SE Iowa climbing

I'm not really a climber (yet), but I'd like to be. I live in SE Iowa, which has ZERO routes on MP. Closest is about 3 hrs away in Missouri or NE Iowa. However, there are some (I think) climbable cliffs on  public land here, so I thought I would post some pictures. I think it would be bouldering or top rope only.

Location is just south of Ottumwa, IA. Google Garrison Rock Resource Management Unit to find it.

If you go ground up, no one can judge you 

Have you looked at Pictured Rocks or Palisades SP?  I'd be surprised if they were 3 hours away unless you live close to the MO border.  Palisades has a few decent moderate topropes with a nice view.  Pictured Rocks is a bit further for you but has more routes, higher difficulty, and is bolted (so you would need someone to lead climb).

I would get confirmation from someone with the county / state before climbing at Garrison Rock, to avoid jeopardizing access for climbers.

Great find and thank you for sharing. I agree with the post above, if access is not an issue, you’ve found a gem for us because the rock in some sections looks clean and strong. 

Just climb it.