In a state filled with famous restaurants, beautiful parks, and stunning small towns, it can be hard to see it all, and it’s easy to get in a rut of going to your favorite places over and over again. In order to show off the best of the Hawkeye state, we’ve come up with a list of the best places to visit in Iowa so you can make a bucket list for the rest of 2018!

1. Pappajohn Sculpture Park, Des Moines
Flickr / Jason Mrachina
This stunning sculpture garden and park in Des Moines is one of the most popular places in the entire state, and all it takes is one visit to find out why. You'll love wandering though the impressive art in the daytime, or at night when the lights turn the park into paradise.

Read more about it right here.
2. Lake Okoboji, Arnolds Park
Flickr / Mary Fairchild
Lake Okoboji is one of the most gorgeous of Iowa's great lakes. It's perfect for fishing, kayaking, sailing, or even just dining along the shoreline. Many favorite summer memories come from this gorgeous, sapphire lake.

Read more about it right here.
3. Brucemore Mansion
Flickr / Richard Roche
Brucemore Mansion is Iowa's very own Downton Abbey. Visit this stunning mansion and park for a tour of the historic spot in Cedar Rapids. You can wander the grounds any time the gate is open, and explore the children's garden, night garden, and a gorgeous orchard.

Read more about it right here.
4. 360 Steakhouse, Council Bluffs
Facebook / Harrah's Council Buffs
One of America's most scenic restaurants is located right in Council Bluffs! This 360-degree view steakhouse shows off the gorgeous sights across the river into Omaha while serving up a really, really, tasty meal.

Read more about it right here.
5. The Irish Shanti, Gunder
Facebook / The Irish Shanti
Try the best burger in Iowa in this isolated town that doesn't even have a zipcode. These giant burgers were named after the town in order to put the town on the map, and they're absolutely gigantic. If you can finish their enormous crowd-pleaser burger, you get to wear their goofy burger hat.

Read more about it right here.
6. Miss Spenser's Special-Teas, New Virginia
Facebook / Miss Spenser's of Longview Farm
Iowa's most charming tea room is located at Miss Spenser's on Longview Farms. The Bed and Breakfast is also a storybook-style tea room where you can enjoy a taste of England right here in Iowa.

Read more about it right here.

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7. Wildcat Den State Park
Alltrails / John Rutherford
I don't know how comfortable I really feel crawling around the caves in a place called Wildcat Den, but every time I visit here, I'm blown away by the trails and views in this gorgeous state park.

Read more about it right here.
8. Storm Lake
Flickr / Scott McLeod
Storm Lake is a charming Iowa town that's full of... lighthouses? This quirky town is one that's perfect to visit in the spring or summer when you're looking for some great places to walk around and explore on foot!

Read more about it right here.
9. Iowa 80 Rest Stop
Flickr / Raymond Clarke Imaging
The largest truck stop in the world is right Walcott right off of I-80! Everything you could possibly want is right here, and over 5,000 people visit a day. You can visit a dentist, take a shower, see a show at the theater, and of course grab a tasty meal.

Read more about it right here.
10. Decorah
Hotel Winneshiek
Decorah is a small town in Iowa that's surrounded by history and natural beauty. Visit the Decorah Ice Cave, where it's icy well into the summer months, and stay at the historic Hotel Winneshiek during your getaway.

Read more about it right here.
11. Moon River Cabins
Moon River Cabins
Moon River Cabins are the best place to camp when you don't quite want to get down and dirty. These luxury cabin sites will make you feel miles away from it all without sacrficing modern amenities.

Read more about it right here.
12. Roseman Bridge, Winterset
Flickr / Jimmy Emerson, DVM
The haunted Roseman Bridge is a creepy place where you'll hear wagon wheels, muffled laughs, and chilling screams. If you're brave enough to cross on a dark, foggy night, you'll encounter a cold spot on the bridge that must be some sort of spirit.

Read more about it right here.

If you’re looking for more of the best restaurants in Iowa, you’ll want to combine this list with our list of The 12 Iowa Restaurants You Must Try In 2018 for a truly perfect Iowa year.

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