Iowa is a state that is perfect for day trips adventures. Not too big, not too small, the Hawkeye State is *just right* in every way. We’ve compiled the following list of 10 unique day trips in Iowa that you’ll absolutely want to do. Peruse our list, and fill up your calendar with some amazing Iowa adventures! 

1. Go to a Kernels game.
Cedar Rapids Kernels, 950 Rockford Rd SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404, USA
Flickr/subarurally
If you’re looking for a laid-back outdoor sporting event, seeing a Kernels game could be just the ticket. The Kernels are a Cedar Rapids minor league baseball team, and Iowans have enjoyed cheering them on for a long time.
2. Visit the birthplace of John Wayne.
205 S John Wayne Dr, Winterset, IA 50273, USA
Flickr/John Jacobsen
Winterset, Iowa is the birthplace of the swaggering legend, and you can find out all about him at the John Wayne Birthplace Museum.
3. Check out the Greater Des Moines Botanical Center.
Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, 909 Robert D. Ray Dr, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA
Flickr/Jason Mrachina
The Greater Des Moines Botanical Center is a wonderful way to get a dose of nature right in the middle of a big city. Here, you can see free-flying birds and a large variety of fascinating plants, like a bonsai collection, orchids, and extensive and impressive gardens. Bonus: it's warm all winter long!
4. Get cultured at the Des Moines Art Center.
Des Moines Art Center, 4700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50312, USA
Flickr/Andy Langager
Wander through galleries that possess a large collection of 20th and 21st century modern and contemporary art, as well as art from various places around the world. The Des Moines Art Center is a must visit -- and admission is totally free!
5. Go wine tasting on the Heart of Iowa Wine Trail.
Iowa Wine Tours Inc, 427 Shinoak Ct, Dubuque, IA 52003, USA
Flickr/Phil Roeder
Support local industries and visit as many or few wineries as you have time for on the Heart of Iowa Wine Trail that winds around much of central Iowa.

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6. Visit one of Iowa's many unique museums.
National Hobo Museum, 51 Main Ave S, Britt, IA 50423, USA
J. Stephen Conn/Flickr
Where can you find a museum dedicated to hobos or antique farm toys? The answer is… only in Iowa! We Iowans are lucky to have some very cool, very unique museums right at the tips of our fingers. With so much to explore it can be hard to figure out where to start. Luckily for you, we have a list for that. Here are 10 of the most unique and hidden museums in Iowa that you have to visit at least once.
7. Go to Adventureland.
Adventureland Drive, Adventureland Dr, Altoona, IA 50009, USA
Flickr/Joe Penniston
Head to Altoona, Iowa for some good old-fashioned amusement park family fun. Whether you’re into roller coasters or elephant ears or winning giant stuffed animals, Adventureland has something for everyone.
8. See a race at the Iowa Speedway.
Iowa Speedway Drive, Iowa Speedway Dr, Newton, IA 50208, USA
Flickr/Mike Gatzke
Built in 2006, Newton, Iowa has a motor racing track where you can see NASCAR races up close and personal.
9. Get a taste of a simpler time in Kalona.
715 D Ave, Kalona, IA 52247, USA
Flickr/Charles Kremenak
Visit Kalona’s Amish and Mennonite community for a variety of fun and interesting activities, like antiquing, touring the Kalona Historical Village or taking the Amish By-Ways tour that offers a rare inside look into Amish life.
10. Get a taste of local brews at the Big Grove Brewery.
Big Grove Brewery & Taproom, 1225 S Gilbert St, Iowa City, IA 52240, USA
Facebook/Big Grove Brewery
This inviting, airy brewery offers an impressive selection of unique and delicious brews. And they offer up more than just typical bar food, with fresh, local, seasonal specials and inventive sandwiches and salads.

See what we mean? There’s so much here in Iowa to satisfy your appetite for adventure. So skip the “day trips near me in Iowa” Google searches, and embark on one of these fun adventures in the Hawkeye State!

And if you find yourself looking for a bigger road trip adventure, here are seven small towns in Iowa that are simply perfect for a weekend getaway.

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Day trips near me in Iowa

Sarah | September 13, 2021

What are some more fun day trips in Iowa?

Can't get enough day trip adventures in the Hawkeye State? We don't blame you! How about visiting one of the state's oldest general stores? The New Providence Hardware Store harkens back to 1863, during the height of the American Civil War. Much of the store has been preserved from its original days; for example, non-electric cash register will greet you if you make any purchases! Although you can’t buy wagon wheels here anymore, you can find quality and reliable hardware, home decor, and farm supplies at this delightful Iowa general store. If you're in the mood for an exhilarating day trip in Iowa (not that historic general stores can't be thrilling!), you'll absolutely want to head over to Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park in Ankeny. Picture 30,000 square feet of space (yes, you read that correctly!) filled with human-size, brightly colored dominoes stacked together as a climbing challenge. This is the magic of this indoor adventure park, and it's an epic day trip for all Iowa thrill seekers!

What are some must-visit attractions in Iowa?

Most people don't realize that Iowa is a naturally beautiful state. We're so much more than cornfields and wide, open spaces! If you take the time to look around, you’ll see that our state is full of amazing natural wonders like nothing you would ever expect. From towering bluffs formed by ancient glacial deposits to magical and cavernous caves, Iowa has so much to offer. If you need proof, just check out these 10 incredible natural wonders in Iowa.

What are some unique places to visit in Iowa?

If you're looking for a unique, only-in-Iowa adventure, you'll want to head to these 10 places. From the Upper Iowa River to the Loess Hills Lavender Farm, Lovers Leap Swinging Bridge to Siewers Spring, Iowa is full of off-the-beaten-path adventures sure to satisfy your appetite for wanderlust!

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