Our favorite places to visit in Iowa
Welcome to Iowa, the Hawkeye State! Nestled in the heart of the Midwest, Iowa offers rolling prairies, charming small towns, and a warm hospitality that makes every visitor feel at home. Explore Des Moines, the vibrant capital city, where the John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park showcases world-renowned artwork and the East Village neighborhood buzzes with local shops, restaurants, and galleries.
Beyond the cities, Iowa’s natural beauty and quirky attractions await. Visit Pikes Peak State Park for breathtaking views where the Mississippi and Wisconsin Rivers meet, or take in the stunning Loess Hills, a rare geological formation found in only two places on Earth. Strike a pose with a pitchfork at the American Gothic House in Eldon, tour the iconic Field of Dreams movie site in Dyersville, or marvel at the Grotto of the Redemption in West Bend, the largest man-made grotto in the world. With thousands of miles of trails, award-winning breweries, and the legendary Iowa State Fair, there is always something to discover in Iowa.
This is a list of our recommended places to visit while you are in Iowa.
Ames was founded in 1864 as a station stop on the Cedar Rapids and Missouri River Railroad . The community was named for Oakes Ames , a Massachusetts…
Cedar Rapids , Iowa’s second-largest city with a population of approximately 137,900 , sits along the banks of the Cedar River in Linn County, about…
Council Bluffs , situated along the Missouri River in western Iowa, holds a pivotal place in American history as Mile Zero of the Union Pacific Railr…
Davenport sits on the eastern bank of the Mississippi River in Scott County, Iowa, forming the eastern anchor of the Quad Cities metropolitan area. W…
Dubuque , Iowa’s oldest city , sits perched on the bluffs overlooking the Mississippi River in the far eastern corner of the state. With a population…
Des Moines , the capital and most populous city of Iowa, sits as a vibrant urban center in the heart of the American Midwest. Located along the Des M…
Iowa City , Iowa’s fourth-largest city with a population of approximately 75,130 , is a vibrant college town home to the University of Iowa , one of…
Sioux City , a thriving community of approximately 82,000 residents , stands as the fourth-largest city in Iowa and serves as the commercial heart of…
Waterloo sits along the Cedar River in Black Hawk County, offering visitors a mix of industrial heritage, outdoor recreation, and Midwestern hospital…