Iowa
From the sparkling gold dome to the spiral staircases and stained glass in the law library, every detail at this bling-heavy capitol (1886) seems to try…
Must-see attractions in Iowa
Iowa
Dating back to the 1880s, this old-fashioned lakeside amusement park is pure fun. The Legend is the seventh-oldest wooden roller coaster in the world and…
National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium
Iowa
Learn about life (of all sorts) along the length of the Mississippi at this impressive museum, part of a vast riverfront development. Exhibits span…
Effigy Mounds National Monument
Iowa
Hundreds of mysterious Native American burial mounds sit in the bluffs above the Mississippi River in this gorgeous corner of far northeast Iowa. Listen…
Iowa
The best state park locally is on the west side of West Okoboji Lake. It has a beach, lovely lakeside picnic areas and an excellent 1.3-mile long nature…
Iowa
The original portion of Iowa State's main library was completed in 1925. In the 1930s it was decided to add some murals designed by none other than Iowa's…
Herbert Hoover National Historic Site
Iowa
Herbert Hoover, the president of the United States from 1929 to 1933, will forever be remembered for the Great Depression, the economic cataclysm that…
Iowa
Unfortunately this large and high-concept open-air attraction dedicated to the history of farming never quite lives up to its promise. The site is…
Iowa
The Czech Village/New Bohemia neighborhood of Cedar Rapids just south of downtown was first settled in the 1870s by Czech immigrants who found jobs at…
Iowa
This art museum's complex is an all-star monument to some of the greatest architects of the modern era; Eliel Saarinen, IM Pei and Richard Meier all…
Iowa
Using nothing but apples (no sugars, waters, noxious chemicals etc) the family behind this cidery creates a range of cider styles and flavours. Much…
State Historical Museum of Iowa
Iowa
At the foot of the capitol, this modern museum features first person accounts from people who lived through different historical eras and events. Yes,…
Iowa
This 1883 bridge is in a lovely quiet spot as there is no parallel modern bridge or road. Take your time and watch the water lazily flow under the well…
John Wayne Birthplace & Museum
Iowa
This small (and slightly overpriced) museum is devoted to the life and career of John Wayne, aka Marion Robert Morrison. The house where he was born in…
Iowa
This historic old village is now part of West Des Moines. The five-block-long commercial strip on Fifth St is the most interesting in the region. Over 60…
Iowa
Visit Grant Wood's downtown studio where he worked from 1924 to 1935. In this 2nd-floor space above a carriage house for the neighboring Douglas Mansion…
Iowa
This curvaceous public park has great skyline views and features sculptures by 22 celebrated artists, including Sol LeWitt, Keith Haring and Willem de…
Mines of Spain Recreation Area
Iowa
This vast expanse of Mississippi River Bluffland just south of Dubuque offers 12 miles of hiking trails with scenic overlooks, picnic facilities and even…
Iowa
The glass-walled Figge Art Museum sparkles above the River Road. The museum’s Midwest Regionalist Collection includes many works by Iowa native (and…
Iowa
Historic and modern quilts are the stars at this small museum. Visitors learn that there is a lot more to quilting than sewing a few rags together with…
Iowa
This simple park embodies the ethos of Big Spirit Lake: low-key serenity. It has big trees offering shady spots on the lake for picnics and simple…
Iowa
The cute gold-domed building at the heart of the University of Iowa campus is the Old Capitol. Built in 1840, it was the seat of government until 1857…
Iowa
This museum does a swell job of interpreting Grant Wood's iconic American Gothic (1930) – the pitchfork painting – which has been parodied a million times…
Iowa
A worthy focal point for Madison County, this soaring structure was completed in 1876 and has been used ever since. The silver-colored dome tops out at…
Iowa
In a serene setting, the bridge makes a dramatic statement as it parallels the charmless modern bridge over the river. The ubiquitous graffiti is…
National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library
Iowa
Interactive exhibits and oral histories tell the stories of the Czech and Slovak immigrants who came to the US and built Cedar Rapids. Special exhibitions…
Iowa
A nature reserve at the confluence of the Wisconsin and Mississippi Rivers with 10 intertwined hiking trails and sweeping views from the hilltop…
Iowa
Newly expanded, this surprisingly interesting museum recalls the history of the lakes and the many forms of boats that have sailed upon them – from pure…
John Deere Tractor & Engine Museum
Iowa
Close to downtown Waterloo, this museum celebrates all things John Deere and is a fantasy come true for tractor-heads. It's part of the Deere research…
Iowa
Offers a good overview of the colonies. Ask about the self-guided walking and driving routes that can be accessed via your phone.
Iowa
Beautiful bluff-top park with views of the Mississippi and elaborate stone details built in the 1930s (including a castle!).
Iowa
Built in 1882, this funicular railway climbs a steep 189-foot hill from downtown for huge views.
