Things to do in Iowa

Find and book activities, attractions and tours

A modern glass building with a bridge in the background.
A city skyline at dusk with illuminated buildings and a bridge over a river.
A vast green field with rows of crops, a distant red barn, and a few scattered buildings.
An art installation with numerous green glass bottles arranged in a forest-like pattern.
An indoor museum exhibit with historical artifacts and displays.

Iowa Attractions

If you're ready to discover the best of Iowa, join a few of the top tours & day trips on offer, and have a friendly guide show you the most popular landmarks. Offering free cancellations and no added fees, our { fun activities in Iowa fun activities in Iowa} are also worth browsing through.

Things to do

Downtown Galena Food and Drink Tour

Downtown Galena Food and Drink Tour

$86
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Downtown Galena Food and Drink Tour
See all activities in Iowa

What to do in Iowa

Things to Do in Iowa with Kids

Iowa has loads of close by fun things to do for you and the kids. Our family friendly experiences will keep the crew happy for days.

 

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Iowa? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

 

 

Stay near popular Iowa attractions

A colorful salad with various vegetables and cheese.
Photo by Lana Garmon
Open Photo by Lana Garmon

Jordan Creek Town Center

9.2/10 (1,624 reviews)
You can enjoy retail therapy at Jordan Creek Town Center during your visit to West Des Moines. Experience the area's acclaimed theater scene or attend a sporting event.
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Where to stay in Iowa

Find the best Iowa areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Iowa
Learn more about Iowa
The entrance to the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden with a large dome structure in the background.

Downtown Des Moines

The abundant dining options and live music are top of the list for many visitors to Downtown Des Moines. A stop by 801 Grand or Des Moines Civic Center might round out your trip.

A stone tower with a spiral staircase leading up to it, surrounded by lush greenery and trees.
Photo by Dubuque Area Convention & Visitors Bureau
Open Photo by Dubuque Area Convention & Visitors Bureau

Downtown Dubuque

Downtown Dubuque is known for its abundant dining options, and you can plan a trip to Five Flags Center and Dubuque Art Center while you're in town.

A sign reading "Historic East Village" with a clear blue sky and clouds in the background.

Historic East Village

Historic East Village is known for its abundant dining options, and you can plan a trip to Wooly's and Iowa State Capitol Building while you're in town.

A riverside view with a green building, a blue-roofed structure, and a bridge.

Downtown Davenport

While visiting Downtown Davenport, you might make a stop by sights like Figge Art Museum and Davenport Skybridge.

A red sign for the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library with hours listed.

Southwest Area

If you're spending some time in Southwest Area, Czech Village and National Czech and Slovak Museum and Library are top sights worth seeing.

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Popular day trips from Iowa

A cityscape with a distinctive green clock tower, modern buildings, and a glass-roofed structure.

Waterloo

A large steel bridge over a river with a beach and roads on either side.

Burlington

A cityscape with a river, bridges, and various buildings.

Cedar Rapids

A cityscape with a prominent clock tower, a large red building with a dome, and a river in the background.

Dubuque

A city skyline at dusk with illuminated buildings and a bridge over a river.

Des Moines

An aerial view of a small town with a grid of streets, various buildings, and surrounding greenery.

Mason City

A large illuminated bridge with multiple arches over a calm river at dusk.

Moline

A cityscape at night with a calm river reflecting buildings.

Omaha

Frequently asked questions

What should I not miss in Iowa?
You just can't go home without crossing off the following list of inspiring sights:

  • Adventureland
  • Iowa State Fairgrounds
  • Blank Park Zoo
  • Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden

Are there cheap things to do in Iowa?
Sign up for a Kayak Rentals at Quarry Springs Outfitters and put the dollars you save toward more amazing experiences.
What can you do in Iowa for free?
You could store your credit card in the hotel safe for the day, because these top attractions will cost you nothing at all:

  • Iowa State Fairgrounds
  • Iowa State Capitol Building
  • Des Moines Art Center
  • Iowa State University

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