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 Things to do Good for Big Groups 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. 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.
2. Field of Dreams Movie Site
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,272 reviews
Is this Heaven? No, it’s Iowa. A place of fertile soil, traditional values and simple pleasure. And, in Dyersville, Iowa, at the century-old Lansing family farm with its quaint, and oh-so-recognizable house, baseball still ranks as a favorite pastime for all ages. What better place to carve a baseball diamond from a corn field and to make a movie about pursuing one’s dream, no matter how much effort it takes? From tours of the inside of the iconic Field of Dreams Farm House, to our retail store, to our concessions stand, there certainly is plenty to do at the place dreams come true! Is this Heaven? We sure think so!
Reviewed By 129julied - Dayton, United States
Our family had a blast!!! Clarence was a wonderful tour guide!!! I'm so glad we stopped - my husband had a chance to play catch with our boys!!!
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. 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.
5. Lost Island Water Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 246 reviews
Lost Island is a tropical getaway hidden in the heart of the Midwest! Have you ever seen palm trees in Iowa? How about mysterious ancient ruins? Walking through the gates at Lost Island will make you feel like you just stepped off a plane in some far away destination. We offer a wide range of attractions for all thrill levels. Enjoy the Wailua Kupua - one of the first hydromagnetic watercoasters in the country! Splash around in Tsunami Bay, race your friends down Ta'Katipo, lounge in a deluxe cabana, or float around the Kailahi River. With over 20 attractions available, it won't take you long to get lost.
Reviewed By themnkid - Minnesota, United States
Came here on a Saturday in 95 degree weather. There was already a long line before they opened. Due to lack of signage or staff there are multiple lines that form. Note to someone who bought tickets online: Go into the middle between the lines. No need to wait in the sides to buy your tickets. Once inside there are lockers to your left. It is really nice that they do not use keys any longer. The credit card reader wasn't working on them. No problem as long as you have exact cash. The lockers really need to have more space between the sets. If others are at their lockers, you are at their mercy and just have to wait for them to get out of the way. This park has a wavepool which does get crowded.They have a good amount of tubes. I wouldn't want anymore in, as it would really crowd the pool space for "non tube users". As others have said, a few of the family slides have very few tubes. They need a few more in the pipeline. On Molokini Crater, there are less than 10 tubes. You must wait at the bottom for a tube to come down and then carry up these large heavy tubes up the many stairs. I strongly suggest to the park to change this. This is my biggest issue at the park. There are many other fun parts though to make up for it. There is a lack of signage for which paths go to which slides... just follow the colors painted on the posts though to the corresponding slide. I also suggest bringing a picnic lunch and eating outside.
6. 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.
7. National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,571 reviews
Part aquarium, part museum, part science center, the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium inspires stewardship by creating educational experiences where history and rivers come alive! Our 14-acre campus on the banks of the Mississippi River features two separate two-story buildings and an expansive outdoor plaza. The Museum & Aquarium is home to over 100 species of animals and thousands of historic artifacts. With so much to see and do, there's always a chance to #ExploreSomethingNew
Reviewed By gschalk
Set aside 2-4 hours for your visit to National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium. There are two buildings, two ships, and several outdoor exhibits. Children will find plenty to enjoy. The "critters"--everything from an octopus, rays, otters, and plenty of fish--will keep the children interested. Also not to be missed is the Riverworks Splash Zone in the East Building. The exhibit in the "changing exhibit gallery" in the West Building is a Robot Zoo. You'll find a 5-foot housefly, a 6-foot grasshopper, and an amazing duck-billed platypus. The museum/aquarium is a fun learning experience for adults and children.
8. Downtown Farmers Market
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 415 reviews
Reviewed By flyingsquirrels - Des Moines, United States
We have been coming to this farmers market for years - and I remember how Jaw-dropping it was the first time I went! It’s huge and so much fun! Everything you can imagine and more - all the farm fresh fruits and vegetables you can imagine, home baked goodies like fruit tarts, huge cinnamon rolls, cakes, and cookies. Honey, salsas, wine, crafts vendors, flowers and plants, live music, doesn’t town bars and restaurants, and don’t forget all the breakfast food trucks! Popcorn, coffee stands, balloon animals, ethnic foods, spices, jellies... so much of everything! You have to experience this!
9. Iowa State Fairgrounds
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 868 reviews
For 11 days in August, it’s a fairground, but for the other 354 days of the year, the Iowa State Fairgrounds is home to auto shows, livestock exhibitions, flea markets, antique shows, concerts, trade shows and more. See what’s happening this month at the Iowa State Fairgrounds.
Reviewed By P8743KEsusanh - Coal Creek, United States
There is truly something for everyone, whether you browse the vendors under the Grandstand or in the VI Building, or watch the Husband Calling Contest in Heritage Hall. There's the tiny museum of Fair history, and a huge model train display. You can watch demonstrations of Dutch oven cooking at the DNR Buiding, and admire the Butter Cow and other sculptures while strolling through the Ag Building sipping your honey lemonade or munching a sample hard boiled egg from the Egg Council. Visit Little Hands on the Farm with your children. From the Biggest Bull to the newest baby piglets, there's something new to see every day. Many quality free shows and concerts throughout the Fairgrounds, as well as the paid nightly entertainment at the Grandstand . Fabulous food all over the Fairgrounds, including hidden gems like the old-time soda fountain with real old fashioned malts and shakes. Watch a chain saw carver create a work of art in a few minutes, sing along at the Hymn Sing at the little church, or hold your breath while four year old kids try their hands at mutton bustin'. The midway is typical. You can park and ride from Southeast Polk High School on the east and the Capitol grounds from the west. Parking in these two places is free, and the bus ride is $2, with veteran discounts, and discounts for prepurchased Fair admission. Parking on the grounds is available for a fee. You could attend all 10 days of the Fair and never experience it all.
10. Brucemore
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 265 reviews
Brucemore is a living landmark that charts the history of Cedar Rapids. The 26-acre, park-like estate invites exploration of its history, gardens, grounds, and 21-room mansion. Each season, nature's changing beauty entices visitors to the estate offering new experiences. Concerts, theater, festivals, garden walks, holiday celebrations, and tours enliven the site and celebrate the heritage of the community.
Reviewed By Traveler-Greg555
This place is a must-see if you are in Cedar Rapids.Tucked away on a gorgeous piece of property just minutes from downtown is a complex of interesting buildings that have been constructed over a period of decades by a number of prominent civic figures. It is free to walk the spacious grounds which has a pool, a pond, an expansive front lawn and agricultural & botanical structures. A modest fee is charged for a wonderful guided tour through most rooms in the mansion. But first one can get oriented to the estate by visiting the ticket office/musum/gift store where the story of Brucemore is told through photos and short movies. I would highly recommend a visit.
