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 Caves State Park, 9688 Caves Rd, Maquoketa, IA 52060, USA
www.tripadvisor.com/KennethRMitchell
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.
2. Pappajohn Sculpture Park, Des Moines
Pappajohn Sculpture Park, 1330 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA
www.tripadvisor.com/joachim_werner
If your date is into art, don't go to a stuffy old museum. The Pappajohn Sculpture Park is the perfect place to impress him/her, while keeping things light and fun.
3. Dubuque River Rides
Dubuque, IA, USA
www.tripadvisor.com/Solotravel-lover
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!
4. Hard Rock Casino, Sioux City
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Sioux City, 111 3rd St, Sioux City, IA 51101, USA
www.tripadvisor.com/2leconte
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.
5. Noce Jazz Club, Des Moines
Noce, 1326 Walnut St #100, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA
www.tripadvisor.com/
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.
6. Fenelon Place Elevator Co., Dubuque
Fenelon Place Elevator Company, 512 Fenelon Pl, Dubuque, IA 52001, USA
www.tripadvisor.com/johnow2014
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 it one of the most romantic things to do in Iowa!
7. Pike's Peak State Park, McGregor
Pikes Peak State Park, 32264 Pikes Peak Rd, McGregor, IA 52157, USA
www.tripadvisor.com/MSWMom50
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.

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8. Palmer’s Olde Tyme Candy Shoppe, Sioux City
Palmer's Olde Tyme Candy Shoppe, 405 Wesley Pkwy, Sioux City, IA 51103, USA
William Danger Newman//Google Maps
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.
9. Iowa State Fair, Des Moines
Iowa State Fairgrounds, 3000 E Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50317, USA
Iowa State Fair Facebook Page
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.
10. Fireside Winery, Marengo
Fireside Winery, 1755 P Ave, Marengo, IA 52301, USA
Fireside Winery/Google Maps
What could be more romantic than a weekend retreat at a local winery? Guests rave about Fireside Winery, this charming little slice of heaven that is one of several epic wineries in the state, where you can enjoy good food, live bands and, of course, excellent wine. You can even become a part of the process and pick or stomp the grapes yourself.
11. Iowa Wine Tours, Dubuque
Iowa Wine Tours Inc, 427 Shinoak Ct, Dubuque, IA 52003, USA
www.tripadvisor.com/travelinslacks
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!
12. Valle Drive-In, Newton
Valle Drive In, 4074 Hwy F48 W, Newton, IA 50208, USA
Heather Wharff/Google Maps
Why not make your date feel like a teenager again with a trip to a drive-in movie? The Valle Drive-In is a nostalgic spot sure to stir up all kinds of emotions, especially romantic ones.
13. Hoyt Sherman Place, Des Moines
Hoyt Sherman Place, 1501 Woodland Ave, Des Moines, IA 50314, USA
Jerry Wallace/Google Maps
This historic home and theater is a drop-dead gorgeous place to check out an event, concert, or comedy show. It's hard not to get swept up in the majesty of this architectural marvel, which is just one of several long-time theater venues in the state.
14. Dubuque Arboretum and Botanical Gardens
Dubuque Arboretum & Botanical Gardens, 3800 Arboretum Dr, Dubuque, IA 52001, USA
Tim Shreffler/Google Maps
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 it's so gosh-darn pretty, but any local garden will do. Surrounding your date with stunning natural beauty is always a safe bet.

Have you tried any of these unique date ideas in Iowa? Do you have any others to recommend to us? Please let us know in the comments!

If you’re looking for a romantic Iowa adventure, check out this charming lake house with a waterfront hot tub!

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

More to Explore

Romantic Things to do in Iowa

Lysa Allman-Baldwin | October 05, 2022

I’m looking for a romantic restaurant in Iowa.

There are tons of romantic restaurants in Iowa. The only thing you have to decide is what type of cuisine will suit you and your betrothed. A few of the most popular include Cobble Hill Restaurant in Cedar Rapids, the L. May Eatery in Dubuque, and the Santa Maria Vineyard & Winery in Carroll, just to name a few.

What are some romantic things to do for Valentine's Day?

Valentine's Day is one of the most popular days of the year to go out for couples. In Iowa, you'll find plenty of ideas to keep the lovey-dovey feelings going. One suggestion is to do a painting and wine party; another is to rent a cozy cabin. Or how about a nice massage? The possibilities are endless!

We’d like to go to a spa in Iowa.

That's a great idea and how about upping your game in a salt cave? The Hawkeye State has some really cool spa facilities that just might fit the bill. In Cedar Rapids, you’ll find Total Rejuvenation which offers flotation therapy, an infrared sauna, and cryotherapy. And in Fort Dodge, there’s Sandy's Salon & Salt Cave, featuring treatments with high-quality Himalayan salt.

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