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 Sights & Landmarks 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. Trinity Heights
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 126 reviews
Reviewed By MNDoodles - Stillwater, United States
No matter your faith or beliefs, this is a beautifully peaceful and serene park with many quiet paths to walk among trees and pretty plants. The stunning statues of Jesus and Mary are truly exquisite. This large park is a wonderful place to reflect and meditate, and for Christians it is an exceptionally spiritual place to visit. Well worth your time when in Sioux City.
3. Stockman House Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 199 reviews
This is the only Frank Lloyd Wright Prairie Style House open to the public in Iowa. Private tours are offered on a daily basis by reservation. Check our website for more detailed information.
Reviewed By tank1050 - Wescosville, United States
Once again we found another gem of a Frank Lloyd Wright home as well as a neat museum next door. The home is located in a neighborhood of similarly well designed homes, some by Wright's pupils. While you wait for your tour to start, take a look at the exhibits in the visitor center . The scale models and renderings and information is great. Bob, our guide, gave us a great tour. he was very friendly and full of information on the house and its details. This Prairie style house was built in 1912. It was well restored and is great to tour. We have loved all of the Wright designed buildings we have toured around the country and this one didn't disappoint us. We didn't have time to do the hotel in town but I wish we could have. Tour was $10 per person with on site parking. Note; no pictures inside house.
4. 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!
5. Kalona Historical Village
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 51 reviews
The local community developed this site to shield the working farms and community from tourists.
Reviewed By IowaTourism101
A very charming historic downtown in a quintessential small Iowa town. There are so many things to see and do here including stopping by the Kalona Creamery and Golden Delights Bakery. It's only about 20 minutes outside of Iowa City and Cedar Rapids.
6. 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.
7. 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!
8. Salisbury House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 154 reviews
The King's House in Salisbury, England, was the inspiration for this Tudor mansion.
Reviewed By Rbb599 - Camp Verde, United States
I was so excited to go back as an adult. I went on a field trip there as a kid and loved it. I do love houses with a history. This one is interesting from the different periods of architecture to the story behind the vision. Once you enter and pay ($10 you can roam where you wish. I think for an hour and 15 min. Don’t miss the informational video playing in what was the kitchen. The the grounds must beautiful in the summer, I went in March. You can also roam outside too. Groups are limited in sizes and there were about 4 or so time slots each day open. I called and reserved my spot.
9. 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
10. John Wayne Birthplace & Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 450 reviews
Tour the modest 4-room home where John Wayne was born, and visit the John Wayne Birthplace Museum featuring the largest diversified exhibit of John Wayne artifacts in existence, including original movie posters, film wardrobe, scripts, letters, artwork and sculpture--even one of his customized automobiles. Admission includes the Museum, a visit to the Birthplace house, and a small theater with a documentary on John Wayne's life, with a special welcome by his daughter Aissa.
Reviewed By b2dave8255
We stopped in the John Wayne Birthplace and Museum during our stay just outside of Des Moines. As a John Wayne fan, this was a bucket list item for me. The staff was very friendly and the lady that greeted us and gave us the tour of the house was a bigger John Wayne fan than me, never thought that was possible. She made our day! The gift shop had several souvenir items, books clothes etc to choose from. The museum had several movie costumes and props to enjoy. Thanks to all the staff on duty September 1st 2020 for all your help!
