Iowa

USA

Lonely Planet's Best in Travel 2026

Shop

Get even more with a Lonely Planet guide.


Shop Book
Barn at Buffalo Bill Ranch.

Getty Images/Lonely Planet Images

Overview

The towering bluffs on the Mississippi River and the soaring Loess Hills lining the Missouri River bookend the rolling farmland of this bucolic state. In the middle you'll find the writers' town of Iowa City, the commune dwellers of the Amana Colonies, and plenty of picture-perfect rural towns, including those amid the covered bridges of Madison County.

Lonely planet’s trusted travel insurance provider

Dreaming of Iowa? Protect your trip

Travel with confidence. Protect your trip and your wallet.

LEARN MORE

We don’t represent World Nomads, we receive a fee from quotes using this link. This is not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.

Take your United States (USA) trip with Lonely Planet Journeys

Time to book that trip to The USA

Lonely Planet Journeys takes you there with fully customizable trips to top destinations – all crafted by our local experts.

Must-see attractions

in partnership with getyourguide

Book popular activities in Iowa