We heard your travel bug bite is still itching. Of course, that could just be a swarm of mosquitos. Either way, our first article about unique day trips in Iowa was so popular, we had people asking for more. So, here are 10 more unique Iowa day trips that you must take this summer!
1. Enjoy a night at the drive-in theater.
Sit back, put the top down, and enjoy a unique end-of-the-day experience at the drive-in theater. There are drive-in theaters in Spirit Lake, Newton, Delmar, Blue Grass, and more. This is a great way to end the perfect day trip, or you can head out here to make a drive-in your whole destination. Stop for snacks and popcorn on the way!
Part of the fun of going to a drive-in movie theater is wandering around waiting for the first movie to start - meeting people, grabbing some snacks, and letting the anticipation of this unique experience build. One of the best day trips in IA may not even lead you to a daytime activity - a "night trip" is just as much fun:
2. Discover the Villages of Van Buren
The Villages of Van Buren are definitely one of Iowa's hidden treasures. There are 12 villages, with some of the bigger ones being Bentonsport, Bonaparte, Birmingham, Farmington, and Keosauqua. With no fast food restaurants, no stop lights, and a historic village feel, the Villages of Van Buren are just the day trip many of us Iowans need to escape the daily grind.
3. Experience German culture in the Amana Colonies
The little villages that make up the Amana Colonies offer a taste of German culture with their German restaurants, brewery, and bakeries. You can also check out more areas of German culture at the Wool Mill, and at their various shops and stores, where they sell many handmade items. Be sure to stop in the Amana General Store!
4. Rent a bike and explore the city of Des Moines.
Rent a bike from the BCycle station in Des Moines, and treat yourself to a tour of the capital city. Des Moines is a very bike-friendly city and you'll find plenty of places to park along the way.
Join Out of the House as they take a bike ride through Des Moines in this video showing some fun day trips in Iowa you can take on your bike:
5. Sip and paint with your friends
Gather a group of your friends and enjoy a night of wine and painting. There are a ton of different places to do this: Pinot's Palette in Des Moines, Creative Spirits in Okoboji, and others in Cedar Rapids, Iowa City, and the Quad Cities.
6. Visit the Sioux City Art Center
The Sioux City Art Center is a great place to check out. They have many beautiful exhibits and art pieces, and they offer a ton of different art classes. While you're in town, stop at the Hard Rock Cafe for lunch.
7. Explore Des Moines' Historic East Village
This artsy, cultural district of Des Moines has been compared to New York's Greenwich Village. It's a really neat place to spend the day, and if you get hungry, check out Zombie Burger. Their burgers are to die for.
8. Take a scenic train ride in Boone
Take a train ride through the scenic valleys of Boone, and over the highest train bridge. They offer dinner and dessert trains, too, and even let you bring your own bottle of wine if you want.
9. Canoe down the Iowa River near Decorah
Spend the day canoeing down the Upper Iowa River in Decorah. While you're there, check out the ice caves, waterfall, and Vesterheim Norwegian Museum.
10. Check out Grotto of the Redemption in West Bend
Often called the "Eighth Wonder of the World," this giant, religious shrine in West Bend is made completely of gems and stones.
The fascinating Shrine of the Grotto of the Redemption in Iowa is a very unique attraction that should be part of any day trips you plan to Iowa. Take a quick tour with The Wild Rover in this video:
Think these unique Iowa day trips will finally cure your travel bug? Let us know all about the best day trips near you in the comments section, or nominate your favorite spot right here.
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