Things to Do in Iowa
Iowa is a state that rewards those who look beyond the surface. On my own trips through the Hawkeye State, I’ve managed to discover corners of Iowa that feel serene, authentic, and far removed from the tourist trail. Here are my favorite places and experiences that show off Iowa’s quieter, less commercialized side. I've recently returned from a trip to Des Moines and decided to add the Des Moines Farmers’ Market (but you have to time your visit right from spring through fall to enjoy this local gem!)
1. Reiman Gardens
Distance from Des Moines: 45 minutes
Reiman Gardens felt like a hidden botanical gem on the edge of Iowa State University’s campus in Ames. It’s one of those places where every turn of the path reveals something new, whether it was a whimsical sculpture, seasonal blooms, or a quiet bench perfect for resting your feet.
The Butterfly Wing was my favorite.S tepping inside felt like entering another world, with vibrant butterflies drifting through the air and tropical plants wrapping around the paths.
We drove less than an hour from Des Moines. Its an easy day trip from Des Moines as a local, but we stayed at the Gateway Hotel and Conference Center for our anniversary, conveniently close to campus and the gardens. For lunch, we headed to Hickory Park, where I had the pulled pork sandwich ($13.50) and my friend tried the ribs ($17.00).
What to do at Reiman Gardens in a day:
- Wander through the Butterfly Wing, home to hundreds of free-flying butterflies
- Explore the outdoor rose garden and seasonal floral displays
- Say hi to Elwood the Garden Gnome. This is one of the world’s largest garden gnomes and deserves our serious respect!
- Walk the prairie and woodland trails for a taste of Iowa’s natural landscapes
- See the year’s featured art installations that are family-friendly
- Stop by the gift shop for local and botanical-inspired finds
- Head to downtown Ames for dinner at The Café
2. Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center
Distance from Omaha: 1 hour 15 minutes
The Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center in Sioux City, Iowa was an immersive story of exploration, challenge, and discovery. The center combines history, art, and hands-on exhibits. My son loved it here.
There are life-size sculptures, interactive displays, and beautifully detailed murals here. Walking through the exhibits, I could imagine what it was like to to have set out on such an ambitious expedition in the early 1800s.
Outside the cente has trails and viewing points with views of the Missouri.
We drove just over an hour from Omaha and stayed at the Stoney Creek Hotel, a cozy lodge-style property right in Sioux City. For lunch, we headed downtown to Minerva’s, where I ordered the grilled salmon BLT ($15.50) and my partner enjoyed the steak tips ($19.00).
What to do at the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center in a day:
- Walk through the interactive exhibits that tell the story of the Corps of Discovery
- We loved the life-size bronze sculptures of Lewis, Clark, and Seaman the Newfoundland dog
- Admire the murals and art installations depicting expedition life
- Explore the outdoor trails along the Missouri River
- Visit the Betty Strong Encounter Center next door for cultural exhibits and events
- Stop by the gift shop for books and locally crafted items
3. National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library
Distance from Des Moines: 2 hours
I thought the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library was one of the most meaningful cultural museums we’ve visited. It wasn’t just about artifacts on display. It was about stories, traditions, and resilience.
From beautifully embroidered folk costumes and historic photographs to immersive exhibits about immigration and community, the museum painted a vivid picture of Czech and Slovak heritage in America.
Outside, the museum’s location along the Cedar River adds to the experience. You can time your visit to coincide with one of the festivals here or unique Traveling Exhibits.
Locals can make the easy two-hour drive from Des Moines. We stayed at the DoubleTree by Hilton Cedar Rapids Convention Complex, which offered river views and quick access to downtown. For lunch, we tried Cobble Hill, a cozy spot with a creative menu. I had the roasted chicken with seasonal vegetables ($22), while my friend ordered the handmade pasta ($18).
What to do at the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library in a day:
- Explore the permanent exhibits on Czech and Slovak history and culture
- Step inside the immigrant home for a glimpse into 19th-century life
- We admired traditional folk costumes and textiles from Central Europe
- Attend one of the museum’s festivals or cultural events with live music and food
- Browse the museum store for imported crafts, books, and gifts
- Walk along the Cedar River Trail just outside the museum for fresh air and views
- Enjoy dinner downtown at Black Sheep Social Club
4. Buffalo Bill Museum
Distance from Des Moines: 2 hours 45 minutes
I thought the Buffalo Bill Museum in LeClaire was one of those small-town gems that packed a big punch of history and character. Its dedicated to Buffalo Bill Cody—born right here in LeClaire.
It sits right along the Mississippi River and offers a fascinating mix of frontier history.
Inside, I found an eclectic but engaging set of exhibits from Buffalo Bill’s Wild West days to the life of river pilots who navigated the Mississippi. One of the highlights was stepping aboard the Lone Star, a historic wooden-hulled steamboat preserved on site. I loved how hands-on it all was for my son to remain interested.
We drove under three hours from Des Moines and stayed overnight at the Comfort Inn & Suites Riverview, where the Mississippi was just steps away. For dinner, we ate at Crane & Pelican Café, housed in a historic home overlooking the river.
What to do at the Buffalo Bill Museum in a day:
- Learn about Buffalo Bill Cody’s early life and Wild West career
- Tour the Lone Star steamboat, one of the last surviving wooden-hulled paddlewheelers
- See exhibits on Mississippi River history, from pilots to river towns
- Browse displays of Native American artifacts and regional history
- Our walk along LeClaire’s riverfront with Mississippi views was a highlight!
- Stop into LeClaire’s Main Street shops, filled with antiques and boutiques
- End the day with dinner at Crane & Pelican Café
5. Iowa 80 Trucking Museum
Distance from Des Moines: 2 hours 30 minutes
The Iowa 80 Trucking Museum in Walcott is a one-of-a-kind destination. It celebrates America’s trucking history in the heart of the Midwest, right next to the world’s largest truck stop!
The museum has a blend of nostalgia and innovation. It showcases how trucks shaped commerce, travel, and everyday life.
The exhibits included gleaming antique trucks from the early 1900s, vintage gas pumps, neon signs, memorabilia and more. I loved that they are taking such good care of the trucks.
Alongside the big rigs are also stories of drivers, mechanics, and families whose livelihoods revolved around trucking.
We drove about two and a half hours from Des Moines and stayed overnight at the Best Western Plus Steeplegate Inn in nearby Davenport, which offered comfort and easy access to the Quad Cities. For dinner, we tried Machine Shed Restaurant in Davenport
What to do at the Iowa 80 Trucking Museum in a day:
- See a collection of antique trucks dating back to the early 20th century
- Admire the restored gas pumps, signs, and memorabilia from trucking’s golden age
- We loved learning about the evolution of trucking through interactive displays
- Watch archival films on trucking history in the museum’s theater
- Walk over to the Iowa 80 Truckstop for shopping, dining, and the trucker’s hall of fame
- Browse the gift shop for transportation-themed souvenirs
- End the day with a drive through the Quad Cities for Mississippi River views
6. Des Moines Farmers’ Market
The Des Moines Farmers’ Market transforms Court Avenue into a bustling hub of food, music, and community. Running from spring through fall, it’s the kind of place where you can sip fresh coffee, sample baked goods, and chat with local farmers all before 10 a.m.
I was surrounded by the aroma of sizzling breakfast burritos. Live music spilled out from corners of the market, giving the whole place a festive energy.
It’s an experience that blends Iowa’s agricultural roots with the creativity of local makers and chefs. There were 200 vendors who set up along the streets. If you want to feel the heartbeat of Des Moines, this is absolutely the best place to see it!
Since it’s right downtown, I paired my morning at the market with a stay at the Des Moines Marriott Downtown, just a short walk away. For breakfast at the market, I grabbed a warm cinnamon roll from Cinnaholic ($5).Simple, delicious food enjoyed in the open air makes the market so memorable!
What to do at the Des Moines Farmers’ Market in a morning:
- Stroll along Court Avenue and browse more than 200 vendors
- Pick up fresh produce from Iowa’s local farms
- Try artisan baked goods, cheeses, and coffee from local makers
- Enjoy live music performances at street corners and small stages
- Shop for handcrafted art, jewelry, and gifts
- Grab breakfast from a local food vendor and eat as you wander
- Explore nearby downtown attractions like the Pappajohn Sculpture Park
7. Living History Farms
Distance from downtown Des Moines: 20 minutes
Living History Farms in Urbandale is truly a step back in time. This 500-acre open-air museum brings Iowa’s agricultural and pioneer past to life. You can see costumed interpreters, working farms, and historic buildings that span more than 300 years of history.
Walking through the grounds, I was amazed by how immersive the experience felt. One moment I was standing in a 1700s Ioway Indian farm, the next I was helping grind corn at an 1850 pioneer farm, and then I was strolling down a 1900s town street complete with a blacksmith shop and general store. I loved the enthusiasm of the interpreters eager to share stories and demonstrate daily life as it once was.
What stood out most was how hands-on everything is. You’re encouraged to try the tools, ask questions, and even help with small chores. My son loved it here.
Since it’s just a short drive from downtown, we stayed at the Hotel Renovo, a boutique property. For lunch, we stopped at Jethro’s BBQ & Bacon Bacon in West Des Moines, where I had the pulled pork sandwich ($14) and my son was very hungry so he ordered the brisket platter ($17). Hearty, delicious barbecue felt like the perfect choice here.
What to do at Living History Farms in a day:
- Visit the 1700 Ioway Indian Farm to learn about Native American agricultural practices
- Explore the 1850 Pioneer Farm with log houses, livestock, and fieldwork
- Step inside the 1875 town of Walnut Hill with shops, a schoolhouse, and blacksmith
- Tour the 1900 Horse-Powered Farm with demonstrations of early machinery
- Chat with costumed interpreters who demonstrate daily chores and trades
- Take a tractor-drawn cart ride between the farm sites
- Browse the gift shop for handmade and history-themed items
Conclusion
Iowa often surprises you with just how much it has to offer. Each stop reveals a unique slice of Iowa’s heritage and spirit.
What ties these destinations together is their authenticity. You’ll find yourself walking through pioneer farms, wandering botanical gardens, tracing the footsteps of explorers along the Missouri, and standing on the banks of the Mississippi where steamboats once ruled. And between every stop, Iowa’s small towns and rolling landscapes create a rhythm that makes the journey itself part of the experience.
Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a longer road trip, Iowa invites you to slow down, look closer, and discover the stories that shaped the heart of the Midwest. It’s a state that surprises you not with grand gestures, but with moments of connection — to history, to nature, and to the people who make this place so welcoming.
Booking Checklist
1. Book Your Flight - I use Expedia because I like their mobile app with my itinerary. They've helped me re-book flights on many occasions. Once you reach their Gold tier, support is especially good.
2. Book Your Hotel - I use Booking.com or Expedia, depending on my destination.
3. Book Your Rental Car - I use Expedia.
4. Book your tours on Viator or Get Your Guide.
