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
Things to do in Iowa, United States: The Best Bridges
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. High Trestle Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 214 reviews
Reviewed By JMJR2K - Independence, United States
The High Trestle Trail is just an amazing biking and walking trail just outside of Des Moines. It’s a flat, all paved concrete and asphalt, and about 26+ miles overall. My recording will show more time and mileage because I made several stops along the way and rode the Heart of Iowa Nature Trail for a bit as well. This is my 3rd ride on this trail and I never get tired of it. There are rest stops along the way with water and restrooms, tire pumps and bike repair stations, and several small towns with restaurants and breweries like Slater and Madrid. Of course the Trestle bridge is the highlight and be sure to ride it during the day, and enjoy the blue LED lights at night. It was a great day for riding and depending upon which way the wind is blowing you’re sure to have a headwind or tailwind in the open stretches but just take your time and enjoy the ride!
2. Blackhawk Bridge
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 10 reviews
Reviewed By PamplonaBound - Chicago, United States
The Blackhawk bridge is more than 85 years old having first been established as a toll bridge between the 2 states. On certain nights of the year, the lights on the bridge are turned on. It is relatively narrow with only 1 lane in each direction. There is a bit of a "roller coaster effect" when you drive both onto and off the long middle section of the bridge, thus making it important that drivers follow the 25 mile per hour limit. The bridge is slated to be replaced in a few years by a wider, taller bridge to meet current day regulations. Well worth crossing and seeing the lovely river/town views and the very impressive bridge design.
3. Roseman Bridge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 223 reviews
Reviewed By 570creative - San Antonio, United States
Nice gift shop next door. Note you will drive on dusty gravel roads to get to this location. Hogback Bridge has the same design.
4. Swinging Bridge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 22 reviews
Reviewed By MissJoyceI
How fun! We were here midday/midweek and there were so many people coming and going. It is well maintained, thankfully. It was very fun!
5. Bentonsport Bridge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 17 reviews
Reviewed By Cooperton - Conroy, United States
I was traveling with my mom on a mother/daughter trip. Next time we are in the area, I will make a stop with the rest of the family. It is an old bridge that is now a pedestrian only bridge. You can feel the history of the area. It also gives you a great view of the Des Moines River. It would make a great family photo. It appears that there is an ice cream shop next to the bridge. We didn't stop there but we did stop at the store across the street and found some great finds at a reasonable price. We were traveling on a Tuesday and although there are other shops there, none of them are open on Mondays and most were not open on Tuesdays.
6. Holliwell Bridge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 66 reviews
Reviewed By Oldtravellers50 - Mize, United States
I loved the bridge tour and am so glad we didn't miss t his one. It was located in the park and easy to get to. It is a beautiful and well preserved bridge like the ones I remember from my early childhood. I only wish that visitors to these old relics didn't have a need to carve or write their initials/names on the walls. In spite of that, it is still a great piece of history well worth seeing. Easy to find. No tour guide needed. Tour at your own pace. It is free.
7. Cutler-Donahoe Bridge
8. Hogback Covered Bridge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 84 reviews
Reviewed By QueenMiller - Stewartsville, United States
Set apart and out by itself and very secluded. It has beautiful scenery of woods and river surrounding it so perfect for pictures or a picnic. What a great solid bridge! I hope to see it with my kids someday!
