Where is the Biggest Tree in All of Iowa? Look to the North

At last checked, there are over 1 billion trees found in the Hawkeye State. While that may seem like a huge number, it's important to note that Iowa has less trees than almost every state (outside of North and South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas and Nevada), with only 8 percent of the state covered in forest. To put it in perspective, Minnesota has close to 15 billion trees and Wisconsin isn't far behind with nearly 12 billion.

But there is one tree in the state of Iowa that stands above the rest. In fact, it was recently certified as the biggest tree in the entire state and it's not far from Minnesota itself.

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The Biggest Tree in Iowa is a Cottonwood, Standing Over 100 Feet

So, where is Iowa's biggest tree? As it turns out, you can find it in Mitchell County, just 7 miles from the border with Minnesota.

The tree is an Eastern Cottonwood and can be found near the small village of Otranto. It's over 102 feet tall and stands nearly as high as Minnesota's tallest tree, also an Eastern Cottonwood.

READ MORE: Where Can You Find Minnesota's Tallest Tree?

The tree is nearly 150 years old and was nearly cut down several years ago, as it sits at the edge of a field. You can learn more about the tree and see a video of it at the KAAL TV Website.

While you're taking in the view of Iowa's biggest tree, why not make a weekend of it? The Otranto Park has over 20 picturesque campsites available near the Cedar River. Check it out for yourself on the Travel Iowa Website.

Story Sources: National Forest Service Website, KAAL TV Website