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 Kids 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. 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. 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.
4. 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
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. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. 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!
