Iowa
From the sparkling gold dome to the spiral staircases and stained glass in the law library, every detail at this bling-heavy capitol (1886) seems to try…
Must-see attractions in Iowa
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Iowa
Dating back to the 1880s, this old-fashioned lakeside amusement park is pure fun. The Legend is the seventh-oldest wooden roller coaster in the world and…
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National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium
Iowa
Learn about life (of all sorts) along the length of the Mississippi at this impressive museum, part of a vast riverfront development. Exhibits span…
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Effigy Mounds National Monument
Iowa
Hundreds of mysterious Native American burial mounds sit in the bluffs above the Mississippi River in this gorgeous corner of far northeast Iowa. Listen…
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Iowa
The best state park locally is on the west side of West Okoboji Lake. It has a beach, lovely lakeside picnic areas and an excellent 1.3-mile long nature…
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Iowa
The original portion of Iowa State's main library was completed in 1925. In the 1930s it was decided to add some murals designed by none other than Iowa's…
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Iowa
This 1883 bridge is in a lovely quiet spot as there is no parallel modern bridge or road. Take your time and watch the water lazily flow under the well…
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Iowa
This historic old village is now part of West Des Moines. The five-block-long commercial strip on Fifth St is the most interesting in the region. Over 60…
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Iowa
Beautiful bluff-top park with views of the Mississippi and elaborate stone details built in the 1930s (including a castle!).
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Herbert Hoover National Historic Site
Iowa
Herbert Hoover, the president of the United States from 1929 to 1933, will forever be remembered for the Great Depression, the economic cataclysm that…
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Iowa
The Czech Village/New Bohemia neighborhood of Cedar Rapids just south of downtown was first settled in the 1870s by Czech immigrants who found jobs at…
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Iowa
This art museum's complex is an all-star monument to some of the greatest architects of the modern era; Eliel Saarinen, IM Pei and Richard Meier all…
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Iowa
Using nothing but apples (no sugars, waters, noxious chemicals etc) the family behind this cidery creates a range of cider styles and flavours. Much…
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State Historical Museum of Iowa
Iowa
At the foot of the capitol, this modern museum features first person accounts from people who lived through different historical eras and events. Yes,…
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Iowa
Visit Grant Wood's downtown studio where he worked from 1924 to 1935. In this 2nd-floor space above a carriage house for the neighboring Douglas Mansion…
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Iowa
This curvaceous public park has great skyline views and features sculptures by 22 celebrated artists, including Sol LeWitt, Keith Haring and Willem de…
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Mines of Spain Recreation Area
Iowa
This vast expanse of Mississippi River Bluffland just south of Dubuque offers 12 miles of hiking trails with scenic overlooks, picnic facilities and even…
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Iowa
The glass-walled Figge Art Museum sparkles above the River Road. The museum’s Midwest Regionalist Collection includes many works by Iowa native (and…
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Iowa
Historic and modern quilts are the stars at this small museum. Visitors learn that there is a lot more to quilting than sewing a few rags together with…
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Iowa
This simple park embodies the ethos of Big Spirit Lake: low-key serenity. It has big trees offering shady spots on the lake for picnics and simple…
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Iowa
This museum does a swell job of interpreting Grant Wood's iconic American Gothic (1930) – the pitchfork painting – which has been parodied a million times…
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Iowa
In a serene setting, the bridge makes a dramatic statement as it parallels the charmless modern bridge over the river. The ubiquitous graffiti is…
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National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library
Iowa
Interactive exhibits and oral histories tell the stories of the Czech and Slovak immigrants who came to the US and built Cedar Rapids. Special exhibitions…
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Iowa
A nature reserve at the confluence of the Wisconsin and Mississippi Rivers with 10 intertwined hiking trails and sweeping views from the hilltop…
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Iowa
Newly expanded, this surprisingly interesting museum recalls the history of the lakes and the many forms of boats that have sailed upon them – from pure…
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Iowa
Offers a good overview of the colonies. Ask about the self-guided walking and driving routes that can be accessed via your phone.
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Iowa
Built in 1882, this funicular railway climbs a steep 189-foot hill from downtown for huge views.
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Iowa
Unfortunately this large and high-concept open-air attraction dedicated to the history of farming never quite lives up to its promise. The site is…
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John Wayne Birthplace & Museum
Iowa
This small (and slightly overpriced) museum is devoted to the life and career of John Wayne, aka Marion Robert Morrison. The house where he was born in…
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Iowa
The cute gold-domed building at the heart of the University of Iowa campus is the Old Capitol. Built in 1840, it was the seat of government until 1857…
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Iowa
A worthy focal point for Madison County, this soaring structure was completed in 1876 and has been used ever since. The silver-colored dome tops out at…
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John Deere Tractor & Engine Museum
Iowa
Close to downtown Waterloo, this museum celebrates all things John Deere and is a fantasy come true for tractor-heads. It's part of the Deere research…
