Once the warmer weather arrives, we Iowans are itching to get outdoors and have some fun. Luckily for us, there are plenty of things to do in Iowa in the summer. Whether you enjoy lounging on a beach and soaking up the sun, or hiking deep into a subterranean cave, there’s something in Iowa for you. And while there’s no shortage of fun to be had, the following 13 activities definitely stand out among the rest and deserve a spot on your Iowa bucket list!

1. Soak up the sun at one of the Iowa Great Lakes in Dickinson County.
Okoboji, IA 51355, USA
Denise Heyer/Only In Iowa/Facebook
This is definitely one of the top places to visit during summer in Iowa.
2. Take a tour of the bridges of Madison County, and don't forget to pack a picnic!
Winterset, IA 50273, USA
Jeff Lawson/FLickr
Each bridge has its own fascinating history.
3. Go hiking on the Wabash Trace Nature Trail in western Iowa.
Wabash Trace Nature Trail, 4102 Harry Langdon Blvd, Council Bluffs, IA 51503, USA
S C Hargis/Flickr
It's truly one of the best hikes in Iowa.
4. Take a kayaking or canoeing trip down the Upper Iowa River in northeast Iowa.
Bluffton, IA, USA
Ellen Macdonald/Flickr
The Upper Iowa is one of the top spots for canoeing and kayaking in the Hawkeye State.
5. Take a hot air balloon ride over Indianola during the National Balloon Classic.
Indianola, IA 50125, USA
Will Murphy/Flickr
It's one of the country's premier hot air balloon events.
6. Ride the Boone and Scenic Valley Railroad across the beautiful Des Moines River Valley.
Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad & James H. Andrew Railroad Museum, 225 10th St, Boone, IA 50036, USA
Jerry Huddleston/FLickr
For more information, click here.

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7. Relax in nature at Dunning's Spring in Decorah.
Dunning's Spring in Decorah, Iowa
Dunning's Spring Park, Ice Cave Road, Decorah, IA, USA
Holly Hildreth/Getty Images
This stunning Iowa waterfall is a must for your summer bucket list.
8. Explore the majestic Maquoketa Caves State Park in Maquoketa.
Maquoketa Caves State Park, 9688 Caves Rd, Maquoketa, IA 52060, USA
Michael Kappel/FLickr
You can't do much better than hiking into a cool cave on a hot summer day.
9. Admire the art at the Sioux City Art Center.
Sioux City Art Center, 225 Nebraska St, Sioux City, IA 51101, USA
Ali Eminov/Flickr
A stroll around the art center's grounds is a lovely way to spend a summer afternoon in the Hawkeye State.
10. Check out the namesake span at Swinging Bridge Park in Columbus Junction.
Swinging Bridge Park, 303 Oak St, Columbus Junction, IA 52738, USA
Chris Brooks/Flickr
The woods will keep you cool on this easy day hike.
11. Go biking on the High Trestle Trail between Ankeny and Woodward, and be sure to see the High Trestle Bridge at night.
High Trestle Trail Bridge, 2335 Qf Ln, Madrid, IA 50156, USA
Jason Mrachina/FLickr
The bridge's stunning design makes it renowned Iowa landmark.
12. Take a driving tour across western Iowa on the Loess Hills Scenic Byway, and stop off for a little hiking at Preparation Canyon.
Loess Hills State Forest, Jackson Township, IA 51564, USA
Michael Leland/FLickr
The Loess Hills is one of the state's most scenic natural areas.
13. End your perfect summer day at a drive-in movie theatre. The drive-in's at Spirit Lake, Newton and Delmar are all good places to check out.
Superior 71 Drive In Theater, 300th Avenue, Spirit Lake, IA, USA
Rbenson13/TripAdvisor
Fortunately, a handful of drive-in theaters are still operating in Iowa.

So, what do you think about these things to do in the Iowa in the summer? Are these bucket list-worthy items? What are some more things you’d add to your bucket list for summer in Iowa?

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Iowa Bucket List

Daniella DiRienzo | May 13, 2021

What else is there to do during the summer in Iowa?

Nothing says summer in Iowa like the Iowa State Fair. Held over the course of 10 days every August, the fair is a nationally recognized event that’s jam-packed with sites and attractions. A long-held tradition for many, the annual affair celebrates everything that makes Iowa, well, Iowa! Attendees can enjoy a slew of fantastic foods, many of which are served on sticks, as well as live music, games, rides, and more. One visit and you’ll quickly understand why the fair is one of the top summer activities in Iowa.

What are some can’t-miss attractions in Iowa?

There are lots of can’t-miss attractions in Iowa – and the Amana Colonies are among them. Offering a unique peek into the past, the Amana Colonies consist of seven historic German villages, which date back to the mid-19th century. Listed as a National Historic Landmark in 1965, the Amana Colonies continue to attract hundreds of thousands of visitors every year – and for good reason! The historic villages boast a variety of restaurants and specialty shops as well as play host to a variety of festivals and events throughout the year.

What are the best outdoor activities in Iowa?

Of all the outdoor activities in Iowa, Arnold’s Park Amusement Park ranks pretty high up there. As Iowa’s oldest amusement park, it offers nostalgic fun at its finest. From wooden coasters and a Ferris wheel to the tilt-a-whirl and fun houses, Arnold’s Park Amusement Park is brimming with old-school charm and plenty of opportunities for thrills, making it easy to see why it’s a favorite of the young and old alike.

 

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