Iowa is full of surprises, even if you have lived here all your life! We are always discovering new-to-us places here in Iowa, and we love sharing these hidden gems with you! If you’re looking for your next big adventure in the Hawkeye State, read on! Here are 14 hidden gems in Iowa sure to surprise even the most knowledgeable Hawkeyes.

1. The Grotto of Redemption in West Bend
Shrine of the Grotto of the Redemption, 208 1st Ave NW, West Bend, IA 50597, USA
Laura Bernhardt/Flickr
Considered the "eighth wonder of the world," the Grotto of Redemption is a religious shrine that was built out of precious stone by a priest.
2. Figge Art Museum in Davenport
Figge Art Museum, 225 W 2nd St, Davenport, IA 52801, USA
Steve Tatum/Flickr
This inexpensive day trip destination was designed by renowned British architect David Chipperfield, and hosts many classes and special events aside from the regular exhibitions and galleries.
3. Barrel Head Winery in Dubuque
Barrelhead Winery, Laudeville Road, Dubuque, IA, USA
SD Dirk/Flickr
This is a beautiful Iowa winery with knowledgeable hosts and many award winning wines.
4. The island of Sabula
Sabula, IA 52070, USA
CJ Buckwalter/Flickr
This is Iowa's only island, and it's on the Mississippi River.
5. The Amana Colonies
Amana Colonies, 622 46th Ave, Amana, IA 52203, USA
Corrina Makris/Flickr
These German villages are full of artsy-craftsy kind of stores and they hand-make most of their stuff.
6. The American Pickers shop in Le Claire
American Pickers, 115 1/2 Davenport St, Le Claire, IA 52753, USA
Carl Wycoff/Flickr
This is a neat little shop and the city of Le Claire is absolutely beautiful.
7. Roseman Bridge, one of the famous covered bridges of Madison County
Roseman Bridge Road, Roseman Bridge Rd, Iowa 50273, USA
Scott McLeod/Flickr
You'll likely recognize this winsome covered bridge from the Clint Eastwood movie, "Bridges of Madison County."

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8. Le Mars, the ice cream capital of the world
Le Mars, IA 51031, USA
loonyhiker/Flickr
Le Mars is most famous for their line of Blue Bunny ice cream, but there's a lot more to see and do in this Iowa town!
9. Fenelon Place Elevator Car in Dubuque
Fenelon Place Elevator Company, 512 Fenelon Pl, Dubuque, IA 52001, USA
Jim Ellwanger/Flickr
This is the steepest incline train ride in the country.
10. Mississippi River Museum in Dubuqe
Mississippi River Museum, 125 N Front St, Memphis, TN 38103, USA
SD Dirk/Flickr
The Mississippi River Museum is the most exciting museum in Iowa that celebrates the waterway that helped shape our great state!
11. Snake Alley in Burlington
Snake Alley, Burlington, IA 52601, USA
Loco Steve/Flickr
This is the most twisted and winding road in the country, and it's not for the faint of heart! Or those who get motion sickness easily...
12. Dutch city of Pella with their windmills
Pella, IA 50219, USA
Douglas Porter/Flickr
One of the most delightful towns in Iowa, Pella is perfect as a postcard!
13. Arnolds Park Amusement Park
Arnolds Park Amusement Park, 37 Lake St, Arnolds Park, IA 51331, USA
Mary Fairchild/Flickr
Arnolds Park Amusement Park is Iowa's best beach attraction, and is one of the top amusement parks in the country, too!
14. Scenic train rides in Boone
Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad & James H. Andrew Railroad Museum, 225 10th St, Boone, IA 50036, USA
Jerry Huddleston/Flickr
There's nothing better than a scenic train ride through Iowa, and the Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad is always a delight.

What are some of your favorite hidden gems in Iowa? Share them in the comments section below!

For more under-the-radar treasures around the Hawkeye State, check out these 10 enchanting places in Iowa you probably never knew existed.

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More to Explore

Hidden gems in Iowa

Sarah | September 10, 2021

What are some other hidden gems in Iowa?

There’s a lot to discover in Iowa, and some of the most interesting destinations are places you might have never visited... or even heard of! So we combined two of our favorite things: road trips *and* hidden gems, to create an epic tour of the Hawkeye State. Our Ultimate Iowa Hidden Gem Road Trip will lead you to 10 of Iowa’s coolest hidden gems, including incredible natural attractions, must-see historic places, and some totally unique museums, too!

What are some hidden gem restaurants in Iowa?

While Iowa has some standout eateries, nationally acclaimed restaurants, and foodie favorites, sometimes it's fun to dine at places that aren't as well known. Because it's often these places that have some of the very best food in the state! If you're looking for some off-the-beaten path places to dine in Iowa, definitely check out these 11 gems. Notable spots on the list include Bluff Lake Catfish Farm, Teddy's Barn and Grill (no -- that's not a spelling error; this restaurant really is inside an old barn!), and Sneaky's Chicken over in Sioux City.

What are some fun road trips in Iowa?

For anyone with a spirit of wanderlust, there's nothing better than a road trip. We love road trips here in Iowa because they allow us to explore the state and discover new-to-us places often off the beaten path. Here are 10 amazing road trips in Iowa; we've included some of our favorite destinations such as the charming town of Pella, the birthplace of John Wayne, and the wondrous Maquoketa Caves State Park. Gas up the car and hit the road!

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