From its rolling hills and picturesque landscapes to its vibrant cities and historic landmarks, Iowa is a state that offers something for every traveler. Whether you’re interested in art, history, nature, or just plain having fun, you’ll find plenty of things to see and do here. To help you plan your next trip to Iowa, here are the top-rated tourist attractions for 2024:
Iowa is a Midwest gem with plenty to offer visitors. From the scenic Loess Hills National Scenic Byway to the vibrant city of Des Moines, there’s something for everyone in Iowa. And with its central location, it’s easy to get to from anywhere in the country.
If you’re looking for a fun and educational trip, be sure to visit the Iowa State Capitol in Des Moines. This beautiful building is home to the Iowa Legislature and offers tours of its grand halls and chambers. You can also learn about Iowa’s history and culture at the State Historical Museum of Iowa, which has exhibits on everything from Native American life to the state’s role in the Civil War.
For a more active adventure, head to Backbone State Park in Dundee. This park is home to scenic hiking trails, a beautiful lake, and a campground. You can also go fishing, boating, or swimming in the park’s lake. And if you’re looking for a unique experience, be sure to visit the park’s bison herd.
If you’re interested in art, be sure to visit the Des Moines Art Center. This museum has a collection of over 6,000 works of art from around the world. You can see paintings, sculptures, drawings, and more. The museum also offers a variety of educational programs and events.
1. Iowa State Capitol
The Iowa State Capitol is a beautiful building located in Des Moines. It is home to the Iowa Legislature and offers tours of its grand halls and chambers. You can also learn about Iowa’s history and culture at the State Historical Museum of Iowa, which is located in the Capitol building.
2. Backbone State Park
Backbone State Park is a beautiful park located in Dundee. It is home to scenic hiking trails, a beautiful lake, and a campground. You can also go fishing, boating, or swimming in the park’s lake. And if you’re looking for a unique experience, be sure to visit the park’s bison herd.
3. Des Moines Art Center
The Des Moines Art Center is a museum located in Des Moines. It has a collection of over 6,000 works of art from around the world. You can see paintings, sculptures, drawings, and more. The museum also offers a variety of educational programs and events.
4. Field of Dreams Movie Site
The Field of Dreams movie site is a baseball field located in Dyersville. It was the site of the famous baseball game in the movie “Field of Dreams.” You can visit the field and take a tour of the farmhouse that was used in the movie.
5. Herbert Hoover National Historic Site
The Herbert Hoover National Historic Site is a museum located in West Branch. It is the birthplace and childhood home of Herbert Hoover, the 31st President of the United States. You can tour the home and learn about Hoover’s life and presidency.
6. Grotto of the Redemption
The Grotto of the Redemption is a religious landmark located in West Bend. It is a series of nine grottos that were built by a local priest over a period of 40 years. The grottos are made of stone, concrete, and glass and depict scenes from the Bible.
7. Loess Hills National Scenic Byway
The Loess Hills National Scenic Byway is a scenic byway located in western Iowa. It follows the Loess Hills, a series of bluffs that were formed by wind-blown silt. The byway offers beautiful views of the Missouri River Valley and the surrounding countryside.
Culture
Iowa is a state with a rich culture that is influenced by its Midwest location and its agricultural heritage. The people of Iowa are friendly and welcoming, and they take pride in their state and its traditions.
Best Months to Visit
The best months to visit Iowa are May through October. The weather is mild during these months, and there are plenty of things to see and do outdoors.
Nearby Transportation
Iowa is easily accessible by car, train, or plane. The state is served by several major highways, including I-80, I-35, and I-90. There are also several airports in Iowa, including the Des Moines International Airport and the Cedar Rapids Eastern Iowa Airport.
Local Food
Iowa is known for its hearty and delicious food. Some of the state’s most popular dishes include the pork tenderloin sandwich, the Maid-Rite loose meat sandwich, and the butterburger. Iowa is also home to several wineries and breweries, so be sure to sample some of the local flavors.
Best Hotels
There are a variety of hotels located throughout Iowa. Some of the most popular hotels include the Hotel Fort Des Moines, the Embassy Suites by Hilton Des Moines Downtown, and the Marriott Hotel Des Moines.
Conclusion
Iowa is a great state to visit for a variety of reasons. It has something to offer everyone, from history and culture to art and nature. And with its central location, it’s easy to get to from anywhere in the country. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip to Iowa today!
