5 Iowa Tourist Spots I Tried to Hate (But Ended Up Loving)

I really loved growing up in the Hawkeye State. There were many places I adored that I still hold dear today (looking at you, Pagliai's), some that I realized weren't all that I thought they were, and others that I eventually came around to. It's the spots in this latter category that I'm here, hat in hand, to tell you about today. For one reason or another, I either didn't like or didn't want to like these five places in Iowa, but darn it—they got me (and I kind of love it).

1. Field of Dreams Movie Site - Dyersville

Visiting Field of Dreams movie site was never on my radar. I was familiar with, and in fact, really liked, the movie, but visiting filming locations isn't really something I'm interested in. Nevertheless, when my baseball-loving eight-year-old son learned that it existed, it became my fatherly duty to take him. I was ready for a quick, "Well, son, there it is—do the corn thing so we can leave" moment. Yet, we lingered for a couple of hours, and I was surprisingly moved by the whole experience. I've been back a few times with both my kids, and I have to admit: It's a pretty special place.

2. Herbert Hoover National Historic Site - West Branch

I first visited the Herbert Hoover National Historic Site in West Branch on an elementary school field trip. At the time, I was underwhelmed. Later, with a greater understanding of Hoover's legacy, I was left feeling like we Iowans had definitely gotten the short end of the presidential stick. Eventually, I came around, and though I still don't have many positive thoughts about Hoover's presidency, there's something pretty cool about having this historic site in Iowa—especially when you consider how few states can actually claim the birthplace of a president (and only six west of the Mississippi).

3. Amana Colonies

My parents first dragged me to the Amana Colonies when I was in third or fourth grade. We lived in nearby Iowa City, and visiting or dining in the Colonies was a thing. I was not impressed: It was just a bunch of old-timey stuff, with shops and restaurants and wine and beer and bakeries and stupid Christmas stores. I'm an adult now. I can admit when I'm wrong: I was wrong—bring on the wine, beer, and sauerbraten!

4. Spook Cave - Elkader

I don't always love caves—especially those that are privately-owned tourist attractions and not curated park experiences, such as those at Maquoketa Caves State Park. That said, Spook Cave, just outside McGregor, is an exception, mainly because it's not just a regular kitschy cave tour. Instead, it's a kitschy cave tour in a boat on an underground river! I mean, where do you find that other than in Iowa's Driftless Area? As an adult, I would automatically be suspicious of such a place, but I first visited and took the tour as a child, and my sense of wonder has remained intact. So when you're in northeast Iowa, don't sleep on Spook Cave.

5. Future Birthplace of Captain James T. Kirk - Riverside

Riverside is a small town of around 1,000 people located just south of Iowa City. In the lore of the Star Trek franchise, Captain James T. Kirk hailed... er, will hail... from Iowa. In 1985, since nobody else had done so, the town of Riverside, with the blessing of Trek creator Gene Roddenberry, proclaimed itself the "Future Birthplace of Captain James T. Kirk." The future birthplace was subsequently canonized by reference in Star Trek television series and movies. In the decades since the proclamation, Riverside has hosted an annual Trekfest celebration, which draws thousands of folks—many in costume—to the town each summer. I thought the whole thing was silly: an arbitrary site for a made-up future event based on a made-up person.

Upon visiting, however, I was charmed by just how all-in the town has gone to cultivate the Star Trek vibe: a monument, a statue, business names playing on the franchise, and even a Trek-themed playground. I visited expecting to be disdainful of the whole business, but I left a near believer. If you have even a shred of interest in Star Trek, Riverside, Iowa, should be on your bucket list.

I admit I was wrong about these tourist destinations in Iowa, and I think you might appreciate them as well. Are there any spots in the Hawkeye State that have surprised you? We'd love to hear about your favorites. If you're feeling inspired to visit or revisit some of Iowa's favorite tourist spots, try using Only In Your State’s itinerary planner to plan your adventure. You might be surprised what it comes up with!