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
What to do and see in Iowa, United States: The Best Monuments & Statues
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. Iowa Firefighters Memorial
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 23 reviews
Reviewed By 9Buffalolady20
We were driving back to our hotel from West Branch, Iowa when we saw the sign for the Firefighters Memorial. We got off the exit to take a look. We were so glad we did! It is located just off I-80 at exit 242. The memorial is beautiful. The visitor's center was open and was very well done honoring firefighters from Iowa. We really enjoyed the memorial. It is a free attraction, but there are envelopes inside the Visitor's center to make a donation.
2. Welcome Home Soldier
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 5 reviews
Reviewed By K7301DPdennism
What an impressive display of flags and monuments for a small Iowa town to put on! They had a 50 pole set of the state flags at back of the large property, along the all concrete handicap accessible pathways; a set of American flags around the principal sculptures (Duplicate in 2x human scale of the raising of the flag at Iwo Jima) a black granite curved wall with engraved names of the fallen, and 'soldiers' cross' monuments. Very well done! Good job! to whoever did it. Easy access on the highway west of town a bit. Don't know why they don't have The Freedom Rock on same place, instead of downtown on the courthouse lawn.
3. Effigy Mounds National Monument
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 236 reviews
29 Of This Park's 191 Mounds Are In The Shape Of Animals.
Reviewed By WStatesTraveler - The Netherlands, null
I began the day of my visit in Prairie du Chien WI. It was a nice drive to Harpers Ferry via Marquette IA (nice views of the Mississippi River). Effigy Mounds NM has a lot to offer.The museum in the Visitor Center is very informative. The story of the native Americans and the mounds in this area is told on signs with explanatory texts and by items which are on display. The arrival and impact of the first Europeans is explained as well. The final part of the museum deals with the preservation efforts in the area and the establishment of the National Monument. There are several hiking trails (some quite strenuous) which lead to the burial mounds (of different shapes) and some to some excellent views of the Mississippi River. Finally, there is a nice gift shop in the Visitor Center.
4. 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.
5. Soldier's Monument
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 9 reviews
Reviewed By 115edwinr
This monument is a tribute to the Men who served the Union Cause during the Civil War. It is well done, and stands in the middle of Main Street across from Central High School.
6. Julien Dubuque Monument
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 85 reviews
Reviewed By AutumnLP - East Peoria, United States
We took the small hike from the bottom and found this lovely little area. It's a great view of city and river. Beautiful stone work. A wonderful tribute. There was parking near by but road was closed.
7. Kanesville Tabernacle
8. Lincoln Highway Statue
9. Veteran's Memorial Plaza
10. Spirit of Siouxland Statue
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 11 reviews
Reviewed By jrleep - Missouri, United States
Our friends knew the history of this catastrophe and shared as we searched it out. How great of the community to erect such a moving tribute in memory of this tragic event.
