Exploring Iowa by Train, Boat, or Hot Air Balloon
Travelers seeking a fresh perspective on Iowa often overlook the state’s rich opportunities for exploring by train, boat, or even hot air balloon. Start your journey about 45 minutes north of Des Moines in Boone, where the Boone and Scenic Valley Railroad offers a charming way to experience the Iowa River Valley. This heritage railway runs several excursions, including a popular 2.5-hour round trip to the historic town of Wolf, winding through beautiful river bluffs and lush farmland. The vintage steam locomotive and classic railcars evoke another era, while the rolling countryside scenery makes the trip feel like a slow dance through Iowa’s heartland. The best time to ride is in late spring or early fall when the foliage complements the gentle river views with bursts of wildflowers or autumn colors.
For a waterborne adventure, the Mississippi River near Dubuque provides a vibrant setting just a few miles east of the city center. The National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium not only sheds light on the river’s ecological and cultural importance but also offers visitors opportunities to board riverboats for scenic cruises. The Mississippi Riverwalk, a 5-mile paved trail along the waterfront, connects historic districts and overlooks where you can watch barges and paddleboats drift by. The river itself is a living museum, framed by bluffs and limestone caves, and springtime reveals a lively migration of birds and blossoming riverbanks, while summer evenings bring warm breezes perfect for sunset cruises.
In the small town of Decorah, about two and a half hours northeast of Des Moines, the Driftless Area National Wildlife Refuge offers a unique natural landscape shaped by the absence of glaciation. While not a water or rail experience, this refuge is famous for its opportunity to witness hot air balloons launch during the annual Nordic Fest or on clear summer mornings. The rolling hills and deep river valleys create a dramatic backdrop for floating gently above the terrain, providing panoramic views of limestone cliffs, winding streams, and flourishing hardwood forests. Balloon rides here are unforgettable at dawn when mist clings to the valleys and the quiet countryside stretches out beneath you.
On Iowa’s western edge, the Loess Hills Scenic Byway near Council Bluffs, roughly 20 minutes north of Omaha, Nebraska, provides a stunning backdrop for a riverboat excursion on the Missouri River. Local outfitters offer guided boat tours that explore the wide bend of the river, where the tall, windblown Loess Hills rise dramatically above the water’s edge. This unusual geological formation, a fine silt deposit created by ancient glaciers, is unique to the region and visible from the water in ways that hiking overlooks don’t capture. Early autumn is ideal for boat trips here, as the low sun accentuates the hills’ golden hues and migratory birds make their way south.
In east-central Iowa near Iowa City, the Amana Colonies boast a blend of historic charm and pastoral beauty that can be seen from above during hot air balloon festivals held in the summer months. These seven villages, about 30 minutes west of Iowa City, preserve the heritage of German Pietists who settled in the 19th century. From a balloon, you can admire the meticulously maintained farmland, historic stone buildings, and lush river bottoms that define this area. After landing, exploring the Amana Heritage Museum offers a deeper dive into the colonies’ communal living traditions and artisanal crafts, making the experience both scenic and culturally enriching.
For another scenic rail journey, the Midwest Old Threshers Reunion in Mount Pleasant, approximately 90 minutes southeast of Des Moines, celebrates Iowa’s agricultural history with a dedicated heritage railroad. Visitors can ride vintage steam-powered trains through the rolling hills of southeastern Iowa, providing a nostalgic glimpse into farming life and mechanical innovation. The reunion includes live demonstrations of threshing machines and historical farming techniques, but the star attraction remains the train rides, which traverse a loop that offers sweeping views of the surrounding farmland, especially striking during the golden light of late summer.
Near the town of Lansing, about 90 minutes northeast of Cedar Rapids, the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge offers a tranquil setting for paddleboat and kayak trips on the river’s backwaters. The refuge’s miles of protected wetlands and islands are home to bald eagles, herons, and a variety of fish species. Launching from docks near Lansing allows access to quiet channels where watercraft glide past towering bluffs and untouched forests. Spring and early summer are prime seasons for wildlife sightings, with migratory birds nesting in the refuge and wildflowers blooming along the shorelines.
Finally, just outside of Sioux City, the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center at the Missouri River overlooks the route taken by the famous explorers. While not a boat ride in itself, the center provides narrated riverboat excursions during summer that trace the explorers’ historic path. The nearby riverfront park offers walking trails and scenic overlooks that highlight the confluence of the Missouri and Big Sioux Rivers. Early morning or evening cruises provide cooler temperatures and softer light, perfect for history buffs and nature lovers alike who want to see Iowa’s western frontier through the lens of early American exploration.
These varied experiences—from vintage rail journeys through river valleys to serene balloon flights over historic villages—showcase Iowa’s diverse landscapes and rich heritage. Whether you prefer winding through wooded bluffs by train, gliding on calm rivers, or drifting gently over the patchwork fields in a hot air balloon, the state’s unique mix of natural beauty and cultural landmarks invites discovery from every angle. This multi-modal approach to travel offers a deeper connection to Iowa’s open skies, flowing waters, and storied past.