Top Iowa Attractions
Things to Do in Iowa
Book these experiences for a close-up look at Iowa.
Top Attractions in Iowa
Arenas & Stadiums
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Natural History Museums • Science Museums
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Speciality Museums • History Museums
Observation Decks & Towers • Monuments & Statues
Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks
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What travelers are saying
- Noni S2 contributionsWe had a marvelous tour guide, Diana, who made the whole experience great! She knew many interesting details about the history of the Capitol building, and she was enthusiastic and personable. We highly recommend this tour for anyone visiting Des Moines! Ask for Diana!!Written August 8, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Melinda R4 contributionsbe ready to hike and climb! beautiful and definitely worth a few hours. our park ranger was even carrying around a little passenger around his neck-a snake native to the area.Written July 31, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Dr-Ing-DchenRapid City, SD830 contributionsEnjoyed learning about this section of the Mississippi river, and Dubuque's role in building boats. Found the displays, including live fish and water animal displays very interesting. Especially enjoyed the William M Black riverboat display, where we got to walk around on the boat and image life in the summer heat on this boat as it dredged the river. Worth the admission and the couple of hours we spent roaming through the museum!Written August 14, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- 1PalapasOnTheBeachIllinois2,117 contributionsThis car show here in Iowa is one of my favorites! We cannot wait to return. Love Iowa- great time.
One of the great features upon arriving in parking lot, all the employees/volunteers. You rock!!! You had the direction of all entrances moving pretty good. No gridlock, I believe when some other shows charge to park...it takes so much time - of- stop & go. No parking fee here.
Thank you for providing the golf carts for rides to and from our vehicles. It was so hot during our visit.
I'm calling this show my #2 favorite. Very nice hot rods!Written July 10, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - wkuhrt824762Omaha, NE2 contributionsThis is an excellent museum. I was quite impressed with their collection. There is a beautiful view of the Mississippi from the upper levels, which you will want to see! The gift shop was very nice, and the prices were reasonableWritten July 23, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Wanda HMascoutah, IL240 contributionsNot the kind of museum that has lots of cases with things in them, and you read the description underneath. This place has a huge variety of exhibitions that draw you in in different ways. Loaded with VERY interesting information!Written August 11, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- TwizzleCoal City IL63 contributionsWhat a pleasant experience! Beautiful gardens, absolutely free. You have the option to donate, but it is not required. The gardens are well maintained. Each flower is marked as to the name and the variety. Highly recommend for a peaceful walk.Written June 26, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Lori MCrystal Lake, IL100 contributionsWe went for an afternoon and enjoyed it very much. Very small zoo but the animals were out and active. Zoo staff was very nice and told us all about the animals, their names etc.Written August 13, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Tuesday693 contributionsThe Fossil Gorge is a great roadside stop for anybody passing through the area. It’s amazing to be able to get up close and be able to search for the fossils yourself. Make sure to bring water/hats on a sunny day as there is little shade in the gorge itself.Written August 2, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- liquidskiyDallas, TX93 contributionsI came across this in researching my trip. It’s a very simple thing but I found it to be so fun. You can take it from either the top or bottom of the hill. If you catch it from the bottom you just get in the cart and pull the cord when you are ready and they’ll bring you up and you can pay your $2 up at the top. The person running it as is at the top in a small office. They were very nice. Great views from the top. Make sure to take a pamphlet if you want to learn about the history of the elevator. Depending on your plan you could park at the top (careful, it’s a thin residential road) and explore the shops and then go back. I should have done this in hindsight. Some shops that I wanted to go to we’re spread out so I planned to park at the shop. I found out when I got to downtown Dubuque that there are parking meters everywhere. It was such a hassle that I ended up not exploring anywhere in downtown and instead headed to the river walk and the aquarium.Written August 15, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Bryce PIowa City, IA65 contributionsFirst thing to know, it is only known as "Kinnick Stadium." The stadium was named after the only Heisman trophy winner from the University of Iowa. Kinnick died in a training accident in 1943 flying his plane from the aircraft carrier USS Lexington (CV-16), which was off the coast of Venezuela in the Gulf of Paria. Also the first Heisman trophy winner ever to die.
Second thing to know, that picture is from a wrestling match where UIOWA set the attendance record for a wrestling team dual at 42,287 in 2015.Written March 5, 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Navigate19874092136Elko, MN7 contributionsOur kids, ages 14, 12, 8, and 5 all said this was the highlight of our long weekend trip to Iowa. Parts of the building were a little rundown, but that didn't take away from our experience.Written October 24, 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Janet MFlorida146 contributionsInteresting subject matter, and was done very well, the animatronics are really cool. Lots of interactive things for the kids.Written July 27, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Ellen RJefferson City, MO33 contributionsWe enjoyed walking around this beautiful lake with views of the downtown of Des Moines. There is also a beach for swimming, fishing, playground, and canoes, kayaks, and boats available to rent.Written July 21, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Ellen RJefferson City, MO33 contributionsWe enjoyed all the wonderful sculptures in this lovely park. It is a great place to just stroll through and enjoy the park and the view of the downtown skyline.Written July 19, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
