The Yellow River originates in southwestern Winneshiek County, Iowa and flows through southern Allamakee County receiving tributaries from northern Clayton County before joining the Mississippi River near Marquette and Effigy Mounds National Monument.
Much of river's course is very scenic, coursing between vegetated limestone cliffs. The watershed is located in northeastern Iowa’s unglaciated Driftless area. The catchment measures 154,666 acres (626 km²) and is mainly state forest or farmland. Much of the region is quite rugged, and little urban development has encroached upon it. Its beauty, lack of development, recreational potential and interesting wildlife habitats make it a candidate for development as a park. The state has developed Yellow River State Forest over time (the lavender parts of the map here). Effigy Mounds National Monument has also grown, either by direct purchase or from gifts.
