Iowa Borders: States, Map & Complete Guide

Minnesota and Iowa are separated by a border located on Iowa's northern edge. The state line runs roughly east-west from South Dakota in the west to Wisconsin and the Mississippi River in the east.

The Iowa-Minnesota border extends for about 260 miles. The border follows the 43rd parallel north for most of its length, creating a relatively straight line across the top of Iowa. Iowa counties along this border include Lyon, Osceola, Dickinson, Emmet, Kossuth, Winnebago, Worth, Mitchell, Howard, and Allamakee.

Wisconsin and Iowa are separated entirely by the Mississippi River along Iowa's northeastern edge. The river creates a natural boundary between the two states.

The Iowa-Wisconsin border extends for about 140 miles along the Mississippi River from Minnesota in the north to Illinois in the south. Iowa counties along this border include Allamakee, Clayton, and Dubuque. On the Wisconsin side, Crawford, Grant, and Iowa counties sit along the river. The border region includes scenic bluffs and river valley towns.

Illinois and Iowa are separated entirely by the Mississippi River along Iowa's eastern and southeastern edge. The river creates a natural boundary running roughly north-south.

The Iowa-Illinois border extends for about 165 miles along the Mississippi River from Wisconsin in the north to Missouri in the south. Iowa counties along this border include Dubuque, Jackson, Clinton, Scott, Muscatine, Louisa, Des Moines, and Lee. The Quad Cities region—including Davenport and Bettendorf in Iowa, and Rock Island and Moline in Illinois—sits along this border.

Missouri and Iowa are separated by a border located on Iowa's southern edge. The boundary runs roughly east-west from Nebraska in the west to Illinois and the Mississippi River in the east.

The Iowa-Missouri border extends for about 310 miles. The border follows an irregular survey line across southern Iowa, with some sections: following the Des Moines River. Iowa counties along this border include Fremont, Page, Taylor, Ringgold, Decatur, Wayne, Appanoose, Davis, Van Buren, and Lee.

Nebraska and Iowa are separated by the Missouri River along Iowa's western edge. The river creates a natural boundary running roughly north-south from South Dakota in the north to Missouri in the south.

The Iowa-Nebraska border extends for about 300 miles along the Missouri River. This powerful river has shifted its course over time, occasionally creating boundary disputes. Iowa counties along this border include Woodbury, Monona, Harrison, Pottawattamie, Mills, and Fremont. Major cities on this border include Sioux City and Council Bluffs in Iowa, and Omaha in Nebraska.

South Dakota and Iowa are separated by a border located on Iowa's northwestern corner. The Big Sioux River forms much of this boundary, creating a natural water border.

The Iowa-South Dakota border extends for about 130 miles. The Big Sioux River creates the border for much of this distance before the boundary continues as a land border. Only three Iowa counties touch this border: Lyon, Sioux, and Plymouth. On the South Dakota side, Lincoln, Union, and Clay counties sit along the border. Sioux Falls, South Dakota is located near this border.