Hawkeye Point
Acres of tall Iowa corn once hid one of Osceola County's proudest places, Hawkeye Point, Iowa’s highest elevation at 1,670 feet.
For years Hawkeye Point had been known chiefly to local residents and to the National Highpointers Foundation. The point had been a destination for visitors who have left old license plates from states nationwide.
But since 2008, when Osceola County acquired seven acres of the Merrill-Sterler farm surrounding Hawkeye Point, the site has been developed into a popular road-side stop for travelers and a destination for those near and far with numerous amenities for visitors.
COVID safety - all features at Hawkeye Point are outside and open-air facilities for a safe visit!
Physical address: 5463 130th St, Sibley, IA 51249
Mailing address: Hawkeye Point Foundation, 300 7th Street, Sibley, IA 51249
Live webcam from Hawkeye Point:
A visit to Hawkeye Point includes:
- Grain bin shelter
- Silo with an observation deck
- Informational kiosk
- Mosaic display marking the High Point.
- Iowa Gothic sign allows visitors a unique photo opportunity
- Walk-through "hands-on" history items displayed in the corn crib.
- Large display of antique farm machinery
- Directional signs pointing to each of the 49 other state highpoints
- Wall of Recognition for supporters (contact us on 712-754-2523 to donate to the Hawkeye Point Foundation)
The Hawkeye Point campground, located just north of the high point, opened in 2011, and it includes 12 camping sites, a shelter house, bathhouse, playground equipment, a fire pit and 24 picnic tables. All sites have electric and water, and four sites have a concrete pad (new in 2022!) No reservations are taken so all spots are first come, first served. Cost is $20 per night. For questions please contact Osceola County Conservation on (712) 758-3709.
Much of the work at Hawkeye Point has been funded by local grants such as the Community Foundation of Osceola County and Lyon County Riverboat Foundation, and through generous donors. The National Visitors can learn more about the many native grasses and wildflowers around Hawkeye Point through interpretive signs.
The McCallum Museum & Brunson House, located in Sibley, features more information about the origins of Hawkeye Point and the Sterler family.
For more information on highpoints in the US, visit the Highpointers Club and The Highpointers Foundation websites. Both organizations continue to be incredibly generous and supportive of Hawkeye Point.
More volunteers are always welcome. If interested please contact the Osceola County Economic Development Commission at 712-754-2523.
