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 Things to do
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. 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
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. 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.
5. 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.
6. Devonian Fossil Gorge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 147 reviews
Reviewed By janetdK794GW - Burlington, United States
If you love fossils and like to examine them close-up, do not miss this place! It's actually an outlet for the dam built across the Iowa River upstream from Iowa City. No one knew there were Devonian bedrock fossils here until two floods (one in 1993, the second in 2008) revealed them by washing away 17 feet of soil. The tours are self-guided. Visitors can step across the bedrock and examine fossils of brachiopods, crinoids, and several types of coral common to the inland sea that once covered this region. No two natural displays are alike because the majority of these fossils are still embedded in the limestone their shells created. The Devonian period of Earth history occurred 375 million years ago, predating the dinosaurs. If you enjoy geology or how the Earth evolved, don't miss this fascinating walk among ancient fossils. It is difficult for those on crutches and nearly impossible for visitors in wheelchairs to visit the actual fossil beds, but beyond the parking lot there is a display available for those who prefer not to attempt the stairs and the uneven footing of the lake outlet. The Corps of Engineers Visitor Center near the east end of the dam provides more information regarding the fossils and how they were discovered. The staff here is friendly, and can answer most questions. Brochures are also available here.
7. National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 347 reviews
Expanded 50,000 sq. ft. building opened in July 2012 with a world-class exhibit "Alphonse Mucha: Inspirations of Art Nouveau" featuring 230 pieces direct from Prague and London. Two other galleries feature rotating exhibitions on the culture, art and history of Czechs and Slovaks. And don't miss the two-room 1880's Czech immigrant house that was home to five generations. See the new museum store filled with European treasures and gifts. Stroll down Czech Village and also visit the exhibition, "Rising Above: the Store of a People and the Flood" located a 87 Sixteenth Ave. SW
Reviewed By JDD800 - Lawrence, United States
This is a one-of-a-kind experience especially if you’re from this heritage. It was like reliving some of the great moments that I’ve heard my great grandparents talk about. They also have an awesome gift shop and the whole experience is totally worth it we loved every minute of it and highly recommend especially if you’re from Czechoslovakia heritage
8. Figge Art Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 306 reviews
Reviewed By JMK-Pittsburgh - Pittsburgh, United States
Our family and I spent a little over an hour here and were very impressed. They had a wide variety of art including a Grant Wood exhibit that was well done, and a Frank Lloyd Wright exhibit that was very interesting. We liked most everything except a photography exhibit on the 4th floor that we found pretty dull. If you’re in the Quad Cities area you should make a point to visit. Recommended.
9. Vander Veer Botanical Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 172 reviews
Reviewed By 881sb - Galesburg, United States
This has become "our" park as we always have to stop here whenever we visit the Quad Cities. - so nice to just sit under the trees and watch the ducks in the pond, take a little walk through the beautiful rose garden, explore the very interesting botanical garden w/ so many different exotic plants, and then enjoy the flower beds and pretty fountain on the other side of the park. Try spending time in this really relaxing park.
10. Blank Park Zoo
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 627 reviews
Imagine a place where you can have a wild family adventure viewing rhinos or feeding a giraffe while also helping preserve animals for future generations. A portion of the proceeds from your visit to Blank Park Zoo is used to protect animal populations throughout the world. Blank Park Zoo is approximately 30 acres and features an indoor rain forest Discovery Center, Jamaa Kwa Africa, Australia Adventure, Kids Kingdom, Great Cats Complex, a Sea Lion and Seal pool and more.
Reviewed By HeidiSwee
Love love love this zoo for an easy day trip! It's small, but definitely packed with some punch! A fun zoo! Kids bored, this zoo you could get through easily in a couple hours or so, and the kids would love it and I dont feel it ever gets old! Very impressed with all the changes since i was a kid! Will most definitely continue to go!!
