“Is this heaven? No, it’s Iowa.” — Ray Kinsella, Field of Dreams
Looking for charming small towns, rolling farmland, and unique Americana? I say head to Iowa! I’ve always had a soft spot for this underrated Midwestern gem. Whether you’re gazing at cornfields that stretch for miles, exploring quirky roadside attractions, or diving into presidential history, Iowa is packed with low-key magic and Midwest hospitality.
Iowa Highlights:
- For Architecture Lovers: Tour the Historic Park Inn in Mason City – Frank Lloyd Wright’s only surviving hotel design—and it’s a beauty. I was blown away by the details.
- For History Buffs: Visit the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library – A surprisingly fascinating stop with peaceful grounds in West Branch. I didn’t expect to enjoy it so much.
- For Cyclists: Ride the High Trestle Trail – One of the coolest bike trails I’ve ever seen—especially the 13-story, LED-lit bridge at night. Totally worth the ride.
- For Pop Culture Fans: Stand on the “Field of Dreams” Movie Site – If you build it, you can visit it. And yes, it’s just as nostalgic and magical as you'd hope.
- For Families: Check out the Science Center of Iowa – Des Moines' hands-on exhibits and planetarium kept both kids and adults entertained for hours.
Best Time to Visit Iowa
I always recommend visiting in spring (April–June) or fall (September–October). You’ll get cool breezes, fresh farm stands, colorful foliage, and fewer bugs. Summer's great if you're in the mood for fairs and baseball games, while winter brings its own quiet charm—think snow-dusted fields and cozy small-town vibes.
How to Get to Iowa
- By Car: Super easy to reach—I-80, I-35, and I-380 all cut through the state. I’ve road-tripped in from Chicago, Minneapolis, and Omaha with no trouble at all.
- By Air: Des Moines (DSM) is the biggest hub, but I’ve also flown into Cedar Rapids (CID) and Dubuque (DBQ) when heading to eastern Iowa. Both were smooth and convenient.
- By Train/Bus: Amtrak’s California Zephyr runs through southern Iowa, and there are regional buses connecting lots of towns and cities if you're going car-free.
Where to Stay in Iowa
- Hotel Julien Dubuque – This one’s a favorite of mine: historic elegance in downtown Dubuque, with river views and easy access to museums and the riverwalk.
- Mont Rest Inn, Bellevue – Ideal for couples. Romantic, Victorian, and the gourmet breakfasts? Absolutely unforgettable.
- Des Lux Hotel, Des Moines – I loved the boutique vibe, spa perks, and the fact that you can walk to great restaurants, bars, and everything fun downtown.
Best Things to Do in Iowa
In Summary...
(and if you want to revisit my photo journey)- • Reiman Gardens
- • Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center
- • National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library
- • Buffalo Bill Museum
- • Iowa 80 Trucking Museum
- • Field of Dreams
- • Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum
- • Iowa Capitol Building
- • Des Moines Farmers’ Market
- • National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium