The Definitive Guide To Uncovering Iowa’s Best Attractions — Small Towns, Gorgeous Parks, Museums, And More!
There are so many amazing attractions to discover in Iowa. You’ll find charming Amish markets, intriguing antique shops, fascinating museums, and beautiful rural wineries. And that’s just the start of things you can see and do in the Hawkeye State.
Spend a perfect day with a trip to the zoo, take a scenic boat trip on the Mississippi, visit a quaint small town, relax in a tranquil park, or explore a store that’s bigger and better than anything you can imagine. Ready for an Iowa adventure? Read on to discover some of the state’s best attractions.
The Best Small Towns In Iowa
Is there a place where you can find better examples of small-town America than Iowa? We don't think so. Iowa has countless postcard-perfect small towns and some that you simply have to visit.
Pella, home to tulips and windmills, will take you back to the old country. You can explore the German charm of the Amana Colonies or head to Bentonsport, one of the Villages of Van Buren that is virtually unchanged since the steamboat era. On the Mississippi River, McGregor is the gateway to Pikes Peak State Park, a place with some of the most dramatic views of the Midwest. Have you ever visited any of these charming small towns in Iowa?
Pella, home to tulips and windmills, will take you back to the old country. You can explore the German charm of the Amana Colonies or head to Bentonsport, one of the Villages of Van Buren that is virtually unchanged since the steamboat era. On the Mississippi River, McGregor is the gateway to Pikes Peak State Park, a place with some of the most dramatic views of the Midwest. Have you ever visited any of these charming small towns in Iowa?
The Must Visit General Store In Iowa
For more than 35 years, Dutchman’s Store in Cantril has been wowing customers by doing what it's always done - giving customers the kind of shopping experience that has all but disappeared.
You'll find everything from food to clothing to home decor and handmade goods. There's a big selection of bulk food items as well as thread, yarn, and quilting supplies. While you're at the Dutchman, be sure to treat yourself to some of the delicious old-fashioned candy. Does the Dutchman sound like a place you need to visit?
You'll find everything from food to clothing to home decor and handmade goods. There's a big selection of bulk food items as well as thread, yarn, and quilting supplies. While you're at the Dutchman, be sure to treat yourself to some of the delicious old-fashioned candy. Does the Dutchman sound like a place you need to visit?
The Unique Park In Iowa
There are a lot of parks that offer great Iowa views, but Eagle Point Park's expansive vista offers views of Iowa, Illinois, and Wisconsin!
There's a lot to love about Eagle Point Park. The 164-acre park is right on the Mississippi River and there are plenty of places to picnic or grill out. The park has panoramic views of the Mississippi River and Lock and Dam No. 11. Relax in a historic pavilion that was constructed in 1910, stroll through paths that wind through towering trees, or just marvel at the river view. Have you ever seen a park this beautiful?
There's a lot to love about Eagle Point Park. The 164-acre park is right on the Mississippi River and there are plenty of places to picnic or grill out. The park has panoramic views of the Mississippi River and Lock and Dam No. 11. Relax in a historic pavilion that was constructed in 1910, stroll through paths that wind through towering trees, or just marvel at the river view. Have you ever seen a park this beautiful?
The One Of A Kind Boat Ride In Iowa
Back when ferry service began in Cassville in 1833, the ferry was a 40-foot rowboat. Nearly two centuries have passed and a ferry still connects Iowa and Wisconsin at Cassville. Today's ferry is a motorized craft that carries cars, but it serves the same mission - getting people across a long stretch of the Mississippi where there are no bridges. The ferry is a tourist attraction and people buy tickets just to enjoy the ride. Have you ever taken a car ferry like this before?
The Most Charming Farmers Market In Iowa
The NewBo City Market is a place like no other. Local vendors sell amazing farm-to-table foods and handcrafted goods, including grass-fed beef, handcrafted sausage, and more. NewBo hosts farmers markets and local producers sell a delicious mix of fruits, vegetables, and baked items. The market is a great place to grab lunch, get a drink at NewBo Beer and Wine, or get a slice of perfection at Aroma Artisan Pizza. Have you ever seen a market this charming?
The Magical Train Ride In Iowa
Take a trip through time and Iowa's amazing scenery with a ride on the Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad. The railroad offers scenic rides from Boone to Fraser, a once-booming mining town. The train will take you through the stunning beauty of the Des Moines River Valley and across a bridge that offers some panoramic views. Dinner excursions are available that offer a one-of-a-kind dining experience. Are you ready to buy your ticket for this magical train ride?
The Tallest Bridge In Iowa
The Kate Shelley High Bridge is the tallest bridge in Iowa and is named after a young woman with a legend bigger than the bridge. Back in 1881, Shelley ran out into a dangerous thunderstorm to warn an approaching train that a bridge had been washed out. She then led rescuers to Honey Creek where two men were pulled from the floodwaters.
Her actions that night saved many lives and her name has graced a rail bridge for more than a century. The most recent Kate Shelley Bridge was built in 2009 and is 2,813 feet long and 190 feet high! Have you crossed the tallest bridge in Iowa?
Her actions that night saved many lives and her name has graced a rail bridge for more than a century. The most recent Kate Shelley Bridge was built in 2009 and is 2,813 feet long and 190 feet high! Have you crossed the tallest bridge in Iowa?
One Of The Most Unique Museums In Iowa
One of the most interesting and unique museums in Iowa pays tribute to those who once rode the rails. The National Hobo Museum is in tiny Britt, Iowa, the kind of small place a hobo might have once disembarked. The museum is filled with artifacts and it is dedicated to preserving the hobo lifestyle. The museum has details on the "hobo code." In case you ever find yourself riding in a boxcar, you should probably get the details on that code! Can you believe this unique museum in Iowa exists?
