You and Your Partner Will Love These 11 Unique Date Ideas in Iowa

Are you and your partner in a rut? Sometimes all you need is a little escape, whether it's down the road or across the state, to get things running smoothly again. Or maybe you've just met someone and you want to make a good first impression. We believe that the key to a good date is having so many cool things to see and do that it never has a chance to get awkward. We've picked out a few places and things to do in Iowa for couples that we think will help ignite (or reignite) any flame:

1. Maquoketa Caves State Park - Maquoketa

Is your date the adventurous type? There's nothing more romantic than beautiful scenery and heart-pounding adventure, which is exactly what you'll find on the trails and scenic overlooks at Maquoketa Caves State Park. Check out the trails at this beautiful park and download AllTrails+ to help you with navigation.

2. Pappajohn Sculpture Park - Des Moines

If your date is into art, don't go to a stuffy old museum. The Pappajohn Sculpture Park is the perfect place to impress them while keeping things light and fun.

3. Mississippi Riverboat Rides - Dubuque

Classy and cool, hopefully like your date, a riverboat ride shows that you're a thoughtful and creative partner. It is definitely one of the most fun things to do in Iowa for couples and if you're lucky, things just might turn romantic! I believe a scenic boat ride is one of the best date ideas in Iowa.

4. Hard Rock Hotel and Casino - Sioux City

Try to woo your date and Lady Luck at this highly rated casino located in Sioux City. There's plenty of entertainment to keep you and your date busy for hours. As long as you don't lose your shirt, you should come out looking like a rock star. If you'd like to take a romantic weekend getaway, just book a night or two at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino!

5. Noce Jazz Club - Des Moines

To impress that certain special somebody, only a very swanky joint will do. Enjoy the drinks and live music at the Noce Jazz Club in Des Moines, while still seeming very grown up. You can have fun without losing your cool. Visit the Noce website for a concert schedule.

6. Fenelon Place Elevator - Dubuque

A historic ride via the Fenelon Place Elevator Co. up the side of a steep hill might make your stomach drop, but the view from the top is worth it. There's nothing more romantic than a breathtaking view, making a ride on this funicular one of the most romantic things to do in Iowa for couples!

7. Pike's Peak State Park - McGregor

Speaking of views, Pike's Peak State Park is one of the most jaw-dropping scenic views in the state. Any time of year, this majestic view will provide the perfect backdrop for budding romance.

8. Palmer’s Olde Tyme Candy Shoppe - Sioux City

The way to a man or woman's heart is through his or her stomach, especially via chocolate. The selection at the Palmer’s Olde Tyme Candy Shoppe in Sioux City will make your head spin, whether your vice is chocolate or pretty much any other kind of candy. You'll impress your sweetie with their stunning array of sweets, and maybe even learn a thing or two. What a sweet date idea in Iowa!

9. Iowa Wine Tours - Dubuque

Since we really do believe that a little vino makes the heart grow fonder, we're also including Iowa Wine Tours on our list as well. Why stop at just one winery when you can see three, plus all of the beautiful scenery in between? There are just so many amazing wineries in the state that you just might eventually have to visit them all!

10. Iowa State Fair - Des Moines

The best dates are fun, and there's no place in Iowa where you'll have more fun than the Iowa State Fair. There's nothing tastier than the creative concoctions you'll find here, and there's nothing more romantic than a gondola ride over the fairgrounds.

11. Dubuque Arboretum and Botanical Gardens - Dubuque

A romantic stroll through a garden at twilight, or really anytime, is always a good dating strategy, and Iowa has plenty to choose from. We chose the Dubuque Arboretum and Botanical Gardens as an example purely because they are so gosh-darn and pretty, but any local garden will do. Surrounding your date with stunning natural beauty is always a safe bet.

Here's a bonus date idea: dine at Scala House in Des Moines. Set in a cozy historic home, it's one of the most romantic restaurants in Iowa. And if you're looking for a romantic Iowa adventure, check out this charming lake house with a waterfront hot tub!

Have you tried any of these unique things to do in Iowa for couples? Do you have any others to recommend to us? Please send us a message through our nominations page! If you're looking for more fun things to do in Iowa, be sure to check out Only In Your State’s itinerary planner.