Day Trips in Iowa

By VacationIdea Staff | Affiliate Disclosure

Iowa

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What comes to mind when thinking about Iowa?
- Iowa typically brings to mind rolling fields of farmland, and while there's no shortage of this kind of terrain, the state has so much more to offer.
Is Iowa a good destination for a day trip?
- Yes! It’s a wonderful place for a day trip no matter your age or interests.
What are some family-friendly activities in Iowa?
- Families with children can explore the caves in the spectacular Maquoketa Caves State Park.
- History lovers can visit the Amana Colonies, which provide a rich historical experience.
- Photography enthusiasts will find no shortage of stunning scenery to capture.
Where can visitors cool off during the summer in Iowa?
- If you're looking for somewhere to cool off in the summer, try the beautiful lakes around Okoboji or the charming town of Clear Lake.

Best Time for Day Trips in Iowa

April to June – Ideal for mild weather, blooming wildflowers, and outdoor adventures.
September to October – Perfect for vibrant fall foliage, scenic drives, and harvest festivals.
July & August – Warm summer days great for exploring state parks, lakes, and charming towns.
November – Enjoy cooler weather and fewer crowds at historical and cultural sites.
December to March – Cold but great for cozy retreats, indoor museums, and winter festivals.

⮕ Altoona

Visit a thrilling amusement park or explore local shopping and dining spots.

Altoona

What is Altoona, Iowa known for?
- Altoona is one of the cities within Greater Des Moines, known for its friendly, welcoming community and a variety of attractions for visitors of all ages.
What types of food can visitors enjoy in Altoona?
- The city's restaurants serve up mouthwatering steaks and barbecue dishes, making it a great destination for food lovers.
Is there a casino in Altoona?
- Yes! Altoona has a 24-hour casino that hosts live horse racing events between May and October.
What family-friendly attractions does Altoona offer?
- Families traveling with children can visit Adventureland, a large amusement park featuring over 100 rides and attractions, including a waterpark with plenty of slides.
Are there outdoor recreation areas in Altoona?
- Yes! Altoona has many beautiful parks and playgrounds, perfect for those looking for a more relaxed outdoor experience.

⮕ Amana Colonies

Walk along historic German-style villages or browse handcrafted goods and local delicacies.

Amana Colonies

What are the Amana Colonies?
- The Amana Colonies are a collection of seven historic villages established in 1855 by a group of German Pietists. They have been designated as a National Historic Landmark.
What is unique about the history of the Amana Colonies?
- The Colonies adopted a communal lifestyle that allowed them to remain almost completely self-sufficient for nearly 80 years.
What attractions can visitors enjoy at the Amana Colonies?
- The Colonies are now a popular tourist attraction known for their fantastic restaurants and artisan shops.
Can visitors explore the Amana Colonies on their own?
- Yes! Visitors are welcome to explore the streets of the villages on their own.
Are guided tours available?
- Yes! If you’d like to learn more about the fascinating history of the Amana Colonies, guided tours are available from May to October.
Where are the Amana Colonies located?
- 622 46th Ave, Amana, IA 52203. For more information, call 319-622-7622.

⮕ Ames

Discover vibrant art scenes or stroll through Iowa State University’s scenic campus.

Ames

What is Ames, Iowa known for?
- Nestled in the heart of central Iowa, Ames is an artsy, progressive city offering numerous recreational and entertainment opportunities year-round.
What major university is located in Ames?
- Ames is best known for being home to Iowa State University, which features some of the area's best attractions.
What are some must-see attractions at Iowa State University?
- Visitors to the university can explore the Brunnier Art Museum and the beautiful Reiman Gardens.
What attractions can visitors enjoy outside of Iowa State University?
- Outside of the university, popular attractions include the Octagon Center for the Arts and several local breweries.
Are there outdoor recreational opportunities in Ames?
- Yes! Ames has more than three dozen parks scattered throughout the city, providing ample space for outdoor activities.
- Visitors are welcome to walk, cycle, and jog along the city’s 50 miles of paved multi-use trails.

⮕ Backbone State Park

Hike rugged limestone bluffs or fish in Iowa’s oldest state park.

Backbone State Park

What is Backbone State Park?
- Backbone State Park is Iowa's first state park, encompassing just over 2,000 acres of beautiful natural landscapes.
What recreational activities are available at Backbone State Park?
- The park features a lake that offers excellent swimming and fishing.
- There are 21 miles of hiking trails winding through the forest, with some trails also open to cyclists.
What is the highlight of Backbone State Park?
- The park's most famous feature is the "Devil's Backbone", a narrow limestone ridge that visitors can reach by climbing up a steep, rocky staircase.
Is rock climbing allowed in Backbone State Park?
- Yes! The park has excellent rock climbing and rappelling cliffs near the ridge.
- All climbers are required to register at the park office before climbing.
Where is Backbone State Park located?
- 1347 129th St, Dundee, IA 52038. For more information, call 563-924-2527.

⮕ Boone

Ride a historic steam train or explore beautiful rolling hills.

Boone

What is Boone, Iowa known for?
- Boone is an inviting city located in Des Moines Township, offering a mix of history, outdoor activities, and local flavors.
Where can visitors learn about Boone’s history?
- Visitors can explore the Boone History Center in downtown Boone to learn about the city’s rich history.
What unique attractions are found in Boone’s surrounding area?
- The Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad offers train rides through the picturesque countryside.
- Seven Oaks ski resort provides the opportunity to ski and snowboard in the winter or float down the river in the summer.
Are there any local food and drink experiences in Boone?
- Yes! Visitors should be sure to sample some of the area's excellent local wine and beer.

⮕ Cedar Rapids

Visit fascinating museums or walk along the scenic Cedar River.

Cedar Rapids

What makes Cedar Rapids unique?
- Cedar Rapids is known for its unique Czech and Slovak heritage, making it one of the most European-feeling cities in Iowa.
Where can visitors experience the culture of Cedar Rapids?
- The New Bohemia Main Street District is the perfect place to experience the city's culture in real time.
Is there a museum dedicated to the city's Czech and Slovak heritage?
- Yes! Visitors can learn more about the city's history at the National Czech and Slovak Museum and Library.
What makes Cedar Rapids a great destination for art lovers?
- Cedar Rapids has a vibrant art scene, and art lovers should visit the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art.
- The museum features Grant Wood's quirky art studio and a collection of more than 7,000 pieces of 20th-century artwork.

⮕ Clear Lake

Go boating on crystal-clear waters or relax on sandy beaches in summer.

Clear Lake

What is Clear Lake known for?
- Named after the beautiful lake it sits on, Clear Lake is a wonderful destination to visit year-round.
What are some must-visit attractions in Clear Lake?
- Visitors should stop by the iconic Surf Ballroom, a historic venue known for hosting famous musicians.
- The city also has excellent restaurants where visitors can enjoy a meal.
- Downtown features antique stores and boutique shops for those who love to browse and shop.
What activities can visitors do on the lake?
- A paddlewheel boat tour is a great way to explore the scenic lake.
- Visitors can also swim, stroll along the beach, or simply admire the views from one of the city parks.

⮕ Des Moines Art Center

Admire contemporary masterpieces or explore striking modern architecture.

Des Moines Art Center

What is the Des Moines Art Center?
- The Des Moines Art Center is an extraordinary museum established in 1948, featuring a world-class art collection of sculptures, paintings, and more.
What type of art does the museum feature?
- The museum's permanent collection primarily consists of modern and contemporary pieces from the 19th and 20th centuries.
- It also includes artwork from other periods, such as 18th-century Japanese woodblock prints and spectacular Impressionist paintings.
Does the Des Moines Art Center have an outdoor sculpture garden?
- Yes! The museum operates a 4.4-acre sculpture garden downtown, which features works by two dozen artists.
- The sculpture garden is open every day between sunrise and midnight.
When is the Des Moines Art Center open?
- The museum is open every day except Mondays.
Is there an admission fee to visit the museum?
- No! Admission is free for all visitors.
Where is the Des Moines Art Center located?
- 4700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50312. For more information, call 515-277-4405.

⮕ Dubuque

Walk along the historic riverfront or ride the famous Fenelon Place Elevator.

Dubuque

What is Dubuque known for?
- Dubuque is set on the banks of the Mississippi River and has evolved from a humble mining town into a modern city with a variety of attractions for visitors.
Where can visitors enjoy the best views of Dubuque?
- Visitors can take the Fenelon Place Elevator up Fourth Street for incredible panoramic views of the city and river.
What cultural attractions are there in Dubuque?
- Art lovers can visit the Dubuque Museum of Art to explore its unique collections.
- For those interested in nature and history, the National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium offers insights into the aquatic life of America's riverways.
What river-related activities can visitors enjoy?
- Visitors can explore the historic William M. Black steamboat docked in the harbor.
- For a more adventurous experience, they can cruise down the Mississippi River in an inflatable military-style boat.

⮕ Dyersville

Visit the iconic Field of Dreams or tour a historic basilica.

Dyersville

Why is Dyersville famous?
- Dyersville is best known as the backdrop for the legendary Field of Dreams movie, making it a must-visit destination for baseball fans.
Can visitors tour the Field of Dreams site?
- Yes! Visitors can take a guided tour of the farm, field, and house featured in the movie.
- A small store on-site sells Field of Dreams memorabilia for fans of the film.
What other attractions are there in Dyersville?
- The National Farm Toy Museum showcases an extensive collection of farm-related toys and collectibles.
- Visitors can admire the stunning architecture of the Basilica of St. Francis Xavier, a historic church in the city.
- The Plaza Antique Mall offers a wide selection of antiques and unique finds.

Plan Your Trip

Table of Contents:

1. Altoona
2. Amana Colonies
3. Ames
4. Backbone State Park
5. Boone
6. Cedar Rapids
7. Clear Lake
8. Des Moines Art Center
9. Dubuque
10. Dyersville