As spring nears, it always feels like a time of renewal, with newfound energy and life, and it’s one of the best seasons to start planning those quick weekend getaways in Iowa to mix up the routine. Whether you’re looking to get out of the city for a few days or long for a vibrant metropolitan vacation, there are so many wonderful places to visit in Iowa that can cater to both getaway styles. Many towns host festivals, live music events, and local celebrations that give visitors a reason to extend their stay.
If you’re heading out on an Iowa road trip from a small town, hopping the train from Des Moines, or flying in from out of state, there’s an Iowa attraction or charming destination to put on the itinerary. While Iowa is known for golden cornfields and rolling farmland, there’s so much more beyond these farm-lined highways. From charming river towns along the Mississippi and lively college cities with award-winning restaurants and craft breweries to outdoor adventures and scenic bike trails that stretch for miles, there are so many fun things to do in Iowa.
The best weekend getaways in Iowa will encompass a wide range of activities and attractions. One of the important factors to a successful trip, of course, is your lodging. There is a lovely collection of unique places to stay in Iowa, including locally owned Inns and Bed and Breakfasts that can easily be a highlight of your trip. As the Midwest has always had a reputation for its welcoming and kind residents, you’ll truly experience this firsthand when you have a hosted stay at an Iowa B&B. Start planning your weekend getaways in Iowa and book your lodging today!
Beautiful Places to Visit for Weekend Getaways in Iowa this Spring
Spring weather in Iowa can be a bit unpredictable, but when the snow melts to reveal bright green fields, budding trees, and blooming flowers, it brings such freshness to the landscape. This is a beautiful backdrop for your weekend getaways in Iowa, and you’ll find plenty to explore, whether it’s a rainy day or the sun is out and shining. In each of the 99 counties in the state of Iowa, you’ll find many hidden gem small towns that you might not otherwise discover.
Here are some of our favorite off-the-beaten-path destinations to consider adding to your itinerary:
Architecture in Albia
For those who have an affinity for Victorian architecture, the small town of Albia is home to 92 buildings on the National Register of Historic Places. It’s just over an hour from downtown Des Moines and about two hours from Cedar Rapids, so an easy road trip for your weekend getaways in Iowa. If you make Albia your home base, you’ll have a quiet place to relax and reset in the evenings, and you can spend your days out exploring Monroe County on the nearby hiking trails or Lake Rathbun.
Dutch Heritage in Pella
Celebrated for its Dutch roots, Pella brings a European influence to central Iowa. Visitors can tour the impressive Vermeer Windmill, walk through vibrant tulip gardens each spring, and browse locally owned bakeries and specialty shops that reflect the town’s heritage. The annual Tulip Time Festival draws guests from across the region, though Pella’s architecture, cultural attractions, and welcoming downtown make it a rewarding destination year-round.
Explore the Driftless Region in Decorah
Tucked into the hills of the Driftless Region in northeast Iowa, Decorah offers terrain that surprises many first-time visitors. Instead of flat farmland, you will find limestone bluffs, cold water trout streams, wooded trails, and scenic overlooks that make the area a favorite for hiking, biking, and kayaking. Decorah is home to a strong Norwegian influence, reflected in its festivals, food traditions, and the nationally recognized Vesterheim Norwegian American Museum.
Riverside in Clinton, IA
Located in eastern Iowa along the Mississippi River, Clinton grew from a modest river settlement into a bustling lumber and manufacturing center in the 1800s, a heritage still visible in its downtown architecture and cultural identity. The Riverfront Walk and Discovery Trail stretches nearly five miles along the riverbank, a lovely path to follow in the spring. Clinton is one of the best weekend getaways in Iowa for those leaving from Chicago; it’s an easy three-hour scenic drive.
Larger Destinations for Your Weekend Getaways in Iowa
While the small towns above offer lesser-known places to take a vacation, if you’ve yet to explore some of the metropolitan areas in Iowa, they should absolutely be on your list. For example, Des Moines is the capital and largest city in the state and offers many of the best things to do in Iowa. Explore the historic East Village, hit the massive downtown Farmers Market, and visit the Blank Park Zoo.
Also, far on the eastern side of the state near the Illinois border, Dubuque is a must-visit. This historic Mississippi River town is known for the Fenelon Place Elevator, the world’s steepest and shortest scenic railway, and riverboat cruises. Plus, right over the state line, you’ll find Galena, worth a day trip to explore its small-town streets lined with historic brick buildings and shops.
For those seeking a lakeside retreat for weekend getaways in Iowa, Okoboji is located in the Great Lakes Region and is a beautiful place to spend a vacation. The deep, blue lakes begin to come to life in the spring, as well as the Dickinson County Trails for hiking and biking, and popular music venues. There are so many great options for your weekend getaways in Iowa, especially if you’re ready to explore something new.
Come Discover these Unique Places to Stay in Iowa
Many visitors researching unique places to stay in Iowa are drawn to smaller properties with personality and often on the path less traveled. Boutique inns and locally owned accommodations are often located in renovated historic buildings or thoughtfully restored homes, creating unforgettable places for your weekend getaways in Iowa. There’s a level of personalized hospitality at the best Iowa Bed and Breakfasts that might be missing at larger lodging options, and choosing a hosted stay with seasoned, knowledgeable Innkeepers can make all the difference.
Whether you are planning a romantic escape, mapping out unique places to visit in Iowa, or simply looking for inspiration for things to do in Iowa this weekend, spring creates the perfect opening. The Midwest Association of Independent Inns is an excellent resource for finding a fantastic place to make your home away from home. Book your stay at one of our fantastic Iowa Bed and Breakfasts today!
