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
The 8 Best Historic Walking Areas in Iowa, United States
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. Music Man Square
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 164 reviews
2. Snake Alley
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 277 reviews
This local landmark was constructed in 1894 to help connect the residential district at the top of the bluff with the commercial district down below. Snake Alley consists of five half-curves, two quarter-curves and drops 58 feet over a distance of 275 feet. Test your driving, walking or bicycling skills on what Ripley's Believe It or Not! calls “Unbelievably Crooked!" Designated as #1 in Ripley’s Believe It or Not!’s Odd Spots Across America campaign.
Reviewed By JonH652 - Fort Myers, United States
If you are near Burlington, do take the time to drive down this old, historical street. Good views and homes along the route make this short drive well worth your time.
3. Historical Society of Marshall County
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 12 reviews
Reviewed By DeeD916 - Marshalltown, United States
The Mowry-Irvine Mansion is a wonderful piece of architectural history as well as great venue for meetings and family events. I have toured it twice, once when it was beautifully decorated for the holidays, and once as part of a study club meeting that was held there. Michelle is such a knowledgeable and engaging tour guide. It was a pleasure to have our meeting in such gorgeous surroundings. I'm so glad that the historical society makes the mansion available to the community for groups to use.
4. Mormon Handcart Site
5. Iowa Avenue Literary Walk
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 28 reviews
Reviewed By Quest10816783188
Take a walk around the block and read the poems and passages embedded in the sidewalk. It's a great idea and more cities should follow this model.
6. Klokkenspel
7. Dickinson County Freedom Rock
Lake Park is proud to host the Dickinson County Freedom Rock at the Freedom Rock/Veterans Memorial. The Memorial contains 5 other rocks honoring those Veterans serving currently and in the past with a special tribute to the families of those Veterans. The Dickinson County Freedom Rock is 7’ plus tall above ground and weighs 14 ¾ ton.
8. Bing's
At Bing's we sell things that make people happy! We sell art poles, cards, books, games, funny socks, and one of a kind gifts. Our products are sassy, snarky and sometimes sweary too!
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