Iowa is an interesting state with historic sites, outdoor activities, and other attractions. Making an Iowa bucket list is a great way to keep track of the things you want to do while you’re in the state.
Below, we have listed some ideas to add to your bucket list. You can add your own ideas and make your own list of things to see and do in Iowa.
Effigy Mounds National Monument
Located in a beautiful and scenic part of the Upper Mississippi River Valley, Effigy Mounds National Monument is home to over 200 mounds created by Native Americans. The mounds are considered sacred by many, and viewing them while contemplating their significance is an experience to remember.
Herbert Hoover National Historic Site
Learn about President Herbert Hoover, who was born in the state of Iowa in the small cottage that is now preserved at the Herbert Hoover National Historic Site. He spent many of his childhood years in the area and returned later in life to celebrate his long career in public service.
National Historic Trails
Two National Historic Trails pass through the state of Iowa. They are the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail to explore the land from the Louisiana Purchase, and the Mormon Pioneer National Historic Trail – one of the longest routes in the U.S.
See the Field Of Dreams Movie Site
If you’re a fan of the movie Field of Dreams, you definitely want to add this stop to your must-do list. This movie site features the house and field where the movie was filmed.
Find Madison County Covered Bridges
These days, finding a single covered bridge is novel, and finding several in one area is extra special. Madison County has six of the original 19 covered bridges that were built here. Five of them are listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
These bridges were made famous by the book The Bridges of Madison County (as well as the film of the same name). There is even an annual festival in the county that celebrates these historic bridges.
Visit the Hoover House and Presidential Library
As mentioned before, President Herbert Hoover was born and spent much of his early life in Iowa. Visit the Hoover House and Presidential Library to learn more about this heartland president.
Learn at the John Deere Museum
What better place for a John Deere museum than in the farmlands of Iowa? This fun, niche museum covers everything you need to know about the John Deere company. It’s on the site of the original John Deere factory, features hands-on fun, and even offers free guided tours.
Ride the Boone and Scenic Valley Railway
Whether you choose a dinner train ride, a weekend getaway, or a “Day Out With Thomas” experience, a ride on the Boone and Scenic Valley Railway is always a good time. This is the perfect option for train lovers of all ages!
Try Zombie Burger and Drink Lab
A favorite in Des Moines, the Zombie Burger and Drink Lab offers a collection of yummy burger options as well as delicious shakes. Be sure to visit the downtown Des Moines location in order to try their alcoholic shakes, since this is the only location that serves them.
Explore Maquoketa Caves State Park
A unique and beautiful state park, Maquoketa Caves State Park offers the perfect opportunity to get outdoors. Take in the beautiful limestone formations and rugged bluffs, and spend some time exploring the caves.
Hike at Pikes Peak State Park
Another beloved Iowa state park, Pikes Peak State Park features hiking trails, views of the Mississippi River, and prehistoric Native American mounds. This park is also an excellent place to camp as you explore the area.
Take a Photo with the American Gothic House
Everyone knows the American Gothic painting of unsmiling farmers, painted by Grant Wood. The house in the painting actually exists. Be sure to stop by and snap a photo with this iconic American Gothic House.
Attend a Hawkeye Sports Event
The sports teams that come out of the University of Iowa are adored by residents of the state. Attending one of the Hawkeyes’ games is a fun way to cheer along with the locals at a fun sporting event.
Step Back in Time at Living History Farms
Visiting living history museums is one of the very best ways to really get a feel for how people lived in the past. Living History Farms is one of the best living history museums out there, allowing you to step back in time and experience farm life during several different parts of history.
Float Through Spook Cave
One of the coolest cave tours out there, Spook Cave is the perfect place to learn all about cave formation. Because the cave is flooded, guests ride through the cave in a boat! During the ride, a guide explains the development and discovery of the cave.
In addition to being a fun place to visit, this is also a great place to camp during your time in Iowa.
Have Cheese Curds at WW Homestead Dairy
Considered by many to be “The Cheese Curd Capital of Iowa”, WW Homestead Dairy is an excellent place to go for fresh Iowa dairy products. Pick up some of their famous cheese curds and get fresh butter and cottage cheese while you’re at it.
Add Tulip Time to Your Calendar
The little Dutch town of Pella is always worth a visit. That said, their Tulip Time festival is even better and definitely deserves a place on your bucket list. This festival features Dutch attire, food, and more. Bright, colorful tulips are around every corner, and everyone is wearing a bright smile to match.
Wander the Amanda Colonies
Another adorable area with a strong cultural identity, the German towns referred to as the Amanda Colonies are also someplace you’ll want to see. Browse the shops, try some new foods, and have a blast exploring all that these cute towns have to offer.
See Fossils at Devonian Fossil Gorge
If fossils fascinate you, the Devonian Fossil Gorge is the place for you. Here, water has washed away the soil and trees, revealing a 375-million-year-old fossilized ocean floor. Visitors are invited to wander this incredible place and check out the fossils for themselves.
Take Fossils Home from the Fossil and Prairie Center
The Fossil and Prairie Center is home to a huge quarry full of small fossils guests are welcome to dig for and even take home. Additionally, the attraction features a visitor center that gives information on the prairie, local wildlife, and the fossils themselves.
Hop on the Fenelon Place Elevator
The Fenelon Place Elevator is a funicular railway originally built as a shortcut for J.K. Graves. Graves lived at the top of the bluffs and worked at the bottom. Taking this super short but steep train ride saved him half an hour both ways. Now, the cable car is a fun tourist attraction.
Drive Down Snake Alley
Another shortcut, Snake Alley was built to connect the neighborhood shopping area with the local business district. It is an incredibly steep road built with some intense twists and turns. Because of these turns, it has been recognized by Ripley’s Believe It or Not! as “unbelievably crooked” and is the #1 Odd Spot in their “Odd Spots Across America” campaign.
Enjoy a Steak at The Big Steer
If you’re in the mood for a nice, juicy steak, The Big Steer is the place to be. This awesome steakhouse serves up some of the best beef in Iowa and is often the first place a local will point you if you ask where to have dinner.
Stroll Through the Grotto of Redemption
Built by Father Paul Matthias Dobberstein as a shrine to the Virgin Mary, the Grotto of Redemption tells the story of man’s fall and redemption by Christ. It is the largest man-made grotto in the world and is home to one of the largest collections of precious stones and gems found anywhere.
Be Brave at Lover’s Leap Swinging Bridge
An eight-story-high swinging bridge, crossing Lover’s Leap Bridge in Columbus Junction, Iowa is not for the faint of heart. This bridge has several stories behind it, including a ghost story of a girl who jumped into the ravine after her lover was killed in battle. It’s full of history and is thrilling to cross if you can stand the height.
Cross the High Trestle Trail Bridge
Another bridge that is worth checking out, the High Trestle Trail Bridge is an out-of-commission railroad line that has been converted into a multi-use trail. It features scenic overlooks and interpretive panels, and comes to life with blue lighting after dark.
Discover the National Hobo Museum
The National Hobo Museum is dedicated to hobos and how they lived. The museum’s mission is to preserve the history of the American hobo and share that history with others.
Be Awed at the Matchstick Marvels Museum
Yet another quirky, niche museum, the Matchstick Marvels Museum features a number of 3D art pieces made entirely of matchsticks. The museum will leave you in awe of the skill these artists possess.
Make a Pit Stop at Iowa 80 Truckstop
Officially dubbed “The World’s Largest Truckstop,” Iowa 80 Truckstop is a fun place to stretch your legs while you’re on the road. It features the usual gas station amenities but also boasts several dining options, plenty of shopping, a barber shop, a dentist, a chiropractor, a dog wash, a library, a movie theatre, a workout room, and more.
Tour the Pottawattamie Squirrel Cage Jail
Touring old jails is can be a fascinating look into the past. The Pottawattamie Squirrel Cage Jail is especially interesting because the jail was made to allow cells to rotate. This meant only one cell was accessible at a time.
Learn at the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium
The National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium shares lots of information on perhaps the most important river in America. Additionally, it houses all kinds of river animals, allowing you an up-close peek at what’s living in the waters of the Mississippi.
Grab an Ice Cream at Picket Fence Creamery
Picket Fence Creamery makes some of the freshest and most delicious ice cream out there, including flavors like “Dutch Letter” and “Girl Scout Thin Mint.”
Learn at the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library
The National Czech and Slovak Museum and Library is an interesting place to learn about those cultures. Here, you’ll dive into the history of the Czech and Slovak peoples, see traditional Czech and Slovak clothing, and learn about the arts and culture of these amazing nations.
Spend Time Outside at Pappajohn Sculpture Park
Wander through the Pappajohn Sculpture Park and admire sculptures created by 25 of the world’s most celebrated artists. Wander through the manicured lawns and see the larger-than-life artwork that’s on display.
Now that you know what to put on your Iowa bucket list, the next step is figuring out where to stay. Our suggestion is to rent an RV and explore the state that way. Not only will this allow you to travel in comfort, it’ll also ensure you have a place to sleep wherever you roam in the Hawkeye State.
