“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

Reiman Gardens

Jinying/stock.adobe.com

Reiman Gardens - Admire vibrant blooms and explore butterfly exhibits on a relaxing spring trip.                                    

Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center

Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center

Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center - See historical displays and discover pioneer sights on an educational outing.                                    

National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library

National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library

National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library - Explore cultural artifacts and admire art on a meaningful retirement trip.                                    

Buffalo Bill Museum

Buffalo Bill Museum

Buffalo Bill Museum - Visit riverfront exhibits and learn local history on a quick weekend stop.                                    

Iowa 80 Trucking Museum

Iowa 80 Trucking Museum

Iowa 80 Trucking Museum - Look at vintage trucks and explore unusual attractions on a fun trip.                                    

Field of Dreams

Field of Dreams

Field of Dreams - Walk the iconic diamond and relive movie magic on a summer visit.                                    

Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum

Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum

Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum - Discover presidential history and see national sights on a fall trip.                                    

Iowa Capitol Building

Courtesy of sframe - Fotolia.com

Iowa Capitol Building - Tour grand chambers and admire the dome on an easy afternoon visit.                                     

Des Moines Farmers’ Market

Downtown Farmers Market

Des Moines Farmers’ Market - Go for fresh produce and savor local flavors on a weekend family trip.                                    

National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium

National Mississippi River Museum & Aquariu

National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium - Explore aquatic life and enjoy hands-on exhibits with kids.                                    

In Summary...

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