Top Things to do in Iowa
Top Hotels in Iowa
- 1. Des Lux Hotel
- 2. Stoney Creek Hotel
- 3. Hampton Inn West Des Moines Lake Drive
- 4. Drury Inn & Suites West Des Moines
- 5. Drury Inn & Suites Iowa City Coralville
- 6. Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Cedar Falls, IA
- 7. Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Ames, IA
- 8. Hotel Julien Dubuque
- 9. Cobblestone Inn & Suites - Forest City
- 10. Hotel Renovo
10 Free Things to do in Iowa That You Shouldn't Miss
History and monuments dot this landscape almost as often as the golden farmlands. Learn about America’s 31st president at the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum in West Branch. In northeast Iowa is the Effigy Mounds National Monument, a group of prehistoric American Indian burial and ceremonial mounds. This part of Iowa is also home to the Silos and Smokestacks National Heritage. The 37-county region tells the story of American agriculture, agribusiness and farm life and is affiliated with the National Park Service. In addition, there are five national wildlife refuges here. If you love history, imagine seeing the Amana Colonies, consisting of seven historic villages in 1855 by German immigrants as a religious communal society. Here you can also buy antiques, hand-woven baskets, furniture and clocks and locally made wine and beer. In Ames, take the family to see the Christian Petersen Art Museum, a newer structure that exhibits works of art by Christian Petersen and contemporary artists. You won’t want to miss the state capital of Des Moines, home to Blank Park Zoo with its naturalistic exhibits and more than 800 animals from five continents. You also should enjoy the Brenton Skating Plaza, an outdoor family entertainment venue.
Restaurants in Iowa
1. Capitol Building
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 841 reviews
Reviewed By PaulS5336
The Iowa state capitol is wondrous. It’s as much an architectural and artistic showcase as it is the seat of state government. If you have the time and interest, I would recommend taking the approximately 90-minute free tour to see and learn about the history and design of this hand-built edifice. Randi was the guide of our group and she provided a comprehensive tour that contained a multitude of information. At the same time, she made the presentation engaging and accessible, and she took time to answer all of our questions.
2. Field of Dreams Movie Site
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,272 reviews
Is this Heaven? No, it’s Iowa. A place of fertile soil, traditional values and simple pleasure. And, in Dyersville, Iowa, at the century-old Lansing family farm with its quaint, and oh-so-recognizable house, baseball still ranks as a favorite pastime for all ages. What better place to carve a baseball diamond from a corn field and to make a movie about pursuing one’s dream, no matter how much effort it takes? From tours of the inside of the iconic Field of Dreams Farm House, to our retail store, to our concessions stand, there certainly is plenty to do at the place dreams come true! Is this Heaven? We sure think so!
Reviewed By 129julied - Dayton, United States
Our family had a blast!!! Clarence was a wonderful tour guide!!! I'm so glad we stopped - my husband had a chance to play catch with our boys!!!
3. University of Iowa
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 198 reviews
This Big 10 school's 1,900 acres are centered in downtown Iowa City.
Reviewed By cassandramayb
This is a great campus! The streets are always clean and the people are friendly. I moved here from another state without visiting first and was extremely shocked. This campus is set in a nice location with a nice downtown area. The buildings are all very beautiful and historic looking. If it's a football home game weekend, everyone gets into it. The fan base here is awesome and there is so many places to cheer on the Hawkeyes from if your not in the stadium. You should give Iowa City a visit and look into this School.
4. Old Capitol Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 158 reviews
This was the seat of government when Iowa City was the state capital.
Reviewed By 773dkc - Rock Island, United States
Beautiful old building that was the State's capitol building back in the day that Iowa City was Iowa's state capitol. Entire building is the museum... every room is as it was back then, old old books in old old bookcases, desks with inkwells and feather quills, gavels, wood stoves for heating each room, really really nice to walk from room to room and see how it was. A tiny little elevator makes the building wheelchair accessible but limited street parking means parking a block away in the parking garage (1st hour free, $1 per hour). Good news is price is right (FREE) plus it's right next door to the Museum of Natural History as well as lots of little shops and restaurants across the street add up to a day of fun!
5. Maquoketa Caves State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 209 reviews
Starting April 1st 2021 parking will be limited to designated spots only, once they are full you must wait for a open parking spot to access the park, Please plan your trip to come earlier or later in the day and avoid peak times on the weekends from 11-4 pm. If arriving during peak times, you should have an alternate place to visit until the park is less busy. 2021 Campground Changes: The campground is 100% reservable. Same day reservations will be accepted from April 1 - October 31 and until 9 pm on the day of arrival. A reservation is required to camp.
Reviewed By joaniemaria - Eldridge, United States
We arrived to view the fall leaves. Trails were open. Caves were closed. The trails are well groomed and lovely. The woods and hills wind around the state park and caves. We especially enjoyed the natural bridge. It is a lovely photo op. Restrooms were closed for the season, as were the boardwalks due to storm damage and fallen trees. We enjoyed our fall visit nevertheless. I recommend a visit.
6. Des Moines Art Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 294 reviews
This internationally acclaimed museum houses impressive works by artists of the 19th and 20th centuries, including Edward Hopper, Georgia O'Keefe and Henri Matisse. The center, which also offers art classes, consists of three buildings, each designed by a celebrated architect: Eliel Saarinen, I.M. Pei and Richard Meier.
Reviewed By L3097CZcarolb
If you like contemporary art, this museum is for you. A smallish, but very well curated collection and several special exhibits made this a highlight of our recent trip. The friendly staff was knowledgeable and contributed to our understanding of one of the special exhibits. Also, the building itself (really three buildings) was interesting, and there is a lovely garden on the grounds. A little out of the way, but worth it!
7. Downtown Farmers Market
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 415 reviews
Reviewed By flyingsquirrels - Des Moines, United States
We have been coming to this farmers market for years - and I remember how Jaw-dropping it was the first time I went! It’s huge and so much fun! Everything you can imagine and more - all the farm fresh fruits and vegetables you can imagine, home baked goodies like fruit tarts, huge cinnamon rolls, cakes, and cookies. Honey, salsas, wine, crafts vendors, flowers and plants, live music, doesn’t town bars and restaurants, and don’t forget all the breakfast food trucks! Popcorn, coffee stands, balloon animals, ethnic foods, spices, jellies... so much of everything! You have to experience this!
8. Iowa Great Lakes Maritime Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 95 reviews
Reviewed By deenakr - Ames, United States
Fascinating history of the area. The amount of artifacts is amazing. We really enjoyed our trip through the past of Arnold’s Park!
9. Devonian Fossil Gorge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 147 reviews
Reviewed By janetdK794GW - Burlington, United States
If you love fossils and like to examine them close-up, do not miss this place! It's actually an outlet for the dam built across the Iowa River upstream from Iowa City. No one knew there were Devonian bedrock fossils here until two floods (one in 1993, the second in 2008) revealed them by washing away 17 feet of soil. The tours are self-guided. Visitors can step across the bedrock and examine fossils of brachiopods, crinoids, and several types of coral common to the inland sea that once covered this region. No two natural displays are alike because the majority of these fossils are still embedded in the limestone their shells created. The Devonian period of Earth history occurred 375 million years ago, predating the dinosaurs. If you enjoy geology or how the Earth evolved, don't miss this fascinating walk among ancient fossils. It is difficult for those on crutches and nearly impossible for visitors in wheelchairs to visit the actual fossil beds, but beyond the parking lot there is a display available for those who prefer not to attempt the stairs and the uneven footing of the lake outlet. The Corps of Engineers Visitor Center near the east end of the dam provides more information regarding the fossils and how they were discovered. The staff here is friendly, and can answer most questions. Brochures are also available here.
10. Valley Junction
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 199 reviews
Reviewed By Ezfill - West Des Moines, United States
Fun for lunch many places to eat, lots of antiques, fudge, brews services and fun. Close to Des Moines it has a great farmers market in the summer.
