So you want to visit a labyrinth in Iowa. I have selected 6 of the best (there are over 50) that are accessible to the public from around the state, focusing on large population areas. If you want a full list of labyrinths in the state check out the Worldwide Labyrinth Finder. (Want to submit a photo of a labyrinth below ? contact me !)
Why visit a Labyrinth ?
Labyrinths are ancient and mysterious symbols that have been used for centuries for meditation, contemplation, and spiritual renewal. They are also a lot of fun to explore! If you're looking for a unique and challenging experience, walk a labyrinth with intention - it often leads to self-discovery. Personally, I like to walk labyrinths between dawn and sunrise or at sunset until dusk. You may not realize it, but there is probably a labyrinth near where you live. Today we explore…
6 Labyrinths to Visit in IowA
1. First Unitarian Church of Des Moines Labyrinth
This medieval 7 circuit labyrinth is located off the paths from the east parking lot. It is made from bricks on the grass. You can find information on their website if you want to schedule it for an event.
Location: Des Moines, Iowa
Address:
1800 Bell Ave
Des Moines, Iowa 50315
2. Cedar Rapids Park Labyrinth
Located in a park on 3rd St SE, this 7 circuit circular labyrinth is located off the pathway in the park.
Location: Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Address:
1007 3rd St SE
Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52401
3. Sioux City Art Center Labyrinth
The labyrinth is in the opening scene, and also at 2:30 and 5:13 if you want to skip the other portions of the video.
This indoor 7 circuit labyrinth is located on the floor of the Atrium of the Art Center. You can plan your visit to the center on their website. In the center of the labyrinth is a time capsule that will be opened next in 2047.
Location: Sioux City, Iowa
Address:
225 Nebraska Street
Sioux City, Iowa 51101
4. Community of Christ Labyrinth
This 5 circuit medieval labyrinth is made from bricks/pavers and sits at the back of the church.
Location: Cedar Falls, Iowa
Address:
4616 Cedar Heights Dr.
Cedar Falls, Iowa 50613
5. Covenant Christian Church Labyrinths !
This is not 1 labyrinth, but a collection of 5 different types at the church. They are open from dusk til dawn. You can read about the labyrinths on this webpage.
Location: Urbandale, Iowa
Address:
2700 72nd Street
Urbandale, Iowa 50322
6. Indian Creek Nature Center Labyrinth
A massive 220 foot diameter Baltic labyrinth that is mowed into the grass of the prairie at this Nature Preserve. Check the website to plan your trip and check opening/closing times, trails typically open 5AM-10PM.
Location: Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Address:
5300 Otis Rd SE
Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52403
BONUS: This is Iowa so we need to mention corn mazes which are a seasonal occurrence. Here is one of many corn maze videos you can find, this from Plano, Iowa as they build a bridge in their corn maze.
5 TIPS FOR VISITING A LABYRINTH
Set an intention for your walk so you can walk with purpose. It could be prayer, reflection, meditation, contemplation, or openness.
Be sure to wear comfortable shoes, as you will be doing a lot of walking.
Bring water with you, especially if you are visiting on a hot day.
Take your time and enjoy the experience. There is no need to rush through a labyrinth.
Be respectful of other visitors. This includes not making noise and being respectful if walking with other people.
5 BOOKS TO READ ABOUT LABYRINTH WALKING
I wrote a blog post reviewing the following 5 books, each that deals with walking labyrinths. You can check them out yourself at the Amazon links below or read this blog post: 5 Books about the Spiritual Aspect of Labyrinths to learn a little about what each book teaches.
Walking a Sacred Path: Rediscovering the Labyrinth as a Spiritual Tool by Dr. Lauren Artress 201 pages. AMZN
Labyrinth : Your Path to Self-Discovery by Tony Christie 312 pages. AMZN
Exploring the Labyrinth: A Guide For Healing and Spiritual Growth by Melissa Gayle West 209 pages AMZN
Walking the Labyrinth: A Place to Pray and Seek God by Travis Scholl 240 pages AMZN
Labyrinths from the Outside In: Walking to Spiritual Insight by Rev Dr Donna Schaper and Rev Dr Carole Ann Camp 187 pages AMZN
If you are interested in more spiritual labyrinth aspects I suggest the following websites:
Lauren Artress website - For coaching, workshops and classes.
Veriditas - The nonprofit labyrinth group founded by Lauren Artress
Worldwide Labyrinth Finder - Find a labyrinth to walk near you, or while on vacation
I am a maze artist but I have never made any mazes from Iowa. If you have suggestions - drop me a note. Otherwise here are some mazes of famous buildings:
