Herbert Hoover National Historic Site · NPS Photo/John Eicher · Public domain (US federal government)

Road Trip Guide:
Iowa

Explore Iowa

Iowa's Loess Hills form a narrow band running 200 miles along the Missouri River, and the Loess Hills National Scenic Byway through them has a 220-mile paved main route plus 185 miles of optional loops. According to the US Geological Survey, Shaanxi, China, is the only other place with loess layers as deep and extensive.

Around 28 breweries sit near the stops we cover in Iowa. 10 of them are brewpubs with a kitchen, which off the motorway is often the useful part. The kitchen figure is a floor: the source lists some full restaurants as production sites.

Brewpub locations from Open Brewery DB (MIT)

Around 19 public campgrounds sit near the stops we cover in Iowa. All of them take reservations. Public campgrounds run by federal agencies. State-park and private campgrounds are not included.

Outdoors

Public land, water and snow — the places that are the reason for the drive.

National parks and federal sites in Iowa

4 National Park Service sites in Iowa. We have written guides to only a few of these — the rest are here so you can see what is in the state.

*Check before you go. Entrance fees, seasonal road closures, timed-entry reservations and whether a site suits your family are set by each park and change through the year. Follow the link and check with the park itself.

Park register from the National Park Service (public domain)

State parks in Iowa

54 state parks we know of in Iowa. We have not visited these and have no guide to them — this is a list of what exists, so you can look one up.

See all 54

Ambrose A. Call State Park
Backbone State Park
Banner Lakes at Summerset State Park
Beeds Lake State Park
Bellevue State Park
Black Hawk State Park
Cedar Rock State Park
Dolliver Memorial State Park
Elinor Bedell State Park
Elk Rock State Park
Fort Defiance State Park
Geode State Park
George Wyth Memorial State Park
Goose Lake Waterfowl Production Area
Green Valley State Park
Gull Point State Park
Honey Creek State Park
Lacey-Keosauqua State Park
Lake Ahquabi State Park
Lake Anita State Park
Lake Darling State Park
Lake Keomah State Park
Lake Manawa State Park
Lake Wapello State Park
Ledges State Park
Lewis and Clark State Park
Lost Island Lake State Park
Maquoketa Caves State Park
Mines of Spain State Recreation Area and E. B. Lyons Nature Center
Mini-Wakan State Park
Nine Eagles State Park
Pikes Peak State Park
Pikes Point State Park
Pillsbury Point State Park
Pilot Knob State Park
Pine Lake State Park
Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area
Preparation Canyon State Park
Red Haw State Park
Rice Lake State Park
Roberts Creek State Preserve
Rock Creek State Park
Springbrook State Park
Stone State Park
Swan Lake State Park
Templar State Recreation Area
Trapper's Bay State Park
Union Grove State Park
Walnut Woods State Park
Wapsipinicon State Park
Waubonsie State Park
White Pine Hollow State Forest
Wildcat Den State Park
Wilson Island State Recreation Area

*Check before you go. Opening hours, entry fees, campsite availability and whether a park suits your family are not in this data and change with the season. Several of these are day-use only. Please confirm with the park before setting out.

State park locations from Wikidata (CC0)

Lakes in Iowa

3 lakes in Iowa that we have checked. These are the ones from our research that we could check against an official page — not every lake there is. We have not been to these; this is what the official pages say, so you can look one up.

Coralville Lake
near Coralville IA · reservoir
- Fishingyes
- BoatingPleasure boating and water-skiing; ramps at several areas
- SwimmingTwo public beaches (Sugar Bottom, West Overlook); no lifeguards
- Campingyes - three campground areas, just over 500 sites; reservations required
- Entry$5 day-use per vehicle (beaches, boat ramps); $40 annual pass
No lifeguards at beaches; swim at your own risk
Run by US Army Corps of Engineers (Rock Island District)
Rathbun Lake
near Centerville IA (~7 mi) · 11,000 acres · reservoir
- Fishingyes - crappie, channel catfish, walleye, largemouth bass
- BoatingBoat ramps at all eight parks and Honey Creek Resort
- Rentals & marinayes - Buck Creek Marina (concession); fuel and mooring
- Swimmingyes - 3 swimming beaches
- CampingSix campgrounds; Corps runs four, Iowa DNR runs Honey Creek
- Entry$5 per day to launch at Corps ramps; $40 annual pass
- SeasonCorps campgrounds list fees May-September (Prairie Ridge May 15 - Sep 15)
Hazardous boating areas exist; use caution
Run by US Army Corps of Engineers (Kansas City District)
Saylorville Lake
near Des Moines (~11 mi downstream) · 5,950 acres · reservoir
- Fishingyes - wipers, catfish, walleye, largemouth bass, muskie, northern pike, panfish
- BoatingCorps ramps at Lakeview, Sandpiper, Cherry Glen; marina and county launches
- Rentals & marinaSaylorville Marina (separately managed) has a boat launch
- SwimmingOne designated beach (Oak Grove); no lifeguards
- CampingFour Corps campgrounds, 525 sites; reservations required
- Entry$5 per day boat launch (Apr-Sep); $5 per vehicle beach; $40 annual pass
- SeasonCherry Glen and Lakeview ramps open all year; Sandpiper March-November
Levels fluctuate; no vessels recommended north of the Mile Long Bridge
Run by US Army Corps of Engineers (Rock Island District)

*Check before you go. Every lake here links to the official page we checked it against. Each state a price we read off that page on the date we checked. Fees, seasons, water levels, algal advisories and ramp closures change without notice and belong to the agency that runs the water. A blank is something we did not confirm, not something the lake lacks. Never assume a lifeguard. Whether a beach is staffed turns on the season, the day, and which agency runs that particular beach — two beaches on one lake can differ. If that matters to your family, confirm it with the agency before you set out.

Skiing and Snowboarding

1 in this state.

Sundown MountainDubuque
Iowa's largest ski area

This is a list of what is there, not a recommendation of any of it. We do not list rentals: our source marked every ski area in the country “likely” to have them and confirmed none, so there was nothing to publish. Most hills do rent gear — ring ahead rather than take that from us. Opening dates, lift schedules and trail conditions move every year and we hold none of them, so check before you build a day around it. Every name above links to the operator’s own site.

Long Bike Trails

3 in this state.

High Trestle Trail
Length
25 miles
Surface
Paved
End to end
Ankeny IA – Woodward IA
Half-mile trestle lit blue at night
Raccoon River Valley Trail
Length
88 miles
Surface
Paved
End to end
Clive IA – Jefferson IA (with loop)
Big paved loop through Iowa towns and farm country
Wabash Trace Nature Trail
Length
63 miles
Surface
Crushed stone
End to end
Council Bluffs IA – Blanchard IA
Loess Hills ride famous for Thursday taco night

This is a list of what is there, not a recommendation of any of it. Opening dates, lift schedules and trail conditions move every year and we hold none of them, so check before you build a day around it. Every name above links to the operator’s own site.

Days out with the family

Gated attractions with a front door, a ticket and a car park.

Zoos and Aquariums

3 across Iowa, by town.

Blank Park ZooAZA-accreditedDes Moines
Hours
10am-4pm (late Oct-early Nov 2026 listing, weather permitting)
Season
year-round
Admission
Adult from $20 (ages 13-64) · Child from $15 (ages 2-12)
Blue Zoo Aquarium — some details below are unconfirmedDes Moines
* We could not confirm: official site blocked automated reading; details not checked; hours/admission not checked. Check their site before you go.
National Mississippi River Museum & AquariumAZA-accreditedDubuque
Hours
Nov-May: weekdays 10am-4pm, weekends 10am-5pm (site also shows 9am-5pm; confirm)
Season
year-round
Admission
Adult from $27.95 (2-day pass) · Child $20.95 (ages 3-17, 2-day pass)

This is a list of what is near you, not a recommendation of any of it. 2 of these carry an accreditation we confirmed against the accrediting body’s own register. Where there is no badge we did not confirm one — that is not a judgement on the place, and a good many municipal, state and university sites belong to no register we check. One entry is marked with an asterisk: we could not confirm part of what is listed, and the note under it says which part. Opening times, prices and seasons change without notice, so check the operator’s own site — every name above links to it.

Amusement and Water Parks

4 across Iowa, by town.

AdventurelandSeasonalamusement park and water parkAltoona
2026 season opened May 16
Arnolds ParkSeasonalamusement parkArnolds Park
Opened
1889
official site thanks guests for the 2026 season
Lost Island Theme ParkSeasonaltheme parkWaterloo
Opened
2022
opened 2022; site lists park closed Oct 29, 2026
Lost Island Water ParkSeasonalwater parkWaterloo
sister water park next to Lost Island Theme Park

This is a list of what is near you, not a recommendation of any of it. Every one of these runs a season rather than opening year round. Opening and closing dates move every year and we hold none of them, so check the park’s own calendar before you build a day around it. Prices, hours and ride closures change without notice — every name above links to the park’s own site.

Wineries and Distilleries in Iowa

5 producers in Iowa that we have checked. These are the ones from our research we could check against their own site — not every producer there is. We have not been to these; this is what their own sites say, so you can look one up.

Jasper Winery
winery · Des Moines, IA
Winery near Water Works Park in Des Moines offering flights and wine by the glass.
- HoursFall: Thu-Sat 10am-6pm; Sun 1-5pm; closed Mon-Wed
- Phone(515) 282-9463
2400 George Flagg Pkwy., Des Moines, IA 50321
Mississippi River Distilling Company
distillery · Le Claire, IA · Great River Road / Quad Cities
Riverfront distillery in Le Claire with a cocktail house; also operates a Davenport lounge.
- HoursSun-Thu 12-8pm; Fri-Sat 12-10pm
- Toursyes - distillery tours page
- Foodyes - cheese curds; food trucks Fridays in season
- Phone(563) 484-4342
303 North Cody Road, Le Claire, IA 52753
Fireside Winery - Marengo
winery · Marengo, IA · Iowa Valley Scenic Byway
Eastern Iowa winery at the edge of the Iowa Valley Scenic Byway; part of the Iowa Wine Passport.
- Toursyes - production facility tours
- Phone(319) 662-4222
1755 P Ave, Marengo, IA
Cedar Ridge Winery & Distillery
winery and distillery · Swisher, IA · Eastern Iowa (Cedar Rapids-Iowa City corridor)
Family-owned winery and distillery that makes both wine and spirits on site.
- HoursMon-Fri 11am-9pm; Sat 11am-5pm; Sun 9am-5pm (brunch 9-1)
- Toursyes - distillery tours, tickets online
- Foodyes - restaurant/dine
- Phone(319) 857-4300
1441 Marak Rd, Swisher, IA
Templeton Distillery
distillery · Templeton, IA · Carroll County
Rye whiskey maker in the small town of Templeton, whose local whiskey-making history dates to Prohibition.
- Toursyes - tours booked online
- Reservationsrecommended
- Phone(844) 505-6115
209 S Rye Ave, Templeton, IA 51463

*Check before you go. Every producer here links to its own site, which is where we read these details on the date we checked. Opening hours, tour times, tasting fees and who may come in change without notice and belong to the producer. A blank is something we did not confirm, not something they lack. None of these say anything about children, so do not plan around it without asking them.

Roadside oddities in Iowa

Elwood the GnomeGiant statue / World's largestAmes
Cost to see it
Costs something — we did not find the price published
When you can see it
Only while it is open, and we did not find its hours published
Nearest road
US-30
Giant concrete garden gnome
Read on the page we checked
Albert the BullGiant statue / World's largestAudubon
Cost to see it
Free
When you can see it
Any time — outdoors, visible from the road
Nearest road
US-71
30-foot concrete bull from 1964
Read on the page we checked
Pocahontas statueGiant statue / World's largestPocahontas
Cost to see it
Free
When you can see it
Any time — outdoors, visible from the road
Nearest road
IA-3
25-foot figure from 1956
Read on the page we checked
World's Largest Popcorn BallGiant statue / World's largestSac City
Cost to see it
Free
When you can see it
Any time — outdoors, visible from the road
Nearest road
US-20 / IA-196
Record popcorn ball kept in its own shelter
Read on the page we checked
Swedish Coffee PotGiant statue / World's largestStanton
Cost to see it
Free
When you can see it
Any time — outdoors, visible from the road
Nearest road
US-34
Huge coffee pot now at ground level; teacup water tower nearby
Read on the page we checked
World's Largest StrawberryGiant statue / World's largestStrawberry Point
Cost to see it
Free
When you can see it
Any time — outdoors, visible from the road
Nearest road
IA-3 / IA-13
Fiberglass strawberry atop a pole by City Hall
Read on the page we checked

See the other 1

Grotto of the RedemptionFolk art / sculpture gardenWest Bend
Cost to see it
Donation
When you can see it
Any time — outdoors, visible from the road
Nearest road
IA-15
Largest man-made grotto, encrusted with gems and minerals
Read on the page we checked

These are things you can go and look at, not a recommendation of any of them. Oddities move, get sold and quietly disappear more than anything else we list, so check anything you are driving a long way for. 2 of these are named for a record. That is what the place calls itself — we have not checked the record itself. Where this list says we did not find a price or opening times published, that is exactly what we mean. A blank is not “free” and not “always open”. Some sit on private land and can only be seen from the road — please do not go onto anyone’s property. Every entry links the page we read it off.

Venues and Annual Events

26 across Iowa, by town.

Where to see something

Paramount TheatretheaterCedar Rapids
Address
123 3rd Ave. SE
Capacity
1,693 (original)
Opened as Capitol Theater; damaged by 2008 flood.
Surf BallroomClear Lake
Hours
Open to public daily per source; check site for hours
Tours
tours and group tours listed on official site
Address
460 N. Shore Dr.
Phone
641-357-6151
Capacity
2,100
Site of Buddy Holly's last concert (Feb 2, 1959); National Historic Landmark 2021.
Hoyt Sherman PlacetheaterDes Moines
Address
1501 Woodland Ave.
Capacity
1,252
1877 mansion with theater added 1923.
Englert TheatretheaterIowa City
Address
221 E. Washington St.
Capacity
725
Restored nonprofit arts center.
Orpheum Theatre (Sioux City)theaterSioux City
Address
528 S. Pierce St.
Capacity
2,650
Orpheum Circuit palace restored 2001.
Avenue of the Saints Amphitheaterfestival groundsSt. Charles
Hours
Event days only
Home of Hinterland Music Festival since 2015.

What is on, and when

Linn County Fair — some details below are unconfirmedfairCentral City
Usually
Late June, over several days
Held at
Linn County Fairgrounds
* We could not confirm: the details beyond the month it usually runs. Check their site before you go.
Winter Dance Partymusic festivalClear Lake
Usually
February, over several days
Held at
Surf Ballroom
Since
Annual since 1979
Westfair — some details below are unconfirmedfairCouncil Bluffs
Usually
July
Held at
Westfair Fairgrounds
* We could not confirm: anything beyond the month it usually runs. Check their site before you go.
Bix Beiderbecke Memorial Jazz Festivalmusic festivalDavenport
Usually
Early August, over several days
Held at
Rhythm City Casino Event Center (historically LeClaire Park bandshell)
Since
First held 1971
Mississippi Valley Fair — some details below are unconfirmedfairDavenport
Usually
Early August, over several days
Held at
Mississippi Valley Fairgrounds
* We could not confirm: the details beyond the month it usually runs. Check their site before you go.
Iowa State FairfairDes Moines
Usually
August, over several days
Held at
Iowa State Fairgrounds
Since
First held 1854 (Fairfield)

See the other 14

Clinton County Fair — some details below are unconfirmedfairDeWitt
Usually
Late July, over several days
Held at
Clinton County Fairgrounds
* We could not confirm: the details beyond the month it usually runs. Check their site before you go.
Dubuque County Fair — some details below are unconfirmedfairDubuque
Usually
Late July–early August, over several days
Held at
Dubuque County Fairgrounds
* We could not confirm: the details beyond the month it usually runs. Check their site before you go.
National Balloon ClassicIndianola
Usually
Late July-early August, over several days
Held at
Memorial Balloon Field (15335 Jewell St)
Since
Founded 1989 (Indianola hosted national championships from 1970)
Johnson County Fair — some details below are unconfirmedfairIowa City
Usually
Late July
Held at
Johnson County Fairgrounds
* We could not confirm: anything beyond the month it usually runs. Check their site before you go.
Knoxville Nationalssports-motorsportKnoxville
Usually
August, over several days
Held at
Knoxville Raceway
Since
First held 1961
Jackson County Fair — some details below are unconfirmedfairMaquoketa
Usually
Late July–early August, over several days
Held at
Jackson County Fairgrounds
* We could not confirm: the details beyond the month it usually runs. Check their site before you go.
Great Jones County Fair — some details below are unconfirmedfairMonticello
Usually
Late July, over several days
Held at
Great Jones County Fairgrounds
* We could not confirm: the details beyond the month it usually runs. Check their site before you go.
Henry County Fair — some details below are unconfirmedfairMount Pleasant
Usually
Mid-July, over several days
Held at
Henry County Fairgrounds
* We could not confirm: the details beyond the month it usually runs. Check their site before you go.
Clay County FairfairSpencer
Usually
September (week after Labor Day), over several days
Held at
Clay County Fair & Events Center
Hinterland Music Festivalmusic festivalSt. Charles
Usually
Late July-early August, over several days
Held at
Avenue of the Saints Amphitheater
Since
First held at St. Charles 2015
RAGBRAIStatewide (route changes yearly)
Usually
Late July, over several days
Held at
Cross-state bicycle route
Since
First held 1973
Cedar County Fair — some details below are unconfirmedfairTipton
Usually
July, over several days
Held at
Cedar County Fairgrounds
* We could not confirm: the details beyond the month it usually runs. Check their site before you go.
Des Moines County Fair — some details below are unconfirmedfairWest Burlington
Usually
Late July–early August, over several days
Held at
Des Moines County Fairgrounds
* We could not confirm: the details beyond the month it usually runs. Check their site before you go.
Muscatine County Fair — some details below are unconfirmedfairWest Liberty
Usually
Mid-July, over several days
Held at
Muscatine County Fairgrounds
* We could not confirm: the details beyond the month it usually runs. Check their site before you go.

This is a list of what is near you, not a recommendation of any of it. Events are listed by the month they usually fall in, because that is what we hold — we do not publish dates, and a month is not a promise. Check the organiser before you plan around one. 12 entries are marked with an asterisk: we could not confirm part of what is listed, and the note under it says which part. Opening times, line-ups and ticketing change without notice, so check the venue’s or organiser’s own site — every name above links to it.

On the road

Before you set off.

Scenic roads through Iowa

Federally designated scenic byways and All-American Roads, with the places we publish along each one in the order you meet them.

Great River Road10 states · 57 places we publish Lincoln Highway Heritage BywayIowa · 9 places we publish Loess Hills National Scenic BywayIowa · 6 places we publish

What to wear in Iowa

Illustrated outfit board for Iowa: four seasonal panels of clothing with average temperatures.

Spring 59°/37°F (15°/3°C)

Spring alternates between chilly days, warm spells, and wet weather.

Wear: Start with a long-sleeve tee, stretch pants, and a fleece or sweater. Add a rain shell when the wind or showers pick up.
Shoes: Water-resistant walking shoes with grip; boots for muddy stops.
Pack: fleece or sweater
rain shell
light beanie
spare dry socks

Summer 82°/61°F (28°/16°C)

Summer can be hot and humid, with cooler breaks.

Wear: Choose a loose, breathable tee or shirt with quick-drying shorts, lightweight pants, or an airy dress. Carry a thin layer for chilly indoor stops.
Shoes: Breathable walking sneakers; secure sandals for casual paved stops.
Pack: sun hat
sunglasses
light indoor layer
light rain shell
spare tee

Fall 61°/40°F (16°/4°C)

Fall brings cooling temperatures and chilly nights.

Wear: Build around a long-sleeve tee, comfortable pants, and a sweater or fleece. Add a wind-resistant jacket for breezy overlooks.
Shoes: Walking shoes with grip; water-resistant boots for wet or muddy routes.
Pack: sweater or fleece
wind and rain shell
beanie
light gloves
spare socks

Winter 31°/14°F (0°/-10°C)

Winter can be bitterly cold, with wind and snow.

Wear: Use thermal top and bottoms, an insulating fleece or sweater, and a wind-resistant insulated parka. Add insulated pants for extended outdoor stops.
Shoes: Waterproof insulated winter boots with wool or synthetic socks.
Pack: thermal base layers
insulated parka
insulated pants
beanie
mittens
neck gaiter
dry spare socks

Adjust for your route. Open prairie stops offer little shelter from wind. Scale insulation to the forecast and bring lighter layers for mild days.

Climate background: NOAA State Climate Summary

See what to wear in every state →

Keep exploring

See It in the Book

Explore Iowa

Locations in Iowa

Cedar Rapids

Des Moines

Dyersville (Field of Dreams)

Iowa City

National parks and federal sites in Iowa

State parks in Iowa

Lakes in Iowa

Skiing and Snowboarding

Sundown MountainDubuque

Long Bike Trails

Zoos and Aquariums

Blank Park ZooAZA-accreditedDes Moines

Blue Zoo Aquarium* — some details below are unconfirmedDes Moines

National Mississippi River Museum & AquariumAZA-accreditedDubuque

Amusement and Water Parks

AdventurelandSeasonalamusement park and water parkAltoona

Arnolds ParkSeasonalamusement parkArnolds Park

Lost Island Theme ParkSeasonaltheme parkWaterloo

Lost Island Water ParkSeasonalwater parkWaterloo

Wineries and Distilleries in Iowa

Roadside oddities in Iowa

Elwood the GnomeGiant statue / World's largestAmes

Albert the BullGiant statue / World's largestAudubon

Pocahontas statueGiant statue / World's largestPocahontas

World's Largest Popcorn BallGiant statue / World's largestSac City

Swedish Coffee PotGiant statue / World's largestStanton

World's Largest StrawberryGiant statue / World's largestStrawberry Point

Grotto of the RedemptionFolk art / sculpture gardenWest Bend

Venues and Annual Events

Where to see something

Paramount TheatretheaterCedar Rapids

Surf BallroomClear Lake

Hoyt Sherman PlacetheaterDes Moines

Englert TheatretheaterIowa City

Orpheum Theatre (Sioux City)theaterSioux City

Avenue of the Saints Amphitheaterfestival groundsSt. Charles

What is on, and when

Linn County Fair* — some details below are unconfirmedfairCentral City

Winter Dance Partymusic festivalClear Lake

Westfair* — some details below are unconfirmedfairCouncil Bluffs

Bix Beiderbecke Memorial Jazz Festivalmusic festivalDavenport

Mississippi Valley Fair* — some details below are unconfirmedfairDavenport

Iowa State FairfairDes Moines

Clinton County Fair* — some details below are unconfirmedfairDeWitt

Dubuque County Fair* — some details below are unconfirmedfairDubuque

National Balloon ClassicIndianola

Johnson County Fair* — some details below are unconfirmedfairIowa City

Knoxville Nationalssports-motorsportKnoxville

Jackson County Fair* — some details below are unconfirmedfairMaquoketa

Great Jones County Fair* — some details below are unconfirmedfairMonticello

Henry County Fair* — some details below are unconfirmedfairMount Pleasant

Clay County FairfairSpencer

Hinterland Music Festivalmusic festivalSt. Charles

RAGBRAIStatewide (route changes yearly)

Cedar County Fair* — some details below are unconfirmedfairTipton

Des Moines County Fair* — some details below are unconfirmedfairWest Burlington

Muscatine County Fair* — some details below are unconfirmedfairWest Liberty

Scenic roads through Iowa

What to wear in Iowa

Spring 59°/37°F (15°/3°C)

Summer 82°/61°F (28°/16°C)

Fall 61°/40°F (16°/4°C)

Winter 31°/14°F (0°/-10°C)

Keep exploring

Blue Zoo Aquarium — some details below are unconfirmedDes Moines

Linn County Fair — some details below are unconfirmedfairCentral City

Westfair — some details below are unconfirmedfairCouncil Bluffs

Mississippi Valley Fair — some details below are unconfirmedfairDavenport

Clinton County Fair — some details below are unconfirmedfairDeWitt

Dubuque County Fair — some details below are unconfirmedfairDubuque

Johnson County Fair — some details below are unconfirmedfairIowa City

Jackson County Fair — some details below are unconfirmedfairMaquoketa

Great Jones County Fair — some details below are unconfirmedfairMonticello

Henry County Fair — some details below are unconfirmedfairMount Pleasant

Cedar County Fair — some details below are unconfirmedfairTipton

Des Moines County Fair — some details below are unconfirmedfairWest Burlington

Muscatine County Fair — some details below are unconfirmedfairWest Liberty