If Iowa isn’t on your radar for summer travel, it should be. This Midwest state might be best known for rolling cornfields and small-town charm, but look a little closer and you’ll find a landscape full of surprises, not to mention plenty of unique places to visit in Iowa. There’s a deep creativity rooted in Iowa that shows up in everything from historic river towns and scenic byways to quirky roadside attractions and thriving arts communities.
Whether you’re hiking through the Loess Hills, kayaking on crystal-clear spring-fed rivers, or sipping wine in a quiet vineyard, Iowa offers an experience that’s more diverse, inviting, and authentic than you might expect. Iowa during the summer offers a taste of Americana like nowhere else, and is perfect for travelers who really want to slow down and connect with a place. There are countless unique places to visit in Iowa, all of which will leave a lasting impression.Â
Head to Decorah for world-class biking trails, heritage museums, and limestone bluffs. Explore the Amana Colonies for a dose of living history and handmade craftsmanship. Visit the Iowa State Fair in Des Moines, tour Frank Lloyd Wright-designed architecture in Mason City, or plan a scenic Iowa day trip along the Great River Road. If you’re into offbeat attractions, there’s the world’s largest frying pan, a giant gnome garden, and even a shrine made entirely of corn.
There are plenty of things to do in Iowa for couples, from sunset paddles on Lake Okoboji to dinner in a vintage railcar in Boone. That makes it a great place to enjoy a bit of romance between adventures! In a state where local pride runs deep, it’s easy to find cool places in Iowa that blend the authentic with the unexpected. No matter where your summer travels take you, staying at one of the top Iowa Bed and Breakfasts affiliated with the Midwest Association of Independent Inns will elevate your experience.
These locally owned Bed and Breakfasts are more than a place to rest your head at the end of the day. Each property offers thoughtful hospitality, comfortable accommodations, and local insight that guides you toward the best places to visit in Iowa. Whether planning a quiet weekend for two or a road trip across the state, our Bed and Breakfasts serve as welcoming ambassadors, offering farm-to-table breakfasts, cozy amenities, and a strong sense of place. Book your stay at our top-rated Iowa Bed and Breakfasts today!
Seeking Authenticity: The Most Unique Places to Visit in Iowa
If you’re looking to ditch the crowds and connect with a place that feels honest, grounded, and still a little undiscovered, it’s time you discover some of these unique Iowa attractions. The state delivers something refreshingly real, including places where local diners are still the best places to eat, where people wave from their front porches, and where you can lose a whole afternoon exploring small-town museums or scenic back roads.
Visiting Iowa isn’t just about checking landmarks off your list, though. A summer adventure in Iowa is all about the feeling of being invited into something local and personal. Whether you’re planning Iowa day trips or a weeklong tour of the best places to visit in Iowa, this is a state where authentic travel experiences aren’t manufactured. It’s just how things are. And that’s exactly what makes it such a joy to discover.
Don’t Miss These Unique Iowa Tourist Attractions
- There’s plenty to love about Iowa in the summer, but no trip here would be complete without a visit to Pikes Peak State Park near McGregor. With sweeping views of the Mississippi River from a 500-foot bluff, this park feels more like the Pacific Northwest than the Midwest. It’s certainly one of the more unique places to visit in Iowa! Don’t miss the Bridal Veil Falls trail, and stop in nearby McGregor for coffee and antiques.
- If your mission is to explore the most unique places to visit in Iowa, The American Gothic House must be on your list. Step into Grant Wood’s iconic painting—literally. The house made famous by American Gothic is open to the public and has pitchforks and props so you can recreate the famous image on the lawn.
- One of our favorite places to visit in Iowa is the Amana Colonies, just south of Cedar Rapids. The Amana Colonies are a group of seven historic villages where old-world German traditions are still part of daily life. Come for the woodworking, handwoven textiles, and communal-style meals. We recommend visiting during Maifest in May, Wurst Fest in June, or Oktoberfest in October for food, music, and a true small-town celebration.
- One of the most historically significant and unique places to visit in Iowa is the Effigy Mounds National Monument in Harpers Ferry. Here, you’ll encounter sacred Native American burial and ceremonial mounds in the shape of animals, high above the Mississippi River. It’s quiet, powerful, and best visited in the early morning when the mist rises from the trees.
- For something quirky and charming, don’t miss the Danish Windmill & Museum in Elk Horn. It features an authentic 1848 windmill imported from Denmark and deep Danish heritage. Visit the museum, snack on Æbleskiver, and check out the nearby VikingHjem for a fascinating look at Scandinavian settlement history in Iowa.
- Decorah is one of the most popular places to visit in Iowa, and for good reason. It has some of the most unexpected geography in Iowa. Visit the Ice Cave (which can stay frozen into August!) and walk to Dunning’s Spring, a waterfall just steps from downtown. There’s a great brewery scene here, too.
- Take the chance to walk or bike across the High Trestle Trail Bridge in Madrid. This illuminated pedestrian bridge spans the Des Moines River Valley and is one of the most unique places to visit in Iowa. The trail navigates the route from later to Madrid. Stop at the Flat Tire Lounge for a post-ride pint.
- One of the most popular and unique places to visit in Iowa is Maquoketa Caves State Park. One of the most unique Iowa tourist attractions, this park offers cave exploration, forest trails, and a walkable stone bridge. Bring a flashlight and old shoes. Many of the caves are muddy and pitch black.
- Even if you’re not a huge Western fan, the John Wayne Birthplace & Museum is packed with Americana, making it one of the most unique places to visit in Iowa. Make sure to walk around Winterset’s charming downtown and see the iconic covered bridges of Madison County nearby.
Unwind at These Iowa Bed and Breakfasts
When you’re exploring all the unique places to visit in Iowa, where you stay can play an important role in how much you enjoy your trip. The Midwest Association of Independent Inns features some of the best Bed and Breakfasts in Iowa, each offering something traditional hotels simply can’t replicate: authenticity, personal attention, and a real sense of place. These properties are run by innkeepers who live where they work, know the community inside and out, and are eager to help guests discover fun things to do in Iowa that don’t show up in tourist brochures.
From the moment you check in, you’ll feel like more than just a visitor—you’ll feel like a welcomed guest. Like all of our member Bed and Breakfasts across the Midwest, each of these Iowa Inns is unique. Beyond thoughtful accommodations, you’ll find extras like home-cooked breakfasts made from local ingredients, curated guides to cool places in Iowa, and personalized tips for enjoying all the best things to do in Iowa.Â
The Midwest Inns network isn’t just limited to Iowa Bed and Breakfasts. Our association highlights the best independent lodging across the region. By choosing one of these properties, you’re enhancing your travel experience and supporting small businesses that are deeply connected to their communities. Whether chasing waterfalls, browsing small-town galleries, or following scenic byways to unexpected places, these Iowa Bed and Breakfasts are the perfect home base. Book your stay today!
