Iowa Travel & Tourist Attractions
Iowa sightseeing ranges from historic frontier forts to culturally rich cities, from authentic American farms to Old World charm in places such as Pella and the Amana Colonies to world-famous movie sites, including Field of Dreams and The Bridges of Madison County. Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or a fun-filled family vacation, nearly everything you need to know about Iowa attractions, destinations and special events is just a mouse click away.
Adventureland Park - Adventureland Amusement Park contains over 100 rides, shows, and attractions including some of the country's most exciting roller coasters and thrill rides. The park offers great family fun for all ages including water rides as well as a full compliment of children’s rides spread throughout the park.
Airpower Museum, Inc. - The APM has over 20,000 square feet of display and storage space. The Airpower Museum features a large collection of aircraft, many of which are flown regularly.
Amboy Trail Ranch - The Amboy Trail Ranch is located just outside of Newton, Iowa on over 100 acres of beautiful woodland. Visitors can enjoy a log guest cabin, trail rides, riding lessons, hayrides and more.
Arnold's Park - The oldest amusement park west of the Mississippi. It is the home to 'The Legend' roller coaster, rated one of the top 10 wooden coasters in the world.
Battle Hill Museum of Natural History - The Museum features more than 4,000 natural history specimens on display. Displays include Rocks, Fossils, Artifacts & Shells, Dioramas, Antlers and Horns, Skeletons, Skulls and Old Bones, Wildlife Mounts, Hides & Petting Zoo. The Museum also features a replica limestone cave with 100 feet of trails.
Beach Ottumwa - Beach Ottumwa waterpark offers exciting, full-sized waterpark attractions. At the center of the park is a Wave Pool featuring over 300,000 gallons and 22,000 square feet of exciting wave action and tube-riding fun. Other attractions include the Otter's Den, a 200' speed slide plunge, 340' body slide, kayaking and paddle boats, sand volleyball, an indoor aquatic facility and lots more.
Bickelhaupt Arboretum - The Bickelhaupt Arboretum called A Growing Place. Open year round, free of charge, dawn to dusk. Heartland Collection of Garden Conifers; Prairie grasses and flowers of native Midwest prairies; Large collection of flowering trees, ornamental shrubs, hosta, daylilies and Pinetum. Universally accessible, Education Programs weekly. Tours for groups of 20 may be scheduled.
The Birthplace of John Wayne - Step back in time and picture the life of a young Midwestern boy and his family near the turn of the century. This modest four-room home has been restored to reflect its appearance in 1907, the year of the Duke's birth.
Blanden Memorial Art Museum - The Museum is a center of art and culture, not only for Fort Dodge, but for a large area of north central Iowa. Free admission gives access to items from the world-class permanent collection and current exhibitions by local as well as internationally renowned artists. A full range of classes, receptions, concerts, lectures and special events for all ages are available.
Blank Park Zoo - Visit Des Moines' Blank Park Zoo where you'll find more than 800 intriguing animals nestled in 22 acres of naturalistic settings.
Bluedorn Science Imaginarium - The Bluedorn Science Imaginarium provides a fun way for you to learn and experiment with physics, light, sound and momentum. Hands-on exhibits provide a playground for your imagination.
Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad - Hop aboard the tourist line railroad, which travels a 15-mile round trip through the beautiful Des Moines River Valley. Enjoy a relaxing two and one-half hour scenic ride through the Des Moines River Valley aboard the historic 'City of San Fransico' car while enjoying elegant dining. See displays of historic railroad items and equipment.
Brucemore - Brucemore, a National Trust Historic Site since 1981, is a Queen Anne style mansion situated on a magnificent 26-acre parklike estate in the heart of Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Built between 1884 and 1886, Brucemore has been home to three prominent families who used the estate as a center for culture and the arts.
Cedar Rapids Museum of Art - The Cedar Rapids Museum of Art devotes eight galleries to selections of works from our permanent collection. The Museum owns over 5,000 works of art. The Museum has the world's largest collections of works by Grant Wood, Marvin D. Cone, and Mauricio Lasansky, and display their work at all times in four galleries on the first floor and four galleries on the second floor.
Cedar Valley Arboretum & Botanical Gardens - Featured Gardens include: The Enabling Garden, Community Garden, Sesquicentennial Forest, Herb Garden, Ethnic Garden, Trial Gardens, Hosta Garden, fifteen acres of sun-drenched prairie and a Children's Pond.
Charles H. MacNider Museum - The museum features a permanent collection of 19th and 20th century American art, and the largest collection anywhere of puppets, marionettes and related props made by the famous puppeteer Bil Baird! Visitors can view changing exhibitions of sculptures, graphics, crafts and paintings. Enjoy art festivals, programs, music concerts, films and classes.
Civic Center of Greater Des Moines - The Civic Center of Greater Des Moines will serve as an outstanding community performing arts center, accessible to all, where people may be educated, entertained and enlightened. Every year, the Civic Center of Greater Des Moines welcomes a quarter of a million people to enjoy the wonder, the suspense and the joy of live theater.
Crystal Lake Cave - You are invited to visit and witness the ongoing miracle that created this natural masterpiece of underground panorama. Competent & friendly tour guides will lead you through this wondrous cave on an exciting half hour to 45 minute adventure.
The Danish Immigrant Museum - The Museum is dedicated to telling the story of the Danish immigrant's experience across North America -- from Perth Amboy, New Jersey, to Solvang, California, and from Danevang, Texas, to Dalum, Alberta. The traditions carried on by later generations of Danish Americans will be presented in programs and special events.
Danish Windmill Museum and Welcome Center - Come take a guided tour of the authentic windmill from Denmark built in 1848 and transported to Elk Horn in 1975. The mill grinds wheat and rye by wind power. See a 10-minute video, and tour the 60-foot mill, gears and grinding stones.
Davenport Museum of Art - The Davenport Museum of Art actively serves the public by collecting, conserving, and exhibiting art, and by promoting appreciation and creation of visual art through education. As a vital, responsive institution, the DMA brings art and people together, expands the knowledge and love of art, and enriches the life of the community through the power of art.
Des Moines Art Center - Recognized by international art critics as a world-class museum in the heart of the Midwest, the Des Moines Art Center has amassed an important collection with a major emphasis on contemporary art. The collection’s overriding principle is a representation of artists of the 19th and 20th century, each through a seminal work.
Des Moines Botanical Center - The Des Moines Botanical Center is one of the most popular cultural attractions in Iowa, providing educational, recreational, and community resources to thousands. Its goal is to provide botanical displays and educational services for the people of Iowa. It is located on 14 acres along the east bank of the Des Moines River, close to downtown.
Des Moines Metro Opera (DMMO) - DMMO was founded in 1973 by Robert L. Larsen for two important purposes: To provide an opportunity for gifted young American singers to perform and to educate Midwestern audiences about opera, something they have limited opportunity to experience. Metro Opera has accomplished this by offering three productions each year during the Summer Festival in June and July.
Des Moines Playhouse - The Des Moines Playhouse was founded in 1919 by members of the Iowa Press and Authors Club. The Playhouse's mission is to partner with volunteers to create and deliver extraordinary theatre and education programs for communities in central Iowa through high-quality entertainment with special emphasis on issues of social significance.
Des Moines Symphony - The Des Moines Symphony is a full-service professional orchestra. The orchestra performs seven pairs of classical concerts throughout the season, as well as a three-concert pops series, family concerts, in-school ensemble performances, and its annual Yankee Doodle Pops concert, a free performance on the State Capitol grounds on July 3rd.
Donna Reed Center for the Performing Arts - A non-profit organization to memoralize Donna Reed's accomplishments and perpetuate her deep commitments to youth, education, and the performing arts. Housed in the restored 1914 Germania Opera House, the Center offers both film and theatrical productions, a turn-of-the-century soda fountain, gift shop, photos as well as personal and movie memorabilia from Donna Reed's life.
Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center - The Nature Center is within the boundaries of Stone State Park. Surrounded by over 1,000 acres of woodlands and loess hills prairies, it is the perfect setting for outdoor learning. Several miles of trails are available for hiking to enhance the experience.
Dubuque Arboretum and Botanical Gardens - The only all volunteer arboretum and botanical garden in the U.S., with over 375 volunteers. The only all tree, plant , shrub and seed-gifted arboretum and botanical garden in the US. See displays of annual and perennial flowers and vegetables, prairie grasses and wild flowers, water gardens, waterfalls, and ornamental plantings.
Dubuque Museum of Art - The Dubuque Museum of Art exists to foster, facilitate, and promote the study and appreciation of the visual arts. The Museum is dedicated to cultural growth, to enhance the quality of life, and to contribute to the general development of our community and region. The Museum offers exhibitions, tours, outreach programs, gallery talks, and a variety of educational initiatives.
Duffy's Collectible Cars - Filled with 30's-40's-50's-60's and 70's American made hardtops and convertibles. This dealership lets you step back in time with lots of Classic Car memorabilia and nearly 100 fully restored automobiles. All cars are for sale.
EOWATA - EOWATA offers the ideal setting to reduce stress, gain knowledge and wisdom, and marvel at the wonder and majesty of all creation. The magnificent grounds offer Oriental gardens, numerous fountains, an eighty-foot diameter, brick patio, authentic Indian village, rose gardens and other beautiful floral displays, lush nature trails, a wildlife reserve and more.
Family Museum of Arts and Science - Hands-on museum with interactive exhibits for children and families. Touch a tornado; make a cloud ring; hop through a rabbit hole. Explore the workings of the human heart. For active kids of all ages, the outdoor 'Kingdom for Kids' Playground, has things to climb, slide down, swing across, go up and down and slither around.
'Field of Dreams' Movie Site - Field of Dreams, released in 1989, is a movie that has inspired millions and became an Academy Award nominee for 'Best Picture of the Year.' The site is located in Dyersville, at the 91-year-old Lansing family farm with its quaint, and oh so recognizable house, baseball still ranks as a favorite pastime for all ages.
Frank Lloyd Wright Stockman House - The career of an architectural genius is marked by a series of great leaps forward in artistic style. The Stockman House represents such a leap in the career of Frank Lloyd Wright, America's greatest architect.
Garst Farm Resorts - The Resort offers outdoor recreation including the best trail riding in Iowa. Rent a canoe, mountain bike, draft horse wagon or gator. Take a tour of commercial or alternative agriculture, learn about prairies, astronomy, raptors, local history and more. Try out one of the 35 fishing ponds, take a hike, try bird watching. Stroll the expansive gardens and lots more.
Glenn Miller Birthplace Home - Glenn Miller Birthplace Home is restored to reflect the time around 1904 when Glenn was born. Highlights include period furnishings, unique features of the home and family photographs. It is the goal of the Glenn Miller Foundation to improve and maintain the home so that it can be enjoyed by visitors from around the world.
Grout Museum of History and Science - Throughout its more than 40-year history, the Grout Museum of History and Science, widely acknowledged as one of the cornerstones of culture in Northeast Iowa, has worked to fulfill its mission to provide a window on our world. The Museum specializes in area history and natural history. The Museum also features a 50-seat planetarium and hands-on Discovery Zone.
Guthrie County Historical Village - This village features Guthrie County history and includes an antiques and artifacts building, a log cabin, a general store, the Milwaukee Railroad depot and caboose, a church, a one-room country school, a blacksmith shop, an implement exhibit hall, a coal mine display and an early general store.
Henry A. Wallace Country Life Center - The Henry A. Wallace Country Life Center is the birthplace farmstead of Henry A. Wallace. The walking tour, organic produce gardens, programs and outdoor artwork will introduce you to the great achievements of Wallace, who served as U.S. Vice President, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, U.S. Secretary of Commerce and Founder of Pioneer Hi-Bred International.
The Herbert Hoover Presidential Library-Museum - opened to the public on August 10,1962, Mr. Hoover's 88th birthday, The Library-Museum has been transformed into a nationally recognized center for the study of twentieth-century history and the American presidency.
Historic Valley Junction - Historic railroad district, founded in the 1890s, with more than 120 specialty stores, art galleries, fashion boutiques, restaurants and antique shops.
The History Center - The collections of The History Center include over 35,000 artifacts ranging is size from hat-pins to electric cars. The lower level of The History Center comprises collection storage space of 8,000 square feet. The collections of the History Center are core to the mission of The History Center - to engage visitors in an understanding of the local history of Linn County.
Hoyt Sherman Place - A grand manor home built in 1877 by prominent businessman Hoyt Sherman; the structure is now a museum and performing arts center. The original house and gallery display an impressive collection of 19th and 20th century paintings and elaborately carved 17th century furniture as well as many rare, ancient artifacts.
Ice Cream Capital of the World Visitor Center - Le Mars, Iowa, located in Northwestern Iowa, has been home to Wells' Dairy since 1913. The Wells family still resides in Le Mars, along with nearly 10,000 other citizens who are proud to live, work and play in a community that has prospered since 1869. Visitors can view the past, present and future of dairy production with a tour through a family-friendly production exhibit.
Iowa Arboretum - The Iowa Arboretum, Located on 378 acres in the heart of Boone county contains hundreds of species of trees, shrubs and flowers in a quiet scenic setting. This living museum offers something for visitors of all ages and interests.
Iowa Aviation Museum - The Museum celebrates Iowa's remarkable aviation heritage...from the state's first recorded flight in 1910 to native sons and daughters exploring the universe. 11 civil aircraft are on display, including some rare examples of early flying machines from the 1920s, 1930s and 1940s. Memorabilia and photographs tell the story of how aviation grew in Iowa.
Iowa State Center - Great events--concerts, conferences and performances--happen at the Iowa State Center. Whether it's a cheering crowd at Hilton Coliseum, colleagues meeting in the Scheman Building, or families enjoying a show in Stephens Auditorium or Fisher Theater, every guest has a great time at the Iowa State Center.
International Wrestling Institute and Museum - The mission of the International Wrestling Institute and Museum is to preserve, maintain and promote the long and illustrious heritage of mankind's oldest sport in a manner which will benefit the sport, educate and entertain the public, and financially support the Institute and its activities.
The Lakes Art Center - The Lakes Art Center Offers traveling exhibitions that showcase local, regional, and national artists. It also features a foreign and classic film series, a gift shop, sculpture gardens and performing arts.
Living History Farms - Living History Farms tells the amazing story of how Iowans transformed the fertile prairies of the Midwest into the most productive farmland in the world. While at the 600-acre open-air museum, visitors travel at their own pace through five historical time periods spanning 300 years. Interpreters provide a unique learning environment of seasonal activities and demonstrations.
Lost Island Theme Park - Theme Park offering a huge wave pool, five water slides, 'Lazy River', 18-hole 'goofy golf' course, go-cart track, concessions, gift shop and picnic area.
Mid America Air Museum - The museum features an exciting collection of military, commercial and general aviation artifacts and memorabilia starting with the Wright Flyer to the Space Shuttle. View military, general aviation and homebuilt static displayed aircraft. The museum also offers hands-on aero-science displays.
Midwest Old Threshers Heritage Museums - The Heritage Museums house scores of steam traction and stationary engines, antique tractors, agricultural implements and tools. They also feature a farm house, barn and mill, and exhibits on the use of water and electricity. An exhibit on farm women past and present is also highlighted.
Midwest Old Threshers Reunion - This festival demonstrates the history of farm machines and farm life. Displays include operating steam engines, crafts & antiques, electric trolleys & steam trains, working log village of 1850s, antique tractors, gasoline engines, antique cars & trucks, 60-Acre campground and lots more.
Mississippi River Museum - Located in Dubuque, the museum is dedicated to collecting, interpreting and sharing the rich and important history of the Mississippi River. The museum features over 300 years of river history, the National Rivers Hall of Fame, the Upper Mississippi's largest collection of historic small watercraft, the National Landmark steamboat William M. Black and more.
Muscatine Art Center - The Muscatine Art Center showcases the 1908 Musser mansion, now a historic house museum containing many distinctive architectural details of the period, and the Stanley Gallery, a contemporary space for changing, national art exhibitions. The permanent collection includes 19th and early 20th century decorative arts; and paintings and prints by many important American and European artists.
Museum of Religious Arts - The purpose of the Museum of Religious Arts is to preserve and exhibit religious arts, tradition and culture, fostering an appreciation of religious history for enrichment and that of future generations.
National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library - The National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library is the foremost institution in the United States that preserves and interprets Czech and Slovak history and culture through its artifact and library collections, exhibits, and public programs.
National Farm Toy Museum - The Museum features over 30,000 toys and exhibits between it two floors. Tractors, implements, trucks, miniature farm dioramas, toy manufacturing information, and pedal tractors are on display around the museum.
Neal Smith NWR Prairie Learning Center - Located near Prairie City, Iowa on Highway 163 in Jasper County, the refuge reconstructs the native plant and animal communities that greeted Iowa's earliest settlers in the mid 1800's. Experience the breathtaking beauty of over 5,000 acres of tallgrass prairie and native Midwest wildlife.
Nelson Pioneer Farm & Museum - Founded in 1844, the Nelson homestead is one of the premier historic attractions in Mahaska County. The property, maintained by the Mahaska County Historical Society, Inc., a non-profit, educational institution, now features historic buildings from all over Mahaska County, providing visitors a glimpse of what life was like for Iowans in 19th century America.
Old Capitol Museum - National historic landmark, located on the University of Iowa Pentacrest, restored to reflect the years it served as the last capitol of the Iowa Territory (1842-1846) and as the first state capitol (1846-1857). Guided tours and video presentation available.
Pella Historic Village - Throughout the year Pella's Historical Village and Scholte Gardens preserve the spirit of Dutch heritage. Exhibits feature Old World antiques and the Miniature Dutch Village. Wooden shoe makers, Dutch food, flower shows, traditional Dutch crafts, steam engines and a churning grist mill crown the animated scene of old Holland.
Plum Grove Historic Farm - Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Plum Grove was built in 1844 as the retirement home of Gov. Robert Lucas, the first territorial governor of Iowa. The seven-room Greek Revival house has been restored with pieces representative of the 1844-1853 period, when the site was home to the Lucases.
Plymouth County Historical Museum - The mission of the Plymouth County Historical Museum is to research, collect, care for, exhibit and interpret items that serve to illustrate the history of Plymouth County.
Putnam Museum of History and Natural Science - Founded in 1867, the Putnam is home to over 160,000 artifacts and specimens, the Putnam Museum offers permanent and changing exhibits, dynamic public programs, plus exclusive theater and live interpretations—all in a beautiful 76,000 square foot facility—the largest museum in the Quad Cities of eastern Iowa and western Illinois!
Reiman Gardens - Established through a gift by Roy and Bobbi Reiman and located on a 14-acre place of prominence on the Iowa state University Campus, the Reiman Gardens create a striking entrance to the university and the city of Ames. The gardens celebrate the natural and botanical diversity of Iowa, as well as the historic traditions of gardening and horticulture at Iowa State University.
Rensselaer Russell House Museum - Nestled in the heart of northeast Iowa is a small jewel of American mid-Victorian architecture. This lovely brick structure, inhabited by three generations of Russells, is one of the oldest homes in Black Hawk County. Guided tours allow visitors to step into an authentic Victorian interior and wander through picturesque Victorian gardens.
Riverside Theatre - Riverside Theatre is Iowa City's only resident, professional, non-profit theatre company. It has a full-season of works, both classic and new that includes an outdoor Shakespeare festival plus a touring schedule and a summer youth program in the classics.
Salisbury House - Salisbury House is a 42-room mansion located in Des Moines. Modeled after the King's House in Salisbury, England, this American Castle is nestled on a ten-acre estate of virgin woodlands in the heart of Iowa's capital city. The Salisbury House Foundation's mission is to preserve this historic mansion as a full-time museum and cultural center.
Sanford Museum and Planetarium - The Sanford Museum and Planetarium has exhibits and activities on a variety of subjects including: Archaeology, Art, Astronomy, Geology, History, Natural History, Paleontology.
Science Center of Iowa - The Science Center of Iowa enjoys turning education into something fun and exciting. By interacting with the hands-on exhibits visitors can engage in a hands on, minds on learning adventure. Science Arcade, a collection of the Science Center's permanent exhibits currently includes 27 different exhibits.
Shelby County Historical Museum - Shelby County, located in the heart of scenic western Iowa, offers ethnic charm, a wealth of historic nostalgia and excellent outdoor recreation. The museum features the prairie trails museum, hoskins pioneer hall, Leland log cabin and the McIntosh log cabin.
Sioux City Public Museum - Housed in the 1893 John Peirce Mansion, the Sioux City Public Museum features permanent exhibitions on the history of Sioux City and the region, Native American life, and natural history. Built by John Peirce, an early real estate developer and city promoter, the Richardsonian-style quartzite mansion has housed the museum since 1961.
Starr's Cave Nature Center - Starr's Cave Park and Preserve is a 200 acre area just outside of Burlington, Iowa. Features include an extensive trail system through mature woodlands, prairies remnants and the limestone bluffs along Flint Creek. Three caves are also located within the reserve. Hiking and caving are perhaps the most popular activities here.
Terrace Hill - This 1869 opulent Victorian mansion, home of Iowa's governor, was built by Iowa's first millionaire, Benjamin F. Allen, and restored to the late 1800s period. It overlooks downtown Des Moines and is situated on eight and one-half acres with a re-created Victorian formal garden.
Theatre Museum of Repertoire Americana - The Theatre Museum houses a most unique collection of memorabilia from early American popular entertainment. Priceless stage drops, quaint artifacts, a massive computer-catalogued library, scripts and music scores dating from the 1850s are arrayed for the curious visitor and the dedicated scholar.
University of Iowa Museum of Art - One of the country's most important collections of African art serves as the museum's centerpiece. Visitors can also view traveling exhibitions and selections from the museum's permanent collections of more than 10,000 works of art.
University of Iowa Museum of Natural History - The UI Museum of Natural History was established in 1858 by an act of the Iowa General Assembly. It is the oldest university museum west of the Mississippi River and the second oldest museum of any kind in the West. Four major divisions of natural science are depicted in three galleries: Hageboeck (Bird) Hall, Mammal Hall and Iowa Hall.
University of Northern Iowa Museum - The University Museum is primarily a natural history museum. The collection began in 1892 and contains approximately 100,000 objects. Besides biology and geology, the museum also has extensive anthropology, history, and UNI related collections.
Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum - Visitors to the picturesque Northeast Iowa community of Decorah can cross the threshold of Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum into a world of nautical daring, prairie plunder, and deep-seated faith, reliving the saga of the Norwegian immigrants’ life in America, their vesterheim, their western home.
Waterloo/Cedar Falls Symphony Orchestra - The mission of The Waterloo/Cedar Falls Symphony Orchestra is to educate, entertain, and enrich listeners by presenting performances of the highest quality.
Waterloo Community Playhouse - The Waterloo Community Playhouse is one of the largest community theatres per capita in America. Founded in 1916, it is currently celebrating 84 years of bringing quality theatre productions & theatre education programs to the people of Northeastern Iowa.
Winnebago Industries Factory Tour - The largest motor home manufacturing facility in the world, Winnebago Industries, Inc., is located in Forest City in what is referred to as the most productive 60 acres in North Iowa. Founded in 1958, 'Winnebago' became a household word when the first recreation vehicle manufacturer to build motor homes in an automotive-style assembly line system.
Witter Gallery - Since its beginning, the Witter Gallery has offered monthly exhibits in a variety of different media for the enjoyment of visitors. It has also provided the community with outstanding educational services. Lectures, demonstrations, workshops, and classes are ongoing throughout the year and are offered for children, as well as adults.
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