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

1. 5.0 Capitol Building (869 reviews)
   - Beautiful and historic building
   Friday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Government Buildings
   
   
   Our docent gave an excellent tour, took time to answer questions for our group of 4; she was very enthusiastic about the building and history. I highly recommend the tour; anyone not up for the winding staircase to the dome can skip that part at the end. It is definitely the most beautiful state house in the country! See more..
   
2. 5.0 Iowa 80 Trucking Museum (591 reviews)
   - Awesome Truck Museum
   Friday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Visitor Centers • Speciality Museums • History Museums
   
   
   The Iowa 80 Trucking Museum was a dream of Iowa 80 Truckstop founder Bill Moon. His love for trucks and the trucking industry laid the foundation for this museum. Over 100 vintage trucks are on display, as well as antique signs and gas pumps. The museum also features the REO Theatre where visitors can enjoy watching films about trucks and trucking. See more..
   
3. 5.0 Riverboat Twilight (512 reviews)
   - Another Great Cruise on the Riverboat Twilight!
   Boat Tours
   
   
   This was our 4th trip on the Riverboat Twilight. It’s an incredibly relaxing vacation with beautiful views of the Upper Mississippi River, nice accommodations in Dubuque Iowa, and a super cruise experience with the Twilight’s captain and staff! Can’t say enough about the friendliness and professionalism of the Twilight’s staff and the service provided for a VERY reasonable price. Included in the cruise cost are tickets to the National Museum of the Mississippi River at the Dubuque Harbor… this is an attraction not-to-be-missed! See more..
   
4. 5.0 Escapology Escape Rooms (363 reviews)
   - Great fun!
   Friday: 3:00 PM - 11:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Escape Games
   
   
   Cedar Falls' original premium real life escape game experience! Located in a prime spot, up to 8 players will be challenged in this new attraction by working together to find clues, solve puzzles, and pick locks that will free them from the game room. See more..
   
5. 5.0 Surf 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..
   
6. 5.0 Grotto of the Redemption (270 reviews)
   - Amazing Shrine - Has to be seen to appreciate
   Historic Sites • Architectural Buildings • Caverns & Caves
   
   
   Stunning man-made grottoes representing scenes of the life of Christ. Father Dobberstein’s years of work using minerals, gemstones, petrified wood and other elements make this Shrine an extraordinary example of his devotion to Christ and the Virgin Mary. Admission to the Shrine and adjacent Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church is free but donations are accepted. We stayed overnight in the RV Campground - 30A service for $20/night or $10/Passport America discount. See more..
   
7. 5.0 High Trestle Trail Bridge (223 reviews)
   - Trestle Bridge at Sunset
   Biking Trails • Bridges
   
   
   Built on an old railroad trestle, this paved bridge with steel sculpture and lighting is a sight to see. This shared path (walkers, cyclists, folks on rollerblades) accommodated everyone. We went across and back twice, took lots of pictures, and met friendly people. Sunset provides great lighting for photos. See more..
   
8. 5.0 Stockman House Museum (207 reviews)
   - Another great Wright designed house
   Friday: 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites
   
   
   This is the only Frank Lloyd Wright Prairie Style House open to the public in Iowa. Private tours are offered on a daily basis by reservation. Check our website for more detailed information. As of May 22, 2021 no masks are required either by visitors or volunteers. For current hours, please visit our web site. See more..
   
9. 5.0 Historic 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..
   
10. 5.0 Breakout Games - Des Moines (193 reviews)
    - Super fun experience!
    Friday: 9:00 AM - 11:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Escape Games
    
    
    This isn’t your average outing or everyday experience—Breakout is for those who would rather solve mysteries than watch someone else have all the fun. With different rooms that follow unique story-lines, you and your friends will have 60 minutes to escape your adventure of choice by cracking codes, solving puzzles and following clues. Part problem solving, part adrenaline, end-to-end fun! See more..
    
11. 5.0 National Motorcycle Museum (174 reviews)
    - Very comprehensive and nostalgic!
    Speciality Museums
    
    
    I’ve always wanted to go here and was certainly glad I did. We are traveling from Tucson, Arizona on a 60 day road trip and I made sure I had this in my itinerary. We went to the AMA Museum in Pickerington, Ohio in 2014, but didn’t make it over to Anamosa. I was a factory desert racer in the 70s for Suzuki, Bultaco and Montesa. It was nice to see bikes just like mine there. At 71 years old I now ride a Victory on the street, no more dirt for me, and it was cool that they had a Victory in the museum. I also really enjoyed the Motor Maid’s visit as a lady friend of mine is a member. Great job and a real must see! Highly recommend! See more..
    
12. 5.0 Trinity Heights (137 reviews)
    - Beautiful site to enjoy nature & reflect spiritually
    Friday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Religious Sites
    
    
    This is such a beautiful place. The statues of Jesus and Mary and other sculptures are awesome! I enjoyed reflecting spiritually as I walked through it but would recommend it to anyone who enjoys walking through beautiful sculptures and landscaping. You do not need to be Catholic to enjoy this place. The paths are so lovely to walk through the lush greenery, streams, and trees. See more..
    
13. 5.0 Rail Explorers: Boone IA Division (126 reviews)
    - Chilly, but worth it!
    Bike Tours • Rail Tours
    
    
    We had a group of four with us, and we usually go hiking during the fall to see the leaves change color, but we wanted to see if there's a different way to experience fall. Since our bikes left around 9:30 AM, it was definitely too windy and cold to properly take in the experience and the view, but on our way back, after the sun had came up and the wind calmed down a bit, it seemed to be worth every penny. The staff was friendly, answered all of our questions, and even helped us out. We will definitely be going back, but maybe earlier in the fall when it's not so cold! See more..
    
14. 5.0 Paramount theater (114 reviews)
    - A gem
    Friday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Theaters
    
    
    I am a regular at Orchestra Iowa concerts here, and it serves beautifully for that task. It also does very well for other types of music and entertainment. The hall was completely refurbished after the 2008 floods, with loving attention to detail *and* to modern amenities. A very beautiful and comfortable hall. See more..
    
15. 5.0 St. Francis Basilica (103 reviews)
    - Definitely stop by
    Churches & Cathedrals
    
    
    Very beautiful and breath taking inside. Even if you’re not religious I think anyone can appreciate the art, architecture and history. Light a candle and say a prayer for someone…. You can also leave names of passed loved ones to be prayed for throughout the year for All Souls Day. I’m not religious but I definitely felt something while inside those walls. It was intense. See more..
    
16. 5.0 Cedar Rock State Park (Lowell Walter Residence) (97 reviews)
    - Visit iconic FLW estate in Iowa!
    Spent 1-2 hours State Parks • Architectural Buildings
    
    
    Cedar Rock State Park is the home to the Frank Lloyd Wright designed Lowell and Agnes Walter Estate. The property is a complete and beautiful example of Frank Lloyd Wright's Usonian design meaning that Wright is as much the interior designer as he was the architect. Those that tour the home experience it almost as if the homeowners stepped out in 1950. The estate is comprised of four Wright designed structures which include the house, council fire, river pavilion, and formal entrance gate. Seasonal guided tours of the property depart the visitor center hourly from 10:00 am-3:00 pm Thursday to Sunday's from late May to mid-October. See more..
    
17. 5.0 Bily Clocks Museum (97 reviews)
    - Yes, take a break and stop and see this museum. You will be glad you did.
    Temporarily closed - Closed until Apr 30, 2023 Speciality Museums
    
    
    The Bily Clocks Museum & Antonin Dvorak Exhibit has been a favorite attraction of young and old for many years. Visitors return year after year to the enchanting town of Spillville, Iowa, (located thirteen miles southwest of the town of Decorah), to marvel at the unique clocks that two brothers, Frank and Joseph Bily (bee-lee) hand-carved. The clocks depict history, art, religion and culture and are covered with hundreds of expertly carved figures. Some stand over nine feet tall. Also housed in the museum on the second floor is an exhibit in memory of the famous Czech composer, Antonin Dvorak. In the summer of 1893, he along with his family, occupied the second floor of the building. An admission fee is charged. Tours are given regularly. See more..
    
18. 5.0 Okoboji Classic Cars (96 reviews)
    - Way more than I expected!
    Friday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Speciality Museums
    
    
    Guided tour of this large car museum with 5-ft deep storefronts of Spencer IA, showing off tons of antiques, mannequins, wonderful mural throughout. (oh, and cars, too! :D ) Even we ladies who aren't particularly enamored of cars will appreciate it. I had expected to be able to wander through after the tour, but you cannot. So if you want to look into the storefronts, do it during the tour! See more..
    
19. 5.0 Trout Run Trail (91 reviews)
    - Beautiful Biking and Hiking
    Hiking Trails
    
    
    This trail was the reason that my wife and I came to Decorah. It is about 17 miles long and goes around the whole town. It varies from city to farmland to trout stream. We walked the trail and had a great time. There are a few changes in elevation, but all in all it is not a hard trail to walk See more..
    
20. 5.0 St. Luke's United Methodist Church (90 reviews)
    - Oh the windows!!!
    Spent 1-2 hours Churches & Cathedrals
    
    
    We went to St. Luke's on a Friday morning to see the Tiffany stained glass windows. Oh my, they were gorgeous! Mary provided our tour and was a wealth of information. Not only did she tell the story of each window, but she also welcomed and answered all of our questions. These windows are unlike any stained glass you've ever seen before. You will not regret spending time here. It is free to enter the church, but a free-will donation to maintain the windows is requested. See more..
    
21. 5.0 Knoxville Raceway (81 reviews)
    - First time at the Sprint Car races! Awesome time!
    Auto Racing Tracks
    
    
    We attended the All-Star Circuit of Champions on July 30th. It was an action packed night of racing! I’ve been to many other types of racing before but my sister-in-law said we had to go to see the sprint cars during my visit! She’s an Iowa native and her stepfather, grandfather and uncle were all driving pushtrucks. They also had newly installed LED lights on the in field poles. They put on some cool light shows but the other neat feature is the poles light up green, yellow and red corresponding with the flag color. See more..
    
22. 5.0 World Food Prize Hall of Laureates (80 reviews)
    - A gem of museums that was unexpectedly wonderful!
    Friday: Speciality Museums
    
    
    The Norman E. Borlaug Hall of Laureates - home of The World Food Prize - is a public museum, educational facility and a place of inspiration for all. This magnificently restored Beaux Arts space celebrates the spirit of giving, emphasizing the importance of global food security. See more..
    
23. 5.0 Freedom 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 artwork See more..
    
24. 5.0 Hansen's Farm Fresh Dairy (53 reviews)
    - Great time & great price!
    Friday: 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Farms
    
    
    Hansen’s Dairy is a family-owned on-farm creamery in Hudson, Iowa. The Hansen family has been farming the same land for more than 150 years. Since 2004, we have been making our own dairy products. We are truly farm to table! Hansen’s “legendairy” products include milk, cheese curds, butter, heavy cream and ice cream. We do agritourism to help our customers connect with their local food. If you're looking for something to do in Iowa, our dairy farm tour is educational and entertaining! Admission includes a trolley ride to the farm, then a walking tour to see our animals and facilities. All participants can feed a calf, milk a cow by hand, pet the kangaroos (yes, real kangaroos!) and goats, make homemade butter, sample our milk and cheese curds, and eat our premium, old-fashioned ice cream. Ages 4 and older, $15; ages 3 and younger, free. Tours begin at 3:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday, April 1-Oct. 31. Must have reservation. Book at https://hansendairy.com/farm-tours or call. See more..
    
25. 5.0 Clark Museum of Okoboji Area & Iowa History (53 reviews)
    - Hidden gem near Okoboji
    Friday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums • History Museums
    
    
    History buffs be prepared to spend hours viewing the many unique items, pictures, and stories in the Museum's multiple buildings. The Clark Museum is one of the largest private museum collections in the upper Midwest, including the largest display of pictures, stories, and memorabilia from the Iowa Great Lakes and surrounding region. The large South Building contains many hundreds of pictures, each with a story describing the image. Thousands of business advertisements and other historical items are on display. Spend time in the newly renovated North building by viewing scenes of the past, including many one-of-a-kind items from the Arnold's Park Amusement Park and renowned local businesses. The North Building also features a seating area where you can relax and take in the history. Located on the western edge of Milford, just 4 miles from the Arnold's Park Amusement Park. See more..
    
26. 5.0 Hitchcock Nature Center (50 reviews)
    - Best kept secret north of Omaha
    Nature & Wildlife Areas • Parks
    
    
    Three day 2 night girls (sisters) camping trip. Stayed in Burr Oak cabin. Was beautiful and rustic and surprisingly quiet and private from the other two cabins. Could not believe how great the mattress was - slept like a baby! Great trails and unbelievable views! So close to Omaha. Stopped at Stanley's Snack Shack on the way there and had a really great lunch. I guess the only downer was on Monday they were weed wacking about 100 yards from our cabin and this went on all morning, but I guess it has to be done at some point, but it did ruin our quiet morning. Rest room was clean and within easy walking distance to cabin. Did not use showers since we were only there for a couple days. The lodge was nice and we got a sticker for the car and a t-shirt. View from the lodge was amazing and so was the observation tower. Overall, highly recommend!! See more..
    
27. 5.0 Matchstick Marvels Museum (44 reviews)
    - It really is a marvel!!
    Speciality Museums
    
    
    Saw a piece about this on CBS Sunday Morning and took a day trip to see it for ourselves. It did not disappoint! The models are meticulously crafted from matchsticks to be actual scale models of everything from the US Capitol Building to Notre Dame Cathedral (that one’s especially precious now!) to the Space Shuttle. We spent a couple of hours there and came away feeling that we had visited a very special place. Highly recommended! See more..
    
28. 5.0 Maiden Voyage Mississippi River Boat Tours (41 reviews)
    - Perfect chance to get on the river and learn while relaxing
    Boat Tours
    
    
    Great value and fun family excursion. Very glad we did this and highly recommend if touring NE Iowa to learn more about the Upper Mississippi and surrounding area. Captain is very good with kids and makes this super affordable for families. See more..
    
29. 5.0 Okoboji Summer Theatre (41 reviews)
    - Love Supporting Stephens College
    Friday: 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM Theaters
    
    
    We had a very nice evening at the Okoboji Summer Theater. Me, my husband and two daughters all enjoyed the performance of Clue. The theater is small and comfortable and the cast was wonderful. I wanted to support Stephens College and we are so glad we did! Add this to your list of things things to do when you are at the lake. See more..
    
30. 5.0 Midwest Old Threshers (38 reviews)
    - History Comes Alive
    Friday: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM Spent 2-3 hours Speciality Museums • History Museums
    
    
    Come visit the Heritage Museums where you can step back into our agricultural heritage. We invite you to climb aboard one of the many traction steam engines, including the largest steam engine - a Case 110. Sit behind the wheel of an antique tractor or take a look at the Stationary Steam Engines featuring a Murray Corlliss engine display. See more..
    
31. 5.0 Paper Moon (38 reviews)
    - Five star stopover
    Friday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality & Gift Shops
    
    
    Cited as a must see in the New York Times travel section, Paper Moon is a one of a kind store located in McGregor, Iowa-just a block from the Mississippi River! Ken, Louise, and Jennifer opened the Paper Moon in 1994. The historic 1860’s building proudly went solar in 2009. ​The Paper Moon has been described as “the ultimate in therapy shopping.” The ground floor hosts a unique array of gifts, including jewelry, greeting cards, toiletries, housewares, and tons of fun stuff! The second level balcony holds an array of new books and handmade housewares; the third level is 1,000 square feet of children’s books and toys in a relaxing atmosphere. Inventory is in constant flux and Louise and Jennifer work hard to make sure the store has something for everyone. ​Customer service is important to staff at Paper Moon. They can help with personalized shopping, free gift wrapping, gift certificates, and free delivery in Prairie du Chien, McGregor, and Marquette. Stop by and visit! See more..
    
32. 5.0 Phelps Youth Pavilion (38 reviews)
    - Fun, Creative play for kids
    Friday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Art Galleries
    
    
    The Phelps Youth Pavilion is a children’s museum with creative, hands-on experiences, from simple drawing and painting projects to magical high-tech adventures. With over 40 interactive exhibits, learning about art and culture has never been so much fun! Daily Admission $5 Per Person $2 with an EBT card FREE for members and children under the age of 1 Memberships Members are treated like VIPs with free admission, discounts on classes, and birthday parties, and 1/2 price admission to over 200 other children’s museums, among other great benefits. Members make things happen at the Waterloo Center for the Arts. See more..
    
33. 5.0 National Sprint Car Hall of Fame and Museum (37 reviews)
    - No visit to the museum just 2nd floor seating to view the races and we had a little one with us.
    Spent 2-3 hours Speciality Museums
    
    
    We attended the All-Star Circuit of Champions on July 30th. We purchased 2nd floor seating tickets because we had a little one with us. We had a good view of the track. It wasn’t any where near as loud as outside. So if you have anyone with noise sensitivity in your party I highly suggest these seats. They also had several tv’s available and a projection screen showing the race broadcast. You could hear the announcers very well. See more..
    
34. 5.0 Barrel Head Winery (37 reviews)
    - Great view and amazing owners make the experience.
    Wineries & Vineyards
    
    
    The owner was super knowledgeable and very informative. His vineyard is not huge by any means, but this is what adds to this locations ambiance. The owner took the time with out group to teach is how to properly taste the wine and be able to distinguish different tastes! They totally went above and beyond to make us feel at home. I will be returning here for sooner rather than later. I hope his next year's crop is the best he has ever had. See more..
    
35. 5.0 Goodies Handmade Candies (36 reviews)
    - Yummy
    Spent < 1 hour Speciality & Gift Shops
    
    
    Great peanut butter pie and wonderful chocolates. They also have a small gift job. Other treats included coffee, ice cream, bars, cookies and bars. See more..
    
36. 5.0 Carnegie-Stout Public Library (36 reviews)
    - Great Kid's Program
    Libraries
    
    
    Our preschool had a great time during the kid's program presentation. Very engaging and entertaining for 3 and 4 year olds. See more..
    
37. 5.0 The Cryptic Room (35 reviews)
    - Definitely one of the best in the area!
    Friday: 11:00 AM - 11:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Escape Games
    
    
    We are a live-action, team-based escape room game. First, YOU give us permission to "lock" you in a room. Once you are inside, the clock starts ticking and you have limited time to work together to use clues in the room to solve the puzzles that will help you "break out". You must hurry though... Once the clock hits zero, it is all over! See more..
    
38. 5.0 The Escape (34 reviews)
    - Challenging but Fun! Way Better than Downtown Competition!
    Friday: 10:00 AM - 12:00 AM Spent 1-2 hours Escape Games
    
    
    Escape the room solving puzzles and finding clues using only your wit and problem solving skills. Your 60 minute adrenaline rush of fun awaits! See more..
    
39. 5.0 Story City Antique Carousel (32 reviews)
    - Don't miss it!
    Points of Interest & Landmarks
    
    
    This is a must if you come to Story City! They have restored this with the calliope and it has horses, pigs, even a spinning tub! See more..
    
40. 5.0 Center Grove Orchard (31 reviews)
    - Best day ever!!
    Spent More than 3 hours Amusement & Theme Parks
    
    
    Center Grove Orchard was an instant favorite for our family and a new tradition for sure. The orchard and facilities were very nice, clean, unique and each area we visited was fun for our 10 year old, 7 year old and 4 year old. Because most everything was outside and given ample space, we never felt crowded and we never stood in line for an activity. The corn pool was fun and the kids loved sliding down the old grain truck slide. The jumping pillows were a blast and so was the super slide! We loved the little animal showcase at the barn too. Hay pyramid, corn maze, hay maze, discovery barn, bottle feeding baby goats, hay ride- we thought two hours would be plenty of time but we spent nearly three hours and had to leave because they were closing. We could’ve made it a whole day! For everything we did, the money was well spent and wonderful memories were made! You save $3/ticket if you buy online in advance. See more..
    
41. 5.0 Stringtown Grocery (31 reviews)
    - A Refreshing Experience...
    Friday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Speciality & Gift Shops
    
    
    Any visit to my inlaws absolutely requires a Stringtown sojourn. It honestly is one of the most unique stores in the country, in my opinion. While the gentle Amish eschew many modern amenities, they are still extremely astute business folks, and their simple grocery store that caters to their needs draws in far more of 'The English.' I shopped here in the 90s, while stationed at U of Iowa, and their wonderful products and great value has not changed one bit. The only thing that has changed is a newer/larger, building, resplendent with awesome natural lighting and propane-powered refrigeration for their meats/produce and inside climate control. In this nut job of a world we live in, it is so comforting to experience Amish country, and relish thoughts of a simpler life. God Bless them... See more..
    
42. 5.0 Prairie Lights (30 reviews)
    - Prarie Lights is exceptional.
    Friday: 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM Speciality & Gift Shops
    
    
    I've gone to Prarie Lights several time and they are really exceptional. Their employees are helpful and VERY knowledgable, their book selection is impressive considering their size, and the readings they hold in the store are very well put on. They also have a small cafe that is very pleasent. Their children's book selection is also worth mentioning, and it includes childrens books in several languages. They also carry a small selection of International newspapers (I got a copy of Le Monde there). Additionally, it is a small, private, local business that keeps your money in Iowa City. See more..
    
43. 5.0 Mount Hosmer Park (29 reviews)
    - Scary drive up - don't go up in a large RV
    Parks
    
    
    Luckily I had someone local to direct me up to this park and the FABULOUS overlook of the Mississippi River. There are a couple hairpins turns that large RVs will have an issue with. It's steep. But once you're up here you could spend hours just watching the river or bird watching. Picnic tables at the top - plan to stay a while. See more..
    
44. 5.0 Escape Cedar Valley (29 reviews)
    - Best escape room!
    Spent 1-2 hours Escape Games
    
    
    An exciting adventure for all ages! Choose your game, find the clues and see if you can escape in 60 minutes! See more..
    
45. 5.0 Bodega Victoriana Winery (27 reviews)
    - Great Food, Wine and Music
    Wineries & Vineyards
    
    
    We always have a wonderful time at Bodega. Wines are great but this time they were out of a good amount of their wines. We really enjoyed the different appetizers and all of the wines. They do have beer for people that do not enjoy wine. We had a great time listening to Bill Sammon and enjoyed the Funday Sunday! See more..
    
46. 5.0 Fossil & Prairie Center (26 reviews)
    - Great half-day stop for spring break
    Nature & Wildlife Areas
    
    
    We stopped here for a half day on our travels around Iowa during spring break. It was a cold, windy day, so the place was almost empty. The visitor center was closed, although the doors were open to give access to the restrooms. We found plenty of parking and went right to work looking for fossils. Our grandson (7) had a blast and was so excited to find a variety of fossils, including some beautiful complete brachiopods. Fossils were plentiful in many horizons, and our grandson quickly gathered a couple of small bags full. The fun continued that evening in our motel room, where he meticulously washed everything he found. We walked to the Menards store next to our motel to buy a few plastic divided boxes to hold his new treasures. It was so much fun that I think we'll go back next year. There are no good motel or restaurant options nearby, but we found excellent lodging and restaurants in Ft. Dodge. See more..
    
47. 5.0 Frisian Farms Cheese House (26 reviews)
    - Gouda Great!!
    Spent < 1 hour Speciality & Gift Shops
    
    
    First time stopping in and we were the only ones early in the morning. Nice little cheese shop with great cheese. Bought several items to go. Staff was very polite. Only downside was the limited selection to purchase. Will have to order and have shipped in the future. See more..
    
48. 5.0 George M. Verity Riverboat Museum (26 reviews)
    - Interesting riverboat tour in Victory Park
    Spent 1-2 hours History Museums
    
    
    Based on reviews, we decided to take a tour of this riverboat museum and were happy we did. For a very modest price (cash) we were given a tour thru the riverboat with information and history about stern wheelers on the Mississippi. We enjoyed this plus or minus 30 minute stroll and discussion thru the various levels. Interesting with a great guide. To find this riverboat map yourself to Victory Park. Lock observation deck right nearby. See more..
    
49. 5.0 Muscatine Art Center (26 reviews)
    - A TRUE GEM
    Friday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Art Museums • History Museums
    
    
    Once the private home of a lumber heiress, the Musser Museum features many distinctive architectural details of the Edwardian period. The adjoining Stanley Gallery hosts national, traveling art exhibitions. Funded in part by the Iowa Arts Council, a division of the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs and the National Endowment for the Arts. The Muscatine Art Center is one of only 802 museums nationwide accredited by the American Association of Museums. This honor signifies that the Art Center has undergone a rigorous and lengthy process involving intensive self-examination, peer review and a thorough examination by the Accreditation Commission. Accreditation by the AAM means the Muscatine Art Center is recognized for demonstrating excellence and operating in accordance with the best practices and highest standards in the field. See more..
    
50. 5.0 Mystique Ice Center (26 reviews)
    - Wow great Ushl rink
    Friday: 9:00 AM - 10:00 PM Sports Complexes
    
    
    Great USHL RINK - good seating, clean ample easy parking , very clean and comfortable temp control.. they have clearly invested in this space See more..