Iowa snuck up on me—in the best way. I went in expecting cornfields and quiet towns, and I found...well, yes, those things. But I also found vibrant cities, riverfront charm, quirky museums, and comfort food I still think about. There’s something grounded and generous about the places here. They don’t shout for attention—but they stay with you long after you leave.
Whether I was standing on a blustery bluff in Dubuque, listening to live music in Davenport, or wandering a hand-built village in Amana, I kept thinking, “These places aren’t trying to impress me. They’re just being real.” And that’s exactly what made them special.
If you’re planning a road trip or a weekend getaway, Iowa’s got a quiet magic that’s easy to fall into. These ten destinations are some of my favorites...but they’re just the beginning.
Best Places to Visit in Iowa:
Finding color and culture in Des Moines
Des Moines felt surprisingly alive with energy—quirky, creative, and more layered than I expected. From downtown murals to quiet trails along the Des Moines River, I found a rhythm that was both laid-back and buzzing. I remember standing outside the Pappajohn Sculpture Park thinking, "This city’s got soul, and it’s not afraid to show it."
What I Loved Most: Wandering through the Des Moines Art Center and watching locals picnic among sculptures like it was the most natural thing in the world.
My highlights? Brunch at St. Kilda Cafe, a modern Aussie-inspired spot. I had the avocado toast with poached eggs, chili flakes, and a flat white. Bright, flavorful, and exactly what I needed after a morning of walking and wandering.
Plan your day trip:
- Drive Time from Ames: ~45 minutes south
- Vibe: Creative, walkable, fresh
- Highlights: Sculpture Park, Art Center, East Village
- Best Time to Visit: Spring and early fall
- Cost: Free outdoor attractions + affordable eats
- Hours: Most museums open 10 AM–4 PM
- Address: Sculpture Park: 1330 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309
Overlooking the Mississippi in Dubuque
Dubuque instantly felt like a place with stories. Perched on hills above the river, with 19th-century buildings and scenic views, it had this old-soul charm. I rode the Fenelon Place Elevator to the top and looked out over the Mississippi thinking, "This is the kind of view that holds its breath."
What I Loved Most: Exploring the National Mississippi River Museum and seeing how life has always moved with the river.
My highlights? A peaceful lunch at L. May Eatery, tucked into Dubuque’s historic district. I had the fig and prosciutto flatbread with a small arugula salad and a glass of iced tea. It was elegant, local, and full of flavor.
Plan your day trip:
- Drive Time from Cedar Rapids: ~1.5 hours northeast
- Vibe: Historic, scenic, elevated
- Highlights: Riverwalk, Fenelon Elevator, River Museum
- Best Time to Visit: Summer and fall for foliage
- Cost: Moderate—museum admission, local eats
- Hours: Most attractions open 9 AM–5 PM
- Address: 350 E 3rd St, Dubuque, IA 52001
Soaking in western charm in Sioux City
Sioux City brought me a slice of the Wild West with a side of riverfront calm. There’s something sturdy and open-hearted about this town—like it’s seen a lot and still knows how to welcome you in. As I walked along the Missouri River trail, I thought, "This town feels like it belongs to the land."
What I Loved Most: Touring the Sioux City Public Museum and learning about the city’s frontier history through immersive exhibits.
My highlights? A classic meal at M’s on 4th—I had the grilled pork chop with apple chutney, garlic mashed potatoes, and roasted carrots. Hearty, flavorful, and totally satisfying after a history-filled afternoon.
Plan your day trip:
- Drive Time from Omaha: ~1.5 hours north
- Vibe: Western, historical, wide-open
- Highlights: Missouri Riverfront, Public Museum, Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center
- Best Time to Visit: Late spring or fall
- Cost: Low to moderate
- Hours: Museums open 10 AM–5 PM
- Address: 607 4th St, Sioux City, IA 51101
Exploring riverside charm in Davenport
Davenport felt easy and comfortable, with its blend of riverfront beauty and mid-sized city appeal. I strolled along the Mississippi, caught a free concert at LeClaire Park, and thought, "This is the kind of place that’s quietly confident in what it offers."
What I Loved Most: Browsing the galleries at the Figge Art Museum, where regional art and stunning architecture meet.
My highlights? Dinner at Me & Billy downtown. I had their crispy Brussels sprouts appetizer and the signature Billy Burger with house-made chips. The vibe was playful but polished—just like Davenport itself.
Plan your day trip:
- Drive Time from Iowa City: ~1 hour east
- Vibe: Friendly, artsy, riverside
- Highlights: Figge Museum, LeClaire Park, Skybridge
- Best Time to Visit: Summer for festivals and music
- Cost: Low to moderate
- Hours: Museum 10 AM–5 PM; evening events vary
- Address: 225 W 2nd St, Davenport, IA 52801
Romantic Places to Visit in Iowa:
Stepping into art and memory in Cedar Rapids
The Grant Wood Studio was my first stop in Cedar Rapids ...and something about standing where “American Gothic” was painted gave me chills. From there, the city unfolded in layers: artsy, industrial, and green in all the right places. I found myself thinking, "There's more heart here than people give it credit for."
What I Loved Most: Exploring the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art, where Iowa’s artistic legacy lives front and center.
My highlights? A satisfying lunch at The Map Room, where I tried the Bangkok Burger with peanut sauce and jalapeños, paired with sweet potato fries. Cozy, clever, and full of flavor—just like the city.
Plan your day trip:
- Drive Time from Iowa City: ~30 minutes north
- Vibe: Creative, resilient, relaxed
- Highlights: Grant Wood Studio, CRMA, Czech Village
- Best Time to Visit: Spring through fall
- Cost: Low to moderate
- Hours: Museums open 10 AM–4 PM
- Address: 410 3rd Ave SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52401
Finding inspiration in Iowa City
Wandering through the University of Iowa campus in Iowa City, I felt a quiet buzz of thoughtfulness in the air. Bookshops, old brick buildings, handwritten poems tacked on walls—I kept noticing small things that made me smile. At one point I thought, "This place is made for people who love words."
What I Loved Most: Walking through the Old Capitol Building and feeling like I had one foot in the past, one in the present.
My highlights? Coffee and brunch at Bluebird Diner. I ordered the chorizo hash with eggs and a cinnamon roll on the side (because why not). Lively, generous, and oh-so-satisfying.
Plan your day trip:
- Drive Time from Cedar Rapids: ~30 minutes south
- Vibe: Intellectual, literary, cozy
- Highlights: Old Capitol, Iowa Writers' Workshop landmarks, indie shops
- Best Time to Visit: Fall for campus energy and color
- Cost: Low
- Hours: Capitol museum 10 AM–4 PM
- Address: 21 N Clinton St, Iowa City, IA 52240
Stepping back in time in Amana
As I wandered into Amana’s woolen mill and watched scarves being loomed by hand, I felt like I had stepped out of the present. Cobblestone paths, weathered barns, handmade everything—it was like a village preserved in amber. I remember thinking, "This isn’t just quaint—it’s rooted."
What I Loved Most: Visiting the General Store and discovering shelves of old-world jams, soaps, and handwoven goods.
My highlights? Lunch at Ox Yoke Inn, a tradition in every sense. I had the fried chicken dinner with mashed potatoes and buttery spaetzle. Comfort food doesn’t get more honest than that.
Plan your day trip:
- Drive Time from Iowa City: ~40 minutes west
- Vibe: Historical, handmade, peaceful
- Highlights: Woolen Mill, General Store, Ox Yoke Inn
- Best Time to Visit: Fall for Oktoberfest or December for Christmas markets
- Cost: Moderate
- Hours: Shops generally open 10 AM–5 PM
- Address: 4420 220th Trail, Amana, IA 52203
Family-friendly Places to Visit in Iowa:
Leaning into college-town charm in Ames
Biking through Iowa State University’s leafy campus in Amesgave me the perfect mix of fresh air and nostalgia. Cyclists waved, trees rustled, and the air smelled like books and grass. I caught myself thinking, "This is the kind of place where ideas grow quietly."
What I Loved Most: Visiting Reiman Gardens and seeing butterflies flutter in their tropical conservatory like tiny floating jewels.
My highlights? Breakfast at The Grove Café, a local legend. I had their famous giant pancake with bacon and eggs. It was rustic, hearty, and worth every bite.
Plan your day trip:
- Drive Time from Des Moines: ~45 minutes north
- Vibe: Collegiate, leafy, chill
- Highlights: Iowa State campus, Reiman Gardens, Main Street
- Best Time to Visit: Spring or fall
- Cost: Low
- Hours: Gardens 10 AM–6 PM
- Address: 1407 University Blvd, Ames, IA 50011
Finding quiet magic in Bentonsport
The first thing I noticed in Bentonsport was the stillness. The Des Moines River glided past, and antique shops stood patiently like they’d been waiting for decades. I walked across the old iron bridge and thought, "Not everything needs to be loud to be memorable."
What I Loved Most: Browsing handmade pottery and chatting with a local artist about life in this nearly-forgotten village.
My highlights? A peaceful riverside lunch at Misty’s Malt Shop. I had a cheeseburger and hand-spun vanilla shake while sitting at a picnic table in the sun. Simple. Honest. Lovely.
Plan your day trip:
- Drive Time from Burlington: ~1.5 hours west
- Vibe: Quiet, timeless, artsy
- Highlights: Historic Bridge, Artist Co-Op, river views
- Best Time to Visit: Spring or fall
- Cost: Very low
- Hours: Shops open mid-morning to late afternoon
- Address: Bridge St, Bentonsport, IA 52565
Watching the river roll in Burlington
Burlington has a quiet kind of drama, thanks to the Mississippi and its steep hills. I found myself standing on Snake Alley—the crookedest street in the country—and thinking, "This town’s got character…and angles."
What I Loved Most: Walking along the riverfront path as paddleboats drifted past, with nothing on the agenda but to keep going.
My highlights? Dinner at Big Muddy’s, right on the river. I had the prime rib with garlic mashed potatoes and a view of the water that turned golden at dusk. A perfect end to the day.
Plan your day trip:
- Drive Time from Iowa City: ~1.5 hours southeast
- Vibe: Historic, scenic, slightly dramatic
- Highlights: Snake Alley, riverwalk, downtown
- Best Time to Visit: Late summer or fall
- Cost: Moderate
- Hours: Attractions open 10 AM–5 PM
- Address: 710 N Front St, Burlington, IA 52601
Final Thoughts on Exploring Iowa
From city museums and college-town cafés to riverside strolls and cobblestone streets, Iowa gave me something real. Each town offered a different kind of welcome: creative, quirky, historic, peaceful. And somehow, they all felt like places I’d want to return to.
Whether you’re traveling solo, with family, or just chasing small-town charm, Iowa has more to explore than you might think. For even more inspiration, check out these great resources:
So grab your favorite road trip playlist, point your wheels toward the Midwest, and see what kind of moments Iowa has in store for you.
Jump to a Spot...
- • Finding color and culture in Des Moines
- • Overlooking the Mississippi in Dubuque
- • Soaking in western charm in Sioux City
- • Exploring riverside charm in Davenport
- • Stepping into art and memory in Cedar Rapids
- • Finding inspiration in Iowa City
- • Stepping back in time in Amana
- • Leaning into college-town charm in Ames
- • Finding quiet magic in Bentonsport
- • Watching the river roll in Burlington