Top Things to do in Iowa
Top Hotels in Iowa
- 1. Des Lux Hotel
- 2. Stoney Creek Hotel
- 3. Hampton Inn West Des Moines Lake Drive
- 4. Drury Inn & Suites West Des Moines
- 5. Drury Inn & Suites Iowa City Coralville
- 6. Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Cedar Falls, IA
- 7. Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Ames, IA
- 8. Hotel Julien Dubuque
- 9. Cobblestone Inn & Suites - Forest City
- 10. Hotel Renovo
Countries
What to do and see in Iowa, United States: The Best Gardens
History and monuments dot this landscape almost as often as the golden farmlands. Learn about America’s 31st president at the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum in West Branch. In northeast Iowa is the Effigy Mounds National Monument, a group of prehistoric American Indian burial and ceremonial mounds. This part of Iowa is also home to the Silos and Smokestacks National Heritage. The 37-county region tells the story of American agriculture, agribusiness and farm life and is affiliated with the National Park Service. In addition, there are five national wildlife refuges here. If you love history, imagine seeing the Amana Colonies, consisting of seven historic villages in 1855 by German immigrants as a religious communal society. Here you can also buy antiques, hand-woven baskets, furniture and clocks and locally made wine and beer. In Ames, take the family to see the Christian Petersen Art Museum, a newer structure that exhibits works of art by Christian Petersen and contemporary artists. You won’t want to miss the state capital of Des Moines, home to Blank Park Zoo with its naturalistic exhibits and more than 800 animals from five continents. You also should enjoy the Brenton Skating Plaza, an outdoor family entertainment venue.
Restaurants in Iowa
1. Ewing Park
2. Brenton Arboretum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 9 reviews
3. Moonstone Lavender Gardens
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
4. Thomas Jefferson Gardens of Greene County
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 6 reviews
5. Bloom and Bark Glass Blowing Studio & Natural Farm
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 14 reviews
Bloom and Bark LLC consists of owners Kim (the boss) and self-taught glass blower Tim Blair. Primarily, we blow glass, we sell glass and we love glass. Creating beautiful art from fire, gravity, and air is something that is inspiring to many, yet it is an ancient skill that few practice today. Tim creates in a complete Hot Shop working in his new Open Air Studio during the summer months. The glass blowing hot shop is located adjacent to the Local Artisan Market, housing an eclectic display of not only his work, but the work of various artist and their mediums all located within a 100 mile radius of Van Buren County. Bloom and Bark offers a unique option for anyone looking for a gift, a splash of color in their decor or an experience that will last a lifetime. Come join us on the farm!
Reviewed By LoveTravel305132
Our family visited the studio and enjoyed a positive and fun demonstration of the science and art of glass blowing. The tools, the techniques and the mesmerizing molten glass kept us all interested and happy. We felt welcomed to the farm and enjoyed seeing all the unique and beautiful glass items. I would recommend this place to anyone visiting this area. It is an established small business that people should support and is a safe and welcoming place for people. Our children and my in laws enjoyed the entire experience and we all asked lots of questions. It was easy to contact them to find out the best time to stop by. Highly recommend! Did I mention we came home with some beautiful glassware? The hummingbird feeders are adorable and the ornaments are perfect souvenirs or gifts to remember this cool place! Thank you, it made our day!
6. Buxton Park
7. Better Homes and Gardens Test Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 48 reviews
Right in the heart of the city is a half-block long blaze of beauty - Better Homes and Gardens' testing ground for various landscape designs that the company documents and photographs. The area is one large area made of many mini-backyards, complete with annuals, perennials, bulbs and typical backyard structures like fences and gates.
8. Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 358 reviews
Reputed for its huge collection of the Midwest's ornamental and native plants, this 14-acre center bordering the Des Moines River features a domed conservatory that houses over 1000 varieties of exotic plants from throughout the world. The center also has an impressive herb garden, tropical and desert plants, and one of the best bonsai collections in the U.S.
Reviewed By 799earlk
My family visits about once a year, almost always during the winter. On a cold winter day, this is an oasis! Great venue for meetings as well.
9. Iowa Arboretum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 27 reviews
A visit to the Iowa Arboretum's 378-acre facility in scenic Boone County is an experience you won't want to miss. This site offers 40 acres developed as a 'Library of Living Plants' showcasing hundreds of species of trees, shrubs and flowers in a tranquil scenic setting. The Iowa Arboretum displays a large and diverse display of plants that can be successfully grown in Iowa. Grounds are open daily from sunrise to sunset year round.
Reviewed By lorimE4573OR
Love going for walks on the pathways. The nature sights are endless! The gift shop has unique and not so unique items.
