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 Things to do Adventurous
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. Sky Tours at YMCA Union Park Camp
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 108 reviews
A nine zipline canopy tour built over the hills and valleys of historic Union Park, an early 1900's formal park and gardens. Ziplines range in length from 300'-1,000'. Includes four modest hikes over game trails and includes a dual 800' zipline which allows riders to race over the valley floor. The concluding zip, over 1,000 feet long, literally drops out of the sky. Open to the public daily from May through October with advance reservations.
2. Knoxville Raceway
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 78 reviews
Reviewed By 262sn
Whenever we get a chance we co.e watch the races. Love those Sprint cars! If you have the chance never miss it. So loud and so fast!
3. SWAT River Tours
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 91 reviews
Premium small group adventure boat tour exploring the Mississippi River aboard a high performance military style R.I.B. Boat. Open only from May through October
4. The Greatest Escape
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 24 reviews
One of the best things to do in Sioux City! We are the place to be if you need something fun to do with your friends or family! We do our best to provide the greatest customer service and take pride in having a fun friendly environment! Please come see our small business!!
5. The Escape
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 34 reviews
Escape the room solving puzzles and finding clues using only your wit and problem solving skills. Your 60 minute adrenaline rush of fun awaits!
Reviewed By JeremyToddG - West Des Moines, United States
Had a great time - bought the whole "The Psych Ward" room for 6 - taking 2 adults, 3 teens and 1 young child. We're local to Iowa and have been to escape rooms on most of our trips around the country. These are not bad for Iowa and I think we have done all of the ones they have here now. We didn't hesitate to ask for clues if could not figure any specific step out in 3-4 minutes ourselves as we always like to make it through the end. Cody was our game master and did a great job keeping things moving along and he was very helpful and friendly. They did not seem super busy, I'm sure the "virus" is affecting all businesses like this, but we were not worried and hope business picks back up - allowing them and other to invest in and create new rooms & puzzles!
6. The Cryptic Room
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 29 reviews
We are a live-action, team-based escape room game. First, YOU give us permission to "lock" you in a room. Once you are inside, the clock starts ticking and you have limited time to work together to use clues in the room to solve the puzzles that will help you "break out". You must hurry though... Once the clock hits zero, it is all over!
Reviewed By Jana6263 - Iowa, United States
This was a great team building activity for our club volleyball team. The girls had a blast solving each puzzle together to escape and really loved their game master Josh! I'd highly recommend The Cryptic Room to anyone!
7. Escapology Escape Rooms
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 128 reviews
Cedar Falls' original premium real life escape game experience! Located in a prime spot, up to 8 players will be challenged in this new attraction by working together to find clues, solve puzzles, and pick locks that will free them from the game room.
Reviewed By nicolelozier
This room was very well put together and we had a lot of fun! I've done 6 Escape Rooms now and this one was definitely one of my favorites. I went with a group of friends, we all ranged from about 16-19 years old, and it seemed to be the perfect room that could involve all 5 of us! This is definitely one of the more difficult games, but with enough people and creative minds, it was the perfect challenge. There was a perfect blend of a good story line, great puzzles and riddles, and fun scares. The game masters were all very friendly and helpful and made the experience a great one! The building was very clean and very easy to get directions to.
8. Fenelon Place Elevator Co.
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,136 reviews
Historic cable car. Also known as the Fourth Street Elevator, this funicular railway has been called "the world's steepest, shortest scenic railway." Great view of downtown Dubuque, the Mississippi River and 3 states. Buses should go to the bottom of the bluff. Please use 4th and Bluff Streets for GPS. Narrow streets with parking on both sides at the top of the bluff. Open 8 AM to 10 PM daily April 1 though November 30. Closed Thanksgiving. We do not accept debit or credit cards.
Reviewed By kris0812015 - West Des Moines, United States
Great view of Dubuque downtown from the top and will definitely recommend to take this shortest and steepest railroad in the world .The address in google will take you to the top of the Fenelon elevator unless to want to take the trip from the bottom then search with 4th street elevator.The elevator is nice and clean and operated from top. The rates are cheap and they only accept cash..no debit or credit cards accepted. there is option to take round trip as well as single side trip. People taking their trip from bottom has to get into the elevator and ring the bell and they will be answered and payment has to made at the top of hill. Car parking is on the streets.No toilets available and people with walking difficulties with wheel chairs may avoid this trip as it has some effort in getting into and off the elevator Bicyclist have option to take their bicycle in
9. Maquoketa Caves State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 209 reviews
Starting April 1st 2021 parking will be limited to designated spots only, once they are full you must wait for a open parking spot to access the park, Please plan your trip to come earlier or later in the day and avoid peak times on the weekends from 11-4 pm. If arriving during peak times, you should have an alternate place to visit until the park is less busy. 2021 Campground Changes: The campground is 100% reservable. Same day reservations will be accepted from April 1 - October 31 and until 9 pm on the day of arrival. A reservation is required to camp.
Reviewed By joaniemaria - Eldridge, United States
We arrived to view the fall leaves. Trails were open. Caves were closed. The trails are well groomed and lovely. The woods and hills wind around the state park and caves. We especially enjoyed the natural bridge. It is a lovely photo op. Restrooms were closed for the season, as were the boardwalks due to storm damage and fallen trees. We enjoyed our fall visit nevertheless. I recommend a visit.
10. Iowa Speedway
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 172 reviews
Reviewed By timwhite1960 - Newton, United States
The races here are action packed and good entertainment. The facility is in great shape and clean. The races are well run by the facility with little delay during the race. Wish they had more bands there other than race weekends.
