Tap to Read ➤

12 Things to Do and Places to Visit in Iowa

Bordered on two sides by the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers, Iowa is a Midwestern agricultural state filled with unique attractions.
Shruti Nair

1. The City of Des Moines

Your browser doesn't support HTML5 video.

The Iowa State Capitol

Visit the capitol state building to enjoy it's beautiful architecture. This late 19th century building is the only five-domed capitol in the United States.

Your browser doesn't support HTML5 video.

Downtown Farmer's Market

Indulge in fresh organic produce. Around 95% of Iowa's land is fertile and you will find the best farmer's markets here.

Your browser doesn't support HTML5 video.

Walk in the dreamy museum of over 100 vintage trucks on display with antique signs and gas pumps. The museum also features the REO Theatre, where visitors can enjoy films on trucks and trucking.

2. The Iowa 80 Trucking Museum

3. The Grotto of Redemption

Marvel at the largest man-made grotto in the world, the proclaimed Eighth Wonder of the World. It has a series of nine grottos, each depicting a scene from the life of Jesus made from jewels worth $4 million.

Your browser doesn't support HTML5 video.

4. Snake Alley, Burlington

Drive on the once recognized by Ripley’s Believe It or Not for being the world’s most crooked road, with seven curves over 275 feet.

5. Pikes Peak State Park

Experience the natural, cultural and historical resources of Iowa and the majestic views of the Mississippi River from the highest point in the park.

Your browser doesn't support HTML5 video.

6. Mississippi River, Keokuk

Fish in the Mississippi river and then walk over to the Keokuk-Hamilton Bridge, one of the most beautiful sites of Keokuk.

Your browser doesn't support HTML5 video.

7. The High Trestle Trail

Ride a bike around this trail during the day or enjoy the lit up bridge at night. This trail also offers a beautiful view of the Mississippi River.

8. Stockman House Museum

Tour this only Frank Lloyd Wright Prairie Style House open to the public and learn how Wright came to build houses in the Mason City.

9. Field of Dreams Movie Site

Reminisce scenes of the movie or play a game of baseball at this iconic corn field.manali dingorkar

10. Dubuque Arboretum and Botanical Gardens

Relax in the beautiful array of gardens in Iowa, featuring various types of plants and themes. In the summer months there are free concerts every Sunday evening.

11. Roseman Bridge

Photograph these structural bridges across Iowa and learn about their history. Make sure to follow it up with the movie 'The Bridges of Madison County'.

12. Dunning’s Spring Park

Hike through this gorgeous park on a summer afternoon under a beautiful umbrella of trees, surrounded by limestone bluffs and a lovely, lively waterfall that cascades down the steep, rocky, hillside.