Posted in Iowa Day Trips September 11, 2021 by Rachel Morey Flynn

The 10 Very Best Day Trips You Can Possibly Take In Iowa

Iowa is such a great place for day trips. Not too big, not too small, with an abundance of fun in each and every corner of the state! From historic sites and charming small towns, to beautiful natural areas and must-visit attractions, there’s no shortage of fun to be had in the Hawkeye State. Fill up the car, load up some snacks, and get ready to embark these 10 amazing day trips in Iowa!

1. Hike the Backbone and then cool off in Iowa's own spring-fed pool.

2. Spend a day exploring the delightful small town of Eldora.

3. Head to Pammel State Park to see Harmon Tunnel.

4. This epic flea market in the little town of What Cheer is held three times each year.

5. Enjoy a guided zipline tour of historic Union Park.

6. Take in some of the most amazing views of the Mississippi River from Pikes Peak State Park.

7. Visit the Largest Truck Stop in the world right here in Iowa.

9. Take "going for ice cream" to a whole new level.

10. Go Glamping at this amazing campground.

Are there any other wonderful day trips in Iowa that we should know about? Tell us all about your favorite day trip destinations in the Hawkeye State in the comments below!

Address: Backbone State Park Beach, Iowa 52038, USA

Address: Harmon Tunnel, 1899-1887 Pammel Park Rd, Winterset, IA 50273, USA

Address: Eldora, IA 50627, USA

Address: What Cheer, IA 50268, USA

Address: Union Park, Des Moines, IA, USA

Address: Pikes Peak State Park, 32264 Pikes Peak Rd, McGregor, IA 52157, USA

Address: West Okoboji Lake, Iowa, USA

Address: Yellow River State Forest, 729 State Forest Rd, Harpers Ferry, IA 52146, USA

Address: World's Largest Truck Stop, W Iowa 80 Rd, Walcott, IA 52773, USA

Address: Wells Visitor Center & Ice Cream Parlor, 115 Central Ave NW, Le Mars, IA 51031, USA

The OIYS Visitor Center

Day trips near me in Iowa

September 16, 2021

Sarah

What are some must-visit places in Iowa?

There are so many great places to visit in the Hawkeye State, as evidenced by the above list of epic day trips! Some other places we recommend exploring are: the John Wayne Birthplace Museum, located in Winterset; the Greater Des Moines Botanical Center, a beautiful little urban oasis that’s home to free-flying birds and a large variety of fascinating plants, like a bonsai collection, orchids, and extensive and impressive gardens; and Maquoketa Caves State Park, an entire underworld you probably had no idea was right beneath your feet!

Are there any towns in Iowa that make good day trips?

Absolutely! For starters, the town of Pella is well-known for its Dutch heritage. This is a great place to spend the day walking down cobblestone streets in your wooden clogs, visiting the windmills, and eating dutch letters fresh from one of their many bakeries. Tulip Time is the most popular time to visit, but you’ll love Pella no matter when you arrive. Another charming little locale is LeClaire, which features lots of stunning 19th century architecture. LeClaire is the home of Antique Archaeology, the antique store owned by the star of the show “American Pickers.

What are some fun things to do in Iowa?

It doesn’t get much more fun than Adventureland! 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. Iowa also has some of the best museums in the country. Where else 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.