Trips & Routes

Trips & Routes

Endless Outdoor Adventures Await in These 5 Small Towns in Iowa

Check out the most outdoorsy towns in Iowa, with great access to rock climbing, water trails, hiking trails, and biking rails

by Stephanie Frias
on Jun 15
An aerial, river shot of Elkader and the Motor Mill with green foliage, an outdoorsy town in Iowa
Trips & Routes

One of Iowa’s Quirkiest Towns Is Still Flying Under the Radar

by Jessica Mlinaric
on May 24
A barge floats past an island filled with homes and green trees on a river
Trips & Routes

This Little-Known Waterfront Town Is One of the Most Charming in Iowa

by Trent Jonas
on Apr 22
View of the Mississippi River from an overlook near Guttenberg, Iowa.
Trips & Routes

This Charming Historic Town Is One of Iowa’s Best-Kept Secrets

by Stephanie Frias
on Mar 25
Driving into Oxford, a small historic town in Iowa
Trips & Routes

One of Iowa’s Most Surprising Road Trip Stops Is Hiding in Plain Sight

by Trent Jonas
on Mar 23
Modern Tiffin, Iowa rest area building featuring giant "IOWA" script art and a large quill pen sculpture out front.

Latest Trips & Routes

Trips & Routes

Locals Love This Under-the-Radar Iowa Town (Here’s Why)

Visit Riverside, Iowa, the charming hidden town celebrated as the future birthplace of Captain Kirk. Uncover its Star Trek monuments and luxury casino resort.

by Stephanie Frias
on Mar 10
Captain Kirk Birthplace, Hidden Iowa Town obsessed with Star Trek
Trips & Routes

Burr Oak, Iowa Is a Literary Pilgrimage for Fans of Laura Ingalls Wilder

Plan a literary pilgrimage to Burr Oak, Iowa, and discover the hidden history of Laura Ingalls Wilder. It's a must-visit destination for book lovers.

by Trent Jonas
on Mar 4
The historic red brick Burr Oak Savings Bank building serves as the Laura Ingalls Wilder Visitor Center in Iowa.
Trips & Routes

Pappajohn Sculpture Park Is the Most Colorful Place You’ll Find in Iowa

Pappajohn Sculpture Park is the most colorful place in Iowa. Its rainbow of sculptures is free to explore year-round.

by Stephanie Frias
on Feb 23
Panoramic Awareness Pavilion sculpture at Pappajohn Sculpture Park, the most colorful place in Iowa
Trips & Routes

3 Small Towns in Iowa So Dreamy, You’ll Swear You’ve Seen Them on TV

If you haven’t been to these dreamy small towns in Iowa, you’re missing out on an island getaway, a Swiss village, and a romantic movie location.

by Stephanie Frias
on Jan 22
The bridge over the Mississippi River that connects to Iowa's Sabula Island
Trips & Routes

Not a Skier? This Iowa Snow Tubing Spot Is Just as Much Fun

Seven Oaks Recreation near Boone offers some of the best snow tubing in Iowa. With many runs, a tow, and plenty of food and beverage options, it's a perfect way to spend a winter day in the Hawkeye State.

by Trent Jonas
on Jan 13
Snow tubers navigate down the multiple white runs at Seven Oaks, with a view of the lift lines and trees on either side.
Trips & Routes

I’ve Been Gatekeeping This Hidden Food Network Cafe in Iowa

Barrett’s in Coralville is a Food Network find for Iowa foodies. It has one of the best bakeries in Iowa and a decadent brunch menu, too.

by Stephanie Frias
on Jan 10
Three white plates of food on a wooden tables, brihgtly colored poke bowls and desserts, two cup of iced tea
Trips & Routes

This Town in Iowa Looks Straight Out of a Hallmark Christmas Movie

Oskaloosa’s Lighted Christmas Parade is the Iowa Hallmark movie experience you’re looking for to make lifelong holiday memories.

by Stephanie Frias
on Nov 26
A historic, brick clocktower coverd in red Christmas lights
Trips & Routes

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

Thanks to Iowa for one of the longest footbridges in the USA, an unexpectedly pristine river, and an impressive sculpture park!

by Stephanie Frias
on Nov 21
A white bridge suspended by cable over a bridge with a city building in the background.
Trips & Routes

This Hidden Park and Trail in Iowa Is a True Local Secret

This Iowa park and its trails aren't nearly as popular as neighboring parks. Locals would like to keep it that way.

by Trent Jonas
on Nov 20
A view of a small, historic town in a green forested river valley beneath a hazy sky.
Trips & Routes
Travel Preparation & Advice

4 Places in Iowa Locals Hope Tourists Never Discover

These four places in Iowa offer experiences that are similar to more popular tourist spots. But you won't have to brave the crowds.

by Trent Jonas
on Nov 10
Views above Mississippi River and woodlands during autumn from Effigy Mounds National Monument in Iowa.
Trips & Routes
Small Towns

The Small Town in Iowa That Feels Like Dawson’s Creek

McGregor is Iowa’s most charming waterfront town. It whispers small-town Dawson’s Creek vibes you have to experience for yourself.

by Stephanie Frias
on Nov 8
Floating buildings on the river of a waterfront town with golden hour light on the water and bare, winter trees in the background
Trips & Routes
Small Towns

How to Spend Only a Few Hours in the Amana Colonies, Iowa

When I visit the Amana Colonies in Iowa, I have three stops have to make: a bakery, a rock shop, and a Christmas store

by Stephanie Frias
on Oct 4
Row of brick buildings, vibrant green trees, and a sidewalk with a wooden fence on Main Steet Amama
Trips & Routes
Small Towns

This Lakefront Town Feels Like It Belongs in Europe (But It’s in Iowa)

Lake Okoboji in northwest Iowa offers crystal-clear glacial lakes, charming attractions, and vibrant summer life that rivals Europe’s famous lake regions.

by Kate Orlando
on Aug 25
Gull Point State Park is located on Lake Okoboji in Northwest Iowa
Trips & Routes
Small Towns

This Tiny Town in Iowa Feels Like a Living Time Capsule

This tiny Iowa town feels like a living time capsule with historic charm, quiet streets, and small-town sights worth exploring.

by Kerri Cox
on May 7
Flags wave over the historic Centerville, Iowa, train depot on a cloudy day.
Trips & Routes
Travel Preparation & Advice

Can’t Make It to the Tour de France? Try This Iowa Alternative

One of the largest noncompetitive cycling events in the world takes place right here in Iowa. See why RAGBRAI is a summer tradition you won't want to miss.

by Trent Jonas
on Jul 22
alt
Trips & Routes
Small Towns

Why Muscatine, Iowa, the Gateway of Wildcat Den State Park, Is Worth a Visit in Its Own Right

Wildcat Den is one of my favorite state parks in Iowa. Its gateway town of Muscatine, Iowa, is worthy of a visit in its own right.

by Trent Jonas
on Jun 28
alt
Trips & Routes
Small Towns

Skip Europe This Summer: This City in Iowa Is Just as Quaint as Denmark

Elk Horn, Iowa, offers charming Danish architecture and cozy streets that rival Denmark’s charm. Experience Europe vibes without leaving the Midwest!

by Jacki Mick
on Jun 13
alt
Trips & Routes

This 2-Day Trip Through Iowa Leads to the Most Unexpectedly Delightful Destinations

From The Field of Dreams to the state’s tallest waterfall, this 2-day route showcases how easy it is to get outside and explore the best of the Hawkeye State.

by Trent Jonas
on Feb 19
Mississippi River viewed from the bluffs at Effigy Mounds National Monument on a bright summer day
Trips & Routes
Unique Trips

9 Spots in Iowa We’ve Always Known About (But Can’t Stop Visiting)

Check out nine of the best hidden gems in Iowa that locals just can't stop visiting. From a unique island city to historic towers, you'll love these spots.

by Tori Jane
on Feb 28
A white house with a prominent Gothic window stands on a lush green lawn under a clear blue sky.
Trips & Routes
Small Towns

Why Winter Is This Iowa Town’s Secret Season

The incredible beauty of the Mississippi Valley combines with historic charm to make McGregor one of the best winter towns in Iowa

by Trent Jonas
on Dec 22
* Snow can be seen on the ground and on islands in the main channel of the Mississippi River near McGregor, Iowa.
Nature
Trips & Routes
Unique Trips

Beat the Winter Blues With a Snowy Getaway to Rural Iowa

Don't let the frigid weather scare you away; as it turns out, Iowa's countryside becomes especially whimsical in the winter.

by Tori Jane
on Dec 12
Historic dark wooden mill next to a small dam and partially frozen creek surrounded by bare winter trees in rural Iowa.
Trips & Routes

From Hitting the Slopes to Enjoying a Soak: How to Enjoy a Perfect Weekend This Winter in Dubuque, Iowa

For a winter weekend getaway in Iowa, look no further than the town of Dubuque, where you can hit the slopes and then relax at a spa afterward

by Trent Jonas
on Dec 17
alt
Trips & Routes
Small Towns

The Remote Town in Iowa We Simply Can’t Get Enough Of

Discover a remote small town in Iowa full of charm, quiet beauty, and hidden gems you’ll want to visit again and again.

by Trent Jonas
on Apr 7
The downtown area of Lansing, Iowa, with its historic brick buildings and forested Mississippi River bluffs, photographed from an elevated position north of the town.
Trips & Routes
Small Towns

There’s No Place Like My Hometown of Decorah, Iowa for the Holidays

Charming and historic Decorah is my hometown, and I think it's the best place to spend the holidays in Iowa

by Trent Jonas
on Nov 6
alt
Trips & Routes
Day Trips
Small Towns

If You Only Have One Day To Visit This Small Town in Iowa, Here’s Everything You Absolutely Can’t Miss

Discover how to spend a perfect day in Winterset, Iowa, from visiting the John Wayne Birthplace Museum to exploring the iconic covered bridges of Madison County.

by Megan Todaro
on Dec 2
A scenic view of a red covered bridge at sunset, with a river and trees in the background.
Trips & Routes
Road Trips

This Iowa Literary Road Trip Leads to 7 Incredible Bookstores and Sites

Discover this Iowa literary road trip that takes you to famous literary sites and landmarks, where you can learn more about them.

by Trent Jonas
on Mar 6
A colorful mural showcasing the words 'Greater Des Moines' on the side of a building, featuring artistic scenes of the city.
Trips & Routes
Road Trips

The Kitschy Road Trip Through Iowa That Leads To 5 Iconic Attractions

From stunning natural sites to quirky tourist spots, five of Iowa's best roadside attractions await on this road trip.

by Raymond Goldfield
on Sep 24
A wooden walkway leads through a cave opening, surrounded by lush greenery and trees above.
Trips & Routes
Road Trips

The Scenic Road Trip That Leads to 5 of Iowa’s Most Charming Small Towns

This small-town road-trip in Iowa is the perfect way to explore the diverse culture and sights of the Hawkeye State.

by Raymond Goldfield
on Sep 16
A green shrub grows in front of a long wooden building that houses a winery and food shop.
Trips & Routes
Small Towns

This Blink-And-You’ll-Miss-It Town in Iowa Is So Worth Exploring

Denison, Iowa, is hiding in the southwestern part of the state. This quaint town of around 8,300 is packed with charming surprises.

by Raymond Goldfield
on Nov 7
A U.S. flag flies above the red brick post office of Denison, Iowa, under a blue sky.
Trips & Routes

The Incredible Road Trip Through Iowa That Leads You To 7 Stunning Lakes

by Raymond Goldfield
on Jun 13
Map highlighting a road trip route through Iowa, featuring seven stunning lakes, including Big Creek and Rathbun Lake.
Trips & Routes

Get Off The Freeway And Onto This Scenic Back Road Between Marquette and Guttenberg, Iowa

by Raymond Goldfield
on May 15
A large riverboat with smokestacks docked near a shore, with a house and vehicles in the foreground.
Trips & Routes

The Incredible Flower Road Trip Through Iowa Is The Ultimate Spring Adventure

by Raymond Goldfield
on Apr 23
Map highlighting a flower road trip route through Iowa, featuring key stops and attractions for spring adventures.
Trips & Routes

The Breathtaking Scenic Drive Through Iowa That Runs Along The Des Moines River

by Raymond Goldfield
on Apr 2
A green truss bridge spans a calm river, surrounded by lush trees under a clear blue sky.
Trips & Routes
Day Trips

This Unique Indoor Playground In Iowa Is Perfect For A Day Trip Any Time Of Year

by Raymond Goldfield
on Feb 13
Exterior of Fort Frenzy building with a red entrance, large circular designs, and an American flag in the foreground.
Trips & Routes
Small Towns

The Perfect Iowa Getaways To Take If You Have Been Dreaming Of Europe

by Raymond Goldfield
on Feb 7
A scenic view of a canal with flowers, a windmill, and brick buildings under a blue sky with fluffy clouds.
Trips & Routes
Small Towns

The Cozy Small Town In Iowa That Comes Alive Under A Blanket Of Snow

by Raymond Goldfield
on Jan 1
A snowy park scene at dusk, featuring tall trees and a quiet pathway lined with benches.
Trips & Routes
Small Towns

This Charming Community Might Just Be The Most Peaceful Place To Live In Iowa

by Raymond Goldfield
on Nov 20
A grassy area with a stone border featuring a sign that reads "Welcome to Lake View" in white letters.
Trips & Routes

The Under-The-Radar Scenic Drive In Iowa That Showcases Rolling Hills And Czech Culture

by Raymond Goldfield
on Nov 7
A large white Victorian house with a green lawn, surrounded by trees and old bed frames in the foreground.
Trips & Routes
Small Towns

7 Christmas Towns in Iowa That Will Fill Your Heart With Holiday Cheer

Looking for the best Christmas towns in Iowa this season? These seven magical towns will put you in the Hawkeye State holiday spirit.

by Raymond Goldfield
on Dec 4
alt
Trips & Routes
Small Towns

This Charming European-Inspired Village In Iowa Is The Perfect Place For A Day Trip

by Raymond Goldfield
on Oct 31
A serene lakeside scene at sunset, featuring blue benches on a sandy beach with trees and houses in the background.