other 49 states that has the high(est) point. You can check them out and see how Iowa measures up. Our state's geological features are always fascinating to explore.

Every county in Iowa is proud to shout their story from the mountaintops, or at least the high point. Thanks for making the journey to Osceola County with me.

Funding for FIND Iowa has been provided by The Coons Foundation, Pella and the Gilchrist Foundation.