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 Things to do Good for a Rainy Day 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. Okoboji Summer Theatre
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 38 reviews
Reviewed By 910genem
We live 45 minutes southeast of the Iowa Great Lakes and started going to Okoboji Summer Theatre productions when moved here 12 years ago. I figured they'd be good, but in actuality they are excellent. Great, really. Rarely does a summer go by that we don't get to one or more productions. If you like live theatre, this is a must experience for you!
3. Okoboji Classic Cars
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 91 reviews
Reviewed By R5324CDjamesr - Okoboji, United States
Our 10 year old grandson loves cars so he loved this museum. The classic and antique cars are in pristine condition displayed in murals of local history ( Spencer, Arnold's Park Amusement Park and Lake Okoboji) many of the cars are for sale and a complete body shop is located at the museum.
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. John Wayne Birthplace & Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 450 reviews
Tour the modest 4-room home where John Wayne was born, and visit the John Wayne Birthplace Museum featuring the largest diversified exhibit of John Wayne artifacts in existence, including original movie posters, film wardrobe, scripts, letters, artwork and sculpture--even one of his customized automobiles. Admission includes the Museum, a visit to the Birthplace house, and a small theater with a documentary on John Wayne's life, with a special welcome by his daughter Aissa.
Reviewed By b2dave8255
We stopped in the John Wayne Birthplace and Museum during our stay just outside of Des Moines. As a John Wayne fan, this was a bucket list item for me. The staff was very friendly and the lady that greeted us and gave us the tour of the house was a bigger John Wayne fan than me, never thought that was possible. She made our day! The gift shop had several souvenir items, books clothes etc to choose from. The museum had several movie costumes and props to enjoy. Thanks to all the staff on duty September 1st 2020 for all your help!
6. Cedar Rapids Museum of Art
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 149 reviews
With more than 2,000 years of art on display in the heart of Downtown Cedar Rapids, the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art has something to offer everyone!
Reviewed By E9526GFterrys
Having grown up in this area and knowing the history of some of our most notable artisit we are so fortunate to use our art collection to both share and view anytime. The CRMA brings in on loan some of the best art any city our size could ever imagine. Beautiful building with easy casual viewing. Very proud of this site.
7. The Putnam Museum & Science Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 222 reviews
The Putnam is a place where people connect with history and ideas by doing, making and experiencing. Our classes and special events are a great complement to our hands-on exhibit galleries. There is always something new to discover and something for everyone at the Putnam.
Reviewed By scottv157
the museum is a great size for kids and elders. there are so many things to see and do. i truly enjoyed the forensics exhibit ane fantastic classroom experience. in fact, i came back to enroll my granddaughter in the class.
8. 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!
9. National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,571 reviews
Part aquarium, part museum, part science center, the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium inspires stewardship by creating educational experiences where history and rivers come alive! Our 14-acre campus on the banks of the Mississippi River features two separate two-story buildings and an expansive outdoor plaza. The Museum & Aquarium is home to over 100 species of animals and thousands of historic artifacts. With so much to see and do, there's always a chance to #ExploreSomethingNew
Reviewed By gschalk
Set aside 2-4 hours for your visit to National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium. There are two buildings, two ships, and several outdoor exhibits. Children will find plenty to enjoy. The "critters"--everything from an octopus, rays, otters, and plenty of fish--will keep the children interested. Also not to be missed is the Riverworks Splash Zone in the East Building. The exhibit in the "changing exhibit gallery" in the West Building is a Robot Zoo. You'll find a 5-foot housefly, a 6-foot grasshopper, and an amazing duck-billed platypus. The museum/aquarium is a fun learning experience for adults and children.
10. 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!
