Fly Through, Not Over. Those are the bold words plastered at the top of Travel Iowa, the State Department of Tourism’s website. From border to border and between its many cornfields, you’ll find an exciting array of things to do in Iowa. If you’re looking for an opportunity to explore the best of the Midwest, from hidden gems to standout cultural attractions, there’s no time like the present to check out our collection of Midwest Inns, hotels, and Bed and Breakfasts so you can start planning an epic adventure in Iowa.
Iowa’s culture is rich, filled with history, charming towns, and welcoming people, all surrounded by stunning landscapes that beg for exploration. As the Midwest sun heats up this spring, summer, and into fall, there’s never been a better time to explore Iowa and the many things you’ll find to do across the state. From the adventurous to the relaxing and the historic to the innovative, there’s no shortage of things to do in Iowa. Art and culture lovers will find a feast for the sense in galleries, theaters, and museums that punctuate the cities, while nature lovers will be drawn to the state’s vast parks and reserves that unfold in a stunning display of biodiversity.
The Hawkeye State offers a delightful trip through Americana and the perfect juxtaposition of urban sophistication and rural charm. Let the rhythm of life slow this summer, and give yourself a chance to savor each moment. That’s what a vacation to Iowa is all about. Embrace the essence of Iowa at one of our premier lodging properties. Our collection of Inns, boutique hotels, Bed and Breakfasts, and cottages provide a getaway into the heart of Iowa, where warmth, hospitality, and a strong sense of place bring a personal touch to your getaway that you won’t find anywhere else.
As you navigate the Midwest, let our Inns be your guide. We offer the best places to stay across the region, from Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Iowa to Nebraska and Illinois. For even more fun adventures, explore the best of the Midwest with us, and book your stay today!
The Top Things to Do in Iowa This Summer
Whether you’re looking to marvel at museums, experience some of the American Heartland’s quintessential small-town charm, or spend your days adventuring in the great outdoors, there’s no shortage of great things to do in Iowa. The state has a reputation as one of the country’s agricultural powerhouses, and while that means great food and drink are never too far away, these agrarian roots are steeped in tradition and provide the foundational backbone to many of the best experiences in the Hawkeye State.
There’s truly something for everyone in Iowa, and the diversity of things to do in Iowa makes it such a compelling choice for your upcoming Midwest vacations. Below, find a curated list of 15 top things to do around the state, each promising exciting adventure and an authentic glimpse into what makes Iowa so wonderful.
- Like many other Midwest States, Iowa promises exciting outdoor adventure at its State Parks. There are 83 Iowa State Parks to explore, each offering abundant scenery and plenty of options for outdoor recreation. Among our favorite parks are Backbone State Park, Ledges State Park, and Maquoketa Caves State Park.
- Covered bridges aren’t just for New England. One of the most iconic things to do in Iowa is to drive the Covered Bridges Scenic Byway, an 82-mile route that will lead you to the famed Bridges of Madison County. Of course, this is just one of many great scenic drives in the state. Others to consider include the Great River Road, the Loess Hills National Scenic Byway, and the Glacial Trails Scenic Byway.
- Like all other Midwest States in our association, Iowa offers epic biking opportunities. With more than 2,500 miles of bike trails to explore, the state proudly boasts that it’s the world capital of trials—no wonder this is one of the best things to do in Iowa! Popular trails include the Sauk Rail Trail, the Three Rivers Trail, the Iowa Great Lakes Trail System, the Cedar Valley Nature Trail, the Wabash Trace Nature Trail, and the High Trestle Trail.
- Biking isn’t the only great way to explore Iowa’s diverse landscapes. Hiking is also one of the top-rated things to do in Iowa. You’ll find great trails at State Parks, but there are a few other gems worth seeking. Head to the Hitchcock Nature Center to hike their observation tower, where you’ll find a stunning view of Iowa’s Loess Hills, or to Yellow River State Forest for the Paint Creek Backpack Trail, once named Iowa’s best hiking trail.
- With so many wide-open rural spaces, Iowa offers excellent birdwatching! While spring and fall are the best times to see migrating waterfowl and songbirds, summer is perfect for seeing shorebirds and nesting sandhill cranes. Here’s a great list of the top birding hotspots around the state.
- Speaking of wide-open spaces, it’s probably no surprise that stargazing is one of the best things to do in Iowa. Iowa offers a unique opportunity to view dark night skies, including at designated Dark Sky areas. One of the best spots is Whiterock Conservancy in Coon Rapids, a park that claims to have the “darkest skies in Iowa.”
- Take a break from nature and enjoy Iowa’s interesting museums and cultural hotspots. These represent some of our favorite things to do in Iowa, as they truly represent what the state is all about. Some favorites here include the John Wayne Birthplace and Museum, the Iowa Quilt Museum, the Iowa Aviation Museum, the Des Moines Art Center, and the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium in Dubuque, which provides an in-depth look at the ecology and culture of the Mississippi River region.
- Did you know that Iowa is home to some big raceways? Summer is also the perfect time to visit them, as there are big race weekends across the state, including NASCAR Cup races at the Iowa Speedway.
- Get out and explore the craft beverage industry in Iowa—you won’t be disappointed! Like the rest of the Midwest, Iowa is home to a fantastic array of craft breweries, wineries, and distilleries. There are eight wine trails around the state, and you’ll find craft breweries everywhere.
- Water is everywhere you turn in Iowa, too, and it features prominently in many of the best things to do in Iowa. For starters, enjoy canoeing and kayaking along the Upper Iowa River, named by National Geographic Adventure Magazine as one of the top 100 adventures in the country. Other great places for paddling include the west Nishnabotna River and the many regional lakes.
- For more water-based things to do in Iowa, consider a river cruise on the Scenic City Empress in Iowa Falls. It’s the last operating riverboat in Iowa and takes you on a beautiful journey past limestone bluffs, a waterfall, swinging bridges, wildlife, and truly breathtaking scenery.
- We can’t talk about things to do in Iowa this summer without mentioning the Iowa Great Lakes Region. From Lake Okoboji to Spirit Lake and beyond, this region is the perfect spot for boating, fishing, biking, hiking, and all the quintessential summer fun you’ve been craving.
- During the hottest days of summer, take a break and head underground! The most popular caves in Iowa are found at Maquoketa Caves State Park, but we also recommend Crystal Lake Cave in Dubuque. There, you’ll find geological wonders, outdoor adventures, and one of Iowa’s most unique things to do.
- Embrace Iowa’s Railway history in Boone, where you can enjoy a bit of rail biking with Rail Explorers or take a historic train ride on the Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad.
- Visit the Amana Colonies, a group of settlements rich in German heritage, offering a window into the community’s unique way of life, craftsmanship, and culinary traditions.
The Best Places to Stay in Iowa
Whether you choose to visit some of Iowa’s more prominent cities like Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, or Dubuque or would prefer to center your getaways around smaller communities like Okoboji or Sioux City, you’ll be hard-pressed to find better accommodations than a Bed and Breakfast in Iowa – particularly those that are part of the Midwest Association of Independent Inns.
Like all of our partner Inns across the Midwest, These Bed and Breakfasts in Iowa are dedicated to excellence in everything they do. From delicious breakfasts included in the stay at many of our properties to welcoming accommodations and top-notch amenities, you’ll find everything you need and more in our collection of Inns, Boutique Hotels, and Bed and Breakfasts. Moreover, you’ll enjoy our signature Midwest hospitality, featuring personalized recommendations and hospitality that is second to none. With so much on offer and so many fantastic destinations to visit, it’s no wonder our network of Inns are rated as the best places to stay in Iowa.
We could create endless lists of all the incredible things to do in Iowa, but instead of wasting your time reading, we hope you’ll jump right into planning! No matter where you go, you’ll find top-rated Bed and Breakfasts waiting to treat you to an unforgettable stay. Don’t miss this opportunity—enjoy all the best things to do in Iowa with us this year. Book your stay at an Iowa Inn or hotel today!
