Trips & Routes

Unique Trips

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.
Nature

Beat the Winter Blues With a Snowy Getaway to Rural Iowa

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

We Bet You Didn’t Know These Rural Iowa Destinations Even Existed

by Raymond Goldfield
on Jul 26
A small, white café building with an American flag, a sign reading "Milan's Café," and a clear blue sky.
Trips & Routes

Most People Don’t Even Know This Little-Known Destination In Iowa Even Exists

by Raymond Goldfield
on Jul 20
A rustic wooden cabin surrounded by trees, featuring large windows and a porch.
Trips & Routes

You Can Live Off The Grid In This Iowa Town Considered The Best In The Country

by Raymond Goldfield
on Mar 15
Historic brick courthouse with a clock tower, surrounded by trees and a water tower under a blue sky.

Latest Unique Trips

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Unique Trips

Take a Day Trip to This Beautiful and Historic Iowa Town

When looking for the most unique small town in Iowa, you might have overlooked Eldon. This southern town is packed with history and charm.

by Raymond Goldfield
on Feb 27
A paved path curves through a bright green park lined with lush trees and wooden benches under a soft blue sky.
Trips & Routes
Unique Trips

Stock Up On Amish Goodies At Plainview Country Store, Then Enjoy The Iowa Countryside Along Amish Boulevard

by Raymond Goldfield
on Jan 30
A white farmhouse with a green roof, surrounded by colorful flower beds and parked cars in a rural setting.
Trips & Routes
Unique Trips

There’s A Road In Iowa That Looks Just Like Lombard Street, But Hardly Anyone Knows It Exists

Snake Alley in Burlington, Iowa, rivals San Francisco's Lombard Street with its sharp hairpin turns and unique construction.

by Raymond Goldfield
on Jan 11
Aerial view of a winding path through greenery, surrounded by various buildings and homes in a residential area.
Trips & Routes
Unique Trips

Enjoy A Scenic Train Ride, Then Spend The Night In A Historic Depot In This Iowa Town

Explore Iowa's rail history with a scenic train ride in Boone and a stay at the historic Hotel Pattee in Perry.

by Raymond Goldfield
on Aug 24
A yellow train crosses a tall bridge surrounded by lush green trees and hills under a clear blue sky.
Trips & Routes
Unique Trips

Ride The Amtrak All The Way Across Iowa For Just $42

by Cristy Carr
on Jan 9
A train station platform at dusk, with empty tracks and cloudy skies overhead.
Trips & Routes
Unique Trips

This Island In Iowa Is An Absolute Must Visit

Sabula Island, Iowa's only island city, offers a unique getaway with rich history, scenic views, and various recreational activities.

by Delana Lefevers
on Dec 26
Aerial view of winding rivers surrounded by green fields and patches of land, showcasing a diverse landscape.
Trips & Routes
Unique Trips

Take In The Beauty Of Iowa Year-Round With These 12 Scenic Drives

Discover twelve scenic drives in Iowa that showcase the state's natural beauty, historical sites, and cultural destinations throughout the year.

by Raymond Goldfield
on Dec 20
A scenic view of a river with a dam, surrounded by trees and a small town along the shore under a clear blue sky.
Trips & Routes
Unique Trips

Visit The Northwesternmost Point Of Iowa For An Unforgettable Experience

Larchwood, Iowa, is a hidden gem featuring the unique Gitchie Manitou State Preserve and the Grand Falls Casino & Golf Resort.

by Raymond Goldfield
on Dec 9
A serene landscape at sunset, featuring a grassy field, trees, and colorful clouds in the sky.
Trips & Routes
Unique Trips

A Winter Getaway To Iowa’s Snowiest Town Is Nothing Short Of Magical

Mason City, the snowiest town in Iowa, offers a unique winter getaway with local culture, outdoor activities, and historic accommodations.

by Raymond Goldfield
on Dec 8
A freight train travels through a snowy landscape under a clear blue sky.
Trips & Routes
Unique Trips

The Iowa Wine Trolley Tour You’ll Absolutely Love

Iowa Wine Tours offers guided wine tours in Dubuque, perfect for special occasions and wine enthusiasts.

by Raymond Goldfield
on Oct 25
A white shuttle bus with a wine-themed design parked outside a building.
Trips & Routes
Unique Trips

The Mysterious Iowa Road You Absolutely Must Drive At Least Once

Burlington, Iowa is home to the haunted Stony Hollow Road, where the ghost of Lucinda is said to appear.

by Kim Magaraci
on Oct 18
Aerial view of a rural area with fields and roads, marked by a red pin indicating a specific location.
Trips & Routes
Unique Trips

Pella, Iowa Is Being Called One Of The Best Small Town Vacations In America

Pella, Iowa, is a charming and family-friendly town known for its Dutch heritage, delicious food, and vibrant tulip displays.

by Cristy Carr
on Oct 11
A peaceful park scene with a winding path, blooming flowers, and trees, illuminated by soft evening light.
Trips & Routes
Unique Trips

7 Epic Train Rides In Iowa That Will Give You An Unforgettable Experience

Discover scenic and relaxing train rides across Iowa, from Creston to Burlington.

by Michaela Kendall
on Aug 15
A blue and yellow train crosses a tall bridge, surrounded by lush green trees and a smoky background.
Trips & Routes
Unique Trips

Iowa’s Great River Road Is Among The Most Scenic Drives In America And You’ll Want To Gas Up The Car Immediately

Explore the scenic Great River Road in Iowa, offering history, culture, and breathtaking views along the Mississippi River.

by Cristy Carr
on Jul 31
A scenic view of a river winding through autumn-colored hills, with a bridge and a small town along the shore.
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Unique Trips

A Drive Down Iowa’s Loneliest Road Will Take You Miles And Miles Away From It All

by Raymond Goldfield
on Aug 19
A quiet neighborhood with trees and houses, featuring a curved road and cloudy skies in the background.
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The Haunted Road Trip That Will Lead You To The Scariest Places In Iowa

Explore the spookiest and most haunted places in Iowa on a thrilling road trip.

by Deah Paulson
on Aug 24
Map of a haunted road trip in Iowa, featuring key locations and a route spanning over 600 miles.
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Unique Trips

The Scenic Train Ride In Iowa That Runs Year-Round

Amtrak offers year-round scenic train rides through Iowa on the California Zephyr and Southwest Chief routes.

by Raymond Goldfield
on Apr 21
Amtrak train arriving at a station with a modern building in the background and clear blue skies.
Trips & Routes
Unique Trips

Named One Of The Most Beautiful Small Towns In Iowa, Take A Closer Look At Bentonsport

Bentonsport, a tiny historic village in Iowa, offers a picturesque day trip with restored 1840s buildings and scenic views.

by Raymond Goldfield
on Aug 4
View of a historic bridge with a sign reading "Bentonport," surrounded by trees and quaint buildings under a clear blue sky.
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Unique Trips

Follow The Maquoketa River Along This Scenic Drive Through Iowa

Delaware Crossing Scenic Byway offers a picturesque drive through Iowa's prairie, leading to the charming city of Manchester with scenic views and local dining.

by Raymond Goldfield
on May 26
A boat glides across a calm lake, with houses and trees lining the shore in the background.
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Unique Trips

Farmington, Iowa Is One Of The Best Towns In America To Visit When The Weather Is Warm

Farmington offers unique summer activities, including parks, trail rides, shopping, a festival, and a top restaurant nearby.

by Raymond Goldfield
on Apr 22
A serene lake surrounded by lush greenery under a partly cloudy sky.
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Unique Trips

Estherville, Iowa Is One Of America’s Most Walkable Small Towns, And There Are Delights Around Every Corner

by Raymond Goldfield
on Mar 28
Sign welcoming visitors to Estherville, Iowa, with a colorful sunset sky in the background.
Trips & Routes
Unique Trips

Few People Know This Charming Small Town In Iowa Is The Halfway Point On Iowa Highway 3

Rowan, Iowa offers unique attractions and local charm along Iowa Highway 3.

by Raymond Goldfield
on Mar 17
A lush green field of strawberry plants with a red barn and trees under a cloudy blue sky.
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This Small Town In Iowa Is Peak Midwestern Vibes

Indianola, a small town in Iowa, offers unique attractions like the National Balloon Museum and Buxton Park Arboretum, providing a peaceful escape with a vibrant local culture.

by Raymond Goldfield
on Mar 3
Sign for the National Balloon Museum with a modern building and blue sky in the background.
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This Charming Downtown In Iowa Offers The Perfect Way To Spend An Afternoon

Marion, Iowa offers a charming escape with unique shops, delicious eateries, and a cozy theater, perfect for a day trip from Cedar Rapids.

by Raymond Goldfield
on Mar 2
A street view featuring a vintage clock, benches, and banners in a small town with buildings in the background.
Trips & Routes
Unique Trips

Take A Drive Across One Of Iowa’s Last Singing Bridges Before It’s Too Late

The Black Hawk Bridge in Lansing, Iowa, is a unique singing bridge scheduled for replacement in 2024.

by Cristy Carr
on Jan 18
View from a motorcycle on a metal bridge, with a GPS display showing directions and a cloudy sunset in the background.