Most reviewed Points of Interest & Landmarks in Iowa
4.5Fenelon Place Elevator Co.(1.184 reviews) - Riding history up and down a very steep hill Friday: 8:00 AM - 10:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks
Historic cable car. Also known as the Fourth Street Elevator, this funicular railway has been called "the world's steepest, shortest scenic railway." Great view of downtown Dubuque, the Mississippi River and 3 states. Buses should go to the bottom of the bluff. Please use 4th and Bluff Streets for GPS. Narrow streets with parking on both sides at the top of the bluff. Open 8 AM to 10 PM daily April 1 though November 30. Closed Thanksgiving. We do not accept debit or credit cards.See more..
5.0Surf Ballroom(351 reviews) - WOW WHAT A WONDERFUL PLACE Points of Interest & Landmarks • Bars & Clubs
I traveled to Clear Lake to visit the Surf Ballroom and I am glad I did. I didn't know what to expect but when I arrived I was overwhelmed with history. The ballroom is preserved just as it was when Buddy Holly, The Big Bopper and Richie Valens played their last show here. From the original wood floors to the thousands of signatures on the walls of the green room, the Surf Ballroom is history every where you look. The wall are covered with autographed photos and artifacts from those that have played here. You can see B. B. Kings Guitar and Charlie Daniel's Fiddle. Plus this place is still making history as it is still a very active music venue. Admission is free but a $5.00 donation is suggested. I spent about 2-hours here and loved every minute.See more..
4.5Snake Alley(284 reviews) - Snake Alley is a Work of Art Friday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks • Historic Walking Areas
This local landmark was constructed in 1894 to help connect the residential district at the top of the bluff with the commercial district down below. Snake Alley consists of five half-curves, two quarter-curves and drops 58 feet over a distance of 275 feet. Test your driving, walking or bicycling skills on what Ripley's Believe It or Not! calls “Unbelievably Crooked!" Designated as #1 in Ripley’s Believe It or Not!’s Odd Spots Across America campaign.See more..
After visiting the Surf Ballroom, I made the 6-mile drive down a dusty dirt road to the the site where Buddy Holly, The Big Bopper and Richie Valens died in a plane crash in February 1959. You end up driving down a dirt road until you see a large pair of black glasses on the shoulder of the road. Park here on the shoulder then you have to walk a little over a quarter mile down a path in a corn field to the actual crash site. The crash site is marked by a small makeshift memorial with the names of those who died here. It is a somber walk but one many music fans have made over the years. While it was not crowded while I was there there were several other visitors making the walk to the site. If you are near Clear Lake you should visit the Surf Ballroom and then make the drive out to the Crash Site.See more..
4.5Brucemore(269 reviews) - Time well spent Friday: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks
Brucemore is a living landmark that charts the history of Cedar Rapids. The 26-acre, park-like estate invites exploration of its history, gardens, grounds, and 21-room mansion. Each season, nature's changing beauty entices visitors to the estate offering new experiences. Concerts, theater, festivals, garden walks, holiday celebrations, and tours enliven the site and celebrate the heritage of the community.See more..
5.0Historic Park Inn Hotel(198 reviews) - Great Stay at a Historic Hotel! Friday: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings
We really enjoyed our stay at this hotel. Being Frank Lloyd Wright buffs made it a special treat. The hotel has been beautifully restored and great thought has gone into making the hotels rooms modern and yet in the appropriate style. Don't expect large rooms - but expect beauty and comfort. Make sure you wander and enjoy all the other lovely spaces in this hotel. We stayed on a Monday night so were not able to enjoy the restaurant or bar. Next time we will!See more..
4.0Czech Village / New Bohemia District(183 reviews) - Little Shopping and Cultural Gem Friday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Points of Interest & Landmarks
Only a few blocks, it's easy to visit every shop, restaurants, breweries, the museum, and the walking paths within a day. But interesting enough to keep you coming back to re-visit favorites. A great place to chill.See more..
One does not typically find a structure like this in Iowa. Pleasant scenic drive to get there. Nice views from the top of the tower. See more..
4.0Court Avenue(114 reviews) - Court Ave Restaraunt and Brewery Points of Interest & Landmarks
Court Ave was fairly busy for a rainy Tuesday afternoon. Many restaurants and shops are located along Court Ave. I went to the brew pub (located in and old building which housed a saddlery & now renovated) I was completely satisfied with the service, the menu and the price. Lots of craft beers made by the brewery were available along with a full bar and wine options. Food was wonderful & portions were large enough to share and still feel satisfied. The pretzel dippers (4) were huge and came with a trio of dipping sauces (hard to pick a favorite I liked them all) Jambalaya was spicy. I had traditional ( mild & hot were the other choices) was glad I didn't order the hot. Waitress was pleasant and helpful. There were street side tables and a nice bar as well.See more..
4.5National Farm Toy Museum(97 reviews) - Recommend this bargain museum. Friday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Speciality Museums • Points of Interest & Landmarks • History Museums
Check out the place where agricultural history is on a roll! The National Farm Toy Museum in Dyersville, IA, houses memorabilia and farm toys of today and yesterday. The museum’s mission is the preservation of the history of agriculture through farm toy collecting. The whole family will enjoy discovering how farming has changed throughout the years and the history of the tractors that make successful harvests happen. The National Farm Toy Museum is open daily. Admission: Adults $7, Seniors $6, Juniors 6-17 $5 and Kids 5 and under are free.See more..
4.5Historic General Dodge House(97 reviews) - Fascinating little-known history Friday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings
Built in 1869 on the frontier, no expense was spared on this sublime Second Empire Victorian home. The fourteen room, three story mansion stands on a high terrace overlooking the Missouri Valley, and displays such architectural features as parquet floors, mansard roof, cherry, walnut & butternut woodwork, and a number of "modern" conveniences quite unusual for the period: central heating and hot & cold running water. The house was designed by William Boyington, a famous Chicago architect. It has been painstakingly curated with period items, many of them original to the home and the Dodge family.See more..
4.0Future Birthplace of James T. Kirk(89 reviews) - Okay, I admit it: I’m a nerd Friday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Points of Interest & Landmarks
When I tell people I went to the monument for the Future Birthplace of Capt. James T. Kirk, I am met with with either a cold, hard stare or “Wow, that’s so cool!” What a fun thing to come up with to get tourism to your town. Wish I had the time to stop for lunch as it looks like a nice little town. I see other posts have photos that look like they were taken before the stone was moved - surrounded by a little garden. When I visited the monument was located near the side of a building, easily accessible to the street and parking. I hope this new location will look nicer when it isn’t winter and 5° out. I still enjoyed the stop, though. It was worth the extra drive time for bragging rights/entertainment value. People think I’m either nuts or awesome. Cool.See more..
3.5Shot Tower(87 reviews) - Can’t go in... hard to find, but still worth a look Points of Interest & Landmarks • Observation Decks & Towers
First of all, trust google maps to get you there. It will lead you through an industrial area, past trucks, but the tower is indeed there, surrounded by factories. You can’t go in, but there is a pretty nice display, describing how lead was heated, poured through a pan with holes in it so the melted metal would form ball-shape droplets before dropping into a water bath pretty neat. See more..
4.5Julien Dubuque Monument(85 reviews) - River view, history, short stroll Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks • Monuments & Statues
The river views alone are worth the stop. You can park and stroll the sidewalk to the lookout and monument. Historical plaques are displayed for your information about Dubuque and the Mines of Spain. Julien Dubuque’s remains are inside the monument tower. You cannot go inside the monument. It is locked and hollow inside. There is a nice lookout of the Mississippi River here with expansive views to the north, east, and south. I recommend a stop here.See more..
4.5Courthouse Square(80 reviews) - Center-point of Winterset Spent 1-2 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks
The Courthouse square is such a blast from the past. The building is beautiful and the square surrounding it has many cute shops and restaurants. I love the Ben Franklin store. The grounds are well maintained. It gave me a glimpse into the past. See more..
4.5Art on the River - Dubuque(73 reviews) - Must See Museum on the Mississippi Spent 1-2 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks
This museum has something for everyone. My favorite section puts you inside an old steam boat to learn the history of Mark Twain and the river. Their seasonal exhibits are diverse and interesting. You can also get a popsicle or slushy and walk the marina outside the museum and then take the beautiful river walk for year round beautiful views of the Mississippi. See more..
4.0Robert D. Ray Asian Gardens(66 reviews) - Peaceful oasis in the city Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks • Monuments & Statues • Gardens
Right next to the river, these gardens are well designed and tranquil. Near the Botanical Center, it's certainly worth stopping as it is along the only road to the center. Des Moines is fortunate to have such gardens.See more..
5.0Freedom Rock(59 reviews) - Simple but means a lot Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks
Short drive off interstate but worth the small diversion. tributes to various generations - very interesting artworkSee more..
4.0Antique City Drive(44 reviews) - Weekend Day Trip Points of Interest & Landmarks
Cobblestone street with shops, restaurants and a hometown atmosphere.See more..
4.0Bridge Observation Deck(41 reviews) - Cool Place and Interesting History. Points of Interest & Landmarks • Bridges • Observation Decks & Towers
Keokuk, Iowa is a friendly town. We weren’t sure how to get to the bridge and had parked our motorcycles along the street in front of the water department, an employee helped us out and was so nice. The bridge is a great place to see the locks, the swing bridge, which is so cool and Keokuk Water Works, and Keokuk Power Pant. It’s close to the George Verity Paddle wheeler, a must see, and the old train depot is a site to see.See more..
4.5Grant Wood Studio(36 reviews) - Unusual place, great tour Friday: Points of Interest & Landmarks
Grant Wood's Cedar Rapids studio is the second floor of a late 19th century carriage house. The modest red brick and wood building sits next to a large, elegant mansion that once housed one of Cedar Rapids' most prominent families. It was in the Studio that Grant Wood painted one of his most famous works of art, American Gothic-a work that was shown at and purchased by the Art Institute of Chicago in 1930 for $300.See more..
Great area for shopping, food, movies, and family time. Works great to walk up and down the street and see what is new and awesome. LOVE 4th Street!See more..
Hawkeye Point is the highest natural point in Iowa at 1,670 feet. It is approximately 4.5 miles north of Sibley on the eastern side of SR 60 and approximately 3.5 miles south of the Iowa-Minnesota state border.See more..
4.5Kanesville Tabernacle(31 reviews) - Great place to learn great history Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Monuments & Statues • Educational sites • Churches & Cathedrals
If you have questions about LDS history and ties to the Omaha area... you need to make a visit. Elder Hunsacker was great to explain and answer any question that we had. So very knowledgeable .... not only about the tabernacle, but LDS church questions. I highly recommend. See more..
3.5First Brides Grave(31 reviews) - Found it! Points of Interest & Landmarks
We were out Geocaching and FINALLY found it! It is not marked but everyone locally seems to know where it is.... Take all the Right Turns... and keep going. You'll find it!See more..
4.5Mahanay Bell Tower(27 reviews) - Mahanay Bell Tower Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks
Stopped in for a visit after seeing the bell tower in an Iowa tourism book. Guide was very friendly and knowledgeable. We were able to hear the bells chime while we were there. We were also able to view the art that had been painted on some of the local business rooftops.See more..
4.5Swinging Bridge(25 reviews) - Worth the stop Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks • Bridges
It isn't worth going to far out of your way, but, if you are nearby, stop and see it. I used to have to cross it 2x every day for my paper route when I was a kid and I believe it is haunted. I delivered a morning paper from 10-13 yoa. I delivered from around 5am to 630am every day for those 3 years. The ghost wouldn't go on the bridge, just up to the bridge. Maybe because they fell and died? I don't know. I have traveled quite a bit and it is a unique well worth it stop. I still go to it at times and have taken my kids to it as we live out of state now. Just go during the day! :)See more..
3.5World's Largest Wooden Nickel(24 reviews) - Americana Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks • Monuments & Statues
A quick stop less than one mile off I 80. A fun quick 5 minute stop to stretch your legs. It sits in the middle of the field.See more..
4.5Louis Sullivan Jewel Box Bank(23 reviews) - A true jewel box Friday: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM Points of Interest & Landmarks
The Merchants National Bank building is one of the eight Midwestern "jewel-box" banks designed by Louis Sullivan, legendary American architect and mentor of Frank Lloyd Wright. The bank was constructed in 1914 for $60,000 and remained a bank until 1999. It now houses the Grinnell Area Chamber of Commerce and Grinnell Visitor Center. The interior of the bank is open for public viewing Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM-4:30 PM. Weekend hours may vary, so please call ahead prior to visiting on Saturday and/or Sunday.See more..
5.0Iowa Firefighters Memorial(23 reviews) - Nice memorial Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks • Monuments & Statues
I stop by every time i'm in the area. easy to get to. Means alot to me because my Dad's name is on it. Visitor center is open May-October 10AM-8 PM and November-April 10 AM- 6 PM. Park HRS 6 AM TO 10:30 PM.See more..
4.5Wildcat Den State Park(22 reviews) - "A Great Place To Visit Anytime Of The Year" Points of Interest & Landmarks • Scenic Walking Areas
Wildcat Den has always been a favorite place of mine. Unlike our neighboring state of Illinois, the state parks in Iowa remain open during this unusual time of the COVID-19 Virus. When I visited Wildcat Den there were numerous families there enjoying the crisp, sunny day. I even encountered two men from a neighboring city in Illinois running their remote controlled trucks in a stream bed.Granted, everyone was observing "social distancing". Wildcat Den is known for the rock features such as the Punch Bowl and Steamboat Rock and you'll get a good workout as the trails wind up and down the terrain. As with many state parks, the trails lack maintenance because there is never enough staff to make needed repairs. As a result you'll be going around staircases that have been damaged due to erosion. At this time when other states are closing parks, I can't find much fault with that. It was just great to enjoy this natural wonder!See more..
4.0Kate Shelley High Bridge(22 reviews) - its something to do Points of Interest & Landmarks • Bridges
took my mother on this for a day out so really wasn't expecting much. It gave us an afternoon out and was somewhat interesting on the trip away from the station, but the return trip was just another ride. The story was interesting and the food was average so I really wasn't disappointed but the hostess needed to chill out a little. Glad i did it once but i think that was enoughSee more..
I had a lovely time! First time I visited and had a great time with my ladies. We went during a wine walk which apparently occurs every last Friday of the month. The money for Decembers event went towards a great cause. For $20 I was able to pick a wine glass as designed by artists in the community and 5 tickets. The 5 tickets were towards 5 wine tastings of your choice. Each room had a different type of wine and different types of art. There was some finger food provided and live music, Sinatra. I had a great time and look forward to checking out the center at other times of the year.See more..
4.5Cordova Park Observation Tower(20 reviews) - Fun and beautiful sights Points of Interest & Landmarks • Parks • Observation Decks & Towers
We spend a lot on time at lake Red Rock with our boat and going fishing. But some days we like to climb the tower and see how far we can. Today was one of those days. It was clear and I had 4 kids with me...5, 4, and two 2 year olds and they all climbed it! It is quite the climb and usually I'm winded by the time we get to the top, but the views at the top are worth the climb. Remember it is50 cents a person. Quarters only! There is also a nice little trail in the woods at the same spot. It ends at some logs high on the rocks that are good for sitting on and watching the water.See more..
Clean, well-kept, friendly, delightful are words I would use to describe the S&P Museum!! The tour is informative and surprising......fun for the whole family. A hidden gem in central Iowa......go and enjoy and have some fun!!See more..
4.0World's Largest Popcorn Ball(18 reviews) - Did someone say POPCORN? Friday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks
Driving through Iowa (on our way to The Grotto of the Redemption in West Bend) we saw the sign for The World's Largest Popcorn Ball. What a great decision to take a 2 mile detour. Cute town with some stellar artwork as you dip down an incline to the town. Think LARGE, colorful butterflies made of metal, flowers & such. The giant Popcorn ball is unique and many in the community joined together to make this something special. The half block area surrounding the exhibit features a tiny village like and has a gazebo. We ate lunch there and it was a perfect way to "enjoy life". There's a small campground on the outskirts of town we drove through, nice. This town should be proud of all it has to offer, nicely done Sac City!See more..
5.0Grant Wood Window in Veteran's Memorial Auditorium(18 reviews) - Beautiful,,must see! The light behind this wall size art by Grant Wood is eye catching and worth the few steps from side Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks
The light behind this wall size art by Grant Wood is eye catching and worth the few steps from the street. Natural light adds brilliance of light.See more..
4.5Winterset City Park(17 reviews) - must see when in winterset Points of Interest & Landmarks • Bridges • Scenic Walking Areas
when you go to see the cutler-donahue bridge, be sure to also see the tree carvings of the eagle and owls in the park. also drive to see the tower. the park is clean and we felt safe here.See more..
5.0Masters Hotel(16 reviews) - Must See for Laura Fans! Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks
Great tour about the part of Laura's childhood she didn't write about, but stayed tuned...her autobiography is being released in August of 2013. Also interesting opportunity to see what a typical "hotel" was like during prairie times. The nearby store/restaurant was not open when we were there.See more..
The Pocahontas statue, a 1954 project of Albert J. Shaw and Frank W. Shaw is said to be the “World’s Largest Indian Maiden” and stands at 25 feet tall. The designer was W.C. Ballard of Nevis, MN. Construction was supervised by Marcell Moritz.See more..
4.5Treasure Village(14 reviews) - Fun for All! Friday: 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks • Theaters • Miniature Golf
A family entertainment center at Lake Okoboji! The THEATRE has different live productions each summer. All ages will enjoy the lively, colorful shows. The 27 hole MINI GOLF has obstacles based on different fairy tales. Hand dipped ice cream cones and free carpetball games round out a visit to Treasure Village. Our FLEA MARKETS are held on the weekends of Memorial Day, Fourth of July, and Labor Day. Come have a magical day at Treasure Village! SEASONAL: OPEN MEMORIAL DAY TO LABOR DAY WEEKENDS !See more..
4.5Veteran's Memorial Plaza(14 reviews) - Beautifully redone in May 2021... this is one of the BEST Veteran's Memorials our family has seen in America! Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks • Monuments & Statues
This memorial was just redone in May 2021 and it is absolutely BEAUTIFUL!!! Seriously, it is one of the BEST memorials we have seen in all our travels across America. All the wars are represented on pillars - listing the number of people who served and those who were KIA and POW - will definitely make you pause and reflect on the sacrifices of those men and women. There are personalized pavers and benches already out and more available. The Vietnam Memorial was relocated from Miller Riverview Park and looks better than ever. There is a special garden area that is in the shape of the USS Oklahoma, where Chaplain Schmitt perished on 12/07/1941 - the island where this memorial is located is named after him. The pier with the silver statue is stunning and has a poem engraved inside. Everything lights up at night, so make sure to visit during both times of day. This is sure to be a favorite Dubuque stop for tourists and locals alike! See more..
4.5White Pole Road(13 reviews) - Historic White Pole Road Points of Interest & Landmarks
The White Pole Road is a preservation of part of the historic first automobile road offering a route across the state of Iowa before the advent of the highway system. It is complete from Dexter on the east to Adair on the west and passes through Stuart, Menlo, and Casey. There are many attractions to see along the way. In addition to maps online, there is an audio book on CD that provides turn-by-turn history along the route.See more..
4.5Old City Hall Gallery(13 reviews) - Two nationally known Artists Friday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Art Galleries • Points of Interest & Landmarks
Art gallery displays original oil paintings for sale in hand-crafted frames by Maquoketa Iowa Nationally-known artist Rose Frantzen whose 180 oil paintings of Maquoketa residents entitled "Portrait of Maquoketa" exhibited at National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian, Washington DC. Art by Charles Morris & pottery by Sylvia March are also on exhibit. Gallery open daily-closed Holidays.See more..
4.5Historical Society of Marshall County(12 reviews) - A treasure for Marshalltown Spent 2-3 hours Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Historic Walking Areas
The Mowry-Irvine Mansion is a wonderful piece of architectural history as well as great venue for meetings and family events. I have toured it twice, once when it was beautifully decorated for the holidays, and once as part of a study club meeting that was held there. Michelle is such a knowledgeable and engaging tour guide. It was a pleasure to have our meeting in such gorgeous surroundings. I'm so glad that the historical society makes the mansion available to the community for groups to use.See more..
5.0Blackhawk Bridge(12 reviews) - Love this bridge Points of Interest & Landmarks • Bridges
The only thing I wish this bridge is missing is a safe walkway. But being that said, it was erected back around the 1930's. Which is what makes it so wonderful. My mothers family is from Lansing so I feel a connection to the town and river and the bridge. It is a great place to take pictures of the Mississippi River with the bridge in it.See more..
4.0Iowa's Largest Frying Pan(11 reviews) - Another Unusual Attraction along the byroads of Iowa Friday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks • Monuments & Statues
I specifically drove here to see Iowa's largest frying pan, billed by some as the world's largest frying pan (I doubt it). It was both fun and worth it. Often overlooked is the reason it was constructed which was betterment of the community. Stop, take pictures, smile, and go on to the next adventure.See more..
4.0George M. Curtis Mansion(11 reviews) - Wonderful historic sight Points of Interest & Landmarks
Beautiful mansion open for tours in the summer months from Memorial Day to Labor Day on Wednesdays from 1:00 - 4:00. Charge is $6.00. Tuesday Teas are held during the months of June - October with dessert and tea served for $2.00. If you prefer, you can just come and sit and read a book on the beautiful wrap around porch, See more..
The historical signage is all that is left, but that's enough for me. It was only five minutes off of my route to Des Moines, IA from Omaha, NE. The building was bought by a hair salon and they are not friendly if you ask about the historical event.See more..
