Just south of the states of Minnesota and east of Nebraska, Iowa is a pretty unique region of the United States to visit. Yes, it may not have the ‘popular’ draw of states like California or New York, but it really should! Not only that, Iowa has heaps of great places to visit dotted throughout the state.
This makes Iowa the best place to visit if you have a car. Honestly, Iowa is amazing, and can easily be included in any comprehensive northern United States road trip or as a standalone destination.
However, don’t panic, even if you don’t drive, you can still have a great time visiting Iowa. Just make sure to plan your trip in advance in terms of public transport options and the routes you want to take.
You will honestly have such a great time in Iowa. Have fun on your adventure.
1.) That
Although only a small town in Iowa, Pella is absolutely beautiful to visit for a day trip or to spend a few nights relaxing in the region, just shy of Red Rock Lake and within easy reach of Highway 163, making Pella perfect. A stopping point on a road trip in Iowa.
Once you are in the area, be sure to visit That historic village And look at the Vermeer Windmill, which is in the center of Pella. It is very quaint and features centuries old buildings. It’s so beautiful, and it honestly feels like stepping into a little Dutch enclave.
Oh, and don’t forget you can easily visit Pella’s annual Tulip Time Festival. It takes place on the first Thursday-Saturday of May every year.
Finally, don’t forget to pop in Windmill Cafe For their hot beef sandwiches and hot tea.
2.) Cedar Rapids
Nestled on the east coast of Iowa, Cedar Rapids is a beautiful city to visit while driving across the state. Once here, you have to make sure you visit National Czech and Slovak Museum.
It is a large institution filled with artifacts, history, and culture of the Czech and Slovak people in the United States. The museum and library have a large collection of exhibits, educational materials and exhibits. This organization helps society understand the role it has played in history that has led us to where we are today.
Afterwards, go to Newbo City Market. They sell anything and everything you can imagine, and they have heaps of places to eat, and the Caribbean kitchen is very good – especially for their fried plantains.
Also, if you are visiting Iowa during the summer months, be sure to visit Lost Island Waterpark in nearby Waterloo. Well, I say close. It’s about a 50-minute drive but worth it if you’re looking for a day out of town.
It has nine main slides and pools that are great fun for all the family. One of these attractions is the Kailahi River, where you can enjoy floating on a raft. Outside the park, there are several attractions that don’t involve water, including go-karts and golf.
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3.) Maquoketa Caves State Park
Nestled in the hills, just shy of the town of Maquoketa, Maquoketa Caves State Park Worth a visit if you want to explore the natural beauty of Iowa.
If you want to follow a hiking trail or explore caves and caverns on your own, this is a great place to visit in Iowa.
Once here, visit the Maquoketa Caves Natural Bridge and explore the trail route, which takes 5-6 miles around the park.
4.) Des Moines
Iowa’s capital, Des Moines, is worth a visit for an overnight stay. It’s a hive of activity, and although not the biggest city (by international standards), you could easily spend a few days there and fill your entire weekend.
Once here, be sure to visit Iowa State Capitol. The main dome is 23-karat gold, visible from almost anywhere in Des Moines. Four other domes surround the main one, sharing the same beauty and adorning the capital with exquisite aesthetics. To get a close-up of this beauty, schedule a tour to climb the dome.
Afterwards, go up Greater Des Moines Botanical Center. Located in the state capital, this is yet another amazing wonder. After my visit, I felt like going back to biology classes. You can visit the plant and flower collections, experience the temperate and tropical gardens, and attend events and workshops throughout the year.
If you want some Head for indoor activities Des Moines Art Center. The key is in his name. It includes Edward Hopper and Many more.
Getting peckish? Head for Des Moines Downtown Farmers Market for their Saturday market. It is a wonderful place. You can experience stalls and produce that is made locally, which is great if you’re looking to get a taste of Iowa’s seasonal produce.
You will find lots of fresh farm produce like fruits and vegetables. Home-baked goodies include fruit tarts, giant cinnamon rolls, cakes and cookies. You may leave stuffed.
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5.) Iowa City
Iowa City is located on the east coast of the state. It is one of the historical capitals of the state and is worth a day trip.
Once You are here, be sure to visit Stanley Museum of Art. Here, you’ll find loads of contemporary pieces and explore the visual laboratory on the third floor of the museum itself. The visit will take about 45-60 minutes and is Worth a walk when you visit Iowa City.
Afterwards, go up Bluebird Diner. It’s a casual establishment in Iowa City and perfect for a relaxing breakfast or brunch. Their corned beef hash is very good.
Oh, and don’t forget to visit Old Capitol Museum. The museum is always free to enter, and is well worth a visit to explore Iowa’s history and learn more about the state. We loved it.
6.) West Bend
West Bend itself is a great little place to visit in Iowa. You can blink and miss it on your trip around Iowa. That being said, even if you only stay for an hour or two, a visit is very special.
In West Bend, you have this temple Grotto of Redemption. It is said to be the largest grotto in the world and is a place of reflection that you can still visit today.
In fact, it is made up of 9 different grottoes and turns out to be the largest man-made grotto. Visits take about 20 minutes.
Afterwards, go to Wagon Wheel Cafe For a bite to eat. Their wheel burgers are very tasty for lunch.
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7.) Dubuque
On the banks of the Mississippi River, Dubuque is one of the best places in Iowa to visit if you’re driving east to Lake Michigan or other nearby state cities like Chicago.
Once here, be sure to visit National Mississippi River Museum. It’s a great way to learn more about the local habitats and vast regions that make the world so special. Plus, it’s perfect for the whole family, and you can easily spend a couple of hours inside.
Afterwards, take a trip to Fenelon Place Elevator. It is said to be the steepest railway in the entire world. The visit only takes 15 minutes and is well worth it if you don’t fancy going all the way to Fenelon Place.
Finally, Visit the Dubuque Museum of Art. Although small, it is a great place To view seasonal exhibits celebrating American art.
Also, if you’re heading west, be sure to stop by Realm of Dreams movie site. If you are a fan of the movie, you will love this place in Iowa. Also, STop off on Breitbach’s Country Dining If you decide to follow the Mississippi River north. Not only is the food delicious, but it’s been around since the 1850s.
8.) West Branch
Like many of the best places to visit in Iowa, West Branch is small but a place you won’t want to miss. You see, it’s home Herbert Hoover National Historic Site.
You see, Herbert Hoover, the 31st President of the United States, was actually from Iowa. After his death, his birthplace was preserved as a historical site that you can still visit today.
The site depicts the landscape of his childhood, showing his humble beginnings. It also houses his father’s blacksmith shop, meeting house and schoolhouse. All buildings are accessible to visitors, and are a great way to learn more about Iowa history and broader American history.
Afterwards, go to Main Street Antiques. It’s a great place to find antique Americana and you can also find uranium glass and historic coins. We loved it.
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9.) Decorah
Decorah is worth a visit for a lazy afternoon in Iowa. It can easily be visited in half a day. Once there, you must visit Westerham, The National Norwegian-American Museum, which spans four floors.
Not only that, but it’s also a great way to learn more about Norwegian Americans and their place in Iowa.
Afterwards, go up Sabin Family Table. It’s not in the center of Decorah and is quite a relaxed and casual place for lunch, but the food is very good. This is the kind of place you visit for the flavors and they are incredible. Be sure to try their meatball sub and their homemade pie for dessert.
10.) Amana
Our community is worth a visit if you’re driving through nearby Iowa City. You see, it is very historic, and German immigrants established colonies here centuries ago.
Today, you can explore the Amana Colonies, which consist of seven villages in eastern Iowa. Once here, you can admire colonial works of art and Delicious German food. Just make sure you visit Millstream Brau Haus. It is historical A German beer house serving local brews and delicious lunches.
Finally, if you have time, drive nearby Fireside Winery. It’s a family-run winery in the heart of the larger Amana community, and it’s delicious.
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11.) Ames
In the center of the state, Ames is one of the best places in Iowa to visit when driving across the state. Now, you don’t need to spend more than a day in Ames, but that doesn’t mean you should miss out on a visit.
Once here, be sure to visit Riemann Gardens. This is a stunning botanic garden that you can easily spend an hour exploring. Also, their butterfly garden is incredible. Oh, and if you’re looking for something a little weirder, look no further The world’s largest concrete gnome. It’s as kitsch as it sounds!
Plus, for some of the best pizza in all of Iowa, be sure to grab a table Great Plains Sauce & Dough Co. Once here, you have to try their Prairie Special, loaded with heaps of sliced pepperoni and their famous pork sausage. Oh, and make some room for pudding; Their cinnamon stick is very good.
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