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 Observation Decks & Towers
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. Lewis and Clark Monument and Scenic Overlook
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 135 reviews
Reviewed By battlelake
This is a beautiful place and the scenery is wonderful all year long. Go and look to the west and you will not be disappointed at all.
2. Cordova Park Observation Tower
3. Clark Tower
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 145 reviews
Reviewed By 718teresag - Alamosa, United States
The drive up to the tower is very nice, passing basically through the forest (especially pretty in fall). The structure is beautiful & there is a nice view from it. Get directions at the welcome center in Winterset.
4. Bridge Observation Deck
5. Shot Tower
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 84 reviews
Reviewed By 165MaryD165
We heard about the Shot Tour from a woman at an ice cream place. It is pretty cool. I was glad she was able to share the history of how they made shot there, and there is history information at the brewery right by the tower. (The oldest brewery in Iowa, I believe.) Just a great bit of local history.
