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
Top 10 Budget-friendly Things to do 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. 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 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.
3. University of Iowa
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 198 reviews
This Big 10 school's 1,900 acres are centered in downtown Iowa City.
Reviewed By cassandramayb
This is a great campus! The streets are always clean and the people are friendly. I moved here from another state without visiting first and was extremely shocked. This campus is set in a nice location with a nice downtown area. The buildings are all very beautiful and historic looking. If it's a football home game weekend, everyone gets into it. The fan base here is awesome and there is so many places to cheer on the Hawkeyes from if your not in the stadium. You should give Iowa City a visit and look into this School.
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. Maquoketa Caves State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 209 reviews
Starting April 1st 2021 parking will be limited to designated spots only, once they are full you must wait for a open parking spot to access the park, Please plan your trip to come earlier or later in the day and avoid peak times on the weekends from 11-4 pm. If arriving during peak times, you should have an alternate place to visit until the park is less busy. 2021 Campground Changes: The campground is 100% reservable. Same day reservations will be accepted from April 1 - October 31 and until 9 pm on the day of arrival. A reservation is required to camp.
Reviewed By joaniemaria - Eldridge, United States
We arrived to view the fall leaves. Trails were open. Caves were closed. The trails are well groomed and lovely. The woods and hills wind around the state park and caves. We especially enjoyed the natural bridge. It is a lovely photo op. Restrooms were closed for the season, as were the boardwalks due to storm damage and fallen trees. We enjoyed our fall visit nevertheless. I recommend a visit.
6. Fenelon Place Elevator Co.
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,136 reviews
Historic cable car. Also known as the Fourth Street Elevator, this funicular railway has been called "the world's steepest, shortest scenic railway." Great view of downtown Dubuque, the Mississippi River and 3 states. Buses should go to the bottom of the bluff. Please use 4th and Bluff Streets for GPS. Narrow streets with parking on both sides at the top of the bluff. Open 8 AM to 10 PM daily April 1 though November 30. Closed Thanksgiving. We do not accept debit or credit cards.
Reviewed By kris0812015 - West Des Moines, United States
Great view of Dubuque downtown from the top and will definitely recommend to take this shortest and steepest railroad in the world .The address in google will take you to the top of the Fenelon elevator unless to want to take the trip from the bottom then search with 4th street elevator.The elevator is nice and clean and operated from top. The rates are cheap and they only accept cash..no debit or credit cards accepted. there is option to take round trip as well as single side trip. People taking their trip from bottom has to get into the elevator and ring the bell and they will be answered and payment has to made at the top of hill. Car parking is on the streets.No toilets available and people with walking difficulties with wheel chairs may avoid this trip as it has some effort in getting into and off the elevator Bicyclist have option to take their bicycle in
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. Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 358 reviews
Reputed for its huge collection of the Midwest's ornamental and native plants, this 14-acre center bordering the Des Moines River features a domed conservatory that houses over 1000 varieties of exotic plants from throughout the world. The center also has an impressive herb garden, tropical and desert plants, and one of the best bonsai collections in the U.S.
Reviewed By 799earlk
My family visits about once a year, almost always during the winter. On a cold winter day, this is an oasis! Great venue for meetings as well.
10. Reiman Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 352 reviews
Enchanting, 17-acre garden with new display annually; inside find a live, exotic butterfly exhibit and gardens that change seasonally; private rentals available.
Reviewed By GG123traveler
Spent a couple hours here on a cloudy morning enjoying the beautiful flowers and sounds of water falls. It was great to enjoy the butterflies also.
