Everyone wants to be outdoors as much as possible, I get that! So, I’ve put together a list of 25 things to do outdoors in Iowa! We think you’ll find one or two or five to spark your interest!
Get Outdoors in Iowa
This list is in no particular order and none of these great ways to get outdoors in Iowa is better than the next! Do them all! 😉
Take the “Be A Dairy Farmer Challenge” at New Day Dairy
There’s no better place to be outdoors than on a farm, so head to Clarksville and take the “Be A Dairy Farmer Challenge” at New Day Dairy. Learn what it takes to run a dairy farm in today’s world and get up close with some calves and cows!
Be Dutch in Pella
Whether you’re roaming Molengracht Plaza & Canal, experiencing the Glockenspiel, or enjoying some Dutch Letters in the park, you can take in all the Dutch culture in this community and spend most of it outside!
Explore Riverside Park in Sioux City
Riverside Park in Sioux City, Iowa delights with a great pool and waterslide, multiple play structures, extensive grassy space, and new pickleball courts in 2020. The highlight of the park though is the Miracle Field complex near the south end of the park, with inclusive playgrounds, multiple splash pads, and wheelchair-accessible baseball field and mini-golf course.
Read more about Miracle Field thanks to Siouxland Families by clicking HERE!
Visit the Grotto of the Redemption
Grab the family and head to this stunning and FREE work of art! You can enjoy one of the largest grottos in the United States. Take time exploring each outdoor room, watch the swans on the pond, and the kiddos can even play on the adjacent playground.
Learn About the Danish in Elk Horn
Head to West Central Iowa and explore Elk Horn, the Danish community! Make sure to climb to the top of the Danish Windmill and roam the grounds learning about Danish history in the area and the culture! Then, head to nearby Kimballton to enjoy the Hans Christian Andersen Little Mermaid Fountain and Sculpture Garden!
Discover at the Devonian Fossil Gorge
Put on your paleontologist hat and pay a visit to the Devonian Fossil Gorge in Iowa City. Free and family-friendly, visitors can explore an ancient sea bed from nearly 400 million years ago, discover thousands of fossils embedded in the limestone floor, see tectonic forces at work, learn about the gorge’s fascinating history, and enjoy beautiful scenery.
Read more about the Devonian Fossil Gorge at Minivan Adventures by clicking HERE!
Ride Mountain Bikes in Fort Dodge
The Lizard Creek Mountain Bike Trail is 10 miles of trails along the Des Moines River in Northwest Fort Dodge! Trails are accessible near Water Trail Access 1, 700 Phinney Park Drive. Enter through the gate near the railroad tracks to access the trails. (And then grab ice cream from The Dariette!)
Explore Littlefield Recreation Area near Exira
Fishing, camping, swimming, hiking, canoeing, and more can be found at Littlefield Recreation Area near Exira in Audubon County! This is a great way to get outdoors in Iowa while not spending any money! While you’re in the area, make sure to stop in Audubon and visit Albert the Bull, the World’s Largest Bull!
Look for Fossils at the Rockford Fossil & Prairie Park
Learn about Iowa 365 million years ago in the Devonian Period when Iowa was the bottom of the ocean floor by exploring the Rockford Fossil & Prairie Park. Follow the Fossil Trail to collect fossils of marine invertebrate. Discover the old kilns of the Rockford Brick & Tile Company, or follow the prairie trail to view the native plants and wildlife of the area.
Submitted by Corn, Beans, Pigs, & Kids
Golf at Wildwood Municipal Golf Course in Charles City
Located in the Northeast town of Charles City is a beautiful rolling golf course. Learn about the history of the course inside the clubhouse and enjoy features of the course including bluffs, stone bridges, and more! After you’re done, head downtown to The Pub on the Cedar for lunch on their patio along the Cedar River!
Ride a Bike Trail
Iowa is full of bike trails. These are a great way to get out of the house, explore the state, and distance yourself from crowds! Check out the T-Bone Trail in Audubon County, Rolling Prairie in Franklin & Butler County, and more!
Hike at Stone State Park
Take a hike at Stone State Park in Sioux City for woodland and prairie views near the northern end of the unique Loess Hills. Be sure to explore outside the park’s Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center to find a rescued owl and hawk, stunning pollinator garden, and an amazing nature playscape. Read more about it by visiting THIS post by Siouxland Families
Explore Eagle Point Park in Dubuque
Dubuque is a historic community with amazing views of the Mississippi River! For $1 per car load, you and your family can spend hours exploring Eagle Point Park! Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy one of the many shelters, playgrounds, and river views! You can also head down to the Port of Dubuque and enjoy the river walk and art that line it!
Kayak or Tube Down the Cedar River with Rapids End Outfitters
Iowa in October can still be super hot, so we think cooling off while kayaking or tubing is a great idea! We recommend heading to Charles City and rent from Rapids End Outfitters! They have the equipment and they’ll pick you up or drop you off wherever you want to start or finish!
Learn about Effigy Mounds
Combine history and nature at Effigy Mounds National Park near Harber’s Ferry. Made up of over 200 Indian burial mounds, it’s a beautiful park with lots to learn, explore, and see! Read more from donnahup.com by clicking HERE!
Tour Freedom Rocks
One of the most iconic roadside stops in Iowa is the Freedom Rocks! Located in almost all 99 counties you’ll find Bubba Sorenson’s salute to the military! Take a road trip and see how many Freedom Rocks you can find in one day!
Visit Enchanted Acres
Fall and pumpkin patches are just as synonymous as Iowa and Casey’s pizza! One of my favorite pumpkin patches in Iowa is Enchanted Acres near Sheffield, Iowa. Goats for feeding, hay rides, roast s’mores, fairy gardens, and more make this a magical fall stop!
Learn About History at the Carrie Chapman Catt Girlhood Home & Museum
Suffragist leader and Iowa native Carrie Chapman Catt grew up outside of Charles City, Iowa. Her girlhood home and farm is free for visitors to explore. Walk through the native prairie or enjoy an apple from the farm’s orchard while enjoying the Iowa countryside. Read more about this stop from Corn, Beans, Pigs, & Kids by clicking HERE!
Take in the Views at Pikes Peak State Park
Beautiful views of the Mississippi River and waterfalls is what you’ll find at Pikes Peak State Park just south of McGregor. Enjoy the beautiful overlook views and then hike the short trail to Bridal Veil Falls.
Visit Blank Park Zoo
A spendier option, but still a great way to enjoy the outdoors in Iowa is to head to the zoo! Grab the kiddos and head to Blank Park Zoo. Enjoy all the animals and interactive experiences offered like camel rides and feeding the giraffes! Make sure to take time to watch the Otters play as that is always a kiddos favorite!
Appreciate Art in Mason City
While Mason City is known as the river city, they also have a large street art finding! Enjoy their ever changing street art in the downtown district as part of River City Sculptures on Parade, the Mason City mural, and walk across the Meredith Wilson Footbridge! Don’t forget to take in the architecture of the Historic Park Inn designed by architect Frank Lloyd Wright
Go Mini Golfing
Iowa offers so many places to go mini golfing! It’s a great way to spend time outdoors, have some good family fun, and challenge your friends! Some of our favorite miniature golf courses include Pla-Mor Miniature Golf in Clear Lake, Lost Island Adventure Golf in Waterloo, and Pirates Pointe Miniature Golf in Storm Lake!
Stay in a Grain Bin in Sheffield
Need a getaway in nature?! Head to Sheffield and Galvin’s Park Campground for a unique overnight stay! Located in this small town, but across from a beautiful golf course, you’ll find the Sukup SafeT Home Grain Bin that is available for rental! These homes are traditionally built in hurricane ridden countries because they can withstand the winds! This will be a memory your kiddos and family won’t forget!
Take a Cruise on Clear Lake
There’s no better way to see Clear Lake, especially at sunset, than from the Lady of the Lake! This unique paddleboat offers tours of the lake as well as providing history of the area! They also offer light snacks and beverages on board to make it the complete experience!
Take in the Views at Pilot Knob State Park
Make the trip to Forest City and Pilot Knob State Park to climb to the top of the tower. The views of the area are stunning! There is also miles and miles of hiking trails to enjoy and a 14 acres lake! When you’re done, head into town to Scoopy Doo’s Ice Cream for a treat!
Take it Outdoors in Iowa
The fall is perfect for getting outdoors in Iowa and there is plenty to do! Whether you’re looking for a nature trail, putt putt golf, or animal encounters, Iowa offers it all! Print off this checklist of 25 things to do outdoors in Iowa and enjoy your adventures! Which one is first on your list?
Great list and some fun places we need to explore! Thanks for letting me contribute!
Thanks for joining in!
I want to stay in the grain bin and go to the Dutch wind mill! You shared some stops I don’t know about thanks!
You would love both of those!