The Top 50 Places to visit in Iowa, U.S.A comprise of historically significant monuments and other places that are a traveller’s high. Some very unique things to do in Iowa can be selected from here and then used for making an itinerary called ” Cool Things in Iowa“. This name will definitely motivate visit all the hidden gems in Iowa and totally enjoy your trip. Well of-course, the best things in Iowa will only be known to you when you read about them once and thus we are here to help you out with the ” only in Iowa” list. So, here you go! Check out the Top 50 Places to Visit in Iowa, U.S.A from the list down below.
The best things to do in Iowa can only be experienced when you visit the state. Well, the place has a blend of options when it comes to the scenic beauties and the monuments of cultural heritage. So, it is advised to shortlist the places of your interest well in advance so that you have the itinerary when you actually reach over there. Winters are a perfect time to visit the state of Iowa mainly because then the monuments look like beautiful palaces and thus make a picture perfect background. You can also check out Kentucky and Massachusetts for a picture perfect background.
The Top Best 50 Places to Visit in the state of Iowa have been listed below with all the important details that one needs to know before visiting the place. Being in a New Jersey fan, we can say that Iowa is also as amazing as the former is. We have also provided a brief description of the place so that you can have a brief idea of the place of the interest you are heading up to. Besides, all this it is very important to know about the destination a bit in detail. Hence, head down below to know some of the interesting facts about Iowa.
Iowa is the 30th most populous in the United States of America. Also, known as the Hawk eye State, the place has also been jotted down in the list of the safest cities to live in. The temperature here is humid throughout the year. The summers here are very hot and the winters are quite cold so it is always better to go according to the weather conditions while packing your wardrobe.
Top 50 Places to Visit in Iowa, U.S.A
Matchstick Marvel Museum
About: The Matchstick Museum was located in Gladbrook in Iowa where in you will find collections of matchstick scale models that are extraordinary in appeal. All the structures are made with ordinary wooden matchsticks which marks the artist’s creativity level.
Why Should You Visit: The major attraction of the museum is definitely the Harry Potter Hogwarts. Visit here to spot some more models like these.
Entry Fee: Adults – $5
Timings : 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Official Website: Matchstick Marvel Museum
Effigy Mounds National Monument
About: The place was established in the year 1949 for the conservation of monuments that have been built by the Native Americans. You can spot here mounds that are animal and human shaped.
Why Should You Visit: You can visit here for getting a know how about the Native American culture.
Entry Fee: Free
Timings : 8:00 am to 5:00 pm
Official Website: Effigy Mounds National Monument
Old Capitol Museum
About: The Old Capitol was established in the year 1839 and it initially served as a state house of Mississippi, but now has been converted into the museum of regional and cultural importance. Here, you can get knowledge about Iowa’s history and traditions by the means of events and exhibitions.
Why Should You Visit: The Old Capitol Museum is an apt place for school children because here they will learn the importance of Iowa.
Entry Fee: Free
Timings : 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Official Website: Old Capitol Museum
National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium
About: The museum was established in the year 2003 and the exhibitions in the museum include exhibits that depict the culture and heritage of the United States of America’s rivers. It also has a hall of fame that include the names of people who have done their bit for the rivers of America.
Why Should You Visit: You can visit here to spot a dozen aquariums that are home to many marine beings such as the catfish, rays etc.
Entry Fee: Adults – $16.95
Timings : 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Official Website: National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium
Iowa Firefighters Memorial
About: The park has been built in order to honor all those firefighters who have died saving the lives of the civilians. The state of Iowa is the first state to build a memorial for the firefighters. Here, you will find an eternal flame as well as many sculptures that honor the late fighters.
Why Should You Visit: You should visit the memorial in order to pay a tribute to the brave of the state.
Entry Fee: Free
Timings : 6:00 am to 10:30 pm
Official Website: Iowa Firefighters Memorial
Reiman Gardens
About: The Reiman Gardens were established in the year 1914 and was initially known as the botanical gardens of the University. The place comprises of beautiful gardens that comprise of pretty notable flowers and plants. Besides, collections of specimens of insects are also displayed here.
Why Should You Visit: You can visit here to sight different kinds of plants and flowers and also sight interesting specimens.
Entry Fee: $9 for general admission
Timings : 9:00 am to 4:30 pm
Official Website: Reiman Gardens
Moonstone Lavender Gardens
About: The gardens are situated in Thurman in the state of Iowa and are home to many seasonal and beautiful flowers that bloom according to the seasons. Here, you will find a range of aroma flowers that will induce freshness in your heart.
Why Should You Visit: You can visit here with your family for a peaceful outing.
Entry Fee: Nil
Timings: Seasonal Timings
Official Website: Moonstone Lavender Gardens
Lost Island Water Park
About: The Lost Island Water Park is an amusement park wherein you can enjoy many kinds of rides and thrills. The major attraction of the park is maize the mermaid who does not fail to amaze the viewers.
Why Should You Visit: You can visit the park for taking up water rides and experiencing ultimate enjoyment for a day.
Entry Fee: $27.80 – Plus tax for 48 feet and above
Timings: 10:30 am to 6:30 pm
Official Website: Lost Island Water Park
Heritage Rose Garden
About: The Heritage Rose Gardens are located in Gray which is in Iowa. The garden offers impeccable view of more than 200 varieties of roses and other long lasting flowers. There is also a 130 year old rose situated in the Heritage Rose Garden.
Why Should You Visit: You can visit here seeing the huge variety of beautiful flowers and click some beautiful pictures.
Entry Fee: Nil
Timings: Nil
Official Website :Nil
Spook Cave and Campground
About: If you are looking for a an adventurous and thrilling activity, then the best bet is booking your tickets for the boat ride inside the cave. You can check out the limestone cave and other natural areas inside too.
Why Should You Visit: You should definitely visit here when you are in Iowa so as to know the history and development of limestone and cave areas.
Entry Fee: Adults – $13
Timings: 9:00 am to 5:30 pm
Official Website :Spook cave and Campground
Laura Ingalls Wilder Park and Museum
Why Should You Visit: The place has an historic significance attached to it wherein the first bank robbery of the state was held. You can take a guided tour here for more information.
Entry Fee: Adults – $8
Timings: 10:00 am to 4:00 pm
Official Website : Laura Ingalls Wilder Park
Bily Clocks Museum
Why Should You Visit: The museum is home to handmade clocks that were made between 1903 to 1958. Here, you will find some amazing workmanship of the Billy Brothers.
Entry Fee: $6 per person
Timings: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Official Website : Nil
Motor Mill Historic Site
Why Should You Visit: The Historic Site was built in the year 1869 beginning from a a six-story limestone flouring mill and 4 other related stone buildings that are here since a long time now.
Entry Fee: Nil
Timings: Depends on the events
Official Website :Motor Mill Historic Site
Old Fort Madison
Why Should You Visit: The Old Fort Madison is perhaps the best place to learn about the history of Iowa.
Entry Fee: Adults – $8
Timings: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Official Website : Old Fort Madison
Nelson Pioneer Farm
Why Should You Visit: The Farm was initially established to honor the farmers and now it is home to many structures that can be dated back to 1853 including Indian artifacts, mammoth bones, war equipment etc.
Entry Fee: Adults – $7
Timings: 10:00 am to 4:00 pm
Official Website : Nelson Pioneer Farm
Fun City Outdoor Park
Why Should You Visit: You can visit here to enjoy some of the many interesting water rides such as the Typhoon, River Ruckus, Mud Slide and so on and so forth.
Entry Fee: Adults -$10
Timings: Nil
Official Website : Fun City Outdoor Park
Iowa 80 Trucking Museum
Why Should You Visit: You can visit the museum in Iowa to check out some of the vintage antique trucks and other objects that are related to it.
Entry Fee: Free
Timings: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Official Website : Iowa 80 Trucking Museum
Field of Dreams Movie Site
Why Should You Visit: The place is actually a baseball field or a movie set you can say which is also a tourist attraction as a movie with the same name was shot here.
Entry Fee: Free
Timings: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm
Official Website : Field of Dreams Movie Site
Fenelon Place Elevator Co.
Why Should You Visit: You should visit the place to experience the world’s shortest and steepest elevator ride. It is sure to raise goosebumps.
Entry Fee: $3 round trip
Timings: 8:00 am to 10:00 pm
Official Website : Fenelon Place Elevator Co.
Snake Alley
Why Should You Visit: This place was established in the year 1894 as a residential area but the construction consisted of 5 half-curves and many other ones which compelled the locals to name it the snake alley.
Entry Fee: Nil
Timings: 6:00 am to 10:00 pm
Official Website : Nil
Sioux City Public Museum
Why Should You Visit: You should visit the Sioux City Public Museum to know about the culture and heritage of the Sioux city in the state of Iowa.
Entry Fee: Free
Timings: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Official Website : Sioux City Public Museum
Okoboji Classic Cars
Why Should You Visit: The Okoboji Classic Cars has the finest collection of cars and other automobile artifacts which is a dream come true for any car enthusiast.
Entry Fee: Adult Tour Fee – $12
Timings: 10 :00 am to 4:00 pm
Official Website : Okoboji Classic Cars
American Gothic House
Why Should You Visit: The place was established as a tribute to the artist Grant Wood. The place had inspired the American Gothic painting which is the most parodied painting of all time.
Entry Fee: Nil
Timings: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Official Website : American Gothic House
Buffalo Bill Museum
Why Should You Visit: The Museum has been built to conserve the bills, documents and other relics that relate to the Mississippi River. You can visit here for educational purposes.
Entry Fee: Adults – $5
Timings: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Official Website : Buffalo Bill Museum
Family Museum of Art and Science
Why Should You Visit: You can visit the place for the some learning and fun experience for your toddler. The enjoyment and learning go hand in hand here.
Entry Fee: Age 1 to 59 – $9
Timings: 9:00 am to 8:00 pm
Official Website : Family Museum of Art and Science
Surf Ballroom
Why Should You Visit: The place was initially meant for hardwood dancing but after a tragedy struck the building, it was built just like the previous structure and now is meant for modern music and dancing shows.
Entry Fee: Depends on the events
Timings: 8:00 am to 4:00 pm
Official Website : Surf Ballroom
- #26 Gray’s Lake Park
- #27 Des Moines
- #28 Dubuque
- #29 Davenport
- #30 Waterlily
- #31 Orange City
- #32 John and Mary Pappajohn sculpture park
- #33 Ledges State Park
- #35 Iowa State Park
- #36 Bridges of Madison City
- #37 Water Loo Museum
- #38 Elwood
- #39 Lover’s Leap Swinging Bridge
- #40 Black Angel of Oakland
- #41 Iowa’s Largest Frying Pan
- #42 Pop Corn Ball, Sac City
- #43 Union Park
- #44 Grant Wood Murals
- #45 Vermeer Windmill
- #46 Hula Hoop Tree
- #47 Cedar Rapids Municipal Island
- #48 National Farm Toy Museum
- #49 Blank Park Zoo
- #50 Albert, The Bull
Hope this article was useful for you, check out the other amazing places to visit in the United States of America.