Top 20 Things To Do In Iowa

You’re better off ignoring the travel snobs who chase Instagram-worthy destinations.

Iowa offers something far more valuable: authentic experiences without the crowds or inflated prices.

While others fight for selfie spots at tourist traps, you’ll have genuine American treasures practically to yourself.

1. Field of Dreams Movie Site, Iowa

This iconic baseball field in Dyersville draws visitors from around the world. The 1989 movie made this simple cornfield famous with the line “If you build it, they will come.”

You can walk the same field where Kevin Costner played catch with his father. The original farmhouse is still there and available for overnight stays.

But here’s the deal – this isn’t just about baseball nostalgia. It’s about connecting with simpler times and family memories.

2. National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium, Iowa

Located in historic Dubuque, this museum celebrates America’s most important river. You’ll find over 20 interactive exhibits showcasing river wildlife and maritime history.

The aquarium houses live animals, including alligators, otters, and sturgeon. You’re better off planning a full day here because there’s so much to explore.

The museum also includes a blacksmith shop and a historic river barge that bring the past to life.

3. Iowa State Capitol, Iowa

Des Moines’ golden-domed Capitol building stands as one of America’s most beautiful state houses. Built in 1886, it’s the only five-domed capitol in the country.

The interior features stunning architecture and Iowa’s vast Law Library. Free guided tours reveal the building’s rich history and political significance.

That’s why many visitors say it rivals the U.S. Capitol in Washington for pure architectural beauty.

4. Maquoketa Caves State Park, Iowa

This unique park contains more caves than any other Iowa state park. Thirteen caves dot the landscape along six miles of scenic trails.

Dancehall Cave features lighting systems for easy exploration. Other caves require crawling to enter, adding adventure for the more adventurous.

But here’s the catch – you’ll want to bring a flashlight and wear sturdy shoes for the best cave experience.

5. Grotto of the Redemption, Iowa

West Bend hosts what’s believed to be the world’s largest grotto. Nine separate grottos built entirely from minerals, fossils, shells, and petrifications create a stunning religious shrine.

The intricate details took decades to complete. Each grotto tells a different religious story through carefully arranged natural materials.

You’re better off taking the guided tour to fully appreciate the craftsmanship and spiritual significance.

6. Herbert Hoover National Historic Site, Iowa

West Branch preserves the birthplace of America’s 31st President. The humble cottage where Herbert Hoover was born sits alongside other period buildings.

The Presidential Library and Museum features rotating exhibits about Hoover’s life and legacy. You can also visit the gravesite of both Herbert and Lou Henry Hoover.

That’s why this site offers insight into how small-town Iowa values shaped a future president.

7. Amana Colonies, Iowa

Seven historic German villages make up this National Historic Landmark. German Pietists settled these communities in 1842, creating a unique cultural enclave.

Today you’ll find authentic German restaurants, craft shops, and bakeries. The Hahn Bakery still uses original hearth ovens from the communal era.

But here’s the deal – the Amana Meat Shop offers traditional German sausages and bratwursts you won’t find anywhere else in Iowa.

8. Effigy Mounds National Monument, Iowa

Over 200 Native American mounds dot the Upper Mississippi River Valley landscape. These sacred earthworks were created by indigenous peoples centuries ago.

The mounds take the shapes of animals including bears and birds. Walking trails lead to scenic overlooks of the Mississippi River.

You’re better off visiting during cooler months when the trails are more comfortable for extended walking.

9. Iowa State Fair, Iowa

For 11 days each August, Des Moines hosts the nation’s premier state fair. Over one million visitors enjoy agricultural exhibits, live entertainment, and famous fair food.

The world-famous Butter Cow sculpture draws crowds every year. You’ll also find livestock competitions, craft demonstrations, and carnival rides.

That’s why many consider this the best state fair in America for authentic Midwest culture and hospitality.

10. Pikes Peak State Park, Iowa

This Mississippi River park offers 11 miles of trails and stunning bluff views. Point Ann overlook provides panoramic vistas of the river valley below.

The park features waterfalls, ancient effigy mounds, and diverse wildlife. Camping facilities let you extend your stay in this natural paradise.

But here’s the catch – the trails can be challenging, so pace yourself and bring plenty of water.

11. Loess Hills National Scenic Byway, Iowa

This 220-mile scenic drive showcases Iowa’s unique Loess Hills landscape. These wind-deposited soil formations exist in only two places worldwide – Iowa and China.

The rolling hills rise up to 200 feet above the Missouri River valley. Prairie grasses and wildflowers create stunning seasonal displays throughout the year.

You’re better off driving this route in early fall when the prairie grasses turn golden and the weather is perfect for stopping at overlooks.

12. Bridges of Madison County, Iowa

Six historic covered bridges in Madison County became famous through the bestselling novel and movie. These 19th-century wooden bridges span peaceful rural streams.

The Roseman Bridge is the most photographed, featured prominently in the romantic story. Each bridge has its own character and surrounding countryside charm.

But here’s the deal – you’ll want to visit multiple bridges to fully appreciate the rural beauty that inspired the famous love story.

13. National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library, Iowa

Cedar Rapids houses the largest Czech and Slovak cultural institution in the United States. The museum preserves the heritage of over 1.8 million Czech and Slovak Americans.

Traditional costumes, folk art, and historical artifacts tell the immigrant story. The library contains genealogical resources for tracing Eastern European ancestry.

That’s why many visitors discover surprising connections to their own family histories while exploring the exhibits.

14. Devonian Fossil Gorge, Iowa

This unique geological site near Coralville reveals 375-million-year-old fossils embedded in limestone bedrock. Ancient sea creatures left their marks when Iowa was covered by tropical seas.

You can walk directly on the fossil-rich rock surface and spot crinoids, brachiopods, and coral formations. The site was exposed after a 1993 flood damaged the spillway.

But here’s the catch – wear sturdy shoes because the limestone surface can be slippery when wet.

15. Seed Savers Exchange Heritage Farm, Iowa

This Decorah farm preserves over 20,000 rare vegetable, herb, and flower varieties. The organization saves heirloom seeds that might otherwise disappear forever.

Visitors can tour demonstration gardens showcasing heritage tomatoes, beans, and flowers from around the world. The Ancient White Park Cattle are among the rarest livestock breeds in America.

You’re better off visiting during growing season when the gardens are in full bloom and the educational programs are most active.

16. Living History Farms, Urbandale, Iowa

This open-air museum in Urbandale offers a journey through 300 years of Iowa’s agricultural history.

You’ll explore a 1700 Ioway Indian village, an 1850 pioneer farm, and a 1900 horse-powered farm, complete with costumed interpreters.

You can watch blacksmiths, churn butter, or help with daily chores. But here’s the deal – it’s not just a museum; it’s an immersive experience that brings history to life, especially for families.

You’re better off spending a full day here to truly soak in the past.

17. Adventureland Park, Altoona, Iowa

Located just east of Des Moines, Adventureland is Iowa’s premier amusement park, offering thrilling rides, family attractions, and a water park. From classic roller coasters like The Tornado to water slides at Adventure Bay, there’s something for every age.

That’s why it’s been a beloved destination for generations of Iowans. But here’s the catch – while it’s a full-fledged theme park, it maintains a charming, less-crowded atmosphere compared to larger national parks. You’re better off visiting on a weekday for shorter lines.

18. High Trestle Trail, Central Iowa

This 25-mile rail-trail winds through Polk, Story, Boone, and Dallas counties, culminating in the iconic High Trestle Trail Bridge. The bridge, nearly half a mile long and 130 feet high, offers breathtaking views of the Des Moines River valley, especially at night when its blue LED lights illuminate its abstract design. You’re better off walking or biking across the bridge at dusk to experience its unique artistic glow.

But here’s the deal – it’s a testament to converting old infrastructure into stunning recreational assets, blending history with modern design.

19. Blank Park Zoo, Des Moines, Iowa

Des Moines is home to Iowa’s only accredited zoo, Blank Park Zoo, which features animals from around the world. From lions and rhinos on the African Boardwalk to red pandas in the Asian Forest and sea lions performing daily, it offers diverse wildlife encounters.

You’re better off checking their schedule for feeding times and keeper talks to get the most out of your visit.

That’s why it’s a fantastic educational experience, teaching about conservation and global ecosystems in an accessible way.

20. Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum, Decorah, Iowa

Located in Decorah, this is the most comprehensive museum in the United States dedicated to Norwegian-American immigration and culture. It boasts a collection of over 33,000 artifacts, including folk art, textiles, and antique vehicles, spread across 16 historic buildings.

You can explore a recreated immigrant cabin, a fully restored church, and even a boat used by early immigrants. But here’s the deal – it’s not just for those with Norwegian ancestry; it tells a universal story of migration, adaptation, and cultural preservation that resonates with many.