12 Things To Do In Iowa When You Thought You’ve Done Everything

Are you always looking for unique things to do in Iowa? Here are a few ideas that you may have overlooked! Try out any of these hidden gems in Iowa - or plan to visit all of them sometime during the year! Each place listed here is among the truly unique places in Iowa and will make for a memorable day trip or getaway. Let's take a look at the best things to do in Iowa.

1. Visit the Neal Smith Wildlife Refuge.

Get up close and personal with bison,

elk, deer, and more at this extraordinary National Wildlife Reserve, right in Prairie City! Take a closer look at this wonderful wildlife refuge in Iowa:

2. Take a road trip to try the best burger in Iowa.

The Gunderburger was literally invented so that people would know that the tiny town of Gunder exists. It's a hike to get there, but the perfect burgers are so worth the drive. See what makes these burgers perfect.

3. Visit the world's largest truck stop for a meal, a movie and/or a haircut.

I'm not even joking, all of those things are possible at the Iowa 80 Rest Stop! It's worth a drive to get there, and even more worth a stop any time you're passing by. 5,000 people a day pass through here! Get an in-depth look at this massive truck stop:

4. Hunt for 300 Million Year Old Fossils in Rockford.

The Fossil and Prairie Center allows you to hunt for 300-million-year-old fossils to take home! The park's trails are perfect for exploring, and you'll come home with a unique souvenir.

5. Enjoy afternoon tea at Miss Spenser's Tea Room.

Miss Spenser's of Longview Farms is a charming British tea room located in the heart of Iowa.

Enjoy tea sandwiches, pastries, sweets, and savories as well as several blends of tea.

6. Take a Twilight Tour of the Haunted Edinburgh Manor.

This old, abandoned asylum has a horrifying history of abuse and torture. It's said to be haunted by the souls that perished here. Now, you can take a twilight tour of the grounds... if you dareAre you brave enough to visit?

7. Enjoy a remote cabin vacation - away from everything.

Everyone needs a hideaway sometimes... luckily, there are plenty of off-the-grid destinations in Iowa! If you're ever looking for things to do in Iowa, it's never a bad idea to pack a bag and escape for a weekend. Here are a few great getaways for a peaceful weekend.

8. Visit the Hidden Castle at Pilot Knob State Park.

One of Delaware's best parks offers plenty of hiking trails, including one that will lead you to an old, abandoned, hidden castle!Plan a journey to Pilot Knob this spring! Learn more about Pilot Knob State Park:

9. Work up the courage to cross the Swinging Bridge in Columbus Junction.

I'm certainly not brave enough to cross... despite being assured that it hasn't collapsed in 98 years. But the adrenaline junkies out there will love strolling this swinging bridge high above the ground.

10. Cross the much sturdier Trestle Trail Bridge.

Now this is a bridge I'll walk across. It was named one of the most beautiful footbridges in the world by BBC - and it was the only American bridge on the list. It's really something special.

11. Take the Great Iowa Waterfalls Road Trip.

Gas up the car and get an early start, and you can see all of Iowa's impressive waterfalls in one day. Stop for lunch at some iconic eateries along the way and you'll really see the best of Iowa on this epic road trip. Find our interactive map.

12. Explore Spook Cave via an underground boat tour.

See waterfalls, cave critters, stalagmites, and stalactites from the comfort of a boat on this underground cave boat tour.

Have you experienced any of these unique things to do in Iowa? What's your favorite way to spend a free day in Iowa? Are any of Iowa's amazing small towns on your bucket list? Tell us in the comments! Don't forget that there are plenty of amazing hiking trails in Iowa as well!