28 Fun & Best Things To Do In Iowa For a Memorable Vacation

“Once a year, go someplace you’ve never been before.” – Dalai Lama

Heya! It’s Sam.

I have a friend who likes traveling to the same place over and over. She says she likes it because she knows what to expect every time. She hates surprises.

I love surprises. If I travel to the same place again, I have to explore a different area or engage in new activities. It’s different with books. I can read the same book more than once.

I visited Iowa for the second time. The last time I was here was about 2 years ago. I honestly didn’t think I’d enjoy my visit, but it turned out great. Maybe being in the company of my new read helped. I’m currently reading ‘The Book Thief’ by Markus Zusak. Everyone who has read the book keeps telling me that this book will give me a hangover. I understand why.

I don’t think there’s a place I’ve visited in Iowa and not taken a few minutes to read it. It’s amazing and I’ll always remember Iowa as a great destination because of this book. 

Here are a few places to explore.

Iowa is a state in the United States that is nestled between the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers.

It is famous for its agricultural activities, only coming third on the list of the nation’s most productive agricultural states.

You will be able to see all this when you explore the state and visit some of its farms like the Living History Farms, where you will learn all about the history of agriculture in the state.

Iowa means beautiful, and the state has some of the most beautiful attractions in the nation as you will witness during your vacation.

Some of the major attractions you will explore include restaurants, museums, historical sites, farms, gardens, and entertainment venues.

Anyone traveling with children should expect to have multiple options when it comes to children-friendly attractions; there are so many things to do for children in Iowa.

If you are planning a trip to this agricultural state, buckle up and allow us to give you an unforgettable ride by showing you some of the best things to do in Iowa.

Notably, Iowa is the home of America’s 31st President, Herbert Hoover, and you will be able to visit his birth cottage and his gravesite.

28 Things to do in Iowa

1. Maquoketa Caves State Park

Rating: 4.8★

Entry tickets: $10

Address: 9688 Caves Rd, Maquoketa, IA 52060

• It was established in 1921
• It is located in Jackson County

If you are a hiking enthusiast, you will love exploring Maquoketa Caves State Park, considered one of the biggest tourist attraction sites in Jackson, Iowa.

The park, which comprises high bluffs and hardwood trees is home to the largest collection of caves in Iowa – 13 in total – and other geological formations.

Hikers have over six miles of beautiful hiking trails awaiting them, spread throughout the 372-acre park.

And even for non-hikers, Maquoketa Caves State Park has a picnic area and a campground that welcomes both adults and children.

As a highlight of your trip, you can make your way to the Maquoketa River where canoeing and tubing await you.

• It is 3 hours 9 minutes from Des Moines International Airport

2. Iowa State Capitol

Rating: 4.8★

Entry tickets: Free entry

Address: 1007 E Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50319

• It is located in Des Moines
• It was opened in 1886

Also known as the Iowa Statehouse, the Iowa State Capitol is a legislative building that attracts history buffs and tourists in general with its grand 1800s structure, which is a mix of Renaissance Revival and Neoclassical architecture.

You will especially be taken by one of its domes, standing at 275 feet above the ground, covered by 23 karat gold.

Its ornate interior is also a sight to behold, thanks to its impressive finish and artwork.

The Iowa State Capitol houses artifacts, monuments, and other historical memorabilia that will tell you more about Iowa.

It is also home to the Supreme Courtroom and the governor’s offices.

• It is 16 minutes from Des Moines International Airport

3. Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center

Rating: 4.7★

Entry tickets: $8 per person, Free for youths 15 and below

Address: 900 Larsen Park Rd, Sioux City, IA 51103

• It is located in the Cape Disappointment State Park
• It was opened in 2002

Located along the banks of the Missouri River in Sioux City is Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center, a center dedicated to the Lewis and Clark Expedition, also known as the Corps of Discovery Expedition.

The historical center has permanent exhibits that commemorate events that date back to 1804 and took place before and after the expedition.

It is also here that Sergeant Charles Floyd, an American explorer, and non-commissioned army officer, died and was buried.

All visitors, regardless of age, will enjoy exploring Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center to learn the interesting history behind it, as well as the region’s people and land.

• It is 16 minutes from Des Moines International Airport

4. Buffalo Bill Center of the West

Rating: 4.8★

Entry tickets: Adults: $22, Seniors: $21, Students: $20, Children (6-17): $15, Children (under 5): Free

Address: 720 Sheridan Ave, Cody, WY 82414

• It was established in 1917
• It is located in Leclaire City

Anyone who loves museums will be fascinated by the Buffalo Bill Center of the West which hosts five museums, all under the same roof.

The museums include Buffalo Bill Museum, Plains Indian Museum, Cody Firearms Museum, Draper Natural History Museum, and the Whitney Western Art Museum.

All museums showcase different things to cater to a wide variety of audiences.

You will learn the history of the American West, the stories of Plains Indian cultures, firearms, learn about Yellowstone’s ecosystem, and explore arts including classic pieces from Russel, Moran, and Remington.

Buffalo Bill Center of the West is kid-friendly, and for anyone looking for exciting things to do in Iowa with kids, it should be on your mind.

• It is 2 hours 50 minutes from Des Moines International Airport

5. Field of Dreams, Iowa

Rating: 4.7★

Entry tickets: Adults (18+): $20, Seniors (65+): $18, Military: $15, Children (3-17): $12, Free for children under 2

Address: 28995 Lansing Rd, Dyersville, IA 52040

• It was built in 1988
• It is located in Dubuque County

In 1988, Universal Pictures built the Field of Dreams, a baseball field, as a location for its Oscar-nominated movie of the same name that was released in 1989.

It features a farm, a home, and a baseball field, owned by Ray Kinsella, a fictional character who built the field to attract the ghosts of baseball legends.

The movie starred big names like Academy Award-winner Kevin Costner, Gaby Hoffman, and James Earll Jones.

Today, the beautiful farm, located on a landscape of rolling hills, serves as an attraction site offering visitors the opportunity to explore the movie site or spend a night in the lovely house that belonged to the character Ray Kinsella’s family.

• It is 3 hours 9 minutes from Des Moines International Airport

6. Reiman Gardens

Rating: 4.8★

Entry tickets: Adults (13+): $11, Seniors (65+): $10, Children (2-12): $6, Free for children under 2

Address: 1407 University Blvd, Ames, IA 50011

• It is located at Iowa State University
• The current garden was officially opened in 1995

Iowa State University is known for its horticulture efforts.

The beautiful garden was established in honor of the University’s president who was a renowned horticulturist.

The Reiman Garden was founded to further horticultural studies and equip students with more information on the topic.

It is open to visitors who should be ready to explore its 17 acres dotted with over 800 butterflies, palm trees, rose gardens, and many varieties of plant species.

The scenic garden is a lovely attraction in Iowa where you can enjoy a leisure walk and connect with nature.

• It is 45 minutes from Des Moines International Airport

7. National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium

Rating: 4.7★

Entry tickets: Adults (18+): $20.95, Seniors (65+): $18.95, Children (3-17): $15.95 

Address: 350 E 3rd St, Dubuque, IA 52001

• It is located in Dubuque County
• It was opened in 2003

This attraction, which is part museum and part aquarium, attracts visitors of all ages, especially, those who are interested in geography.

The National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium was established to preserve and showcase the history of the rivers in America, starting with the Mississippi River.

It is one of the best things to do in Iowa for families with kids because it hosts interactive and interesting exhibits that are entertaining and educative for the entire family.

You will have the opportunity to touch and feed stingrays, take the Behind The Scenes Aquarium Tour, and visit a 4-D theater that shows educative films.

• It is 3 hours 16 minutes from Des Moines International Airport

8. Brunnier Art Museum

Rating: 4.6★

Entry tickets: Free entry 

Address: Scheman Bldg, 295, 1800 Center Dr, Ames, IA 50011

• It is located at Iowa State University
• It was established in 1975

In Iowa, there is only one accredited museum with a decorative art collection; this is is the Brunnier Art Museum.

It is named after Ann and Henry Brunnier who donated many art pieces to Iowa State University, creating the need to open a museum that could house them.

Since then, the museum has become home to over eight exhibits that showcase art collections from all over the world.

The collections include paintings, ceramics, dolls, furniture, enameled metals, and more.

Should you visit Brunnier Art Museum, you are encouraged to make a donation since the facility depends on them to maintain its operation.

• It is 48 minutes from Des Moines International Airport

9. Pappajohn Sculpture Park

Rating: 4.6★

Entry tickets: Free entry 

Address: 1330 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309

• It is located in Des Moines
• It was opened in 2009

This is a pedestrian-friendly park located inside Western Gateway Park on 4.4 acres of land.

The Pappajohn Sculpture Park is a renowned tourist attraction site in Iowa that is home to over 24 sculptures that attract both adults and children.

It is also popularly known as the John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park after John and Mary Pappajohn, the couple who donated the first original 24 sculptures.

Some of the interesting artwork displayed include a giant spider and 12 faces creatively representing the 12 months of the year.

• It is 11 minutes from Des Moines International Airport

10. Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden

Rating: 4.6★

Entry tickets: Adults (18+): $10, Seniors/Veterans: $9, Children (4-17): $7, Free for children under 3

Address: 909 Robert D. Ray Dr, Des Moines, IA 50309

• It is located in Des Moines
• It is 14 acres in size

Located in downtown Des Moines, Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden is a tropical garden that sits on the banks of the Des Moines River.

It is a scenic place to take a leisure walk and learn more about tropical and exotic plants which include a Bonsai collection, as well as gardening ideas.

You will breathe in some fresh air and enjoy nature as you walk around the outdoor garden and the geodesic-domed conservatory that hosts greenhouses and a show house.

During the tour, you can take a break at the onsite cafe that serves fresh plant-based food made using locally sourced farm products.

• It is 18 minutes from Des Moines International Airport

11. Shrine of the Grotto of the Redemption

Rating: 4.8★

Entry tickets: Free entry

Address: 208 1st Ave NW, West Bend, IA 50597

• It is located in West Bend
• It is a religious shrine

If you love touring religious sites, this catholic shrine should be on your list of things to do in Iowa.

Shrine of the Grotto of the Redemption began construction in 1912 after its commissioning by Father Paul Dobberstein, A german immigrant.

It comprises a collection of nine grottos that showcase phases in the life of Jesus Christ.

At one point in his life, Dobberstein became sick with pneumonia and promised to build a shrine to honor the Virgin Mary if she interceded for him to get well.

When he got healed, he began building the shrine by piling precious rare rocks that have an estimated value of $4,308,000.

• It is 2 hours 31 minutes from Des Moines International Airport

12. Herbert Hoover National Historic Site

Rating: 4.7★

Entry tickets: Free entry

Address: 110 Parkside Dr, West Branch, IA 52358

• It was established in 1965
• It is a National Historic Site

Herbert Hoover National Historic Site is an attraction that honors the life of the 31st President of the United States, Herbert Hoover.

The site, which consists of exhibits and historical buildings, is the birthplace of Hoover and is also the grounds on which he, together with his wife, was buried.

Visitors get the opportunity to explore his home to get a taste of how he lived his life.

You will also see his birthplace cottage which dates back to 1874 when he was born.

Other notable places to explore at the historical site include his gravesite, a Presidential Library and Museum, a replica of Hoover’s father’s blacksmith shop, and a Quaker meetinghouse.

It remains one of the top free things to do in Iowa.

• It is 2 hours 2 minutes from Des Moines International Airport

13. Surf Ballroom and Museum

Rating: 4.8★

Entry tickets: $5 per person

Address: 460 N Shore Dr, Clear Lake, IA 50428

• It was opened in 1934
• It is located in Clear Lake

Do not be confused by its name, the Surf Ballroom and Museum is a historical rock and roll ballroom and museum that serves as a concert hall and museum that hosts historical memorabilia related to rock and roll.

It is here that rock and roll artists Buddy Holly, J.P. Richardson, and Ritchie Valens did their last performance in 1959 before their plane crashed killing them all.

This sad day has since come to be known as “The Day the Music Died”.

Today, Surf Ballroom and Museum serves as a modern concert hall and has a wall of fame with names of artists who have ever performed at the location. 

• It is 1 hour 56 minutes from Des Moines International Airport

14. The Iowa Theater

Rating: 4.8★

Address: 121 John Wayne Dr, Winterset, IA 50273

• It was opened in 1914
• It is located in Winterset

If you are looking for places where you can spend your evening in Iowa, The Iowa Theater will serve this purpose.

After its original opening in 1914, the movie theater was reopened in 1928 after a series of renovations to make it a better cinema equipped with technology that matched the changing world.

Apart from motion picture cinemas, the theater also hosts live performances which were introduced in 1972.

You can enjoy a fun evening alone, with friends or children, depending on what is showing.

• It is 37 minutes from Des Moines International Airport

15. Science Center of Iowa

Rating: 4.3★

Entry tickets: Adults (13+): $11, Seniors (65+): $10, Children (2-12): $1, Free for members

Address: 401 W Martin Luther King Jr Pkwy, Des Moines, IA 50309

• It was opened in 1970
• It is located in downtown Des Moines

An attraction center that is suitable for both adults and kids, the Science Center of Iowa is a science learning center that was established to engage and inspire visitors of all ages.

The center hosts interactive and hands-on exhibits through its unique facilities and educational programs.

It has a LEGO exhibit and a 50-foot planetarium that engage visitors by immersing them in the world of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).

The Science Center of Iowa is also a significant site where community gatherings take place.

If you want to interact with local business people, investors, sponsors, and the local community in general, you should check out the center.

• It is 13 minutes from Des Moines International Airport

16. Swinging Bridge Park

Rating: 4.7★

Entry tickets: Free entry

Address: 303 Oak St, Columbus Junction, IA 52738

• It is located on the Columbus Junction
• It is 262 feet long

Anyone looking for unique things to do in Iowa should make their way to the Swinging Bridge Park.

The historic bridge, which is about eight stories high from the ground is not for the weak, but for anyone who is not afraid of heights, or anyone who wants to experience the thrill of a bridge that swings from side to side as one walks across it.

Also known as the Lovers’ Leap, the bridge has many stories to it; one of the stories told is that of two brothers who were walking across it back in 1920, when one of the planks gave out under them, sending them to the bottom of the valley.

Miraculously, none of them was hurt.

If you are a lover of nature, you will appreciate the Swinging Bridge Park which is surrounded by thick lush greenery.

• It is 2 hours 22 minutes from Des Moines International Airport

17. American Gothic Barn

Rating: 4.6★

Address: 1278 US-30, Mt Vernon, IA 52314

• It is located in Mount Vernon

The American Gothic Barn is a roadside attraction site in East Iowa along Route 30.

On the barn’s exterior is an imitation of Grant Wood’s painting of 1930, American Gothic, which is painted around the house.

Wood’s painting shows a picture of a farmer and his daughter standing on their farm with the American Gothic House as their backdrop.

The house is made in the Carpenter Gothic style hence the name.

Though the farm is private, you can make a stop as you drive along Route 30 to admire the barn and take photos.

• It is 2 hours 8 minutes from Des Moines International Airport

18. Squirrel Cage Jail

Rating: 4.7★

Entry tickets: Adults: $7, Seniors: $6, Children (6-12): $5, Free for children 5 and under

Address: 226 Pearl St, Council Bluffs, IA 51503

• It was built in 1885
• It operates as a museum

Also known as the Pottawattamie County Jail, the Squirrel Cage Jail is located in Council Bluffs, Iowa.

Its unique and bizarre architectural style, which makes it one of the only such designs in the United States, greatly contributes to its reason for being a renowned tourist attraction site.

It has cylindrical floor-to-ceiling jail cells that used to rotate at the time of its construction.

Today, the Squirrel Cage Jail is a museum where you can go to learn its history, see how prisoners lived in the cells, read all the writings they left on the walls, or simply admire its unusual design.

• It is 2 hours 5 minutes from Des Moines International Airport

19. Amana Colonies

Rating: 4.6★

Entry tickets: Adults: $20 Children: $18

Address: 622 46th Ave, Amana, IA 52203

• They were built in 1855
• They are located in Amana

Located on over 25,000 acres of land, the Amana Colonies comprise seven villages that were founded by German-speaking settlers.

The colonies, whose history dates back to 1714, showcase the heritage and culture of the communal societies that lived here in the 18th and 19th centuries.

You will learn so much about the history of the early settlers including their way of life, at the Amana Heritage Museum which is located on the site.

If you are lucky, you will catch one of the events or festivals held here every year in celebration of the colonies’ heritage.

• It is 1 hour 47 minutes from Des Moines International Airport

20. Des Moines Art Center

Rating: 4.6★

Entry tickets: Free entry

Address: 4700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50312

• It was founded in 1948
• It was designed by Richard Meier, Eliel Saarinen, and I.M. Pei

Make your way to the Des Moines Art Center to see its beautiful art collection and exhibits that showcase Latin American art and sculptures from Central America.

Some of the artwork featured here includes manuscripts, books, videos, textiles, photographs, and other print materials.

In addition to the wide array of artwork, you will also be taken by the beauty of the white structural building in which the center is located.

It is a work of art on its own.

• It is 15 minutes from Des Moines International Airport

21. Adventureland Park

Rating: 4.4★

Entry tickets: Adults (25+): $36.99 Youths (2-24): $46.99, Free for children 1 and younger 

Address: 3200 Adventureland Dr, Altoona, IA 50009

• It is a family-owned park
• It is located in Altoona

You don’t have to worry about where to take your children to have a great time if you are traveling to Iowa with them, Adventureland Park has got you covered.

The famous amusement park is a family-friendly attraction that boasts over 100 things to do, from rides to games.

Its biggest draws are The Storm Chaser and The Monster, which are considered some of the tallest and fastest rides in the United States.

Other exciting things that adults and children can enjoy include water rides, kiddie rides, roller coasters, the American Puppet show, a circus show, and many more.

When it comes to eating, Adventureland Park has a wide selection of eateries that serve delicious dishes, drinks, and snacks.

• It is 24 minutes from Des Moines International Airport

22. National Czech & Slovak Museum and Library

Rating: 4.7★

Entry tickets: Adults: $10, Seniors (56+): $9, Students/Military: $5, Youths (6-13): $3, Free for members/children 5 and under 

Address: 1400 Inspiration Pl SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404

• It is located in Cedar Rapids
• It was established in 1974

The National Czech & Slovak Museum and Library was established to preserve the history of Czech and Slovak.

Through its interactive and hands-on exhibits, the museum educates visitors on the history and cultural heritage of the people of Czech and Slovak by using books, articles, art, music, and other forms of history.

The most notable permanent exhibits are the Moravian exhibit, immigrant homes, and the Joyce Anderson Glass collection.

It is an interesting attraction to visit indeed if you are interested in educating yourself on matters of history.

• It is 2 hours 6 minutes from Des Moines International Airport

23. Figge Art Museum

Rating: 4.6★

Entry tickets: Adults: $10, Seniors/Students: $6, Children (4-12): $4

Address: 225 W 2nd St, Davenport, IA 52801

• It is located in Davenport
• It was established in 1928

The Figge Art Museum was founded with the simple aim of bringing art and people into the same space.

It features local and international artwork dating from the 15th century to the present.

Located on the banks of the Mississippi River, the all-glass museum will impress you with its beautiful structure and design before you step inside to see what it has to offer.

European, Spanish, Haitian, and American artwork is majorly featured here, including works by famous artist Grant Wood.

You can make your way to the Figge Cafe to enjoy a meal, drink, or snack after your tour.

There is also a gift shop where you can buy a souvenir.

• It is 2 hours 45 minutes from Des Moines International Airport

24. Zombie Burger + Drink Lab

Rating: 4.5★

Address: 300 E Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309

• It is located in Des Moines
• It has two branches; Jordan Creek and downtown Des Moines

This list cannot be complete without a recommendation of where you can taste the best of Iowa cuisines.

Zombie Burger + Drink Lab tops our list.

The famous eatery, loved by both locals and visitors, has two branches, one in downtown Des Moines and the other at the Jordan Creek Mall.

This means that you are covered no matter which area of Des Moines you are exploring.

It is famous for its delicious burgers, fries, and milkshakes.

If you are traveling with kids, Zombie Burger + Drink Lab has a special kids’ menu.

• It is 16 minutes from Des Moines International Airport

25. Fenelon Place Elevator

Rating: 4.7★

Entry tickets: Adults: $4, Children: $2, Free for children under 5

Address: 512 Fenelon Pl, Dubuque, IA 52001

• It is located in Dubuque
• It was built in 1893

Rated the steepest and the shortest elevator in the world, Fenelon Place Elevator is one of the most adventurous attractions in Iowa that you can visit alone or with children.

The elevator is 296 feet long and will take you from Fourth Street to Fenelon Place, where you will be treated to scenic views of downtown Dubuque, the beautiful Mississippi River, and the surrounding landscape.

The historic elevator uses railway tracks to go up and down the cliff.

It is open between April and November.

• It is 3 hours 18 minutes from Des Moines International Airport

26. Matchstick Marvels Museum

Rating: 4.8★

Entry tickets: Adults: $5, Children (5-12): $3, Free for children under 5

Address: 319 2nd St, Gladbrook, IA 50635

• It is located in Gladbrook
• It displays the work of Pat Acton

Matchstick Marvels Museum is one of the most unique attractions you will ever visit in Iowa or anywhere else for that matter.

The museum houses beautiful artwork by a local artist, Pat Acton, made entirely from matchsticks.

It features both permanent and rotating exhibits, where some of the larger models form the permanent exhibits.

Visit the museum to see and learn the process of how Acton makes his models using glue and matchsticks.

Adults and children will find the Matchstick Marvels Museum fascinating.

It is open every afternoon from spring to fall.

• It is 1 hour 28 minutes from Des Moines International Airport

27. Living History Farms

Rating: 4.6★

Entry tickets: Adults (13+): $17, Seniors (60+)/Veterans: $16, Children (2-12): $10, Free for children 1 and under

Address: 11121 Hickman Rd, Urbandale, IA 50322

• It was opened in 1970
• It is located in Urbandale

As the name suggests, Living History Farms is a museum that celebrates the history of agriculture in Iowa.

It has different exhibits showcasing agricultural activities between the 18th and 20th centuries.

You will find four major exhibits; the 1700 Ioway Indian Farm exhibit, the Wallace Exhibit Center, the 1850 Farm, and the 1900 Farm.

You will have a lot of fun exploring the 500-acre farm as you learn and interact with farm guides who are dressed in clothes reflecting the period of each exhibit.

One of the coolest things about this trip is that you will be picked from town and delivered to the farm in a tractor-drawn cart! How exciting!

There is a snack shop and marketplace on the site where you can buy souvenirs.

• It is 20 minutes from Des Moines International Airport

28. Brucemore

Rating: 4.7★

Entry tickets: Adults: $10, Children: $5

Address: 2160 Linden Dr SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52403

• It is located in Cedar Rapids
• It is a registered National Historic Site

Seated on 26 acres of land surrounded by lush greenery, Brucemore is a Queen-Anne-style mansion from the early 19th century that hosts educational programs, events, and theatrical productions.

The mansion also celebrates the lives and culture of the three families who lived here; the Sinclairs, the Douglasses, and the Halls, respectively.

You can opt to take a self-guided tour or a guided tour.

Apart from its history, some of the other things you should look forward to seeing are renovations made to the original house by the Douglasses and three-generational artifacts and documents.

• It is 2 hours 10 minutes from Des Moines International Airport

I hope you enjoyed today’s list. Iowa awaits. I’m out!