3 Spots in Iowa We’re Especially Thankful for This Year

This Thanksgiving, I'm expressing my gratitude to the state of Iowa for its impressive achievements in conservation and urban sustainability. I have been consistently surprised by the dedication of our people to protecting Iowa’s native habitats and parks. After a lifetime of exploring our state, these urban parks and rural conservation projects are among what I consider the best places to visit in Iowa.

1. Pappajohn Sculpture Park - Des Moines

The Pappajohn Sculpture Park in Des Moines offers a unique blend of outdoor and artistic elements, all of which are free to enjoy. Once considered undesirable, the area underwent a revitalization, transforming neglected buildings into a beautiful 4.4-acre green space. Featuring $40 million in donated sculptures from the park's benefactors, it has become a vibrant hub for businesses, pedestrians, and community events, including festivals and concerts.

Over the past 15 years, the Pappajohn Sculpture Park has acquired a diverse range of works from notable artists, now featuring a total of 28 sculptures. The West Des Moines Park receives ongoing grants to ensure that the park and its masterpieces remain in excellent condition. It is open year-round from 6 AM to midnight and features award-winning night lighting. I am grateful for a place like this in Iowa, where

2. The Turkey River

The Turkey River is, without a doubt, my favorite place to enjoy the water in Iowa. It stands out as a true beacon for water conservation and outdoor recreation. Running through the Driftless Area, the Turkey River and its tributaries are pristine, calm, and clear, making them among the finest waters in the state. The banks are lined with flourishing native woodlands and prairies, providing habitats for many of Iowa’s most iconic species, including brown trout, softshell turtles, bald eagles, great blue herons, wild ginger root, and morel mushrooms.

My family and I enjoy canoeing, fishing, and biking along the Turkey River, which stretches 153 miles across six counties, lined with charming small towns. The river is in excellent condition today, thanks to a decade of community-led water conservation efforts that have focused on improving water quality for both drinking and outdoor recreation. The Turkey River is one of the best places to visit in Iowa. Our favorite features include the 7 miles of paved hiking trails, the 98-mile water trail, the Big Spring Trout Hatchery, and the native wildlife exhibit at the Osborne Conservation Center near Elkader, which showcases a variety of animals, including bears, wildcats, owls, and wolves.

3. Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge - Council Bluffs

Although the name is credited to a Nebraska senator, and much of its fame is attributed to the neighboring city of Omaha, the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge also belongs to Council Bluffs. In fact, the best part of the bridge's story is the collaboration between two cities from different states to reconnect with the river. The 3,000-foot bridge stretches 60 feet above the Missouri River, and my kids love to straddle the state line, with one foot in Nebraska and one foot in Iowa. 

Since its construction in 2008, both sides of the bridge have undergone prolific development of expansive, urban green spaces. On the Iowa side, it’s called the Tom Hanafan River’s Edge Park, featuring a 5-acre waterfront lawn, a play garden, sculpture park, and 40 miles of recreational trails, plus extensive protected areas of wetland and forest habitats. I am so thankful for the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge and its inspiring example of community collaboration, conservation, and urban revitalization.

Looking for more of the best places to visit in Iowa? Get inspired by Only In Your State's AI-powered itinerary planner!