Iowa Tourism

Rathbun Lake - Centerville, Iowa

Rathbun Lake - Centerville, Iowa Iowa is not known for its lakes but Rathbun Lake will help to put that thought in the background. Here you can go boating, fishing, swimming, hunt in the area, have a picnic or hike the trails around the lake. There are 55 square miles of land and water at Rathbun [...]

Cedar Rapids Kernels Baseball Team - Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Cedar Rapids Kernels Baseball Team - Cedar Rapids, Iowa When you want to spend a great night watching baseball then you should go to a game of the Cedar Rapids Kernels Baseball Team. The team is affiliated with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. The Class A minor league team plays in the Midwest League. The [...]

Bentonsport National Historic District - Bentonsport, Iowa

Bentonsport National Historic District - Bentonsport, Iowa Tucked into the southeastern area of Iowa is the charming community of Bentonsport where in the 1940’s the river town was a busy port-of-call for the Des Moines River steamers to dock. The village was the first stop for a number of people that wanted to come to the [...]

The Christian Petersen Art Museum - Ames, Iowa (ISU)

The Christian Petersen Art Museum - Ames, Iowa (ISU) This is a new museum on campus. You will certainly want to visit to see the great works created by numerous talented artists and named for the nations first permanent campus artist-in-residence. The museum contains the largest collection of public works of art at any college or [...]

Oak Village - Oakville, Iowa

Oak Village - Oakville, Iowa Not too far from the Mississippi River that runs through Iowa you will find the little town of Oakville. The town got devastated by the floods of 2008 but with all the devastation came the wonders of the past. The flood unearthed a prehistoric village buried under the ground that was [...]

Dewey, the Rescued Library Cat - Spencer, Iowa

Dewey, the Rescued Library Cat - Spencer, Iowa In this small town in northern Iowa there was an act of horrific cruelness perpetrated on a kitten some years ago when someone, on a very cold winter night, dumped a kitten into the book return box at the library (or it could be that he got in [...]

Artisans Road Trip - Northwestern, Iowa

Artisans Road Trip - Northwestern, Iowa Taking a trip around Northwestern Iowa to see the creations of talented people in the arts community will be a fabulous way to spend a couple of days in the early fall of the year. You will have the opportunity to take the self guided tour to the different studios [...]

The Kaleidoscope Factory - Pomeroy, Iowa

The Kaleidoscope Factory - Pomeroy, Iowa The owner of the Kaleidoscope Factory says "It’s really hard not to smile when you’re looking through a kaleidoscope." How true that is as the beautiful colors and shapes pass before your eyes bringing a whole fresh thought process to your day. The changes brought on by just the slightest [...]

Bill of Rights - Montezuma, Iowa

Bill of Rights - Montezuma, Iowa Just a few steps from the entrance of the Poweshiek County Courthouse there is a monument to the first 10 amendments to the U. S. Constitution. It is the FIRST Bill of Rights monument in the nation.

Salisbury Automobile Classic - Des Moines, Iowa

Salisbury Automobile Classic - Des Moines, Iowa We see cars everyday, cars on the interstate, cars in the parking lot and cars in the drive-thru. So what’s so special about going to see cars on one particular weekend? What’s so special about being up close to a 1935 Cadillac, 1934 Auburn or a 1933 Packard?

ALLIS CHALMERS TRACTOR AND FARM MUSEUM - GRISWOLD, IOWA

Allis Chalmers Tractor and Farm Museum - Griswold, Iowa A collection of 39 tractors made by AC from the 1914 model 10-18 (second oldest AC tractor known to exist) to the 1972 model 220 including Rumely 6, Rumely Do-All, United and M crawler with Hough loader, combines, plows, disc, baler, and early farming & household appliances. [...]

Easter Seals Camp - Des Moines, Iowa

Easter Seals Camp - Des Moines, Iowa This is a fabulous opportunity for those that want to enjoy the camping experience but are not able to go to the standard facility. Easter Seals offers boating, swimming, horseback riding, the campfire experience and the opportunity to make new friends and gain new talents. All this while under [...]

Atlantic Iowa Attractions - Atlantic, Iowa

Atlantic Iowa Attractions - Atlantic, Iowa The town of Atlantic is proud of their City Park and the things there are to enjoy and remember. The War Memorial commemorates those that so gallantly served their country in the different wars is located on the east side of the park. Also located in the park is the [...]

Phelps Youth Pavilion - Waterloo, Iowa

Phelps Youth Pavilion - Waterloo, Iowa The Arts are NOT dead, they are alive and thriving in the new Phelps Youth Pavillion. The interactive center allows for the creativity of both the young and the young at heart. Explore the art and culture from around the world at this outstanding addition to the Waterloo Center for [...]

Hearst Center for the Arts - Cedar Falls, Iowa

Hearst Center for the Arts - Cedar Falls, Iowa This center offers a wide range of opportunities to experience art, whether it is through looking at the fabulous permenant display of regional and local artists to the works of the greats such as Dali, Paccaso or others you will find them at the Herst Center for [...]

Gallagher-Bluedorn Performing Arts Center - Cedar Falls, Iowa

Gallagher-Bluedorn Performing Arts Center - Cedar Falls, Iowa On the campus of the University of Northern Iowa the Gallagher-Bluedorn Performing Arts Center provides performances more than 300 times a year. The building was completed in 2000 for a cost of $23 million and has 100,000 sq. ft. of space.

George Maier Rural Heritage Center - Elkader, Iowa

George Maier Rural Heritage Center - Elkader, Iowa Come and visit this 1919 sale barn and see the wonderful array of collectables that have been carefully acquired by George Mair to share with the visitors that want to taste a little history while on their Iowa vacation. The collection will take you all the way back [...]

Cedar Falls Raceway - Cedar Falls, Iowa

Cedar Falls Raceway - Cedar Falls, Iowa Built in the 1960’s this drag race track is 60 ft. wide and 4000 ft. long with 350 ft. concrete launch pads. The drag strip is asphalt. Cedar Falls Raceway has been under IHRA and NHRA Sanctions and is currently a NHRA Member Track.

Galleria de Paco - Waterloo, Iowa

Galleria de Paco - Waterloo, Iowa Rome has moved to Waterloo! Well, maybe not really, but Paco Rosic has taken the building he owns and spray painted the Sistine Chapel art in it. Although this is a restaurant and bar the owner wants you to enjoy the art and the history of Rome but viewing his [...]

Bluedorn Science Imaginarium - Waterloo, Iowa

Bluedorn Science Imaginarium - Waterloo, Iowa This interactive science center allows the imagination to run wild with what can be, could be or should be created by the minds of growing scientists! It shows youth how science affects their everyday life. It allows the youth to have fun with the hands on exhibits.

Waterloo Community Playhouse and Black Hawk Children’s Theater - Waterloo, Iowa

Waterloo Community Playhouse and Black Hawk Children’s Theater - Waterloo, Iowa This theater group was founded over 90 years ago to provide quality theater to the Cedar Valley area. Waterloo Community Playhouse is the oldest community theatre in Iowa.

Smiling Water Tower - Adair, Iowa

Smiling Water Tower - Adair, Iowa When you are driving down I-80 headed toward Omaha or coming from Omaha toward Des Moines you will be greeted in this little town with the big Smiling Water Tower. You can see if for miles leading you to the village. Along with the Smiling Water Tower Adair is also [...]

Pufferbilly Days - Boone, Iowa

Pufferbilly Days - Boone, Iowa Known for being a Railroad Town Boone celebrates Pufferbilly Days the first weekend after Labor Day annually. The celebration is rated as one of the top 5 celebrations in Iowa with over 30,000 people every year.

Cedar Ridge Winery & Distillery - Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Cedar Ridge Winery & Distillery - Cedar Rapids, Iowa 10 acres of home grown quality grapes go into the making of the fabulous wine of the Cedar Ridge Winery & Distillery. The Cedar Ridge Distillery is the first legal still to operate in Iowa since prohibition and we take that responsibility seriously by providing the highest [...]

Karl L. King Museum - Fort Dodge, Iowa

Karl L. King Museum - Fort Dodge, Iowa A baritone player with the Robinson’s Famous Circus this musical talent turned his life into a gift for all musicians by composing music that matched the rhythm of the circus acts and compsoing marches intended expecially for schools. He also composed waltzes, overtures and other musical selections.

Dayton National Championship Rodeo - Dayton, Iowa

Dayton National Championship Rodeo - Dayton, Iowa Labor Day weekend is the time to be in Dayton, Iowa for the National Championship Rodeo! You will get to witness the skills of these talented cowboy and cowgirls doing everything from roping to bronc riding. Of course the bull riding is always a big hit with the audiences [...]

Blanden Memorial Art Museum - Fort Dodge, Iowa

Blanden Memorial Art Museum - Fort Dodge, Iowa Under the direction of Margaret A. Skove The Blanden Memorial Art Museum is a thriving, valued attraction to the Fort Dodge area. Lindsay Shannon, Curator of the Blanden Memorial Art Museum is known for providing quality art for the enjoyment and education of the visitors to the museum. This [...]

Brazelton House - Mt. Pleasant, Iowa

Brazelton House - Mt. Pleasant, Iowa Sitting on the corner of Saunders and Main St. in the town of Mt. Pleasant is this outstanding Italianate home built in 1858 by William Brazelton, a banker and developer in the community. The home has double brick wall construction, 10 1/2 ft. to 14 ft. ceilings throughout the home, [...]

Children’s Square USA - Christian Home Association - Council Bluffs, Iowa

Children’s Square USA - Christian Home Association - Council Bluffs, Iowa This home for children is a beautifully landscaped campus. Adults can enjoy the Lemen Visitor Center with displays and historical timeline dating back to 1883 when the Christian Home was founded. Features waterfalls, a soaring red canopy and a "wooden mountain."

Sugar Clay Winery - Thurman, Iowa

Sugar Clay Winery - Thurman, Iowa Tucked into the rural Loess Hills is the charming winery called Sugar Clay run by Owners, Vintners & Winemakers,Frank and Amy Faust. They encourage you to come, taste their wines, enjoy the peace and serenity of their patio while absorbing the wonders of the Loess Hills.

Tassel Ridge Winery - Leighton, Iowa

Tassel Ridge Winery - Leighton, Iowa This Southeast Iowa winery prides itself in providing quality Iowa wines. Tassel Ridge Winery tours are available anytime during our regular business hours. You will experience an adventure in winemaking as your tour guide highlights the steps from vine to bottle. Learn about the history of grape growing in Iowa, [...]

Iowa Masonic Library and Museum - Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Iowa Masonic Library and Museum- Cedar Rapids, Iowa This library and museum offers the one of the most complete collections of Masonic artifacts from around the world. The Iowa Masonic Library is reputed to be the largest in the world, and is at least one of the top five, with over 100,000 volumes. Both Masonic and [...]

Indian Creek Nature Center - Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Indian Creek Nature Center - Cedar Rapids, Iowa The Nature Center has two national recreations trails on its 234 acres in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Established in 1973, the private nonprofit organization includes a 240-acre nature preserve and an interpretive center in a remodeled 1932 dairy barn. The barn houses exhibits including displays depicting various natural habitats, [...]

In The Future - Captain Kirk’s Birthplace - Riverside, IA

In the Future -Captain Kirk’s Birthplace - Riverside, IA The future will hold the exciting birth of Captain James Kirk of the Starship Enterprise in Riverside, Iowa! Riverside is where interstate 380 ends and "the Trek Begins," or so says a sign as you exit. James T. Kirk, captain of the starship Enterprise, will be born [...]

Hoover Nature Trail - Burlington to Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Hoover Nature Trail - Burlington to Cedar Rapids, Iowa Iowa has a large number of nature trails. The Hoover Nature Trail joins with the ADT system which opens up more than 512 miles of trails. Going from Burlington, Iowa to Cedar Rapids, Iowa the Hoover Nature Trail, a former rail line, heads north through Nichols and West [...]

Des Moines Arts Festival - Des Moines, Iowa

Des Moines Arts Festival - Des Moines, Iowa - The Des Moines Arts Festival, Iowa’s premier celebration of the arts, is held in Downtown Des Moines’ Western Gateway Park. . Each year, Iowa’s only free, three-day celebration of the arts, decorates downtown with exceptional artwork, entertainment and children’s activities.

WILDER MEMORIAL MUSEUM - Strawberry Point, Iowa

Here visitors can relive the past as they walk through the various rooms of the museum. There are 6 rooms full of Victorian furniture, including Victorian hanging lamps, European figurines, and exquisite glass and china. Featured prominently is an heirloom doll collection. Their collection also includes toy tractors and pioneer tools.

Harker House - Storm Lake, Iowa

Harker House - Storm Lake, Iowa This 1875 Victorian house was built at a time when a new era of prosperity had arrived in Storm Lake. Storm Lake’s Main Street is home to the Harker House. Built in 1875, the old brick mansion with its beautiful porches is a traffic-stopper.

Hitaga Sand Ridge Preserve - Coggen, Iowa

Hitaga Sand Ridge Preserve - Coggen, Iowa Just south of Camp Hitaga visitors can look at a rare phenomena for the state of Iowa—wild cacti growing and surviving on sand dunes. This type of thing occurs only in six or seven places in the state. It is felt that the sand and the cacti were trapped [...]

Davis County Courthouse - Bloomfield, Iowa

Davis County Courthouse - Bloomfield, Iowa This is a unique 1877 French Renaissance architecture structure with mansard roof and graceful cupola courthouse in Bloomfield, Iowa. The cost of construction was less than $50,000 to build. The courtroom features the original seats and bench which is still used today.

Elinor Bedell State Park - Milford, Iowa

Elinor Bedell State Park - Milford, Iowa Near the eastern side of East Lake Okoboji a new state park has been developed. The land, part of which had been in the Bedell family for some time,represents one of the last remaining open spaces in a region that is among Iowa’s most popular tourist destination - the [...]

Danish Windmill - Elk Horn, Iowa

Danish Windmill - Elk Horn, Iowa This windmill was built originally in Norre Snede, Denmark in 1848. In 1975 it was shipped to Elk Horn and restored to its original working condition. Guided tours of the 60-foot mill are given and one can see gears and grinding stones. It is also used as a welcome center. [...]

Keokuk National Cemetery - Keokuk, Iowa

Keokuk National Cemetery - Keokuk, Iowa This is one of just twelve original national cemeteries designated by the U.S. Congress. During the Civil War, the presence of the College of Physicians and Surgeons caused the federal government to locate a military hospital in Estes House (formerly at 500 Main Street), and four other sites in Keokuk.

Herbert Hoover Presidential Library/Museum/National Historic Site - West Branch, Iowa

Herbert Hoover Presidential Library/Museum/National Historic Site - West Branch, Iowa The Herbert Hoover Presidential Library/Museum displays tell of the life and careers of Herbert Hoover, the 31st President of the United States, is located in West Branch, Iowa.

School House and Post Office - West Bend, Iowa

School House and Post Office - West Bend, Iowa Restored for the educational experience of today, the School House in West Bend, Iowa was placed in West Bend in 1976. The Post Office was also restored and located next to the school.

Danish Immigrant Museum - Elk Horn, Iowa

Danish Immigrant Museum - Elk Horn, Iowa This museum in Elk Horn tells stories of the experiences of Danish immigrants as they traveled from Denmark to various parts of North America. Its exhibits include collections of tools, clothing, photographs, and household furnishings. The building has been designed to represent a Danish barn.

Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center - Sioux City, Iowa

Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center - Sioux City, Iowa Near to Stone State Park this new nature center has been developed. Visitors will find, among other exhibits, a “walk-under” prairie. Many of the other displays center around the Loess Hills found in the area—an unusual land formation created thousands of years ago by the deposition of wind-blown [...]

Jefferson County Park - Fairfield, Iowa

Jefferson County Park - Fairfield, Iowa There are approximately 7 miles of hiking and biking trails that take visitors through a diversity of landscapes, such as timber, pine tree plantings, meadows, and reintroduced prairies. A 75-foot swinging bridge connects a picnic area with a camping area. In the campground are both camping pads—complete with electricity—and cabins.

Dallas County Forest Park Museum And Arboretum - Perry, Iowa

Dallas County Forest Park Museum And Arboretum - Perry, Iowa This museum in Perry, Iowa presents both culture and natural history displays of the area. Much of the museum is devoted to local history; the arboretum section features a collection of trees brought in from all parts of the United States. In the museum visitors can [...]

FROELICH HISTORIC SITE - Monona, Iowa

At the site, in 1892, John Froelich built the first gasoline powered tractor. An 1892 scale model is at the site. Reference material is also available. From this invention, the Waterloo Gasoline Tractor Engine Co. was started. Later on, this company was taken over by the John Deere Company. In the area, one can visit [...]