Simply south of the states of Minnesota and east of Nebraska, Iowa is a fairly particular area of the US to go to. Sure, it may not have the ‘widespread’ draw of states like California or New York, but it surely actually ought to! Not solely that, there are heaps of one of the best locations in Iowa to go to dotted all throughout the state.
This all makes Iowa an excellent to go to when you’ve got a automotive. Truthfully, Iowa is unimaginable, and it could possibly simply be included in any wider Northern United States highway journey or as a standalone vacation spot.
Although, fret not, even should you don’t drive, you’ll be able to nonetheless have an epic time visiting Iowa. Simply make certain to plan your journey upfront by way of public transit choices and routes you wish to take.
You’re actually going to have such a good time in Iowa. Have enjoyable in your journey.
1.) Pella
Though solely a small metropolis in Iowa, Pella is totally beautiful to go to for a day journey and even to spend a calming few nights within the area, it’s simply shy of Lake Purple Rock and inside straightforward attain of Freeway 163, which makes Pella the right stopping level on a highway journey in Iowa.
When you’re within the space, make certain to go to the Pella Historic Village and see the Vermeer Windmill, which is true within the centre of Pella. It’s so quaint and showcases interval buildings that date again centuries. It’s so stunning, and it actually looks like arriving in a bit of Dutch enclave.
Oh, and don’t neglect you’ll be able to simply time a go to with Pella’s annual Tulip Time competition. It takes place yearly on the primary Thursday-Saturday of Might.
Lastly, don’t neglect to pop into the Windmill Cafe for his or her scorching beef sandwich and scorching tea.
2.) Cedar Rapids
Nestled within the jap fringes of Iowa, Cedar Rapids is a stunning metropolis to go to when driving throughout the state. As soon as right here, it’s a must to be sure you go to the Nationwide Czech and Slovak Museum.
It’s a massive institute filled with artefacts, historical past, and tradition of the Czech and Slovak individuals who arrived in the US. The museum and library maintain an enormous assortment of displays, academic supplies, and shows. This institute helps society perceive the function performed in historical past that has led us to the place we’re at present.
Afterwards, head over to NewBo Metropolis Market. They promote every part and something you’ll be able to think about, and it’s bought heaps of foodie spots, and the Carribean Kitchen is so good – particularly for his or her fried plantains.
Additionally, should you’re visiting Iowa in the summertime months, make certain to go to Misplaced Island Waterpark in close by Waterloo. Properly, I say close to. It’s a few 50-minute drive however price it should you’re in search of a day outdoors the town.
It has 9 main slides and swimming pools which are a lot enjoyable for all of the household. One among these points of interest is the Kailahi River, the place you’ll be able to get pleasure from floating on a raft. Exterior the park, some points of interest whose actions don’t embrace water are positioned, together with go-karts and golf.
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3.) Maquoketa Caves State Park
Nestled on the hills, simply shy of the city of Maquoketa, Maquoketa Caves State Park is effectively price a go to should you’re trying to discover Iowa’s pure magnificence.
It’s top-of-the-line locations in Iowa to go to should you’re trying to observe a mountain climbing path or discover the caves and caverns themselves.
As soon as right here, go to Maquoketa Caves Pure Bridge and discover the path route, which can take 5-6 miles across the park itself.
4.) Des Moines
The capital metropolis of Iowa, Des Moines, is effectively price visiting for an in a single day keep. It’s a hive of exercise, and though not the most important metropolis (by worldwide requirements), you’ll be able to simply spend a number of days there and refill your entire weekend.
As soon as right here, make certain to go to the Iowa State Capitol. The principle dome is a 23-karat golden one, seen from virtually wherever in Des Moines. 4 different domes encompass the primary one, sharing equal magnificence and adorning the capital with wonderful aesthetics. To get a close-up of this magnificence, schedule a tour to climb up the dome.
Afterwards, head on over to the Higher Des Moines Botanical Middle. Situated within the state capital, that is yet one more superior surprise. After my go to, I felt like going again to biology courses. You possibly can go to the plant and flower collections, expertise the temperate and tropical gardens, and attend occasions and workshops all year long.
In order for you some indoor actions, head to the Des Moines Artwork Middle. The clue is in its identify. It has heaps of displays and rooms to discover items from artists comparable to Edward Hopper and many extra.
Getting peckish? Head to Des Moines Downtown Farmers’ Market for his or her Saturday Market. It’s an incredible place. You get to fulfill and expertise the stalls and produce which are all made regionally, which is nice if you wish to style seasonal merchandise from Iowa.
You’ll discover many recent farm produce, comparable to vegatables and fruits. Residence-baked goodies embrace fruit tarts, large cinnamon rolls, desserts, and cookies. You’ll go away stuffed.
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5.) Iowa Metropolis
Iowa Metropolis is positioned on the jap fringes of the state. It is likely one of the state’s historic capitals and is effectively price a day journey.
As soon as you’re right here, make certain to go to the Stanley Museum of Artwork. Right here, you’ll discover a great deal of up to date items and discover the Visible Laboratory on the third ground of the museum itself. The go to will take round 45-60 minutes and is effectively price strolling round once you go to Iowa Metropolis.
Afterwards, head over to the Bluebird Diner. It’s an unfussy establishment in Iowa Metropolis and excellent for a relaxed breakfast or brunch. Their corned beef hash is so good.
Oh, and don’t neglect to go to the Outdated Capitol Museum. The museum is all the time free to enter, and it’s effectively price visiting to discover the historical past of Iowa and be taught extra in regards to the state itself. We beloved it.
6.) West Bend
West Bend itself is a tiny little place in Iowa to go to. You can blink and miss it in your journey round Iowa. That being mentioned, it’s fairly particular to go to, even should you solely cease for an hour or two.
In West Bend, you’ve bought the shrine of the Grotto of the Redemption. It’s mentioned to be the world’s largest grotto and is a spot of reflection you’ll be able to nonetheless go to at present.
Actually, it’s made up of 9 totally different grottos and has turned out to be the most important human-made grotto. Visits take round 20 minutes.
Afterwards, head to the Wagon Wheel Cafe for a chew to eat. Their wheel burgers are so yummy for lunch.
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7.) Dubuque
Proper on the shores of the Mississippi River, Dubuque is likely one of the finest locations in Iowa to go to should you’re driving east to Lake Michigan or cities in different close by states like Chicago.
As soon as right here, make sure you go to the Nationwide Mississippi River Museum. It’s an effective way to be taught extra in regards to the native habitat and wider areas that make the world so particular. Plus, it’s excellent for the entire household, and you’ll simply spend two hours strolling inside.
Afterwards, make a journey to the Fenelon Place Elevator. It’s mentioned to be the steepest railroad in the entire world. Visits will solely take round quarter-hour and it’s effectively price it should you don’t fancy strolling as much as Fenelon Place itself.
Lastly, go to the Dubuque Museum of Artwork. Though small, it’s an excellent place to see seasonal displays that remember American artwork.
Additionally, should you’re heading west, make certain to cease by the Discipline of Goals Film Website. In the event you’re a fan of the movie, you’ll love this place in Iowa. Additionally, sprime off at Breitbach’s Nation Eating should you resolve to observe the Mississippi River northbound. Not solely is the meals scrumptious, but it surely’s been going because the 1850s.
8.) West Department
Like a lot of one of the best locations in Iowa to go to, West Department is small however a spot you don’t wish to miss. You see, it’s residence to the Herbert Hoover Nationwide Historic Website.
You see, Herbert Hoover, the thirty first president of the US, was truly from Iowa. After his loss of life, his birthplace was preserved as a historic web site which you’ll be able to go to to today.
This web site options his childhood panorama, displaying his humble beginnings. It additionally consists of his father’s blacksmith store, a gathering home, and a schoolhouse. All of the buildings are accessible to guests, and they’re an effective way to be taught extra about Iowa’s historical past and the broader American historical past.
Afterwards, head to Foremost Road Antiques. It’s an excellent place to seek out vintage Americana and you’ll even discover uranium glass and historic cash. We beloved it.
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9.) Decorah
Decorah is effectively price a go to for a lazy afternoon in Iowa. It may be simply visited in a half-day. As soon as there, it’s a must to go to the Vesterheim, the nationwide Norwegian-American Museum, which spans 4 flooring.
Not solely that, but it surely’s additionally an effective way to be taught extra about Norwegian Individuals and their place in Iowa.
Afterwards, head over to the Sabin Household Desk. It’s not within the centre of Decorah and is a very relaxed and unfussy spot for lunch, however the meals is so good. That is the kind of place you go to for the flavours, and so they’re unimaginable. Be sure to attempt their meatball sub and their home made pies for dessert.
10.) Amana
The group of Amana is effectively price visiting should you’re driving from close by Iowa Metropolis. You see, it’s so historic, and German immigrants first established the colonies right here centuries in the past.
As we speak, you’ll be able to discover the Amana Colonies, which consists of seven villages within the jap a part of Iowa. As soon as right here, you’ll be able to admire the colonial artworks and the tasty German meals. Simply be sure you go to the Millstream Brau Haus. It’s a historic German beer home that serves native brews and scrumptious lunches.
Lastly, when you’ve got time, drive to the close by Fireplace Vineyard. It’s a family-run vineyard within the coronary heart of the broader Amana group, and they’re so tasty.
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11.) Ames
Proper within the coronary heart of the state, Ames is likely one of the finest locations in Iowa to go to while driving throughout the state. Now, you don’t have to spend longer than a day in Ames, however that doesn’t imply it’s best to miss a go to.
As soon as right here, make certain to go to Reiman Gardens. It’s a surprising botanic backyard the place you’ll be able to simply spend an hour exploring. Plus, their butterfly backyard is unimaginable. Oh, and should you’re in search of one thing a bit of quirky, spot the world’s largest concrete gnome. It’s as kitsch because it sounds!
Additionally, for a few of the finest pizza in all of Iowa, make certain to seize a desk on the Nice Plains Sauce and Dough Co. As soon as right here, it’s a must to attempt their Prairie Particular, that’s full of heaps of sliced pepperoni and their well-known pork sausage. Oh, and make some room for pudding; their cinnamon stick is so good.
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