Things to do in Iowa, United States: The Best Boat Tours & Water Sports

July 28, 2021 Karren Gelb

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. SWAT River Tours

Excellent
99%
Good
1%
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Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 91 reviews

SWAT River Tours

Premium small group adventure boat tour exploring the Mississippi River aboard a high performance military style R.I.B. Boat. Open only from May through October

2. Rena's Scuba School and Travel

Excellent
100%
Good
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5.0 based on 5 reviews

Rena's Scuba School and Travel

Rena's Scuba School and Travel is your "Hometown Scuba". Providing PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors scuba certifications from beginning to advanced professional levels. PADI is the oldest and largest certifying agency in the world and provides the absolute best training available. Large 12 foot deep, heated pool used for your comfort. Small classes and friendly staff.

3. Rez Adventures

Excellent
80%
Good
20%
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5.0 based on 5 reviews

Rez Adventures

Rez adventures is Coralville's and Iowa City's premiere boat rental service. With packages and services including: water skiing, wake boarding, wake surfing, and tubing.

4. OFF the Driftless Wellness and Adventure Company, LLC.

Excellent
100%
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5.0 based on 5 reviews

OFF the Driftless Wellness and Adventure Company, LLC.

We currently offer tubes, canoes and kayaks for rent. We will shuttle you up the Upper Iowa River to different put-ins, with you landing at our business location, or, you may take the equipment yourself. Please plan ahead and reserve at least one day prior.

5. Riverboat Twilight

Excellent
92%
Good
6%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 377 reviews

Riverboat Twilight

Saturday Sightseeing Cruises - 11AM - 1:30PM - 4PM Treat yourself to a 1 ½ hour sightseeing cruise aboard the Riverboat Twilight. These cruises will depart and return from the Port of LeClaire IA. Trip includes captivating Captain’s narration and commanding views of the river, its wildlife and quaint river towns. Cash bar and Gift Shop available. Adults $20 Children 4-12 $12 Sunday Brunch Cruise Sunday - 11AM Brunch with us and enjoy a cruise aboard the Riverboat Twilight. Fare includes your choice of items from our brunch menu, plated and served at your table, a three hour cruise and Captain's narration. Bloody Mary's and Mimosa's available at our fully stocked cash bar on the third deck. Adults $65 Children 4-12 $30 Sunday Music Cruise - 4PM Featuring local and national celebrated musicians and singer/song writers. Adults $40 Children 4-12 $20

6. Quarry Springs Outfitters

Excellent
50%
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50%
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4.5 based on 2 reviews

Quarry Springs Outfitters

Des Moines area Kayak and Paddleboard rental and premium kayak store. Come out and take our kayaks out for a spin! Bring the whole family out or even check out our premium kayaks on our website.

7. Dubuque River Rides

Excellent
31%
Good
38%
Satisfactory
17%
Poor
6%
Terrible
8%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 160 reviews

Dubuque River Rides

Home of: Spirit of Dubuque, Miss Dubuque & Ice Harbor Galley The Spirit of Dubuque is the area's only authentic paddle-wheeler on the Mississippi River. The Spirit of Dubuque offers exciting family entertainment. Cruising May-October with daily 1 hour & 2 hour narrated sightseeing cruises, 2 hour Dinner Cruises (Sunday-Friday), and 3 hour Dinner Cruises on Saturdays with a possible lock through at Lock & Dam #11. All Cruises offer eco & historic information. Advanced reservations recommended.

8. American Lady Cruises

Excellent
61%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
5%
Terrible
7%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 93 reviews

American Lady Cruises

We specialize in 1.5 and 2 hour public cruises on the Mississippi River in Dubuque, Iowa. Sightseeing, Lunch, Happy Hour, and Dinner Cruises are scheduled for most days between mid April and late October. We have a Coast Guard inspected 70 foot yacht that is air conditioned and heated, and has a bar and restrooms. We also specialize in private events whether it's corporate, a wedding, an anniversary or birthday celebration, or any other reason to gather friends and loved ones. We offer reasonably priced family entertainment.

9. Rock-n-Row Adventures

Excellent
57%
Good
7%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
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Terrible
29%
Overall Ratings

3.5 based on 14 reviews

Rock-n-Row Adventures

Tubing, Camping, Live Rock Bands, Events, Yard Games, Food Concessions, Since 1994.Firewood for sale $15.00 for a 50 gallon barrel full. No Out of State wood allowed, due to Ash Bore issues.Large group camping sites with Picnic Table and Fire Ring, Electric R.V. & Camper Hook-ups.Many Port-a-pots scattered across Campground.Flush Toilets at the club house along with New Instant HOT SHOWERS.

10. Diventures

Excellent
67%
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33%
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3.5 based on 3 reviews

Diventures

Founded in 2009 by a team of swim and scuba enthusiasts, Diventures offers a full range of aquatic programs, including scuba training, swim lessons and dive travel. The staff at Diventures shares an immense passion for marine life, ecological preservation and of course, scuba. While as spending as much time underwater as possible, we quickly saw the the need for better water safety instruction - furthering our belief that learning to swim at a young age leads to a lifetime enjoyment of water sports - and fostering our award-winning swim school. We are all about safety and fun in the water, and we're dedicated to enhancing our customer's experience on land and in the water.

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