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 Tours
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. True Crime Stories Walking Tour
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3 reviews
Unsolved murders, bootleggers and colorful characters. Learn about the seedy side of Iowa's capitol city with our local guide during this history tour. Des Moines is known as a welcoming, friendly city, but there's always been a tougher side to the town as well. This downtown tour takes you past buildings that share stories about notorious crimes, famous bank robbers and national celebrities. Uncover the criminal side of town in this lively one hour tour. Follow in the footsteps of a century old cold case involving the murder of a Des Moines police officer Enjoy fun and lively stories of some of Des Moines' famous and infamous characters Experience a unique history tour showcasing colorful tales from the Prohibition era
Inclusions: Expert local history guide, Historic photo access on mobile device
Exclusions: Gratuity for your guide, Souvenirs and snacks
Reviewed By iowatraveler65
I have went on a food tour of the East Village in Des Moines recently. I had been on a food tour out East and thought I would have a similar experience. I was mistaken. My previous experience in Boston, we went to several restaurants, met the owners, and had pre-selected appetizers or small samples of food unique to that restaurant. If you did not like the choice at one stop, you probably would like the next one. So I was surprised when we went to the first stop, the guide told us to order off the menu. We were two couples and each ordered an item costing $7- 10, totaling about $40. Afterwards, he told us that we have a budget and that we needed to be careful. We went to the next stop and were again told to order off the menu. We each ordered different things and at the end of the second stop, he told us that we were over budget and when we went to the third stop, we would have to pay for it ourselves. We were rather full and decided to skip that last stop and let it become more of a history walking tour of the area. So we only had 2 restaurants instead of 3. This from a company that promises the first alcoholic drink is on their tab. None of us drank any alcohol and only one person drank soda. I do admit to planning on short notice and changing the day from Sunday to Monday. Our tour guide was nice and informative but not outstanding.
2. Field of Dreams Movie Site Guided Home Tour in Dyersville
Overall Ratings
4.9 based on 209 reviews
Enjoy stepping into the first level of the home of Ray and Annie Kinsella, set just as it was in the movie "Field of Dreams" for this live guided, 30-minute, group tour. Along with up to 10 individuals, you will hear stories in specific parts of the home to recollect the various scenes filmed inside the beautiful clapboard farm house built in the early 1900s. You'll learn how the idyllic farm was selected, what parts of the farmhouse changed for the movie, and insider secrets from the filming on the farm. Finally, the tour includes your turn on the swing on the famous porch, and photography (without flash inside the home) is encouraged.
Inclusions: Tour escort/host, Unique souvenir available only to tour guests
Exclusions: Gratuities, Food and drinks, Hotel pickup and drop-off
Reviewed By averyfan
As a fan of the movie, this place gave me all the feels. From turning into the driveway to seeing the field and the house. I went in early May so the corn had just been planted, but I had a good view of the field they are building for the August MLB baseball game. We got there about 2:30 on a Friday and it wasn’t super crowded (this was in early May though). We were able to get photos on the field with no one in the background. We weren’t able to tour the house due to our time limits. We stayed about an hour, but I could see staying longer. There is a gift shop and a concession stand. The restrooms are porta-potty only but they are super clean. While in Dyersville, be sure to go downtown and check out the If You Build It exhibit- another must see for fans!
3. Personal Guided Tour of the Covered Bridges of Madison County
Overall Ratings
4.8 based on 6 reviews
Travel the back roads through the heart of Madison County under the wing of one of our guide experts, who are all residents of Madison County. Madison County's world-famous covered bridges were the inspiration behind, and the setting of the novel by Robert James Waller and the 1995 film "The Bridges of Madison County", starring Clint Eastwood and Meryl Streep. Six of the original nineteen covered bridges remain, making Madison County the Covered Bridge Capital of Iowa. Five of the bridges are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Each two-hour personal guided tour includes information about the construction and history of the bridges, the movie production, and a variety of other local historical information. You will visit at least three of the county's most popular covered bridges, and have a chance to walk through them and take plenty of photographs.
Inclusions: Local guide
Exclusions: Gratuities, Transportation to/from attractions, Gas
Reviewed By Voyager1041478707
Located in the Winterset downtown square, the Court House is in the center of town. This is a quaint, historic town, the birthplace of John Wayne. The grounds were well groomed. One could tell there is pride in ownership.
4. Kayak Rentals at Quarry Springs Outfitters
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
240 Acres of Clear, Spring-Fed Water Established in Quarry Springs Park in 2017 to provide exciting and fun paddlesport recreation to the central Iowa area. Quarry Springs Outfitters offers Single and Multi-Passenger Kayaks with Paddles and PFD's included.
Inclusions: All kayak rentals include paddles and life vests (infant/child/adult/woman)
Exclusions:
5. QC Brewery Excursion
QC Brewery Tour: Visit 4 Craft Breweries! Check out the best breweries in the Quad Cities through two states, three cities, and four awesome breweries! Join the guide for an afternoon of great beer and behind-the-scenes access at local favorites Five Cities Brewing, Crawford Brew Works, Great River Brewery, and Wake Brewing. The price includes a pint or flight at each stop, a brewery tour, and transportation between breweries.
Inclusions: WiFi, Pretzels, Bottled water, Complimentary pizza, Complimentary drink at each stop, Alcoholic Beverages
Exclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off
6. Des Moines Airport (DSM) to Des Moines - Round-Trip Private Transfer
Book your Private Round-Trip Transfer from Des Moines International Airport (DSM) to Des Moines any hotel or address and return. Don't go through all the hassle of waiting in a long taxi or shared shuttles queues and use our private, door to door airport transfer. Your driver will be waiting for you at a scheduled time and you will travel comfortably to your destination. • Meeting with a Nameplate • We track your Flight • Door-to-door Service • No Hidden Charges • Clean cars & Professional drivers
Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Private transportation, All Fees and Taxes
Exclusions:
7. Kayak Tours
Travelers get a chance to explore the backwater areas of the mighty Mississippi from the seat of their kayak.
Inclusions: Kayaks and gear will be provided
Exclusions: Public Restrooms
8. East Village History Walking Tour
Discover the story of the East Village district with our local guide during this history tour. The East Village District was one of the original commerce districts in the city. It is home to significant buildings including the State Capitol and many others on the National Register of Historic Places. The area includes the Northwestern Hotel which was home to railroad workers in the past. Learn the history about the vibrant past of this area of Des Moines Experience personal service by our local professional tour host View historic photos from the past on your mobile device
Inclusions: Expert local history guide, Historic photo access on mobile device
Exclusions: Gratuity for your guide, Souvenirs and snacks
Reviewed By alisonpR2283IZ
My adult son and I went on the True Crime tour on Mother's day. It was very interesting. Our tour guide, John, was very friendly and knowledgeable.
9. Des Moines International Airport (DSM) to Des Moines - Arrival Private Transfer
Book your Private Arrival Transfer from Des Moines Airport (DSM) to Des Moines any hotel or address. Don't go through all the hassle of waiting in a long taxi or shared shuttles queues and use our private, door to door airport transfer. Your driver will be waiting for you at a scheduled time and you will travel comfortably to your destination. • Meeting with a Nameplate • We track your Flight • Door-to-door Service • No Hidden Charges • Clean cars & Professional drivers
Inclusions: Private transportation, All Fees and Taxes, Air-conditioned vehicle
Exclusions:
10. Des Moines to Des Moines Airport (DSM) - Departure Private Transfer
Book your Private Departure Transfer from Des Moines hotel or any address to Des Moines International Airport (DSM). Don't go through all the hassle of waiting in a long taxi or shared shuttles queues and use our private, door to door airport transfer. Your driver will be waiting for you at a scheduled time and you will travel comfortably to your destination. • Meeting with a Nameplate • We track your Flight • Door-to-door Service • No Hidden Charges • Clean cars & Professional drivers
Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Private transportation, All Fees and Taxes
Exclusions:
