Midwest · United States
Iowa
Farm-to-table heartland, Mississippi River bluffs and small-town Midwest charm.
Discover Iowa
Iowa is the Midwest at its most welcoming. Rolling farmland and a proud agricultural heritage sit alongside Mississippi River bluffs, historic German villages, film-famous baseball fields and the legendary Iowa State Fair. Easy driving, charming Main Streets and genuine hospitality make it a rewarding addition to any Midwest road trip.
Recommended Drives
Suggested itineraries
10 days
The Classic Iowa Loop
Route: A circular drive taking in Iowa's iconic landscapes, gateway towns, and signature stays.
Our most-requested itinerary for first-time visitors to Iowa, a balance of headline sights and quiet, off-grid retreats.
7 days
Iowa Hidden Corners
Route: Lesser-known back roads, working ranches, and locally-owned inns across Iowa.
Designed with our regional partners for travellers who have already seen the postcards and want the unfiltered version.
Top Places To Visit
The unmissable Iowa
Des Moines
The state capital and home of the famous Iowa State Fair, with a lively dining and culture scene.
Dubuque
Historic river city with the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium.
Amana Colonies
Seven historic German villages full of artisan shops, wineries and breweries.
Northeast Iowa
Mississippi River bluffs, Pikes Peak State Park and Effigy Mounds.
Simple Things To Do
Top attractions in Iowa
A quick-hit list of ideas for first-time visitors to Iowa.
Iowa State Fair (Des Moines)
One of the largest and most iconic state fairs in the USA, held each August, with livestock displays, local food, live entertainment, competitions, carnival rides and traditional Midwestern experiences.
Amana Colonies (Amana)
Seven historic German villages in eastern Iowa, known for their preserved heritage, artisan workshops, independent shops, local restaurants, wineries and breweries.
Field of Dreams Movie Site (Dyersville)
The famous location from the classic baseball film. Walk onto the iconic diamond and experience a piece of American pop culture.
Pikes Peak State Park (McGregor)
Along the Mississippi River in northeast Iowa, with spectacular views, hiking trails, woodland and one of the best overlooks in the Midwest.
National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium (Dubuque)
A Smithsonian-affiliated attraction exploring the history, wildlife and culture of the Mississippi River through interactive exhibits, aquariums and outdoor displays.
Why Iowa
Key destination highlights
Agriculture & farm experiences
Authentic farm visits, farm-to-table dining, farmers' markets and local produce that reveal the traditions behind Iowa's food culture.
Outdoor recreation
Scenic rivers, rolling hills, forests and state parks for hiking, cycling, fishing, kayaking and countryside drives all year round.
Historic & cultural sites
Historic towns, museums, heritage trails and cultural attractions telling the stories of the American Midwest.
Small-town charm
Historic Main Streets, independent shops and local dining that showcase the welcoming character of the Midwest.
Events & festivals
Year-round celebrations of local culture, music, food and traditions, including the famous Iowa State Fair.
The great outdoors
Outdoor & natural highlights
Maquoketa Caves State Park (Maquoketa)
Limestone caves, scenic hiking trails and wooded landscapes, one of Iowa's most unique natural attractions.
Loess Hills (Western Iowa)
A rare landscape of rolling hills formed by windblown soil, with scenic drives, hiking trails and wildlife viewing.
Lake Macbride State Park (Solon)
Near Iowa City, offering boating, fishing, swimming, hiking trails and peaceful lakeside scenery.
Yellow River State Forest (Harpers Ferry)
One of Iowa's most rugged natural areas, with forest trails, camping, horseback riding and fishing.
Effigy Mounds National Monument (Harpers Ferry)
Ancient Native American earthworks with scenic walking trails overlooking the Mississippi River valley.
Where to stay
Recommended Iowa hotels
Des Lux Hotel (Des Moines)
A stylish downtown boutique hotel with historic character, elegant interiors and easy access to the city and State Fairgrounds.
Hotel Julien Dubuque (Dubuque)
A historic landmark in the Old Main District, combining heritage charm with modern comforts, ideal for exploring the Mississippi River region.
Amana Colonies Inn (Amana)
A charming historic property within the Amana Colonies, among German heritage, artisan shops and local restaurants.
The Hotel at Kirkwood Center (Cedar Rapids)
A contemporary AAA Four Diamond hotel with modern rooms and local artwork, a convenient Midwest road-trip stop.
Honey Creek Resort (Moravia)
A lakeside resort on Rathbun Lake with outdoor recreation, water activities, golf and family-friendly experiences.
Continue Exploring The Midwest