“Is this heaven? No, it’s Iowa.” — Ray Kinsella, Field of Dreams
Iowa opened up like a quilt—stitched with quiet corners, honest landscapes, and small places that held surprisingly big stories. It wasn’t a state that rushed to impress me, and that’s exactly why I kept leaning in. From gardens teeming with monarchs to markets humming with early morning voices, Iowa felt intentional. Everywhere I went, I was greeted with a sense of care—craft in the details, pride in the roots. It reminded me that meaning doesn’t always announce itself; sometimes, it grows quietly, waiting to be noticed.
Best Things to Do in Iowa
Letting time slow down at Reiman Gardens
Reiman Gardens, tucked into the edge of Iowa State University in Ames, felt like a place designed not just to display beauty, but to invite reflection. I entered under a canopy of summer blooms, their colors softening the day, and wandered slowly through the grounds. When I stepped into the Christina Reiman Butterfly Wing, the air changed—warmer, sweeter—and I stood still as a Blue Morpho landed briefly on my shoulder. I thought, "This is what stillness feels like when it’s alive."
Outside, garden paths led me through prairie grasses, rose beds, and a massive steel butterfly sculpture—whimsical yet dignified. The Landscape Garden Studio made me want to start my own backyard haven, and I lingered in the Herb Garden longer than I expected, letting the scent of basil and lavender rise in the breeze. Even with families walking the paths and students snapping photos, it never felt crowded. It felt cared for—and in return, I slowed down enough to feel cared for, too.
Afterward, I stopped for a meal at The Cafe, just a few minutes away from the gardens. I ordered their signature pork tenderloin sandwich with a side of roasted seasonal vegetables, and finished with a rhubarb tart that somehow felt like spring on a plate. Every bite was thoughtful, just like the visit.
Where I Stayed: I stayed at the Iowa House, a charming boutique inn tucked into a historic former fraternity house on campus. With creaky floors, friendly smiles, and a quiet reading nook, it felt like coming home to somewhere I’d never been before.
Reiman Gardens At a Glance
- Location: 1407 University Blvd, Ames, IA 50011
- Vibe: Calm, colorful, meditative
- Highlights: Butterfly Wing, seasonal flower beds, herb gardens, large-scale sculptures
- Best Time to Visit: Late spring through early fall for peak blooms and butterflies
- Cost: Around $10 for adults
- Hours: Open daily, 10am–6pm
- Tip: Visit mid-morning when the butterflies are most active and the gardens are freshly watered
Tracing footsteps at the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center
The Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center in Sioux City wasn’t just a history museum—it was a map of courage laid out in story and sculpture. Set along the banks of the Missouri River, it welcomed me with broad paths, sweeping views, and a bronze statue of Sergeant Charles Floyd—the only member of the expedition to die—standing watch. Inside, the museum unfolded in scenes: weathered journals, replicas of frontier gear, and large, immersive displays that pulled me into 1804. As I listened to the recorded voice reading a journal entry by lantern-light, I thought, “They didn’t know what they’d find. And they went anyway.”
The exhibits blended Native American perspectives with the expedition’s challenges and triumphs. I learned about the tribes they encountered, the landscapes they mapped, and the human spirit that kept them going. Outside, the Betty Strong Encounter Center added poetry, rotating art shows, and community events to the experience—making it clear this wasn’t just about where we’d been, but where we’re going.
After the museum, I stopped at Jitters, a cozy café just a short drive away. I had a warm bowl of chicken and wild rice soup with a half Reuben sandwich, and a peanut butter cookie that reminded me of every Midwestern kitchen I’d ever loved. Comforting, unassuming, and exactly right.
Where I Stayed: I stayed at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Sioux City, a surprisingly stylish option set inside a historic battery building. With exposed brick, sharp design, and a soundtrack of classic rock floating through the lobby, it was a playful contrast to the quiet weight of the museum.
Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center At a Glance
- Location: 900 Larsen Park Rd, Sioux City, IA 51103
- Vibe: Historical, thoughtful, riverside calm
- Highlights: Expedition artifacts, Sgt. Floyd monument, outdoor sculptures, Native perspectives
- Best Time to Visit: Spring through fall when the riverwalk is most inviting
- Cost: Free
- Hours: Tuesday–Sunday, 10am–4pm; closed Mondays
- Tip: Walk along the riverfront trail after your visit—it ties the experience back to the land itself
Honoring roots at the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library
The National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library in Cedar Rapids felt like stepping into a story passed down with care. The building sat quietly along the Cedar River, its red-tile roof and graceful design echoing the folk architecture of the Old World. Inside, I moved from exhibit to exhibit, surrounded by embroidery, glasswork, and oral histories that gave voice to a culture both resilient and radiant. As I stood in front of a traditional kroj dress—vibrant red, gold, and lace—I thought, "This is how identity survives: in fabric, in memory, in music you can still hear."
One gallery walked me through the Velvet Revolution, another explored immigration and adaptation in Iowa. I found myself pulled into a replica of a 19th-century Czech home, warm and earthy, then later mesmerized by a wall of blown-glass ornaments glittering like a thousand small suns. The blend of history, politics, and personal storytelling made it one of the most emotionally layered museum visits I’ve had in years.
Afterward, I crossed the river to eat at White Star Ale House. I ordered the goulash with mashed potatoes and a side of roasted carrots—a nod to the flavors I’d just learned about, modernized and hearty. The beer list was long, but I stuck to a crisp Czech pilsner. It felt fitting.
Where I Stayed: I stayed at The Hotel at Kirkwood Center, a sleek, modern space run in part by hospitality students. It had the polish of a downtown boutique stay, but with more personal warmth and thoughtful touches.
National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library At a Glance
- Location: 1400 Inspiration Pl SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404
- Vibe: Cultural, reflective, artful
- Highlights: Immigrant stories, folk costumes, glasswork, Velvet Revolution exhibit
- Best Time to Visit: Anytime—interiors shine year-round; visit in July for Czech Village festivals
- Cost: Around $10 for adults
- Hours: Daily, 9:30am–4pm
- Tip: Take time in the library—even if you’re not Czech, the personal archives and quiet reading space are beautiful
Meeting legends at the Buffalo Bill Museum
The Buffalo Bill Museum in LeClaire carried the kind of charm you don’t plan for—it just sneaks up and stays with you. Overlooking the Mississippi River, this small-town gem blended frontier spirit with local pride. I walked in expecting tales of the Wild West, and yes, they were there—sharpshooters, showmen, Buffalo Bill’s bold legacy—but so was the story of riverboats, local inventors, and everyday life along America’s most storied waterway. Standing in front of a restored one-room schoolhouse, I thought, "Sometimes history hides in places where people lived simply, not loudly."
The Lone Star sternwheeler was a highlight—an actual wooden-hulled steamboat suspended inside a climate-controlled building, the last of its kind. I wandered its deck alone for a moment, imagining the Mississippi in its bustling, muddy heyday. Every object inside the museum felt well-loved and carefully placed—from pioneer tools to vintage photographs of steamboat pilots and schoolchildren with wide eyes.
Afterward, I popped over to Bamboo Steakhouse & Sushi Bar (yes, in LeClaire!) for a surprisingly great sushi lunch with a Midwest twist. I ordered the Mississippi Roll with smoked salmon and cream cheese, and sat at the window watching barges drift downriver. It felt like past and present sharing the same current.
Where I Stayed: I stayed at the River View Lodge, a local inn with balconies that opened right onto the water. I left the door cracked at night just to hear the river moving in its sleep.
Buffalo Bill Museum At a Glance
- Location: 199 N Front St, LeClaire, IA 52753
- Vibe: Historic, homespun, river-worn
- Highlights: Lone Star steamboat, Buffalo Bill artifacts, river and pioneer exhibits
- Best Time to Visit: Spring through fall for pleasant riverfront walking after your visit
- Cost: Around $5–$10 per person
- Hours: Daily, typically 9am–5pm (check off-season schedule)
- Tip: Combine your visit with antique shopping or a local distillery tour—LeClaire’s got charm beyond the museum
Rolling through time at the Iowa 80 Trucking Museum
The Iowa 80 Trucking Museum was not what I expected. I walked in thinking I’d see a few old rigs, maybe a wall of vintage signage—but what I found was a gleaming gallery of horsepower and heritage. The museum sits just off I-80 in Walcott, part of the world’s largest truck stop, and it’s both a tribute and a time capsule. As I stood in front of a 1911 Walker Electric delivery truck—yes, electric—I thought, “We’ve been reinventing the wheel longer than I realized.”
Each truck told a story, from the curved fenders of a 1920s Mack to the polished chrome of a 1960s Peterbilt. There were gas pumps, diner booths, and displays filled with driver logbooks and CB radios—decades of life on the road distilled into artifacts. It was less about machines and more about the people behind the wheels. I overheard a retired driver explaining engine specs to his grandson and felt something generational, proud, and grounded.
Afterward, I grabbed lunch at Iowa 80 Kitchen, right on-site. I had the fried chicken plate with mashed potatoes and green beans—pure road-trip comfort food. It wasn’t fancy, but it was hearty, generous, and exactly right after a walk through trucking history.
Where I Stayed: I stayed at the Comfort Inn Walcott, just down the road—a simple stay with a hot breakfast and soft pillows, perfect for recharging before heading on to the next Iowa stop.
Iowa 80 Trucking Museum At a Glance
- Location: 505 Sterling Dr, Walcott, IA 52773
- Vibe: Industrial Americana, nostalgic, unexpectedly soulful
- Highlights: Antique trucks, gas pumps, roadside memorabilia, driver stories
- Best Time to Visit: Anytime—it’s indoors and open year-round
- Cost: Free (donations encouraged)
- Hours: Daily, 9am–5pm
- Tip: Leave time to explore the adjacent Iowa 80 Truckstop—there’s a barber shop, dentist, and even a trucking museum gift shop
Starting the day fresh at the Des Moines Farmers’ Market
The Des Moines Farmers’ Market wasn’t just a place to shop—it was a Saturday morning heartbeat. Sprawled through the Historic Court District, it buzzed with clinking coffee cups, acoustic guitar strums, and the scent of sweet corn roasting on open grills. Booths stretched for blocks, colorful and abundant, and I wandered from one to the next, sampling, listening, chatting. At one point, sipping a cold-brew lavender latte and watching a bluegrass trio play near a flower stall, I thought, "This is what community tastes like."
I picked up honey from a fifth-generation family farm, fresh-baked kolaches from a Czech bakery stand, and a jar of cherry preserves that didn’t last more than a week once I got home. Kids darted between handmade soap displays and piles of sugar snap peas, and couples wandered hand in hand, debating salsas and sunflower bouquets. It was easy to lose time here—no rush, just rhythm.
After filling my bag (and my stomach), I grabbed breakfast from La Mie Bakery, a local favorite a short walk away. Their almond croissant was everything—flaky, just sweet enough, and still warm. I paired it with a cappuccino and a quiet table by the window, watching the morning play out beyond the glass.
Where I Stayed: I stayed at Des Lux Hotel, a downtown spot with tall ceilings, plush beds, and an old-school elegance that wrapped up the day like a bow. It was the kind of place where I slept deep and woke up ready to do it all again.
Des Moines Farmers’ Market At a Glance
- Location: Historic Court District, Des Moines, IA
- Vibe: Lively, local, festive
- Highlights: Farm-fresh produce, artisan goods, live music, handmade food stalls
- Best Time to Visit: Saturday mornings, May–October, 8am–Noon (get there early for best selection)
- Cost: Free to attend; budget for lots of irresistible snacks
- Hours: Saturdays only, 8am–12pm
- Tip: Bring a tote, some cash, and an empty stomach—it’s not just a market, it’s breakfast
Closing Thoughts
Iowa didn’t shout to get my attention—it whispered. In gardens blooming with intention, museums built from memory, and markets alive with local pride, I found a quieter kind of beauty—one that grew slowly and stayed with me. Every stop felt like a story told with care, from hand-lettered signs to heritage recipes. And somewhere between the rhythm of a Saturday market and the hush of a butterfly wing, I realized: Iowa isn’t just a place you pass through. It’s a place that gently, surely, settles in.
Jump to a Spot...
- • Letting time slow down at Reiman Gardens
- • Tracing footsteps at the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center
- • Honoring roots at the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library
- • Meeting legends at the Buffalo Bill Museum
- • Rolling through time at the Iowa 80 Trucking Museum
- • Starting the day fresh at the Des Moines Farmers’ Market