Just south of the states of Minnesota and east of Nebraska, Iowa is a pretty special region of the United States to visit. Yes, it might not have the ‘popular’ draw of states like California or New York, but it really should! Not only that, there are heaps of the best places in Iowa to visit dotted all across the state.
This all makes Iowa a great to visit if you have a car. Honestly, Iowa is incredible, and it can easily be included in any wider Northern United States road trip or as a standalone destination.
Though, fret not, even if you don’t drive, you can still have an epic time visiting Iowa. Just make sure to plan your trip in advance in terms of public transit options and routes you want to take.
You’re honestly going to have such a great time in Iowa. Have fun on your adventure.
1.) Pella
Although only a small city in Iowa, Pella is absolutely lovely to visit for a day trip or even to spend a relaxing few nights in the region, it’s just shy of Lake Red Rock and within easy reach of Highway 163, which makes Pella the perfect stopping point on a road trip in Iowa.
Once you’re in the area, make sure to visit the Pella Historical Village and see the Vermeer Windmill, which is right in the centre of Pella. It’s so quaint and showcases period buildings that date back centuries. It’s so beautiful, and it honestly feels like arriving in a little Dutch enclave.
Oh, and don’t forget you can easily time a visit with Pella’s annual Tulip Time festival. It takes place every year on the first Thursday-Saturday of May.
Finally, don’t forget to pop into the Windmill Cafe for their hot beef sandwich and hot tea.
2.) Cedar Rapids
Nestled in the eastern fringes of Iowa, Cedar Rapids is a lovely city to visit when driving across the state. Once here, you have to make sure you visit the National Czech and Slovak Museum.
It is a large institute full of artefacts, history, and culture of the Czech and Slovak people who arrived in the United States. The museum and library hold a huge collection of exhibits, educational materials, and displays. This institute helps society understand the role played in history that has led us to where we are today.
Afterwards, head over to NewBo City Market. They sell everything and anything you can imagine, and it’s got heaps of foodie spots, and the Carribean Kitchen is so good – especially for their fried plantains.
Also, if you’re visiting Iowa in the summer months, make sure to visit Lost Island Waterpark in nearby Waterloo. Well, I say near. It’s about a 50-minute drive but worth it if you’re looking for a day outside the city.
It has nine major slides and pools that are so much fun for all the family. One of these attractions is the Kailahi River, where you can enjoy floating on a raft. Outside the park, some attractions whose activities don’t include water are located, including go-karts and golf.
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3.) Maquoketa Caves State Park
Nestled on the hills, just shy of the town of Maquoketa, Maquoketa Caves State Park is well worth a visit if you’re looking to explore Iowa’s natural beauty.
It’s one of the best places in Iowa to visit if you’re looking to follow a hiking trail or explore the caves and caverns themselves.
Once here, visit Maquoketa Caves Natural Bridge and explore the trail route, which will take 5-6 miles around the park itself.
4.) Des Moines
The capital city of Iowa, Des Moines, is well worth visiting for an overnight stay. It’s a hive of activity, and although not the biggest city (by international standards), you can easily spend a few days there and fill up your whole weekend.
Once here, make sure to visit the Iowa State Capitol. The main dome is a 23-karat golden one, visible from almost anywhere in Des Moines. Four other domes surround the main one, sharing equal beauty and decorating the capital with excellent aesthetics. To get a close-up of this beauty, schedule a tour to climb up the dome.
Afterwards, head on over to the Greater Des Moines Botanical Center. Located in the state capital, this is yet another awesome 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 indoor activities, head to the Des Moines Art Center. The clue is in its name. It has heaps of exhibits and rooms to explore pieces from artists such as Edward Hopper and many more.
Getting peckish? Head to Des Moines Downtown Farmers’ Market for their Saturday Market. It’s an amazing place. You get to meet and experience the stalls and produce that are all made locally, which is great if you want to taste seasonal products from Iowa.
You’ll find many fresh farm produce, such as fruits and vegetables. Home-baked goodies include fruit tarts, huge cinnamon rolls, cakes, and cookies. You’ll leave stuffed.
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5.) Iowa City
Iowa City is located on the eastern fringes of the state. It is one of the state’s historic capitals and is well worth a day trip.
Once you’re here, make sure to visit the 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 around 45-60 minutes and is well worth strolling around when you visit Iowa City.
Afterwards, head over to the Bluebird Diner. It’s an unfussy institution in Iowa City and perfect for a relaxed breakfast or brunch. Their corned beef hash is so good.
Oh, and don’t forget to visit the Old Capitol Museum. The museum is always free to enter, and it’s well worth visiting to explore the history of Iowa and learn more about the state itself. We loved it.
6.) West Bend
West Bend itself is a tiny little place in Iowa to visit. You could blink and miss it on your trip around Iowa. That being said, it’s pretty special to visit, even if you only stop for an hour or two.
In West Bend, you’ve got the shrine of the Grotto of the Redemption. It’s said to be the world’s largest grotto and is a place of reflection you can still visit today.
In fact, it is made up of 9 different grottos and has turned out to be the biggest human-made grotto. Visits take around 20 minutes.
Afterwards, head to the Wagon Wheel Cafe for a bite to eat. Their wheel burgers are so yummy for lunch.
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7.) Dubuque
Right on the shores of the Mississippi River, Dubuque is one of the best places in Iowa to visit if you’re driving east to Lake Michigan or cities in other nearby states like Chicago.
Once here, be sure to visit the National Mississippi River Museum. It’s a great way to learn more about the local habitat and wider regions that make the world so special. Plus, it’s perfect for the whole family, and you can easily spend two hours strolling inside.
Afterwards, take a trip to the Fenelon Place Elevator. It’s said to be the steepest railroad in the whole world. Visits will only take around 15 minutes and it’s well worth it if you don’t fancy walking up to Fenelon Place itself.
Finally, visit the Dubuque Museum of Art. Although small, it’s a great place to see seasonal exhibits that celebrate American art.
Also, if you’re heading west, make sure to stop by the Field of Dreams Movie Site. If you’re a fan of the film, you’ll love this place in Iowa. Also, stop off at Breitbach’s Country Dining if you decide to follow the Mississippi River northbound. Not only is the food delicious, but it’s been going since the 1850s.
8.) West Branch
Like lots of the best places in Iowa to visit, West Branch is small but a spot you don’t want to miss. You see, it’s home to the 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 historic site which you can visit to this day.
This site features his childhood landscape, showing his humble beginnings. It also consists of his father’s blacksmith shop, a meeting house, and a schoolhouse. All the buildings are accessible to visitors, and they are a great way to learn more about Iowa’s history and the wider American history.
Afterwards, head to Main Street Antiques. It’s a great place to find antique Americana and you can even find uranium glass and historic coins. We loved it.
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9.) Decorah
Decorah is well worth a visit for a lazy afternoon in Iowa. It can be easily visited in a half-day. Once there, you have to visit the Vesterheim, 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, head over to the Sabin Family Table. It’s not in the centre of Decorah and is a totally relaxed and unfussy spot for lunch, but the food is so good. This is the type of place you visit for the flavours, and they’re incredible. Make sure to try their meatball sub and their homemade pies for dessert.
10.) Amana
The community of Amana is well worth visiting if you’re driving from nearby Iowa City. You see, it’s so historic, and German immigrants first established the colonies here centuries ago.
Today, you can explore the Amana Colonies, which consists of seven villages in the eastern part of Iowa. Once here, you can admire the colonial works of art and the tasty German foods. Just make sure you visit the Millstream Brau Haus. It’s a historic German beer house that serves local brews and delicious lunches.
Finally, if you have time, drive to the nearby Fireside Winery. It’s a family-run winery in the heart of the wider Amana community, and they are so tasty.
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11.) Ames
Right in the heart of the state, Ames is one of the best places in Iowa to visit whilst driving across the state. Now, you don’t need to spend longer than a day in Ames, but that doesn’t mean you should miss a visit.
Once here, make sure to visit Reiman Gardens. It’s a stunning botanic garden where you can easily spend an hour exploring. Plus, their butterfly garden is incredible. Oh, and if you’re looking for something a little quirky, spot the world’s largest concrete gnome. It’s as kitsch as it sounds!
Also, for some of the best pizza in all of Iowa, make sure to grab a table at the Great Plains Sauce and Dough Co. Once here, you have to try their Prairie Special, that’s filled with heaps of sliced pepperoni and their famous pork sausage. Oh, and make some room for pudding; their cinnamon stick is so good.
Read more: Cheapest cities in the US to visit
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