Places to visit on your trip to Iowa
Iowa is one of America’s most rural states known for stretches of beautiful fields and farmland. Don’t let that convince you that there’s not plenty to see and do in this Midwestern state.
In the big city’s you’ll find interesting attractions both modern and old. Like the Blank Park Zoo or the original state capitol building in Iowa City.
For a glimpse into Iowa’s past and dramatic landscapes. Load up the car and explore the country roads to visit sights as ancient as prehistoric times. You’ll also find a few unique gems in the rural expanses of Iowa.
Field of Dreams
This popular Iowa attraction was at one time a household name as the filming location of the iconic movie Fields of Dreams. The field built for the movie outside of Dyersville, Iowa. The Field of Dreams is a baseball field and tourist attraction built originally for the movie of the same name.
Over the years the field has hosted various events and baseball games and it continues to be one of Iowa’s biggest tourist attractions.
Tour the inside of the Kinsella family household. During this guided 30-minute tour, you will hear stories about the home from its early days as the Lansing family homestead in the early 20th century to its rebirth as the set for the Kinsella family in the 1989 fantasy classic.
Blank Park Zoo
Des Moines Blank Park Zoo is the state’s only zoo. A few popular exhibits include the Australia Adventure, Jamma Kwa Africa, and the Great Cat Complex. With over 100 animal species and more than 1400 wild animals. Kids and adults of all ages will enjoy watching the animals or riding the train or feed animals.
The zoo also has an aquarium, African and Australian wildlife exhibits, several big cat exhibits, marine mammals, and a petting zoo. Reserve your spot in one of the Blank Park Zoo’s exclusive Behind the Scenes tours. Each tour interacts with a different group of animals and their habitat.
Adventureland Park
Adventureland Amusement Park and Adventure Bay Waterpark. With over 100 rides including some of the country’s most exciting roller coasters and thrill rides. They can challenge the most avid amusement park enthusiasts. The park is home to several of the wildest roller coasters in Iowa. A massive water park perfect for the hottest days, thrilling water slides awaits anyone.
There are plenty of rides for less adventurous guests including great water rides. As well as children’s rides spread throughout the park. Adventureland presents a full array of shows from thrilling circus acts, magic shows to live music. There’s always something to suit everyone’s taste.
Maquoketa Caves State Park
Maquoketa Caves State Park contains more caves than any other state park in Iowa. A trail system links the caves, formations, and overlooks while providing a scenic hiking experience. About 13 caves can be found in the park, some of which can be explored by walking, while others are better suited for serious hikers who are used to crawling in tight spaces.
Hike the six-mile trail system linking the caves and scenic overlooks throughout the park. Trails provide access to caves and park facilities. Highlights of the park include the “Natural Bridge” standing 50 feet above Raccoon Creek and the 17-ton “Balanced Rock.”
Amana Colonies
Experience the unique culture that has its roots in Germany and flourished in the USA during a communal era for over 90 years. Your visit to discover the history and culture should start with the Amana Heritage Society’s Museum. You’ll discover what daily life was like and the crafts that made the villages almost self-sufficient.
Today, Amana Colonies has become a major tourist attraction. Recognized for its craft shops, wine shops, brewery, and fine restaurants. The annual winter festival also brings in crowds to support the small community.
Effigy Mounds National Monument
Iowa has several remarkably well-preserved prehistoric sites of mound-building ancient cultures; the Effigy Mounds are one example. The mounds are more than 200 prehistoric hills built by Native Americans. The mounds uniquely shaped, taking the forms of animals like bears and birds.
Visitors to the mounds can learn about the archaeological and historical significance of the mounds at the visitor center. Access to the Monument’s natural and cultural features begins at the visitor center.
Spend time walking through the 14 miles of hiking trails to see the mounds. Hiking trails surfaces consist of dirt, gravel, wood chips, and leaves.
Figge Art Museum
The Figge Art Museum is an art museum in Davenport, Iowa. The museum has works of art, ranging from the 16th century to the present. Known for its extensive collection of Haitian, American, Asian Mexican Colonial, European art. Pieces by Thomas Hart Benton, Marvin Cone and Grant Wood, including the only self-portrait Wood ever painted.
Its landmark glass building on the banks of the Mississippi is home to one of the Midwest’s finest art collections, and presents world-class traveling exhibitions. Its studios, auditorium and spacious lobby are alive with art classes, lectures and special events that attract visitors of all ages.
Pappajohn Sculpture Park
The John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park features artwork by 25 of the world’s most celebrated artists. The park, located within a major crossroads of the urban grid, creates an entryway to downtown Des Moines. The Art Center offers guided tours of the museum and the Pappajohn Sculpture Park.
This accessible setting, coupled with the landscape design and caliber of the art, makes it unlike any other sculpture park. The Pappajohns’ contribution of more than two dozen works for the park is the most significant donation of artwork ever made to the Des Moines Art Center.
Living History Farms
One of Iowa’s favorite attractions is a 500-acre open air museum dedicated to preserving and sharing Iowa’s agricultural history. The Living History Farms teaches visitors about more than 300 years of farming history and tour re-creations of farms.
The 1875 Town of Walnut Hill is also an interesting attraction which features main town sites like a general store, schoolhouse, bank and other buildings. At each farm visitors have the chance to watch staff dressed in period attire perform tasks common to farm life during each time.
Iowa Old Capitol Museum
This National Historic Landmark was Iowa’s Capitol Building from 1842 until 1857 when the capitol moved from Iowa City to Des Moines. From that time onward the building served various functions and has become a National Historic Landmark. The Old Capitol remains one of the most recognizable images and landmarks in the state of Iowa.
As the University of Iowa grew other buildings were added but the building remained the center of the university. The Old Capitol Building survived a fire in 2001 and the restored building reopened to the public as the Old Capitol Museum and an important part of the university campus.
Things to Do in Iowa
This little state tucked into the middle of the country is often called the “American Heartland” and a journey to Iowa is sure to prove that the state represents many parts of the heart of American culture and history.