Iowa Travel Guide: Best Places to Visit & Top Attractions
Known as the Hawkeye State, Iowa is famous for its rolling farmland, charming small towns, and cultural attractions. Whether you’re looking for scenic outdoor adventures, historic sites, or family-friendly fun, this guide highlights the best places to visit in Iowa.
Where is Iowa?
📍 Location: Midwestern United States
🌆 Major Cities: Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Davenport, Sioux City
🌾 Bordering States: Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Missouri, Nebraska, South Dakota
🔗 Visit Iowa Tourism
🌆 Major Cities: Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Davenport, Sioux City
🌾 Bordering States: Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Missouri, Nebraska, South Dakota
🔗 Visit Iowa Tourism
Best Time to Visit Iowa
🌸 Spring (March-May): Ideal for wildflower hikes and outdoor festivals.
☀️ Summer (June-August): Best for state fairs, riverfront attractions, and road trips.
🍂 Fall (September-November): Perfect for leaf-peeping, apple orchards, and harvest festivals.
❄️ Winter (December-February): Great for holiday events, skiing, and cozy indoor attractions.
☀️ Summer (June-August): Best for state fairs, riverfront attractions, and road trips.
🍂 Fall (September-November): Perfect for leaf-peeping, apple orchards, and harvest festivals.
❄️ Winter (December-February): Great for holiday events, skiing, and cozy indoor attractions.
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Top Attractions & Destinations in Iowa
1. Des Moines – The Capital City with Arts & Culture
Des Moines is a lively city offering history, museums, and great food.
🏛️ Best Things to Do in Des Moines:
- Iowa State Capitol – A stunning gold-domed building offering guided tours.
- Pappajohn Sculpture Park – A modern art park in downtown Des Moines.
- Blank Park Zoo – A great family-friendly zoo with exotic animals.
📍 Location: Central Iowa
🔗 Visit Des Moines
🔗 Visit Des Moines
2. Iowa State Fair – A Midwest Summer Tradition
One of the largest and most famous state fairs in the U.S., held every August.
🎡 Highlights of the Iowa State Fair:
- Giant Butter Cow Sculpture – A famous fair tradition since 1911.
- Food on a Stick – Try unique fair foods like deep-fried Twinkies and pork chops on a stick.
- Concerts & Entertainment – Enjoy live music, carnival rides, and competitions.
📍 Location: Des Moines
🔗 Visit the Iowa State Fair
🔗 Visit the Iowa State Fair
3. The Bridges of Madison County – A Romantic Getaway
Made famous by the novel and movie, these historic covered bridges are a must-see.
🌉 Top Activities in Madison County:
- Visit the Famous Bridges – The Holliwell and Roseman Covered Bridges are the most photographed.
- Explore Winterset – The charming hometown of actor John Wayne.
- Tour the Madison County Winery – A great stop for local wine tastings.
📍 Location: Southwest Iowa
🔗 Visit Madison County
🔗 Visit Madison County
4. Field of Dreams Movie Site – A Legendary Baseball Destination
Fans of the classic “Field of Dreams” movie will love visiting this iconic site.
⚾ Things to Do at the Field of Dreams:
- Tour the Famous Baseball Field – Walk the same field as Kevin Costner and MLB players.
- Attend a Ghost Player Game – A fun reenactment of the movie scenes.
- Explore the House from the Movie – Available for tours and overnight stays.
📍 Location: Dyersville, Eastern Iowa
🔗 Visit Field of Dreams
🔗 Visit Field of Dreams
5. Effigy Mounds National Monument – Native American Heritage
A sacred site featuring prehistoric earthen mounds shaped like animals.
🌿 Best Things to Do at Effigy Mounds:
- Hike the Trails – Offers scenic views of the Mississippi River.
- Learn About Native American Culture – Visit the on-site museum and exhibits.
- See the Great Bear Mound – One of the largest effigy mounds in the Midwest.
📍 Location: Northeast Iowa
🔗 Visit Effigy Mounds
🔗 Visit Effigy Mounds
Best Outdoor Adventures in Iowa
🚣 Kayaking on the Upper Iowa River – A scenic paddling route through limestone bluffs.
🚴 Biking the High Trestle Trail – Features a stunning illuminated bridge at night.
🏞️ Exploring Maquoketa Caves State Park – The best cave system in Iowa.
🐦 Birdwatching at Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge – Home to bison and rare prairie birds.
🚴 Biking the High Trestle Trail – Features a stunning illuminated bridge at night.
🏞️ Exploring Maquoketa Caves State Park – The best cave system in Iowa.
🐦 Birdwatching at Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge – Home to bison and rare prairie birds.
Where to Stay in Iowa
🏨 Luxury Hotels & Unique Stays:
- Hotel Julien Dubuque – A historic and elegant hotel on the Mississippi River.
- The Black Hawk Hotel (Cedar Falls) – One of the oldest continuously operating hotels in the U.S..
🏕️ Best Campgrounds & Lodges:
- Backbone State Park Cabins – Cozy cabins near scenic hiking trails and lakes.
- Lake Red Rock Camping – A great spot for camping, fishing, and boating.
Tips for Visiting Iowa
✅ Visit in August for the Iowa State Fair – One of the biggest events in the Midwest.
✅ Explore Iowa’s Scenic Byways – Drive along the Great River Road or Loess Hills National Scenic Byway.
✅ Try Local Iowa Food – Don’t miss Maid-Rite loose meat sandwiches and Iowa sweet corn.
✅ Pack for Changing Weather – Summers can be hot and humid, while winters are cold and snowy.
✅ Explore Iowa’s Scenic Byways – Drive along the Great River Road or Loess Hills National Scenic Byway.
✅ Try Local Iowa Food – Don’t miss Maid-Rite loose meat sandwiches and Iowa sweet corn.
✅ Pack for Changing Weather – Summers can be hot and humid, while winters are cold and snowy.
Nearby Travel Destinations
If you’re visiting Iowa, consider exploring these nearby states:
- Illinois – Visit Chicago or the historic Galena region (3-hour drive from Des Moines).
- Missouri – Experience Kansas City’s BBQ or St. Louis’s Gateway Arch (4-hour drive from Cedar Rapids).
- Minnesota – Discover Minneapolis’s art scene and Mall of America (3-hour drive from northern Iowa).
Final Thoughts
With its historic small towns, scenic parks, and legendary state fair, Iowa is full of hidden gems. Whether you're exploring covered bridges, hiking in caves, or catching a baseball game at the Field of Dreams, the Hawkeye State offers something for every traveler.
For more Midwest travel guides, check out our Illinois Travel Guide and Missouri Travel Guide.