Looking for the best things to do in Iowa? From art-filled riverfront cities to Big Ten college vibes, quirky roadside attractions, and rolling farmland beauty, this easy-to-use Iowa itinerary helps you experience the very best of the Hawkeye State.
Whether you’re cycling across the state on RAGBRAI, wandering Norwegian villages in Decorah, or eating your way through Des Moines, this list will guide you on the top things to do in Iowa.
- Des Moines: Iowa’s capital mixes hip and historic—think lively downtown markets, craft breweries, sculpture parks, and a surprisingly artsy vibe.
- Iowa City: A literary and cultural hub thanks to the University of Iowa—walkable, intellectual, and full of indie bookstores and vibrant cafés.
- Dubuque: Perched on the Mississippi, Dubuque offers riverfront charm, historic architecture, bluff-top views, and cool museums like the National Mississippi River Museum.
- Davenport: A vibrant Mississippi River city with a thriving arts and music scene, scenic trails, great dining, and family-friendly attractions like the Putnam Museum.
- Ames: A classic college town with Cyclone energy, a great downtown, and top-notch gardens at Reiman Gardens and Iowa State University.
- The Amana Colonies: Step into a different era with this cluster of historic German villages—known for homestyle food, handcrafted goods, and cultural festivals.
- Cedar Rapids: Big enough for arts, theater, and museums—small enough to feel friendly. Great for foodies and history buffs alike.
- Okoboji: Iowa’s lake life capital—swimming, boating, summer resorts, and waterfront fun make it a go-to for warm weather escapes.
- Decorah: A scenic gem in northeast Iowa with trout streams, bluffs, biking trails, and a strong Nordic heritage—it’s a nature lover’s dream.
- Pella: Dutch heritage meets Midwestern hospitality—tulip festivals, windmills, pastries, and one of the most picturesque town squares in the state.
- Field of Dreams (Dyersville): If you build it, they will come—and they still do. A bucket-list spot for baseball lovers and movie fans alike.
📅 Iowa Calendar
- Maple Syrup Festival (March, Cedar Falls): Celebrate Iowa’s early spring with sugarhouse tours and tastings
- Tulip Time Festival (May, Pella): Dutch costumes, parades, and blooming beauty
- Des Moines Arts Festival (June, Des Moines): One of the Midwest’s top art celebrations
- Iowa City Jazz Festival (July, Iowa City): Free outdoor jazz performances and food trucks
- RAGBRAI (July, Statewide): The world’s oldest and largest bicycle touring event
- Iowa State Fair (August, Des Moines): Butter cows, fried food, concerts, and agriculture fun
- Oktoberfest (September, Amana Colonies): Beer gardens, brats, and Bavarian flair
- Clay County Fair (September, Spencer): Massive county fair with livestock, rides, and food competitions
- Festival of Trees (November, Davenport): Holiday displays, décor, and family activities