I can’t believe we’re already at the end of 2020, but that’s ok! We’re all ready to leave this year in our rearview mirror and move on to 2021. I’m also already planning where I want to visit, so I thought I’d share these 21 places to visit in Iowa with you, so you can make your plans too! I’ve included food, places to stay, outdoor activity, and indoor, so there is something for everyone!
1. Visit the Blue Bunny Ice Cream Parlor
I love all things ice cream! The Blue Bunny Ice Cream Parlor is not only an ice cream parlor for experiencing the delicious treat, but also has an interactive experience to learn about ice cream and Blue Bunny!
2. Explore the Bridges of Madison County
Madison County is home to the iconic covered bridges which were featured in the Hollywood film “Bridges of Madison County”. Plus there is so much more to see like the John Wayne Museum & Birthplace, several breweries, locally owned shops, and great places to eat! Personally, we recommend a Winery & Brewery Tour of Madison County!
3. Stay at The Continental Hotel
I love historical hotels. The Continental Hotel in Centerville, Iowa dates back to 1893 and was renovated in the last few decades! The hotel features suites and lots of amenities, plus is conveniently located downtown amongst restaurants and businesses. I love historic hotels so that’s why The Continental Hotel made my list of places to visit in Iowa!
4. Hike Maquoketa Caves State Park
I can’t wait to head to Eastern Iowa to hike the caves of Maquoketa Caves State Park! This state park features your traditional amenities of shelters, playgrounds, and campgrounds. But, also has several miles of trails that explore natural made caves!
5. Taste Test at Dan & Debbie’s Creamery
Located in Ely, Iowa (near Cedar Rapids) is Dan & Debbie’s Creamery. They have been farmers for years, but just opened their creamery and store in 2016. Now, you can take tours of the The Creamery to learn about the milk, cheese, and more plus shop and take yummy dairy treats home. Of course, this is just the first of a couple places to visit in Iowa that involves food! Plus while you’re in the area, plan a visit to Cedar Rapids.
6. Explore the Castles of Ida Grove
Located in Central Iowa is the small town of Ida Grove. Dating back to 1969, a resident began constructing buildings replicating castles. This architecture spread amongst the town and now consists of an airport hangar, golf course bridge, county club, skate palace, and more! I can’t wait to check them all out!
7. Spend the Weekend at Honey Creek Resort
Honey Creek Resort is located on Rathbun Lake near Moravia. This year round resort has several features for families, adults, and everyone to enjoy! From stand up paddles boards and kayaks to beach volleyball, bicycles, and more, you won’t be bored. Rent a boat and enjoy the lake, or let the kids enjoy the beach and indoor water park! This seems like the perfect place to go “off grid” with the family!
8. Sip at Sutliff Cider Company
Located about 30 minutes East of Cedar Rapids is the small town of Lisbon. Here you’ll find Sutliff Cider. Not only do they bottle their own cider, they frequently have food trucks on site, special events, you can pick pumpkins & apples, and more! I can’t wait to taste test!
9. Tour Rock Island Arsenal Museum.
Located near Rock Island, IL, you’ll find the second oldest Army museum. The purpose of the Rock Island Arsenal Museum is to preserve the history of Arsenal Island. History is my love and that’s why I love this one! Plus, also on the island is a lock and dam and welcome center full of so much about the Mississippi River.
Plan a Weekend Getaway in the Quad Cities
10. Ride the Boone Scenic Valley Railway
Located in Central Iowa is the historic and long running Boone Scenic Valley Railway. I love historic trains and great scenery. The train travels through the Iowa countryside for an afternoon of fun! I can’t wait to pick between a standard ride, lunch, dinner, or dessert train ride! Plus, there is a museum to explore about the importance of railroads in Iowa and the area! If you want to be more up close with the railway and the views, we recommend checking out the Rail Explorers!
Rail Explorers in Boone, Iowa
11. Explore Newbo City Market
Newbo City Market is your ultimate “all in one place” stop in the Cedar Rapids area. This area is home to start-up restaurants and retail stores, farmers, and more. It often features entertainment and events and is dedicated to building up local sustainability. Shopping anyone?!
12. Drive the Loess HIlls National Scenic Byway
Running along the Western boarder of Iowa, you’ll find the Loess Hills. These rolling hills, narrow ridges, and bluffs are one of the best features of Iowa. Drive the scenic byway from Akron south along the Missouri River to Hamburg in Southern Iowa. I love to check out and enjoy local spots and scenic byways are a great spot to do that!
13. Ride the Flint River Trail
How could I not put this on my list since we share the same name?! The Flint River Trail is located in southeastern Iowa, which I haven’t had a lot of time to explore! It connects to Hickory Bend Recreation Area near Burlington, so we’ll have to check that out as well as explore more of the area.
14. Discover the Czech Village
Located in Cedar Rapids is the culturally rich district of the Czech Village & New Bohemia. Much of it boats carrying on the Czech culture while containing lots of small businesses, entertainment, art, and more! Exploring communities rooted deeply in their heritages is a great way to learn about the melting pot that is Iowa and something I’ve loved!
15. Hike at Ledges State Park
If you’re from central Iowa, you’ve heard of Ledges State Park! This park is located near Madrid and features a sandstone gorge, great for exploring! This state park is known for its hiking and views of the valleys and cliffs! It’s been on my list of places to visit for quite some time! I’m determined to make it happen in 2021!
16. Dig into the John Deere Tractor & Engine Museum
Housed at the home of John Deere in Waterloo, Iowa, you’ll find the John Deere Tractor & Engine Museum. The site features a pavilion, museum, historic site, and interactive displays and experiences. Learn about the manufacturing giant and about farming and agriculture!! Plus, it’s a FREE museum which makes it a great destination for everyone!
17. Be Artistic at the Pappajohn Sculpture Park
4.4 acres in downtown Des Moines, Iowa is the home to the Pappajohn Sculpture Park. Here you’ll find 31 larger than life sculptures for the public to enjoy! While you can roam the grounds on your own anytime, a guided tour would be great to learn about each piece. Enjoying nature and sculptures at the same time seems like the perfect way to spend an afternoon!
18. Climb the Mahanay Carillion Bell Tower
Nothing is better than climbing a tower with a great view. The Mahanay Memorial Carillon Tower in Jefferson, Iowa, has that and more! This tower stands 168 feet and 2 inches tall, contains 47 bells, and is illuminated at night! The tower plays Westminster chimes on each hour and quarter hour throughout the day, but it also plays two songs after each hour. Hearing it and catching the views from the top is at the top of my list of things to do in Iowa!
19. Get in touch with Amish Heritage in Kalona
Kalona is well known all over for its rich heritage in the Amish and Mennonite cultures. While visiting Kalona and the area, you can take a tour to see their homes, schools, farms, & gardens as well as better understand their world. Then, shopping in the several stores is a must! I think it’s time to incorporate this stop into a mother-daughter girls day!
20. Splash in the Waterfalls at Lake McBride
I love waterfalls of any kind! And, by the advice of others, a hike along the shores of Lake McBride & the Iowa River to the falls is now on my list of things to do! Once you reach the falls, you can walk across them or just enjoy watch the water roll over them! Lake McBride also offers fishing, camping, and more!
21. Eat Gluten Free Pizza at Urban Pie
I couldn’t finish out this list without one more place to grab food! Urban Pie offers a large variety of traditional pizzas plus unique pies like Korean BBQ. Plus, they offer a fantastic gluten-free crust! They also offer salads and appetizers. Plus, anywhere that can make me a dessert pizza wins big in my book! It’s a great way to spend some time in downtown Cedar Falls
7 Ways to Have a Great Weekend in Cedar Falls
Places to Visit in Iowa
Travel Iowa has a large variety of adventures to experience! This list of 21 Places to Visit in Iowa is a great way to start planning your adventure! There is something to everyone on this list, so find which one suits you and create your own adventure!
I have read the post recently, I can say it’s one of the best I found on the internet. I hope I will see more in the future.
Thanks so much!
Thanks, you have several I have never been to that I need to add to my list!
Awesome! Hope you get some great adventures in this year!
I LOVE this list! My husband is from Sioux Center, IA, (we are currently living in Minnesota) and we definitely need to get out and explore some of these places. Thanks for the inspiration!
Fantastic! I hope you get some great travels in soon!
I grew up in Iowa and there are so many places I’ve yet to experience. Great list of recommendations on things to do and see in Iowa.
Thanks so much! Hopefully you can explore some of them soon!
Greats spots! I am hoping to visit Iowa for the first time next year!
There is so much to see, you’ll have plenty to do!
Don’t forget the Richard Proenneke Museum in Donnellson, IA.
We’ll have to check that out and put it on our list! Thanks!