When you need to get away for the day but don’t want to spend a lot of money on entertainment, there are many options for road trip destinations in Iowa.

Here are just 10 of the free or cheap activities you can enjoy in Iowa.

1. The Sioux City Public Museum is a truly amazing place.
Sioux City Public Museum
With rotating traveling exhibits from all over the world, this museum is a fascinating place to visit. Admission is free. It’s located in a beautiful building in downtown Sioux City.
2. The Sanford Museum & Planetarium is a great place to spend some time with curious kiddos.
Facebook/Sanford Museum & Planetarium
You'll see Cherokee artifacts, various fascinating exhibits, and artwork. Admission is free. The museum is located at 117 E Willow St., Cherokee.
3. The Figge Art Museum in Davenport is another place to spend the day if the weather isn't ideal.
kara brugman/Flickr
You can stay as long as you'd like, and admission is just $7.
4. Iowa has a stunning capital building. It's located at 1007 E. Grand Ave., Des Moines.
Jason Mrachina/Flickr
Marvel and the architecture and wander through one of the most beautiful buildings in the state. Stop by the visitors' desk for information about a guided tour.
5. Blood Run on the Iowa/Nebraska border is a great place to contemplate ancient history.
IowaCulture.gov
The scenery is amazing. With over 275 burial mounds and two effigy mounds, this place offers a lot to explore. The address is 1 mile south of 1001 120th St., Larchwood.

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6. Roller City in Mason City is a great place to take your family.
Roller City/Facebook
Stop by on a Saturday morning between 10 and noon to take advantage of their $10 per family rate.
7. The Des Moines Botanical Center is a warm oasis in the middle of downtown.
Jason Mrachina/Flickr
Admission is $8. You can spend hours here just soaking up the clear and pure air. This is the ideal place to spend a cold and rainy afternoon.
8. The University of Iowa's Museum of Natural History is the oldest university museum west of the Mississippi.
Susan Groppi/Flickr
Editor's Note: The Museum of Natural History is temporarily closed due to the pandemic.

Start at Mammal Hall and be sure to check out the giant sloth exhibit. The building is at 17 N Clinton St., Iowa City.
9. The Union Pacific Railroad Museum in Council Bluffs will teach you all about America's railroads.
civilengtinger/Flickr
This museum offers free admission, and is a fun way to spend a lazy afternoon.
10. Fenelon Place Elevator in Dubuque has some of the best views of this quaint town.
Ben Collins-Sussman/Flickr
Enjoy the view from the top of the world's shortest and steepest elevator ride for just $3 per person.

Tell us about your favorite things to do in Iowa when you don’t feel like spending a lot of money.

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