Discover the hidden allure of Iowa, a tranquil and captivating state that often goes unnoticed. Its serene beauty is showcased through expansive farmlands and fields that seem to stretch endlessly. Every four years, the state gains additional prominence as it becomes a focal point for presidential caucuses. However, Iowa offers much more as an escape for a peaceful vacation. Immerse yourself in our guide to the “Amazing Places to Visit in Iowa” and unveil the diverse attractions that define this underrated gem.
Nestled in the Midwest, Iowa shares borders with six other states, including Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Missouri, Nebraska, and South Dakota. Rolling hills and lush farmland are scattered throughout the state, punctuated by solitary lakes and pockets of forest. Picturesque villages and towns also dot the landscape, with many located between the Missouri and Mississippi rivers.
Des Moines, the state capital and largest city, sits in the middle of Iowa. Most of the state’s other significant cities are clustered around one of the two rivers that border it. The annual state fair showcases the state’s fantastic agricultural products, while the Iowa State Capitol and Pappajohn Sculpture Park are also popular attractions.
Iowa’s rich cultural heritage is showcased in tiny villages like the Amana Colonies, Decorah, and Pella, as well as the bustling college cities of Cedar Falls and Iowa City. These towns represent the state’s diverse cultural history, with beautiful architecture reflecting its Dutch, German, and Scandinavian past.
Madison County is famous for its collection of covered bridges, but there’s much more to Iowa than just its cities. Along the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail, visitors can discover more of the state’s noteworthy sites.
Iowa boasts an incredible landscape between the Mississippi and Missouri rivers. The state’s undulating hills and fertile farmland are punctuated by charming small towns that display their Dutch, German, and Scandinavian heritage. Visitors can explore Iowa’s natural beauty, such as the sparkling Iowa Great Lakes and Pikes Peak State Park, or immerse themselves in the state’s agricultural heritage and local products through cultural events and festivals. Whether you’re seeking peace and tranquility or a rich cultural experience, Iowa has much to offer.
10. Iowa City
Iowa City, a hip, stylish, and young metropolis in the state’s eastern corner, sits on both sides of the Iowa River. Since Iowa City is home to the University of Iowa, the city’s culture is heavily influenced by the university’s active campus and large student population.
The historic Iowa Old Capitol Building, which housed the state government until it moved to Des Moines, now serves as the center of the university. In addition to great art and natural history museums, the area around the significant National Historic Landmark has gorgeous riverfront parks and walks.
The city has a long history of excellence in the arts, and its Writer’s Workshop has produced 17 Pulitzer Prize winners. There are a lot of fantastic cultural events and festivals held in the city throughout the year, in addition to the regular plays and performances put on by its small number of theatres and music venues.
Amazing Places to Visit in Iowa: Pella
Visitors to Pella might be excused for mistaking the city for a European destination due to its picturesque canals, windmills, and tulips, which have earned it a reputation as one of the top tulip-growing regions in the United States. The little town was founded in 1847 by a group of Dutch immigrants, and its rich history and tradition are today a major draw for visitors from all over the world.
More than 20 historic structures, including a church and blacksmith shop, may be explored at the village’s historical area, which also has a fully operational Vermeer windmill. Dutch pastries, cheeses, clogs, and costumes are all available to purchase, and the country’s picturesque buildings and townscapes are worth seeing just for their visual appeal alone.
When in Pella, don’t miss the chance to take part in the annual Tulip Time Festival. Everyone dresses in traditional garb and celebrates with parades and performances. Thousands of colorful tulips are in full bloom in the city’s parks and gardens during this time of year.
8. Pikes Peak State Park
Pikes Peak State Park is in the northeast of the state, close to the border with Wisconsin, and it is situated at the confluence of the Mississippi and Wisconsin rivers. Natural beauty and breathtaking surroundings make this a popular tourist destination in Iowa.
It was established in 1936 and was given its name by the towering peak that can be seen from almost anywhere in the state park. Visitors to its summit are treated to breathtaking panoramas of the Mississippi River and its surrounding wilderness.
There are several great hiking paths and gorgeous, quiet campsites tucked away amid the park’s various landscapes and nature. Its trails go through verdant forests and quiet valleys, with the glistening Bridal Veil Falls serving as a popular attraction.
Amazing Places to Visit in Iowa: Decorah
Located in northeast Iowa, Decorah is a quaint and picturesque community. The Upper Iowa River and many parks may be found in the area, but the town’s Scandinavian roots are what draw the most attention.
The town of Decorah, Iowa, was established in the 1840s, and many Norwegian families eventually moved there, giving rise to the large and prestigious Luther College. The Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum has a significant collection of artifacts and folk art that shed light on the unique history of the community. In addition, every year the town holds Nordic Fest, a celebration dedicated to honoring the traditions of the Scandinavian countries.
In addition to learning about Deborah’s fascinating past, tourists may enjoy outdoor activities like kayaking along the river and cycling through the beautiful countryside. Dunning’s Spring and Siewers Spring are two of the highlights of this area, as is the massive ice cave that is one of the biggest in the Midwest.
6. Effigy Mounds National Monument
One of the most mysterious and fascinating attractions in all of Iowa may be found right next to the Mississippi and Yellow Rivers: the Effigy Mounds National Monument. Over 200 amazing ancient burial mounds may be found here, along with beautiful forests and wide river basins.
Amazing earthworks dating back over a thousand years, many of them mounds in the form of birds, animals, or reptiles, were built by the Native Americans. These prehistoric graveyards have religious significance for a wide variety of groups. The Great Bear Mound, measuring in at 42 meters in length, is the largest and most magnificent of the bunch.
Visitors to the park may get a better understanding of the ecosystems represented throughout the park, including the woods, prairies, and rivers, at the park’s visitor center. Hiking around the beautiful landscape of Effigy Mounds National Monument is a terrific opportunity to learn about the burial mounds and other features of the park.
Amazing Places to Visit in Iowa: Madison County
Madison County, located around 50 kilometers (30 miles) southwest of Des Moines, is home to some beautiful landscapes. Once a quiet and beautiful outpost, it gained notoriety with the release of the critically acclaimed 1995 film The Bridges of Madison County, which was in turn based on the novel of the same name.
St. Charles and Winterset, among others, have become popular tourist destinations because of their picturesque settings and their abundance of agriculture and fields. The six remaining covered bridges are the attractions.
Madison County is home to some fantastic wineries and breweries, and it also has a number of beautiful ancient wooden bridges to enjoy as you drive through. Hiking and cycling amid the parks and farms are especially popular due to the area’s mild slopes and gorgeous surroundings.
4. Cedar Rapids
Cedar Rapids, Iowa’s second-largest city, is located along the Cedar River about 20 miles (30 km) north of Iowa City. Many buildings in the city were destroyed by floods in 2008, 2016, and 2020. However, the city has since been renovated and new companies are opening all the time.
The city’s reputation as an industrial hub has changed, and it is now well known for its thriving arts and entertainment scene, including a number of world-class museums and theatres. The National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library is a popular destination because it explores the rich history, tradition, and culture shared by the city’s Czech and Slovak communities.
Other noteworthy institutions are the African-American Historical Museum and the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art, the latter of which has the biggest collection of Grant Wood paintings in the world. Do not miss the many stores, cafés, and restaurants, as well as the many community and cultural activities held in the Newbo City Market.
Amazing Places to Visit in Iowa: Okoboji
Iowa’s Great Lakes, also known as the Okoboji, are a set of picturesque waterways in the state’s far northwest. The beautiful coastlines and inland landscapes draw many visitors to this resort area, where they may partake in any number of available outdoor activities.
Beautiful beaches and gorgeous coves are dotted across the expansive landscape around the three major lakes of Big Spirit, West Okoboji, and East Okoboji. Arnold’s Park is the biggest of them and has a magnificent amusement park with exciting rides and activities, as well as lakefront restaurants and resorts.
Visitors may swim, fish, or participate in other activities on the lakes, in addition to just taking in their picturesque surroundings. The shoreline offers some of the best opportunities for hiking and golf in the area. Furthermore, throughout the warm summer months, the Okoboji Summer Theater hosts a number of excellent live music acts and theatrical plays.
2. Amana Colonies
The Amana Colonies, located in eastern Iowa, are a group of seven picturesque and remote communities that were founded in 1855 by German emigrants. The villages have become popular tourist destinations due to their exceptional preservation and the fact that their people have kept many of the village’s rich cultural traditions alive.
The seven communities form a tight ring and were founded by persecuted Pietists who wanted to build autonomous societies. Because of this, they engaged in subsistence farming and fabricated their own furniture, clothing, and shelter. After the Great Depression ended in 1932, the pious and closed-off community finally decided to start interacting with the outside world.
Vacationers may now stay in quaint B&Bs and historic farms in the Amana Colonies as they explore the region’s quaint and traditional communities. Tourists may also find several businesses and stores selling handmade goods and art from the local community.
Amazing Places to Visit in Iowa: Des Moines
Des Moines, the state capital and largest city, is situated in the geographical centre of Iowa on the banks of the river after which it is named. It’s a fascinating crossroads of city and country, a bustling but easygoing metropolis that serves as the cultural and economic heart of the Midwest.
East Village and Valley Junction, two of the city’s most dynamic neighborhoods, are home to a variety of great art and natural history institutions as well as spectacular shops and historic structures. The state capital building is a must-see since it is an architectural marvel topped with a glittering gold-leaf dome.
Not only is the city home to a stunning botanical garden and the magnificent Pappajohn Sculpture Park, but it also hosts a number of fantastic cultural events and festivals each year. Des Moines, Iowa is home to the Iowa State Fair, which takes place in August, and the Des Moines Farmer’s Market, where you may sample locally grown fruits, vegetables, cheeses, and wines.
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