Quick Summary:

  • 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.
  • In fact, it's a wonderful place for a day trip no matter what your age or interests.
  • Families with children can explore the caves in the spectacular Maquoketa Caves State Park, history lovers can visit the Amana Colonies, and photography enthusiasts will find no shortage of stunning scenery to capture.
  • 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.


  • Updated with new information since originally published.
  • Please support our journalism through affiliate links. Affiliate Disclosure
  • Our editors recommend these diverse local experiences.

1. Altoona ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Altoona | Day Trips in Iowa
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2. Amana Colonies ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Amana Colonies | Day Trips in Iowa
© Natalia Bratslavsky/stock.adobe.com

3. Ames

Ames | Day Trips in Iowa
© eqroy/stock.adobe.com

4. Backbone State Park

Category: Activities
Backbone State Park | Day Trips in Iowa
© New Africa/stock.adobe.com

5. Boone

Boone | Day Trips in Iowa
© faykatriona/stock.adobe.com

6. Cedar Rapids

Cedar Rapids | Day Trips in Iowa
© Jacob/stock.adobe.com

7. Clear Lake

Category: Activities
Clear Lake | Day Trips in Iowa
© Austinys/stock.adobe.com

8. Des Moines Art Center

Category: Attractions
Des Moines Art Center | Day Trips in Iowa
© Seventyfour/stock.adobe.com

9. Dubuque

Dubuque | Day Trips in Iowa
© EJRodriquez/stock.adobe.com

10. Dyersville

Dyersville | Day Trips in Iowa
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11. Eagle Point Park, Dubuque, IA

Category: Activities
Eagle Point Park, Dubuque, IA | Day Trips in Iowa
© OlgaKorica/stock.adobe.com

12. Greater Des Moines Botanical Center

Category: Attractions
Greater Des Moines Botanical Center | Day Trips in Iowa
© Corinne/stock.adobe.com

13. Harpers Ferry

Harpers Ferry | Day Trips in Iowa
© Zack Frank/stock.adobe.com

14. Herbert Hoover National Historic Site

Category: Attractions
Herbert Hoover National Historic Site | Day Trips in Iowa
© rruntsch/stock.adobe.com

15. Iowa City

Iowa City | Day Trips in Iowa
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16. Iowa Speedway

Category: Entertainment
Iowa Speedway | Day Trips in Iowa
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17. Ledges State Park

Category: Activities
Ledges State Park | Day Trips in Iowa
© johnsroad7/stock.adobe.com

18. Madison County

Madison County | Day Trips in Iowa
© Jaynes Gallery and Danita Delimont/stock.adobe.com

19. Maquoketa Caves State Park

Category: Activities
Maquoketa Caves State Park | Day Trips in Iowa
© Nick/stock.adobe.com

20. Mount Vernon

Category: Activities
Mount Vernon | Day Trips in Iowa
© jtai/stock.adobe.com

21. Okoboji

Okoboji | Day Trips in Iowa
© Jacob/stock.adobe.com

22. Pella

Pella | Day Trips in Iowa
© Laurens/stock.adobe.com

23. Van Buren County

Van Buren County | Day Trips in Iowa
© Madeleine Openshaw/stock.adobe.com

24. Walcott

Walcott | Day Trips in Iowa
© desertsolitaire/stock.adobe.com

25. West Bend

West Bend | Day Trips in Iowa
© korionov/stock.adobe.com

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