10 Bucket List Adventures You Can Only Have in Iowa
Just a short drive northeast from Des Moines, you’ll find the stunning effigy mounds of Effigy Mounds National Monument near Harpers Ferry. Here, Native American earthen mounds shaped like bears, birds, and other animals rise from the landscape, tracing back over a thousand years. Walking the trail along the Yellow River corridor, visitors can explore the preserved mounds while soaking in views of the river valley’s wooded bluffs. This place offers a unique glimpse into prehistoric Iowa, and its quiet, spiritual atmosphere is especially moving in early autumn when the fall colors accentuate the rolling hills.
In the small town of Decorah, about two hours northeast of Waterloo, visitors can embark on the Dunning’s Spring Nature Preserve hike. This easy to moderate trail leads through hardwood forest to a bubbling spring and along the Upper Iowa River. The preserve’s peacefulness and biodiversity—bright wildflowers in spring, migrating birds in fall—make it a nature lover’s haven. Decorah itself is renowned for its Norwegian heritage, which you can explore alongside the outdoor adventure.
If you head west from Iowa City for roughly 40 minutes, you will come upon the Maquoketa Caves State Park. Unlike many other parks in Iowa, Maquoketa features a labyrinth of limestone caves and rock formations that invite exploration. Trails wind through the rugged terrain offering opportunities for spelunking in designated caves and scrambling over rocks. The park’s cool, shadowy caves contrast with the surrounding prairie, creating a microclimate perfect for unique flora and fauna. Spring and early summer are especially enjoyable, when wildflowers bloom and the temperatures are moderate.
For a taste of Iowa’s rich pioneer history blended with lively arts, take a trip to Pella, located about an hour southeast of Des Moines. Pella’s historic town square bursts with Dutch architecture, windmills, and tulip gardens. The annual Tulip Festival is a highlight, but year-round the town boasts bakeries filled with Dutch treats like kruidkoek and fresh stroopwafels. Strolling the brick streets, visitors also find charming boutiques and the Vermeer Windmill, a full-scale working replica that offers tours explaining 17th-century milling techniques.
On the southern edge of the state near Council Bluffs, the Hitchcock Nature Center provides a sweeping overlook of the Missouri River valley. The park’s trails snake through oak savanna and prairie, with the Tower Trail leading to an observation tower perched 200 feet above the river bluffs. From here, the panoramic view stretches across Iowa and into Nebraska. It’s one of the few spots in the state where you can witness such wide horizons and the shifting colors of the tallgrass prairie. Late afternoon light in summer offers some of the best photo opportunities.
Moving north to Cedar Rapids, you can immerse yourself in Iowa’s contemporary art scene at the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art. The museum houses the world’s largest collection of works by Grant Wood, including “American Gothic,” as well as pieces by other regional artists. Exhibits highlight the blend of rural Midwestern themes and modern artistic expression. It’s a cultural experience tied deeply to the state’s identity and a must-visit for those curious about Iowa’s artistic heritage any time of year.
A drive about two and a half hours west from Des Moines brings you to the Loess Hills Scenic Byway, which runs through rugged, windblown hills unique to western Iowa. Hiking trails like those in Preparation Canyon State Park reveal unusual geological formations created by wind-deposited silt. These hills rise sharply from the surrounding plains, offering striking views and wildlife spotting, especially bobwhite quail and deer. The best time to visit is spring when wildflowers bloom or fall when the hills blaze with color, contrasting with the flat farmland below.
Near Dubuque, you can explore the Mines of Spain Recreation Area, a historic site about 15 minutes south of the city. This area preserves Native American and early European settler history alongside scenic hiking trails. The Julien Dubuque Monument overlooks the Mississippi River, commemorating the region’s first European settler. Trails here vary in difficulty and provide opportunities to spot bald eagles during winter months, as well as enjoy river views and interpretive exhibits about the area’s mining past.
In Ames, roughly 40 minutes north of Des Moines, the Reiman Gardens offers a horticultural adventure with themed gardens ranging from tropical conservatories to butterfly gardens. The gardens showcase Iowa’s commitment to conservation and education, with seasonal displays that delight visitors year-round. The giant sunflower maze is a playful highlight in summer, while the winter conservatory provides a warm escape filled with exotic plants during colder months.
Finally, venture to the Amana Colonies, about 30 minutes west of Iowa City, where seven villages preserve the communal German heritage of the 19th-century settlers. Here, visitors can stroll cobblestone streets, visit craft shops, and taste traditional foods like homemade sausage and cider. The unique social structure of the colonies, with shared resources and communal living, offers a rare glimpse into a way of life still evident in the architecture and festivals today. Visiting in late spring or early fall lets you experience mild weather alongside vibrant local events celebrating this distinct cultural legacy.