Iowa is full of all sorts of great places to visit for a weekend or even just a day. I’ve put together a list of 15 Iowa Day Trips that should be on your “to do” list this summer!
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Going on Iowa Day Trips
Traveling is different for everyone. Some people consider traveling to be out of the country for a long period of time. Others consider it within the US for a week. Of course, there are those who look for weekend trips and day trips!
Iowa day trips are a great way to see the state without having to dedicate an entire weekend or week to exploring! So, here are 15 fantastic day trips that you can enjoy with your girlfriends, spouse, significant other, or the entire family. These are no particular order!
Snag the Ultimate Guide to Traveling in Iowa by clicking HERE!
Pella
A plethora of downtown shops, biking on the Volksweg Trail, or exploring one of the many nearby parks makes Pella great spot for an Iowa day trip! Make sure to check out the Vermeer Windmill and Pella Historical Society Museums!
- Location – Pella is located in southeastern Iowa, just 45 minutes East of Des Moines
- Places to Eat – George’s Pizza is a must along with their gyro platter! Head next door to Brew House Coffee and grab a hot brew too!
- Don’t Leave Without – Don’t leave town without grabbing some homemade chocolates from VanVeen Chocolates as well as a Dutch letter from Jaarsma Bakery.
Charles City
Charles City has a little bit of everything to offer! Charles City is especially friendly to those who like to be active! There are a couple options for golf, a public art walking tour, Hot Shots Billiards, disc golf, bowling, a bike & walking trail, a dog park, mini golf & batting cages. If kayaking or tubing is something you’re looking for, check out the Charles City Whitewater at Riverfront Park.
- Location – Charles City is located in North Eastern Iowa along the Cedar River
- Places to Eat – Enjoy a view of the river from The Pub on the Cedar or grab pizza from Cedar River Pizza Co for a picnic. If you’re looking for a great cup of coffee, check out Aromas Coffee Bar.
- Don’t Leave Town Without – While shops may not always seem appropriate for everyone, but checking out The Rustic Corner is a must. They carry a little bit of everything for everyone of all ages, so make sure to stop!
Clear Lake
Of course, one of the big features of Clear Lake is the lake and spending time on the public beach or splash pad is a great way to enjoy the sun. Check out the Central Gardens of North Iowa, stop by the historic Surf Ballroom & Museum, and browse downtown. Taking the family on this Iowa day trip?! Make sure to grab a game a mini-golf and have some ice cream after!
- Location – Clear Lake is located in North Iowa along I-35 and just 25 minutes from the Minnesota border.
- Places to Eat – Head lakeside to The Landing or downtown to Sevens for delicious meals. Cookies, Etc is a great place to grab a snack of fresh baked cookies or ice cream.
- Don’t Leave Without – Before you leave Clear Lake, make sure to enjoy a cruise around the lake on the Lady of the Lake! It’s a great way to relax and see the entire lake!
Dyersville
Plan a day trip to Dyersville! This small town was home to the movie set of Field of Dreams back in the 1980’s. They offer lots of great activities on weekends including games of baseball that people can watch or join in. Another great local treasure is Becker’s Wood Carving Museum.
- Location – Dyersville is located in East Central Iowa along Highway 20
- Places to Eat – When it’s time to refuel, head to Country Junction for their famous hot beef and a slice of their epic pie. If you’re a beer lover, head to Textile Brewing Company.
- Don’t Leave Without – Before you leave town, make sure to stop by the Basilica of St Francis Xavier. The architecture will stun you!
Dubuque
Just a short drive down Highway 20 from Dyersville, you’ll find our next Iowa day trip. Dubuque is a historic town with lots to offer. The National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium is a must, head to Eagle Point Park to enjoy the views of the river and the lock & dam, walk along the river walk and enjoy the public art!
- Location – Located along Highway 20 on the Eastern board or Iowa, along the Mississippi River.
- Places to Eat – The Barrel House is a great destination for traditional foods with small twists that make them extra special. Down the street, grab some cold ice cream from I Scream, You Scream.
- Don’t Leave Without – Don’t leave town without taking a ride on the Fenelon Place Elevator! This fun spot is a the oldest
Fort Dodge
Fort Dodge may not be the first place you think of when planning a day trip, but it needs to be on your list! If you’re taking the kiddos, spending time at Fort Frenzy is a must with it’s go-karts, mini golf, bumper cars, and more! Want to get outdoors? Check out the Lizard Creek Water Trail for kayaking or tubing or bring your all-terrain vehicle to the Gypsum City OHV Park. Of course, Fort Dodge is a historical site that is a great stop as well!
- Location – Fort Dodge is located along Highway 20 in West Central Iowa.
- Places to Eat – Pizza from Shiny Top Brewery is a must with their homemade crust along with ice cream from the Dariette!
- Don’t Leave Without – Don’t leave without checking out the painted silos! Visit the river side park and walk around checking out the entire mural!
Mason City
Mason City, also known as the River City, offers a variety of things to enjoy during the day. If you want to be outdoors, check out the art-walk downtown, golf, mini-golf, feed the deer at East Park, or enjoy the bike paths. If indoors is on your radar, check out the Charles H MacNider Art Museum, the Kinney Pioneer Museum, Music Man Square & Museum, and play indoor mini-golf at River City Golf.
- Location – Mason City is located in North Central Iowa just about 25 minutes from the Minnesota border along Highway 65.
- Places to Eat – Grab a deli sandwich from The Hungry Mind or another delicious from State Street. Ice cream from Birdsall’s Ice Cream Shop is a must.
- Don’t Leave Without Don’t leave town without a visit to Rancho Deluxe: The Original Bicycle Garden. It’s truly a unique stop!
Audubon
This town of 1500 is full of all sorts of little treasures! Audubon is a great place for a girls day or a day with the family! While all the adventures may not be IN Audubon, they are super close! If you’re on a girls trip, manicures at Divine Salon are a great start followed by lots of shopping of the downtown shops! A trip to Danish Countryside Vineyard in rural Audubon County is always a great time with the girls. Grab the family and head to Littlefield Recreation Area to enjoy the great outdoors. Also make sure to stop by Kimballton to enjoy the Little Mermaid Sculpture park. Burn energy at the Audubon Rec Center!
- Location – Audubon County is located in West Central Iowa about 20 miles North of Interstate 80.
- Places to Eat – Head to El Adobe Mexican Restaurant for delicious Mexican and amazing pasta (yes, you read that right). Make sure to grab some baked goods from The Bakery on Broadway too!
- Don’t Leave Without – Make sure to stop by and visit Albert the Bull (the world’s largest steer) and grab a picture before you leave town!
Elk Horn
If you’re up for two Iowa day-trips in a row, start in Audubon one day and head to Elk Horn the next! This Danish community is full of lots of culture and things to do! Explore the Danish Windmill, which is an original that was moved to Elk Horn from Denmark. Also take a tour of the Museum of Danish America! Enjoy the outside area that also has adult fitness equipment and a trail that you can enjoy! Also make sure to enjoy the shops downtown, which are so fun to explore!
- Location – Elk Horn is located in West Central Iowa just about 10 minutes north of I-80.
- Places to Eat – Elk Horn is full of great places to eat, but the ultimate experience is dinning at the Danish Table, which gives you the full Danish experience!
- Don’t Leave Without – Don’t leave town without grabbing an authentic Danish
Franklin County
Rural communities are fantastic! There is always lots to do! Franklin County is no different! Check out Maynes Grove for fishing, hiking, kayaking, and exploring nature! Beeds Lake State Park is home to one of the most photographed dams/spillways in the state, so it’s a “must see” as well! Try a round of golf at Ridge Stone Golf Course in Sheffield, which is set among the ruins of a brickyard factory. Enjoy the Rolling Priarie Bike Trail as a great way to explore the county.
- Location – Franklin County is located in the north central portion of the state, just 9 miles East of I-35.
- Places to Eat – When you’re hungry, head to Sheffield to enjoy the West Fork Wharf, which is the epitome of supper clubs. If Mexican is your speed, check out Restaurant La Amigita in Hampton.
- Don’t Leave Without – Don’t leave Franklin County without checking out the Franklin County Freedom Rock in Coulter.
Iowa Falls
River towns are great and Iowa Falls is one of them! Kayak the Iowa River and enjoy the water and sun! A ride on the Scenic City Empress Riverboat. It’s a great way to relax and enjoy the view of the bluffs surrounding the river. If water isn’t your cup of tea then explore Calkins Nature Area, which offers 30 species of wildlife, a natural museum, and a dispaly of Plains Native Americans!
- Location – Iowa Falls is located along the Iowa River in the north central portion of the state about 7 minutes north of Highway 20.
- Places to Eat – The very best Chinese food can be found at Chuong Garden while The Princess Grill & Pizzeria is a historic soda fountain with delicious food and dessert options.
- Don’t Leave Without – Don’t leave town without taking a stroll on the Rock Run Creek Trail Bridge and enjoy the views.
Amana Colonies
The Amana Colonies are well-known in Iowa, but sometimes the most well-known are worth checking out. This community has German roots with lots of historical spots to explore like the Amana Communal Kitchen in MIddle Amana. Next in West Amana, find Iowa’s Largest Walnut Rocking Chair, which makes a great photo! In Amana there are lots of shops and stores to explore!
- Location – The Amana Colonies are located in the south eastern portion of the state about 30 minutes north west of Iowa City or 30 minutes southwest of Cedar Rapids.
- Places to Eat – To us, the only place to eat in the Amana Colonies is the Ox Yoke Inn. This local icon serves delicious German dishes in a family style setting!
- Don’t Leave Without – Make sure you don’t leave town without snagging a cheese flip from the bakery and a smoked pork chop from the locker.
Waterloo/Cedar Falls
Iowa’s version of the twin cities would be Waterloo & Cedar Falls. These Cedar River communities are sandwiched together with lots to do! Spent time at the Cedar Valley Arboretum, Hartman Reserve Nature Center, or one of the many city parks in both towns. The Waterloo Center for the Arts RiverLoop is a great area to spend some time! It provides a great area to walk along the river, enjoy the Center for the Arts, Phelps Youth Pavillion, and Mark’s Park! On Friday nights, catch a free water ski show at Waterhawks!
- Location – Waterloo & Cedar Falls are located in Eastern Iowa along Highway 20 and 218.
- Places to Eat – Located in historic downtown Waterloo, you’ll find the Brown Bottle which serves classic Italian meals.
- Don’t Leave Without – Head south of Waterloo and visit Hansen’s Family Dairy for a tour and fresh dairy products!
Ames
Located in central Iowa you’ll find the college town of Ames. Get in touch with the past at the Ames History Museum, check out art at Ciccotti Art Glass, or check out the nearby Iowa Arboretum. Head to historic downtown Ames or the Somerset neighborhood and enjoy shopping at locally owned stores! On the north side of town, enjoy Prairie Moon Winery for good wine and beautiful surroundings. Tour the Reiman Gardens and enjoy the floral, but also the unique sculptures that change each year!
- Location – Ames is located in Central Iowa along I-35 about 25 minutes north of Des Moines
- Places to Eat – No trip to Ames is complete without grabbing bbq and ice cream from Hickory Park, but I also really enjoy grabbing fish tacos on the rooftop deck at Wallaby’s!
- Don’t Leave Without – Don’t leave town without finding the variety of different Cy’s. Cy is the mascot of the Iowa State Cyclones, based in Ames. Cy statues can be found all around town and make for great photos.
Okoboji
Submitted by Oh My! Omaha
Spending a day around Okoboji should involve two things: Arnolds Park Amusement Park and lake time. Luckily, the classic amusement park is located next to one of the lakes! Spend a few hours on the rides, and then hit the lake: You can rent a boat or kayak, or tour the lake on the iconic large steamer, Queen II.
- Location – Okoboji is located in North Western Iowa about 30 minutes from the Minnesota border.
- Places to Eat – There’s a variety of restaurants in the Okoboji area. A few of my favorites include Tweeters for lunch and Nutty Bar for an iconic frozen treat.
- Don’t Leave Without – One must-do stop is the lake-side Barefoot Bar for live music, cold drinks, and food. If you need to cool off, try out their slide into the lake
Plan Your Iowa Day Trip
When you’re looking for fun, plan for one of these Iowa day trips! There is a lot to see and do in Iowa. Whether you’re looking for an outdoor adventure, things to do inside, cultural explorations, or more, you’re sure to find it in Iowa. Where are you planning your next day trip too?!
So many great places to stop and wonderful things to see!
Iowa is FULL of so many great places!
What an awesome list! Pella is still one place I haven’t taken my kids yet!
It’s so fantastic! I want to go back in the warm weather this time!
Who knew Iowa is so architecturally rich. I’d love to see Ciccotti Art Glass in Ames. I’m a fan of all things sparkly!
Me too!!! Ames is full of treasures!
You missed the John Wayne Museum in Winterset!
Oh, we’ve been and it’s great! This post was written long before we visited Madison County! https://katyflint.com/plan-a-winery-brewery-tour-of-madison-county-iowa/