20 Best Things To Do In Iowa

This luxury hotel resort in Dubuque offers unlimited things to do and see in Iowa for the winter adventure. Beginner, intermediate, or seasoned pro? 

Sundown offers 21 trails catered to various skill levels, including a terrain park with jumps and rails. Extend your shredding under the stars! It offers night skiing on most weekends, letting you enjoy the slopes even after the sun sets. Imagine carving down a moonlit mountain – pretty cool, right?

Forget manicured lawns and fancy scoreboards. This field is pure Americana, nestled amidst Iowa's rolling cornfields. Imagine playing catch under the same sunset that Shoeless Joe Jackson took the field, feeling a connection to baseball's simpler past.

It's not every day you step onto the set of a beloved film. Walking onto the field, you can almost hear James Earl Jones utter his iconic line. It's a chance to connect with the movie's themes.

Iowa State Fair is a full-blown, heart-thumping extravaganza that throws a spotlight on everything that makes Iowa, well, Iowa! Be sure to add this to your Des Moines to-do list if you're traveling to the capital in August.

As the sun sets, the fairgrounds transform into a magical wonderland. Catch chart-topping musicians belting out tunes, cheer for daring cowboys at the rodeo, and ooh and ahh as fireworks paint the sky with dazzling colors.

Of course, the star of Iowa Speedway is its Summer NASCAR Weekend. June features three heart-pounding races; ARCA, Xfinity, and the crown jewel, the NASCAR Cup Series. Buckle up for pure adrenaline!

But the fun doesn't stop there! Iowa Speedway offers more than just the race itself. Get up close and personal with the cars and teams in the pits. See the meticulous engineering and feel the pre-race buzz firsthand. You might require special passes.

From heart-pounding slides like the "Mammoth Falls" to the relaxing "Castaway Creek," there's something for every daredevil and chill-seeker. Imagine the shrieks of joy as you plunge a slide or drift on a tube down the lazy river.

Palm trees, tiki bars, and tropical tunes transport you to a vacation state of mind, even if you're just a hop, skip, and cannonball away from home. This waterpark is among the places to go in Iowa for a perfect escape from the ordinary!

This botanical garden is a vibrant 12-acre oasis in the heart of Des Moines, almost a decade old. It offers several events and things in Iowa throughout the year.

Looking for a memorable venue for your wedding, corporate retreat, or private party? The Greater Des Moines Garden's beautiful setting and unique spaces can accommodate a wide variety of events. Admission is $13 for adults and $12 for seniors. The garden members are free to enter.

Forget fancy construction crews – Father Paul Dobberstein, a Catholic priest, single-handedly built this massive grotto over 42 years! Imagine the dedication, the patience, the sheer grit it took to transform rocks and minerals into a masterpiece.

Every stone, every detail, speaks volumes about his faith and perseverance. Grotto of The Redemption, largest of its kind is definitely one of the unique and worthy attractions in Iowa West Bend.

There are limitless places to explore in Iowa cities, including Columbus Junction. This city is well known for the 262-foot bridge swindling gently. 

It's a heart-pumping, history-rich adventure that'll leave you with wobbly legs and a story to tell. Beyond the tourist appeal, the bridge holds a special place in the hearts of Columbus Junction residents. It's a gathering place for families, a symbol of community, and a reminder of simpler times.

Hike or bike to this scenic overlook for breathtaking views of the Mississippi River Valley and the surrounding limestone bluffs. Imagine the forces that carved this natural amphitheater over millions of years.

Plan your visit based on the season. Spring brings wildflowers into bloom, summer offers perfect weather for outdoor activities, fall showcases vibrant foliage, and winter transforms the park into a snowy wonderland ideal for cross-country skiing.

Imagine spreading out your picnic blanket under the shade of towering trees, with sandstone ledges and lush greenery all around. The Ledges State Park in Boone County boasts breathtaking views of a stunning backdrop for your family meal. 

While adults relax and enjoy the scenery, kids can explore the park's many trails, from the easily accessible to the more challenging. There's also a playground and a variety of rock formations to climb on, ensuring everyone has fun. 

Capturing the sun going down the horizon from Pike Peak Recreation Park is something else. No two sunsets are ever the same. The colors, clouds, and light all come together differently each evening, creating a unique and ever-changing spectacle.

After the sun sets, the darkness reveals a sky bursting with stars. The lack of light pollution makes it a prime spot for stargazing and soaking in the wonders of the universe. Plan a camping with your sweetheart this weekend!

The Pella Windmill might seem like just another windmill at first glance, but don't be fooled! This iconic landmark holds a special place in the hearts of locals and visitors.

Locals gather for festivals, celebrations, and even weddings at its base, making it a vibrant hub of activity and shared memories. So, next time you're in Pella, be sure to add this iconic landmark to your itinerary and discover its magic for yourself!

Have you ever been to the Indianola during the Hot Air Balloon Festival? This nine-day extravaganza, held every year in late July and early August, is a spectacle unlike any other, and you can even take a hot-air balloon ride!

More than 100 magnificent hot air balloons paint the sky with brilliant colors. It's a breathtaking sight that will leave you awestruck. Likewise, witnessing the sunrise or sunset from this unique vantage point creates unforgettable memories.

Located in Reiman Gardens, Elwood is the world's tallest concrete gnome, one of the absolute things to see in Iowa. Not only is he the reigning gnome champion, but he's also quite the social media star. 

Standing at a towering 15 feet tall, Elwood is quite the sight. Imagine posing next to him, feeling like a tiny human next to a friendly giant gnome. Talk about an Instagram-worthy moment! Moreover, he's totally free to visit and photograph.

At around 296 feet and with a 41-degree incline,  Fenelon Place Elevator is a quick and adrenaline-pumping ride that offers stunning views in a blink. The story behind its creation adds a touch of whimsy to the experience.

Take a step back in time as you ride in the original wooden cars, enjoying the creaks and groans that add to the vintage charm. For your information, this ride is open from 8 am to 10 pm daily from April 1st through November 30th.

Looking for things to do Iowa this fall? How about considering a pick-your-own adventure on an apple farm, that goes way beyond just filling a basket?

Iowa boasts over 40 apple varieties, each with its unique flavor and personality. Apple picking is just the beginning! Many orchards transform into fall festivals, bursting with hayrides, pumpkin patches, cider doughnuts, and live music. It's a sensory overload of autumnal joy, perfect for families and friends.

Craving a serene escape on the water? Exploring Lake Wapello by boat sounds like a fantastic idea! It is known for its tranquility making it perfect for peaceful paddling.

Lake Wapello State Park welcomes boaters with open arms, offering a calm and scenic setting for a relaxing cruise or an adventurous fishing trip. Bring your boat or rent one on-site, extreme fun is guaranteed. After your boat ride, don't forget to explore the sandy beach.

Buckle up metaphorically, because you'll be walking 13 stories above the Des Moines River valley. That's like being on the top floor of an apartment building but surrounded by beautiful vistas instead of concrete walls. Talk about perspective!

At night, a section of the bridge comes alive with blue lights, illuminating the steel cribbings and marking the location of the river below. It's like the bridge winks at you, adding a touch of magic to your walk.

This 25-foot limestone tower isn't your typical lookout. Modeled after medieval castles, it stands out against the rolling hills and farmland, offering a touch of whimsy and a chance to spark your imagination.

The 3-story climb involves a narrow, winding staircase, so be prepared for a bit of an adventure. If you have any concerns about heights or mobility, you might want to enjoy the views from the ground level.

Yes, you heard it right! In the middle of rural Allamakee County, you will find a street sign labeled " Roller Coaster Road." Make sure to stop and admire these places to see in Iowa.

This 1.4-mile stretch of road winds through rolling hills and farmland, providing breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. The constant ups and downs are sure to get your adrenaline pumping, making it a popular spot for adventurous drivers and cyclists.