3 Star Places To Visit in Iowa, United States (50)

1. 3.5 Antique Archeology (904 reviews)
   - On my bucket list
   Friday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Antique Shops
   
   
   Always was curious and just had to go. Yes there are items for sale there that are rare or unusual, but they also have a hefty price tag on them. It is mostly a place to buy souvenirs with their name on them. Of course, you need to take a selfie out by the old car to prove to your friends you were there. See more..
   
2. 3.5 Diamond Jo Casino (536 reviews)
   - Fun on a Friday night
   Friday: 8:00 AM - 3:00 AM Casinos
   
   
   Dubuque, Iowa is overflowing with things to do and see. Try your luck in Dubuque's state-of-the-art casino, Diamond Jo, or enjoy all the sights, sounds and tastes of the city. No matter your particular taste, Dubuque has it! See more..
   
3. 3.5 Harrah's Casino (528 reviews)
   - Fresh Market Buffet @ Harrah's casino
   Casinos
   
   
   Las Vegas-style casino boasts more than 25 first-place awards from Casino Player Magazine including Best Casino, Best Video Poker and Best Slot Club. See more..
   
4. 3.5 Rhythm City Casino Resort (305 reviews)
   - Weekend getaway
   Friday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Spent More than 3 hours Casinos
   
   
   Rhythm City Casino Resort is your one-stop destination for entertainment, food and fun! Built in 2016, the resort features an array of activities for any kind of traveler. The nearly 35,000 square foot casino boasts over 1,000 gaming options including slot and video gaming, blackjack, roulette and electronic table games. Satisfy your appetite with a trip to one of our three on-site dining options: Robert’s Buffet, Draft Day Sports Lounge and Ruthie’s Steak & Seafood fine dining. Catch live performances by both national and local music groups in the Event Center or the Rhythm Room. If relaxation is what you seek, The Spa at Rhythm City is your serene getaway for services and treatments to rejuvenate your body and mind. After a full day of activities, rest your head in one of our modern and luxurious hotel rooms. See more..
   
5. 3.5 Q Casino (243 reviews)
   - Fun Day
   Friday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Casinos
   
   
   Q Casino is dubuQue’s hottest casino and destination for fun that incorporates casino gaming, incredible restaurants, and live entertainment in one place. See more..
   
6. 3.5 Ameristar Casino Hotel (241 reviews)
   - Pleasantly Surprised
   Casinos
   
   
   Ameristar Casino Hotel Council Bluffs features 160 luxurious rooms that are tastefully decorated, many of which include panoramic views of the Missouri River. Ameristar Council Bluffs is proud to boast the largest riverboat casino in Iowa. This 38,500-square-feet casino in Council Bluffs includes a selection of popular slot and table games. Ameristar Casino Hotel in Council Bluffs includes four dining options, a supervised kids activity center, video game arcade and an indoor swimming pool. See more..
   
7. 3.5 Davenport Skybridge (222 reviews)
   - Interesting But Limited Experience
   Bridges
   
   
   Visiting the downtown Davenport area with a friend, so we decided to check out the Skybridge that was connected to the parking ramp where we parked our car. The entrances to the skybridge from the parking ramp were blocked off, but the ground floor entrances were open. The physical skybridge is about 50 feet above the ground and spans the highway below. Both sides of the skybridge are comprised of glass, so you get a nice view of the surrounding city. The southern end of the skybridge provides a view of the Mississippi river. Beyond the high vantage point for views, there wasn't anything else overly special to see or interesting to do. There are numerous light panels in the floor, which were off during the afternoon of our visit. Apparently, these lights can be different colors, so the skybridge can have different types of displays. See more..
   
8. 3.0 Diamond Jo Casino (184 reviews)
   - I'm a fan! We drive further to here because we do not have to wear masks
   Friday: 8:00 AM - 3:00 AM Spent 1-2 hours Casinos
   
   
   Thank you for not requiring masks and for still allowing smoking/vaping on your gaming floor. I am not a smoker, but your air system runs beautifully and the smoke doesn't ever bother me here. We love to come here because of the selection of games, the attached hotel AND the fact that I do not have to wear a mask as I'm fully vaccinated - the only casino around the area as such and because of that - I'm happy to drive a little further to visit and play here. Drinks are a bit pricey for what you get and the plastic cups leave a lot to be desired. The Woodfire Grill has never disappointed - we have eaten there multiple times. I'm a fan!!! See more..
   
9. 3.5 FunCity (174 reviews)
   - Strike out with the bowling alley and arcade
   Spent More than 3 hours Game & Entertainment Centers
   
   
   FunCity features many attractions for the whole family to enjoy, including indoor water feature and play area, outdoor water park, multiple restaurants, bowling alley and more. The kids will love our over 100 interactive arcade games, indoor go karts and multi-level laser tag arena. FunCity has it all! See more..
   
10. 3.5 Grand Harbor Resort and Waterpark (162 reviews)
    - Fun Place
    Water Parks
    
    
    4 adults and 2 children spent 1 night at Grand Harbor, and we really enjoyed our stay. I can't say enough about everything including front desk, wait staff, and house keeping. Everyone was pleasant and helpful. The resort has several room types, but we picked a nice 7th floor room with an amazing view of the Mississippi River. The bar/restaurant (Tony Romas)has a large deck that extends right up to the river walk. There is waterpark attached and our grandkids had a blast.This was such an enjoyable experience we will return for next summer. See more..
    
11. 3.5 Meskwaki Bingo & Casino (132 reviews)
    - a nice place to clear your mind.
    Casinos
    
    
    love this casino. visit often with husband or sister. i have won. not always! complaints - the cleaners on the floor don't speak English, and a lot of them stand together talking. some of .the slot workers may speak English but also do a lot of visiting. i do love your table games & slots. i will continue visiting. love the buffet. See more..
    
12. 3.5 Riverside Casino & Golf Resort (128 reviews)
    - Good non smoking section
    Friday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Casinos • Golf Courses
    
    
    We had lunch at the buffet ,personnel was friendly and efficient, large salad bar, various meats, enough desserts, NOT many greens. Do not stray into the smoking section if you are not a smoker , it stinks, and there are plenty of slot machines in the excellently ventilated non smoking section.We did not visit the hotel, the restrooms were very clean and no waiting line. See more..
    
13. 3.5 Casino Queen Marquette (104 reviews)
    - Not much fun
    Friday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 AM Casinos
    
    
    At Lady Luck Casino Marquette we mix great gaming action with the down-home service of a small town. With approximately 500 slot machines, 8 table games, savory dining options, and a smoke-free environment on the first deck of the casino, the excitement awaits! We look forward to seeing you soon. See more..
    
14. 3.5 Grand Falls Casino & Golf Resort (91 reviews)
    - Casino is nice but small! Buffet is large, but not awesome
    Friday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Casinos
    
    
    Live It Up! at Grand Falls Casino & Golf Resort® You don't have to travel far to experience Vegas-style, live-action slots and table games 24-7. Locally owned Grand Falls Casino & Golf Resort® is and has it all for you to Live It Up! Not your typical Midwest casino, our high limit lounge will have you feeling like a Vegas high roller. Our VIP Hosts roll out the red carpet to make your stay extraordinary. Our bars - Center Stage Bar and Sportsbook Bar & Grill at the Betfred Sportsbook - provide a nice break between blackjack hands or penny machines. Find us in Larchwood, IA, minutes from I-90 and I-29 and just south of the South Dakota and Minnesota state borders! See more..
    
15. 3.5 Kings Pointe (87 reviews)
    - Pretty nice stay
    Water Parks
    
    
    With both indoor and outdoor waterparks, King’s Pointe Resort offers exciting aquatic adventures all year round! Race down our high-speed slides; let your imagination run wild in our virtual slide; leap from lily pad to lily pad; climb through water playgrounds and enjoy a relaxing float down the lazy river. We’re the perfect vacation destination with fun for all ages! After you work up an appetite from all of the action, head to the Sara Lee Snack Shack to refuel on icy drinks and tasty snacks! See more..
    
16. 3.5 Shot 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..
    
17. 3.5 Ice Cave (80 reviews)
    - Can't Go Far in the Cave
    Caverns & Caves
    
    
    Decorah Ice Cave is a state preserve but managed by the town of Decorah. We stopped by after visiting Dunning's Spring Park and waterfall. Ice Cave Road is closed past Dunning's Spring, so we walked about a half-mile up the road to the cave. Due to collapses, it's only possible to go about 10 feet into the cave and we didn't see any ice. However, it was really chilly in the cave on a warm summer day. I spoke with a couple locals who said you could go a lot further into the cave until about 10 years ago when some rocks collapsed and limited entry. But it's still worth a side trip if visiting Dunning's Spring. See more..
    
18. 3.0 WinnaVegas Casino (79 reviews)
    - Aleah makes my day everytime I see her. Losing is realative. I love to win but entertainment costs money too! No whiners
    Friday: 8:00 AM - 12:00 AM Casinos
    
    
    Popular gaming complex offers a full range of gaming from live action table games and poker to the latest in reel and video slot machines. See more..
    
19. 3.0 Catfish Bend Casino (67 reviews)
    - Small but had a fun time!
    Friday: 10:00 AM - 2:00 AM Spent More than 3 hours Casinos
    
    
    Our facility offers a unique gaming experience that you will not soon forget. The casino floor features almost 700 slot machines, table games, and more! With slots and tables designed for maximum gaming enjoyment and décor inspired by local history, the luxurious Catfish Bend Casino has plenty of ways to win in a comfortable, friendly environment. In the heart of the gaming floor, a superb bar-in-the-round adds to the adult enjoyments of hot gaming action. Get your free Catfish Bend Casino Players’ Club card and receive exclusive player benefits. See more..
    
20. 3.5 Credit Island (67 reviews)
    - Visit to Credit Island
    Islands
    
    
    We enjoyed a walk on the road around the nature preserve but couldn’t find the sculptures which is what we really wanted to see. Maybe some signs would be helpful or perhaps we just missed the obvious. I would not go there alone but as a group felt safe. See more..
    
21. 3.5 Isle Casino Hotel Bettendorf (64 reviews)
    - Cheap, Clean, Comfortable
    Casinos
    
    
    Cheap, clean and comfortable hotel. Right on the river. Rooms were spacious, staff was clueless and just simple there. Casino was average, smokey, filled with old people. Cheap rooms, and just an average place over all. I would recommend when in town. See more..
    
22. 3.5 Funny Bone Comedy Club (61 reviews)
    - Good times
    Bars & Clubs • Comedy Clubs
    
    
    The lobby is very, very crowded at the Funny Bone - you basically purchase your tickets and then stand packed like sardines until your show starts. There also needs to be a better lining-up system, as we arrived very early to the show we were seeing and then were bombarded by other visitors when trying to enter the show doors. Other than that, this is a nice place to visit and they do manage to bring in some VERY good acts. I would visit again, just wish they would improve on a few things. See more..
    
23. 3.5 Isle of Capri Casino Waterloo (58 reviews)
    - Nice casino and good buffet.
    Casinos
    
    
    If you are looking for a nice casino in Iowa then this is is a good choice. There are a lot of slots. The place is clean and the buffet is good. There is a hotel but we are local so have not stayed in it. See more..
    
24. 3.5 Wild Rose Casino (50 reviews)
    - Gambling!!
    Spent 1-2 hours Casinos
    
    
    Passing time, waiting for a concert. Plenty of slot machines. Enough table games. It is a smoking casino, but has small non-smoking room. See more..
    
25. 3.5 Boat Okoboji Rentals (42 reviews)
    - Sea Ray 300 Rentsal
    Gear Rentals • Boat Rentals
    
    
    Had good experience renting a Sea Ray 300. Boat worked great except anchor was broken and they gave us a small portable anchor which too small for this boat. A boat this size needs a power anchor in the wind at Okoboji with the mud, so we got stuck and it took us a long time to get the anchor loose. I would have rather they told us not to anchor at all since the winch anchor was broken. Otherwise great experience - rental boats are rental boats but I would recommend the bigger boats at Okoboji or you will get tossed around. See more..
    
26. 3.5 Villisca Ax Murder House (40 reviews)
    - A very nice visit
    Mysterious Sites
    
    
    My friend and I recently took the tour. I was completely familiar with the history of the murders and the house, so the tour guide couldn't tell me much more? Fortunately, we were the only 2 people on the tour that day! We were able to just sit in the living room after the tour guide left us to tour the house by ourselves. Unfortunately nothing happened spirit wise? I took quite a few pictures inside and outside of the house, but they got somehow deleted off of my memory card in my camera! I will definately take the tour again some day! See more..
    
27. 3.5 RailsWest Railroad Museum & HO Model Display (39 reviews)
    - Great railroad museum near I-80
    Friday: 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums
    
    
    RailsWest Depot Museum is housed in an old Rock Island Depot built in 1899. There are many displays which include full size train cars to walk through and an HO size model train. See more..
    
28. 3.0 Lake Manawa Beach (37 reviews)
    - Things are improving!
    Beaches
    
    
    Lake Manawa Beach provides swimming, volleyball, horseshoes, grilling and picnicing. See more..
    
29. 3.5 Fort Frenzy (35 reviews)
    - Family fun, but food has a lot to be desired.
    Friday: 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM Miniature Golf
    
    
    "Where It's All Fun & Games!" at Fort Frenzy! Complete with attractions, and full arcade, there is something fun for all members of the family. Year round attractions include; Spin Zone, laser tag, and ValoJump. Season attractions: Go-karts, mini golf, and the Sweeper. Now with Godfathers Pizza! See more..
    
30. 3.5 Val Air Ballroom (33 reviews)
    - concert
    Friday: 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM Historic Sites
    
    
    old school "dive" feel, quaint, intimate type setting. If you wanna sit in comfy chairs or be in state of art arena, this isnt your place. but if you want the music to rattle the wood floor under your feet and to feel like you are able to reach out and touch the performers on stage, THIS is your place! I think the only thing that has been updated since the 40's is the bathrooms. See more..
    
31. 3.5 Northpark (32 reviews)
    - Nasty food court attendant
    Friday: 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM Shopping Malls
    
    
    Iowa's largest mall. See more..
    
32. 3.5 First 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..
    
33. 3.5 Mt. Crescent Ski Area (29 reviews)
    - Much improved
    Friday: 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM Ski & Snowboard Areas
    
    
    Outdoor recreational facility offering skiing, snowboarding & sledding during the winter and ziplining & running events during the summer. See more..
    
34. 3.5 North Grand Mall (24 reviews)
    - Gets the job done with good connectivity
    Friday: 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM Shopping Malls
    
    
    It's really quite a tiny place, but it gets the job done when you need to grab clothes or whatnot. The main positive is how connected it is, it's hooked up to quite a few of the bus routes in the town, and you can easily get there from almost anywhere quickly via public transport. See more..
    
35. 3.5 World'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..
    
36. 3.5 Bloomsbury Farm (23 reviews)
    - A quick Zip
    Friday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Farms
    
    
    Bloomsbury Farm is Fun for the Whole Family! We host seasonal festivals May-October! We also have corporate event packages, full service on-site catering and bar services, haunted house, and more! Check out BloomsburyFarm.com for event dates and more information! Purchase tickets online for a discount as well. You won't want to miss all of the fun this farm offers! See more..
    
37. 3.5 Big Treehouse (21 reviews)
    - Unique experience!
    Architectural Buildings
    
    
    Pretty neat to visit. Not something you would experience just anywhere. Takes about an hour to do the entire thing. See more..
    
38. 3.5 Crossroads Theatre (21 reviews)
    - UltraScreen is the way to go...
    Movie Theaters
    
    
    Yes, it's a bit pricey, but for the most comfortable movie seats, ever- it's worth it for that special night. You get to select your reclining seat location. I suggest the middle of theater, but if you have to pick from very front or last row, pick last row- so you don't have to crane your neck. The sound system is over the top, bone shaking bass. Will definitely go back here for the release of big action movies. See more..
    
39. 3.5 McGrath Amphitheatre (20 reviews)
    - Nice venue
    Spent 1-2 hours Theaters
    
    
    I enjoy going to McGrath Amphitheatre for Uptown (Friday night music in the summer) but also saw Nelly here last year. See more..
    
40. 3.0 Lindale Mall (20 reviews)
    - A mall that is a balancing act
    Friday: 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM Shopping Malls
    
    
    The only thing that is keeping this Mall from turning into a Zombie is Von Maur. There is a dead Sears, Younkers, and various small little insignificant little shops. These little shops carry a lot of Chinese junk. But you can get a tattoo at this mall. Cheddars is keeping the food court alive here. Von Maur is this malls saving grace. See more..
    
41. 3.0 Wild Rose Casino & Resort (19 reviews)
    - If you smoke...
    Casinos
    I am an avid non-smoker, so spending time in this Casino is not for me! I do visit the restaurant occasionally, but find the Casino itself too smokey for me. See more..
    
42. 3.5 Blackbird Bend Casino (19 reviews)
    - First time to this casino
    Friday: 8:00 AM - 12:00 AM Casinos
    
    
    This was the first time we had been here and we kind of enjoyed the smallness and the quietness of the casino. We don't gamble much but we knew our aunt liked coming here so we wanted to treat her. We first ate lunch and I was quite surprised at hiw large the servings were. Our group of five all ordered from the menu and everyone enjoyed there food. We all played slot machines and from the previous reviews I guess this is all they have. It was a fun trip for all of us. It was clean and everyone was friendly. We saw the staff walking around and whiping off the machines in between usage. They are allowing smoking now I was told but it wasn't too bad. See more..
    
43. 3.0 Brownells (18 reviews)
    - Good for ammunition
    Friday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Speciality & Gift Shops
    
    
    Brownells is your one stop shop for firearms, ammunition, gun parts, accessories, optics, tools, and more! With un-rivaled selection, competitive prices, and a Forever Guarantee on almost every item we carry, there is no better place to find what you need. See more..
    
44. 3.5 Southern Hills Mall (18 reviews)
    - Great arcade!
    Friday: 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Shopping Malls
    The mall was full. Did not notice empty store fronts. Stroller rental available. Large, clean arcade with huge variety of games including many games for young children. Also a snack bar and miniature golf. See more..
    
45. 3.0 Fejervary Park and Aquatic Center (18 reviews)
    - The zoo closed in 2008, there is a seasonal aquatic park
    Water Parks • Parks
    
    
    Fejervary is a fairly standard city park. I did not visit the aquatic park which is open for a couple months each summer. A picnic shelter and playground round out the attractions. Mother Goose, once the entry to the zoo, still stands. The Putnam Museum is adjacent to the park. See more..
    
46. 3.5 Playground For Kids (17 reviews)
    - The Little ones love it
    Playgrounds
    
    
    The kiddos love this place. My only complaint would be the minimal staffing. However, the ladies that are usually there are very friendly. See more..
    
47. 3.5 Outlets of Des Moines (17 reviews)
    - worth a look
    Spent More than 3 hours Shopping Malls
    
    
    a nice variety of shops. Good location. i also wonder about attempting to shop here during a Iowa winter. Glad i stopped by and would return. See more..
    
48. 3.0 Whiskey River (16 reviews)
    - Everything was good!
    Friday: 11:00 AM - 2:00 AM Bars & Clubs
    Great restaurant in historic downtown Ames. So much to do there in addition to eating. I went with the Southern fried chicken salad with Tex Mex dressing. Yummy! I was with a party of 8 and everyone had a delicious meal. They are know for the chicken and meatloaf. Brussel sprouts as an appetizer are exceptional too. Great service! See more..
    
49. 3.5 Get Air Trampoline Park (16 reviews)
    - Son's 14th birthday!
    Spent 1-2 hours Game & Entertainment Centers
    Took my son and his cousin here for his 14th birthday to check it out. Nice staff, lots of different things to do, little rock wall, little ninja course, foam pits. Toddlers have their own area! Dodge ball,basketball hoops! The only 2 down falls are; yes there is a lot to do,but they all are small in size, and there is really no comfortable seating for the waiting parents. The kids stayed for an hour. They had fun but they wished the whole place was just bigger! See more..
    
50. 3.0 Hutchinson Family Farms (16 reviews)
    - Quiet place by the river
    Farms
    
    
    Know what to expect and you will really enjoy this stay. We were expecting more from the bathroom/shower than a small room with a single toilet and shower (separated by a shower curtain. There is a nice outhouse too. It makes for some waiting for the facilities. We stayed in the tiny house and small cabin for two adults and three teens. There is room to sleep but not much more. The hosts are very friendly. The best part of the trip was a four hour kayak trip. Beautiful bluffs along the river and you end at the campground. See more..