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

1. 4.0 Horseshoe Council Bluffs (8.611 reviews)
   - Friendly staff
   Casinos
   
   
   Our room was clean and the view was fantastic. We took the shuttle between the two casino's and felt that the drivers were both. Informative and. Very friendly. I had a problem with one of the slot machines pressed the button for service thinking it would take a while but to my surprise They were helping me in a matter of two minutes.. If you need any information or have any questions feel free to ask security. Can't thank them enough for the help we recived. See more..
   
2. 4.5 Field of Dreams Movie Site (1.815 reviews)
   - Wilks Family - Dream Comes True
   Friday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Sports Complexes
   
   
   Is this Heaven? No, it’s Iowa. A place of fertile soil, traditional values and simple pleasure. And, in Dyersville, Iowa, at the century-old Lansing family farm with its quaint, and oh-so-recognizable house, baseball still ranks as a favorite pastime for all ages. What better place to carve a baseball diamond from a corn field and to make a movie about pursuing one’s dream, no matter how much effort it takes? From tours of the inside of the iconic Field of Dreams Farm House, to our retail store, to our concessions stand, there certainly is plenty to do at the place dreams come true! Is this Heaven? We sure think so! The Movie Site will be closed to the public Friday, 8/5/22 - Sunday, 8/14/22 to prepare for the highly anticipated MLB at Field of Dreams game Thursday, August 11 between the Chicago Cubs and Cincinnati Reds. See more..
   
3. 4.5 National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium (1.615 reviews)
   - Wonderful place visit
   Friday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Speciality Museums • Aquariums
   
   
   Part aquarium, part museum, part science center, the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium inspires stewardship by creating educational experiences where history and rivers come alive! Our 14-acre campus on the banks of the Mississippi River features two separate two-story buildings and an expansive outdoor plaza. The Museum & Aquarium is home to over 100 species of animals and thousands of historic artifacts. With so much to see and do, there's always a chance to #ExploreSomethingNew See more..
   
4. 4.5 Fenelon 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. 4.5 Iowa State Fairgrounds (876 reviews)
   - Fun night in Iowa
   Friday: 7:00 AM - 1:00 AM Spent More than 3 hours Arenas & Stadiums
   
   
   For 11 days in August, it’s a fairground, but for the other 354 days of the year, the Iowa State Fairgrounds is home to auto shows, livestock exhibitions, flea markets, antique shows, concerts, trade shows and more. See what’s happening this month at the Iowa State Fairgrounds. See more..
   
6. 4.5 Pappajohn Sculpture Park (727 reviews)
   - Pleasant Stop on Road Trip
   Friday: 6:00 AM - 12:00 AM Spent 1-2 hours Parks
   
   
   Open to visitors since September 2009, the John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park features artwork by 22 of the world's most celebrated artists. The 4.4 Acre park, located within a major crossroads of the urban grid, creates a pedestrian friendly entranceway to downtown Des Moines. This accessible setting, coupled with the skilled landscape design and caliber of the art, makes it unlike any other sculpture park in the United States. The Pappajohns' contribution of 28 works for the park is the most significant donation of artwork ever made to the Des Moines Art Center. See more..
   
7. 4.0 Adventureland (707 reviews)
   - Water park Issues
   Spent More than 3 hours Amusement & Theme Parks • Water Parks
   
   
   Adventureland Amusement Park and Adventure Bay Waterpark contain over 100 rides, shows, and attractions including some of the country's most exciting roller coasters and thrill rides that can challenge the most avid amusement park enthusiasts. There are also plenty of rides for less adventurous guests including great water rides as well as a full compliment of children's rides spread throughout the park. But the entertainment doesn't stop with rides - Adventureland presents a full array of shows in the park - from thrilling circus acts and magic shows to live music and juggling - there's always something to suit everyone's taste. Simply the most fun you will have all year! See more..
   
8. 4.0 Hard Rock Casino Sioux City (698 reviews)
   - Great place to stay and play
   Friday: 7:00 AM - 12:00 AM Spent 2-3 hours Concerts • Bars & Clubs • Casinos
   
   
   Hard Rock Casino Sioux City is a fully-integrated gaming resort offering 850 slot machines and 28 table games. The facility boasts the world-famous Rock Shop, a live-entertainment venue, Anthem, an outdoor event park, Battery Park, the World Tour Buffet, Main Abbey restaurant, Fuel American Grill and various other food and beverage options. Recently added to the casino are high limit gaming options and the area's new Wine Bar. The award-winning property was named as one of the 10 Best U.S. Casinos by USA Today in 2017! See more..
   
9. 4.0 Blank Park Zoo (637 reviews)
   - Surprising gem
   Friday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Zoos
   
   
   Imagine a place where you can have a wild family adventure viewing rhinos or feeding a giraffe while also helping preserve animals for future generations. A portion of the proceeds from your visit to Blank Park Zoo is used to protect animal populations throughout the world. Blank Park Zoo is approximately 30 acres and features an indoor rain forest Discovery Center, Jamaa Kwa Africa, Australia Adventure, Kids Kingdom, Great Cats Complex, a Sea Lion and Seal pool and more. See more..
   
10. 4.5 Eagle Point Park (578 reviews)
    - Lovely park, but…
    Friday: 7:00 AM - 11:00 PM Parks
    
    
    Gorgeous historic park with stunning views of the river and surrounding vistas. Be forewarned that they charge $1 (cash only) per carload to enter the park. They actually pay someone to stand in a booth and collect your $1. Hardly seems worth it but whatever. Also, the park is not pet friendly. Your dog or cat must remain in your vehicle or you risk getting fined. We drove 2 hours to picnic at this park with our dog. We were very disappointed that our small pup could not get out of the car. He was very anxious to get out. There were tons of people traipsing all over their precious grounds and yet dogs aren’t allowed. Very weird. We drive through and left to go to nearby A.Y. McDonald park where we picnicked at a table in a sunny spot with our dog for free! See more..
    
11. 4.5 John Wayne Birthplace & Museum (484 reviews)
    - Must do for John Wayne fans
    Friday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Speciality Museums • Historic Sites
    
    
    Tour the modest 4-room home where John Wayne was born, and visit the John Wayne Birthplace Museum featuring the largest diversified exhibit of John Wayne artifacts in existence, including original movie posters, film wardrobe, scripts, letters, artwork and sculpture--even one of his customized automobiles. Admission includes the Museum, a visit to the Birthplace house, and a small theater with a documentary on John Wayne's life, with a special welcome by his daughter Aissa. See more..
    
12. 4.5 Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum (469 reviews)
    - Seeing Hoover in a new light
    Friday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Historic Sites • Libraries • History Museums
    
    
    This library-museum commemorates the 31st President of the U.S. and the first born west of the Mississippi River. Exhibits track Hoover’s life and political career. The large temporary gallery has changing exhibits that relate to American history. The Museum sits on the grounds of the Hoover National historic site where visitors can tour Hoover's birthplace cottage, blacksmith shop, Quaker meeting house, the local school and the Hoover's gravesite. See more..
    
13. 4.5 Iowa 80, World's Largest Truck Stop (443 reviews)
    - It is the Largest
    Friday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Speciality & Gift Shops
    
    
    Truckers and Travelers can refuel, refresh and relax at Iowa 80 - The World's Largest Truckstop! There are 10 restaurant choices, 36 fuel pumps, plenty of clean restrooms, large convenience store, gift store, trucking accessories store, 24 private shower rooms, laundry facilities, dentist, barber, chiropractor, movie theater, workout room, Dogomat Pet Wash, truck service center, truck / RV wash, diesel fuel center, CAT Scale truck scale and a trucking museum next door. 900 truck parking spaces, 200 car parking spaces, 20 RV/trailer parking spaces. There is something for everyone at Iowa 80! See more..
    
14. 4.5 Downtown Farmers Market (417 reviews)
    - Summer fun starts here
    Friday: Flea & Street Markets
    
    
    The downtown famers market is literally a smorgasbord of delightful temptations. There is something here for everyone. It's great for couples, families and even pet friendly. The long lines at some vendors is a tip that something really good is happening there! See more..
    
15. 4.5 Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden (369 reviews)
    - Thursday, December 8th visit.
    Friday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Gardens
    
    
    Reputed for its huge collection of the Midwest's ornamental and native plants, this 14-acre center bordering the Des Moines River features a domed conservatory that houses over 1000 varieties of exotic plants from throughout the world. The center also has an impressive herb garden, tropical and desert plants, and one of the best bonsai collections in the U.S. See more..
    
16. 4.5 Reiman Gardens (361 reviews)
    - Our second best garden visit on our trip
    Gardens
    
    
    Enchanting, 17-acre garden with new display annually; inside find a live, exotic butterfly exhibit and gardens that change seasonally; private rentals available. See more..
    
17. 4.5 National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library (360 reviews)
    - Worth Seeing!
    Friday: 9:30 AM - 4:00 PM Speciality Museums
    
    
    Expanded 50,000 sq. ft. building opened in July 2012 with a world-class exhibit "Alphonse Mucha: Inspirations of Art Nouveau" featuring 230 pieces direct from Prague and London. Two other galleries feature rotating exhibitions on the culture, art and history of Czechs and Slovaks. And don't miss the two-room 1880's Czech immigrant house that was home to five generations. See the new museum store filled with European treasures and gifts. Stroll down Czech Village and also visit the exhibition, "Rising Above: the Store of a People and the Flood" located a 87 Sixteenth Ave. SW See more..
    
18. 4.5 Pikes Peak State Park (352 reviews)
    - Great Fall Hiking and Views
    State Parks
    
    
    The park lived up to its billing as a fall color must do in NE Iowa! Even though we visited on a Thursday there were a lot of visitors. It was a beautiful fall day and we took advantage of a well placed table on the bluff to enjoy lunch prior to a hike. We took a couple of back loops off the parking lot to work our way to the main attractions; the Bridal Falls Overlook and the Crows Nest Overlook. The hiking was moderate with some elevation. Fall colors were prime and we thoroughly enjoyed the exercise, fall color and the views. After a few requisite pictures we were off to our next adventure, the Effigy Mounds National Monument. See more..
    
19. 4.5 Iowa State University (336 reviews)
    - Fun, and don't have to be a student to visit.
    Educational sites
    
    
    Had a lovely time touring the campus, even though I was not a student. There is so much to see, and where to start? Several buildings have either museums or objects on display. Of note were the Art Museum and the Aeronautics building with its airplanes on display. There is a bell tower where they play music and in some cases, a perky co-ed will kiss you. The day I visited there were hammocks out, and student Jousting on the green. See more..
    
20. 4.0 Amana Colonies National Historic Landmark (335 reviews)
    - Step back in time
    Friday: 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Historic Sites
    
    
    The history of Amana Colonies, a National Historic Landmark and one of America’s longest-lived communal societies, begins in 1714 in the villages of Germany and continues today on the Iowa prairie. Amana Colonies Today Today the seven villages of the Amana Colonies represent an American dream come true; a thriving community founded by religious faith and community spirit. Declared a National Historic Landmark in 1965, the Amana Colonies attract hundreds of thousands of visitors annually all of whom come to see and enjoy a place where the past is cherished and where hospitality is a way of life. Evocative of another age, the streets of the Amana Colonies with their historic brick, stone and clapboard homes, their flower and vegetable gardens, their lanterns and walkways recall Amana yesterday. But a vibrant community, celebrating both its past and its future, is here today for you to experience. See more..
    
21. 4.5 Gray's Lake Park (326 reviews)
    - Great family recreation
    Friday: 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Parks
    
    
    Gray's lake has so much to do! walking trails, fishing, and paddle boating are just a few options for the whole family. With the new underpass walk trail opening up to Waterworks Park, this is the place to enjoy the outdoors in the greater Des Moines Area. "Like" their Facebook page for details on night events at Gray's lake. See more..
    
22. 4.0 Buffalo Bill Museum (323 reviews)
    - Great Museum about the man and early life on the Mississippi River.
    Friday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Speciality Museums
    
    
    Great museum absolutely packed with information and articles from the times of Buffalo Bill. Multiple video presentations telling the story behind the man. Inside a huge glass enclosure they have preserved an old stern wheel push boat that operated on the Mississippi River next to museum. You can walk all through the boat decks and around it. Very interesting. See more..
    
23. 4.5 Figge Art Museum (316 reviews)
    - The Figge never disappoints
    Friday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Art Museums
    
    
    This was our second time here, and we were pleasantly surprised to get in free as they were offering free admission in July. We loved most of the exhibits, but especially enjoyed the POP Power exhibit, the Frank Lloyd Wright exhibit, and the carnival exhibit. This is s beautiful art museum and Davenport is very lucky to have it. It’s well worth your time to spend an hour or two here. Be sure to check out the awesome gift shop too. See more..
    
24. 4.5 Des Moines Art Center (308 reviews)
    - World Class!
    Friday: 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Art Museums
    
    
    This internationally acclaimed museum houses impressive works by artists of the 19th and 20th centuries, including Edward Hopper, Georgia O'Keefe and Henri Matisse. The center, which also offers art classes, consists of three buildings, each designed by a celebrated architect: Eliel Saarinen, I.M. Pei and Richard Meier. See more..
    
25. 4.5 Union Pacific Railroad Museum (300 reviews)
    - Comprehensive corporate museum with silly COVID rules
    Friday: 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums • History Museums
    
    
    Our museum has chronicled more than 150 years of American railroad history through unique artifacts and immersive interactive games. Admission is free. See more..
    
26. 4.0 Prairie Meadows (297 reviews)
    - Good time at this casino!
    Friday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Convention Centers • Casinos • Horse Tracks
    
    
    Prairie Meadows is the premier destination for gaming and entertainment in the Midwest. With more than 85,000 square feet of casino action, we have every game you'll want to play this side of Vegas. Whether you enjoy the latest slot machine or your favorite table games, Prairie Meadows has everything you need to get your game on. Win place or show,there's nothing like the heart-pounding thrill of live racing on our one-mile racetrack. Join us for live Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing June - October. It's pure excitement start to finish. Casino action, live horse racing, a variety of dining options and great entertainment are waiting for you at Prairie Meadows. See more..
    
27. 4.5 Snake 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..
    
28. 4.5 Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center (282 reviews)
    - Great Lewis & Clark interpretive center
    Friday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours History Museums
    
    
    The Sioux City Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center and the Betty Strong Encounter Center comprise an almost 20,000-square-foot, private, non-profit cultural complex, built and sustained by Missouri River Historical Development, Inc. (MRHD). The Interpretive Center opened in 2002 to commemorate the Lewis & Clark Bicentennial. It expanded in late 2007 with the opening of the adjoining Betty Strong Encounter Center to fulfill a permanent mission of "commemorating a history of encounters before, during and after the expedition. Joined by the symbolic Crossroads, these two parts create a Missouri Riverfront home for exhibits, programs and activities that explore how we live together as diverse people and how we care for our land, our great river, and other natural resources. Admission and programs are free. See more..
    
29. 4.5 Plane Crash Site of Buddy Holly (275 reviews)
    - A SOMBER VISIT
    Points of Interest & Landmarks
    
    
    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..
    
30. 4.5 Dubuque Arboretum and Botanical Gardens (271 reviews)
    - Beautiful, free and well-maintained!
    Friday: 7:00 AM - 7:30 PM Gardens
    
    
    We quite enjoyed this beautiful arboretum and gardens. We walked through the gardens (about 10 acres) and spent some time in the visitor's center in addition to driving through the arboretum (about 50 acres). Everything is beautiful and well card for by the volunteers. There is no charge to enjoy this wonderful place but we did leave a donation and purchased a couple of things at the visitor's center. A free map is available at the visitor's center, as well as clean free rest rooms. See more..
    
31. 4.5 Brucemore (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..
    
32. 4.0 Science Center of Iowa (259 reviews)
    - Lots to see and do
    Science Museums
    
    
    We got into this museum for free using our annual membership card from another state. Made that purchase seem like a bargain now that I know that there are a few museums that honor the membership in just about every major city. That being said we got there two hours before closing and regretted it. My lil one could have stayed there the whole day. Having been to quite a few of these kinds of museums what made this place stand out is they had someone doing a pretty top notch experiment just about every half hour. My lil one now says she wants to be a scientist. Even if you skip the experiment demonstrations there is lots of things for kids to do. Probably needed half a day to really experience it all. See more..
    
33. 4.5 Effigy Mounds National Monument (250 reviews)
    - Totally worth it
    Friday: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM Historic Sites • Parks • Monuments & Statues
    
    
    29 Of This Park's 191 Mounds Are In The Shape Of Animals. See more..
    
34. 4.5 Lost Island Water Park (249 reviews)
    - Life guard on duty
    Closed now - 10:30 AM - 6:30 PM Water Parks
    
    
    I am a life guard at lost island water park. I have the joy of coming to work everyday, with a smile on my face. It is awesome, people love it. The new slides added this year make it a must see when in Iowa.
    Also new slides will be added throughout the next few years, so keep coming, and enjoy the day... ;) See more..
    
35. 4.0 Boone and Scenic Valley Railroad (247 reviews)
    - Excellent
    Scenic Railroads
    
    
    Excellent from start to finish. Volunteers were al helpful and pleasant. The gift shop has a nice variety of items at a fair price. Museum was informative. Hubs and I loved the dinner train ride. Service from the catering was excellent. The conductor and other volunteer we spoke to were interesting and very pleasant. The ride was relaxing. We went over a tall bridge, scenery was pretty with lots of forest rivers and deer. Upbeat jazzy music played. The food was excellent. Just the right amount. We had brisket which was very tasteful . Definitely recommend. See more..
    
36. 4.0 Arnolds Park Amusement Park (242 reviews)
    - Gem of a little amusement park
    Amusement & Theme Parks
    
    
    Historic Amusement Park and Museum. Celebrated over 125 years of operations. See more..
    
37. 4.5 Mines of Spain Recreation Area (242 reviews)
    - The museum and castle a must see
    Friday: 4:00 AM - 10:30 PM Nature & Wildlife Areas • Parks
    
    
    At first I wasn’t sure what to expect but I did know I wanted a good view of the Mississippi. There was a lot to see at museum about the settling of Dubuque so glad we stopped there first and then went on a nice drive over to the “ mines of Spain” site. Very interesting area and some great view of the River See more..
    
38. 4.5 Principal Park (237 reviews)
    - Great baseball park
    Arenas & Stadiums
    
    
    We loved our experience at the park. Super clean and fun family atmosphere. Prices for tickets and food very affordable. $10 25 oz beers and $5 colossal dogs can't be beat in today's era of high prices at a game. Fans were super friendly, definitely take in a game if you're a fan. See more..
    
39. 4.5 Roseman Bridge (236 reviews)
    - Very pretty location
    Bridges
    
    
    We were going to visit all 6 bridges in the area but after visiting two realised they all look pretty much the same. This one is in a really beautiful location and featured in the film Bridges of Madison County. The scenery is truly stunning. There’s a gift shop (we bought two bottles of the local wine at $15 each but it was very sweet and syrupy, more like cooking wine). Also sells the usual mugs, T-shirts etc. A portaloo which was very clean next to the gift shop. I’m actually a big fan of street art and graffiti but was upset to see people have written their names all over the inside of the bridge. There are two parts painted white but people have scrawled all over the inside on the natural wood and I couldn’t believe the gift shop was selling Sharpie marker pens for this purpose right at the till. Madness. See more..
    
40. 4.5 Herbert Hoover National Historic Site (230 reviews)
    - Well maintained
    Historic Sites
    
    
    Lovely area containing a nice visitors center, with a short film about Herbert Hoovers early life, and his boyhood home and burial site. Also his official museum is on site too. The visit to his boyhood home and village and the visitors center are all free. The presidential library is an extra fee and although ran by the park service, season and lifetime park passes are not accepted. The grounds are beautiful. They also had a blacksmith on site demonstrating various techniques. Hoovers Dad had been a blacksmith. The blacksmith was very good demonstrating how to make a bottle opener. A short walk up the hill is Herbert and Lou’s burial site. Highly recommend a visit. Very close to I80 just east of Iowa City. Well marked on I80 where to exit. See more..
    
41. 4.5 Dunnings Spring Park (226 reviews)
    - Beautiful Park!
    Waterfalls
    
    
    This is a beautiful "hidden" gem in Decorah. I say hidden because all the locals and college kids will tell you right where it is and strongly encourage you to visit. During my college years I spent many days walking to the springs and just enjoying the sounds and sights of the falls. When we last visited this summer, there was so much water, you had to park across the road from the park entrance and walk the rest of the way up the path. They were also repairing the bridge that leads to a path that will take you further above the falls. I'm guessing this was also do to excessive water damage. It's nice to see that they keep people safe and keep the park well maintained. See more..
    
42. 4.5 The Putnam Museum & Science Center (226 reviews)
    - Always Something New to See and Learn
    Friday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Natural History Museums • Science Museums
    
    
    The Putnam is a place where people connect with history and ideas by doing, making and experiencing. Our classes and special events are a great complement to our hands-on exhibit galleries. There is always something new to discover and something for everyone at the Putnam. See more..
    
43. 4.5 Living History Farms (223 reviews)
    - Very interesting and enjoyable.
    Friday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Historic Sites • Farms
    
    
    Living History Farms is located in the western suburbs of Des Moines, Iowa in Urbandale and is conveniently located right off Interstates 35/80. It is an interactive outdoor museum which educates, entertains and connects people of all ages to Midwestern rural life experiences. 300 years of agricultural history are represented including a 1700 Ioway Indian Farm, 1850 Pioneer Farm, 1900 Horse-Powered Farm and an 1875 town. Tours are self guided and historic interpreters are at each farm site are dressed in clothing from each era to explain what it would have been like to live in that time. The general touring season is May 1 through October 14th. Many special events and historic dinners take place in the off-season. Visit the website for details. See more..
    
44. 4.5 Stone Cliff Winery (223 reviews)
    - A great little gem of a place in Dubuque. Great food and wine.
    Friday: 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM Wineries & Vineyards
    
    
    In 1996, Nan and Bob Smith, future vineyard owners, decided to return to Nan’s hometown of Dubuque, to raise their two daughters in a small town environment. They purchased the Stone Cliff Farm near Durango Iowa and planned to conventionally farm the land. However, as happens in life, one thing lead to another, and one day over a good bottle of wine, Bob and Nan Smith thought maybe they could do something different with their farm, like raise grapes and maybe eventually operate a winery to turn those grapes into wine. They immediately started going to conferences and taking classes to learn the wine industry as well as the art of making wine. With the help of family and the community, all done by hand, they planted their first 2000 vines. In 2007 the winery was relocated to the “Port of Dubuque” in the historic Star Brewery building overlooking the mighty Mississippi. Our tasting room offers not only award-winning wines, but also various draft and bottled beer selections as well See more..
    
45. 4.5 Vesterheim (208 reviews)
    - Great exhibits!
    Spent 2-3 hours Speciality Museums • History Museums
    
    
    Vesterheim, the National Norwegian-American Museum and Folk Art School, welcomes people of all ages and backgrounds to engage in the conversation of the American immigrant journey through the lens of the Norwegian-American experience, and to participate in the continual evolution of traditional folk art as it meets new influences. Vesterheim offers innovative and interactive exhibits, classes, and programs, both at the dynamic campus and park in scenic Decorah, Iowa, and online at vesterheim.org. See more..
    
46. 4.5 Des Moines Civic Center (203 reviews)
    - Jesus Christ Superstar is WOW!
    Friday: Civic Centres
    
    
    What an amazing, moving, wow experience! Acting, singing, dancing and of course music were all awesome! Kudos to Des Performing Arts for bringing this show. Civic Center staff deserve recognition as well for communication prior to show, security at door, efficient, friendly staff. Thank you for an all around great experience. See more..
    
47. 4.5 Valley Junction (202 reviews)
    - Well-maintained, friendly shopkeepers, fun finds!
    Historic Sites
    
    
    This is quite a sizable shopping area for finds that are unusual ...out of the ordinary. Some expensive, many not. Priced for what you are getting. My friend and I did a lot of shopping and gift purchasing. Antique stores, clothing boutiques, home décor and more! Easy to spend a day there. Good lunch spots too! See more..
    
48. 4.0 Crystal Lake Cave (201 reviews)
    - Fun and interesting!!
    Friday: Caverns & Caves
    
    
    Crystal Lake Cave has active stalactites and stalagmites which are approximately 80% active or still growing-this is very rare for a cave. It is fascinating and beautiful!! The Owner and tour guide, Julie, is engaging and you can feel her love of the caves. It is a perfect place for adults and children of all ages, and it can be done as a day trip from the Quad Cities or Chicago suburbs. I highly recommend!! See more..
    
49. 4.5 University of Iowa (199 reviews)
    - Freshman move in was so easy
    Educational sites
    
    
    This Big 10 school's 1,900 acres are centered in downtown Iowa City. See more..
    
50. 4.5 Historical Village, Vermeer Windmill & Scholte House (199 reviews)
    - So much to see!
    Historic Sites
    
    
    Well worth the visit and $10 entry fee. Our tour guide was actually born in Holland. The windmill tour was so informative. And my favorite part was the miniature village. I also enjoyed walking around the historic village which is part of the admission price as well. Wish we had gotten there earlier in the day so we could have spent several hours. Very Covid safe. Masks required and social distancing. See more..