Fill your summer with 113 things to do in Iowa, from Hawkeye point to 'American Gothic'

The Des Moines Register has gathered some of the best 2023 vacation ideas, free activities, things to see and fun things to do in Des Moines and around Iowa this summer.

There are plenty of fun things to do with the family from Adventureland to Blank Park Zoo. Or you could have some fun discovering the outdoors with beautiful parks to see, stunning gardens, bridges to cross, cool caves and ways to cool off in the water. Already on a road trip? Stop by these novelty things to see on your way.

If you're looking for something less nature-involved, there's food and drinks to be had all around Iowa, not to mention some good shopping. There's tons of festivals, concerts and ways to get connected with arts, culture and even history. We didn't forget about our sports fanatics, either, with the 50th RAGBRAI taking the spotlight along with more sporting events.

Take a look:

Caves to explore

1. Maquoketa Caves State Park

Along six miles of trails see the natural bridge, balanced rock and Dancehall Cave. Extend your stay by reserving a camping spot at the campground.

2. Spook Cave

Take an underground boat tour through Spook Cave in McGregor. Your guide will teach you about the history of the limestone cave.

Cool bridges to cross

3. Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge

A 3,000-foot-long and 15-foot-wide bridge connects Council Bluffs to Omaha across the Missouri River. Enjoy views of the river and Omaha while walking, running or bicycling.

4. High Trestle Trail Bridge

Enjoy the sculpture on the bridge as well as the views of the Des Moines River valley as you bike or walk the half-mile of trail that is 13 stories high. Located west of Madrid, this bridge is a beauty by day or at night, when it is lit a bright neon blue.

5. I-74 Pedestrian Path

The 1-74 Bridge spanning the Mississippi River between Bettendorf and Moline now has a pedestrian path connecting the two cities. Stop on the 10-foot oculus for a view of the mighty Mississippi or check it out at night when uplighting provides a perfect photo opportunity.

Stunning gardens

6. Reiman Gardens

Consisting of 17 acres in Ames, plan enough time in your visit to explore all 26 garden areas and the butterfly wing. Check out the insects made of glass and steel that are part of the "Glass in Flight" art exhibit.

7. Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden

Full of natural beauty, enjoy the plants both inside the conservatory and in the outdoor gardens. Grab a bite to eat at Trellis Cafe after strolling the grounds.

Discover Iowa's great outdoors

8. Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge

Located outside of Prairie City, the wildlife refuge has walking and biking trails winding through the natural Iowa habitat and a driving tour where you may spot bison and elk.

9. Cumming Tap ride

The Cumming Tap is 10 miles south of Des Moines on the Great Western Bike Trail and is a popular ride for bicyclists. Follow the restaurant's Facebook page to find out when they will have food available for purchase.

10. Sleep Under the Stars at Chimney Rock Campground

Go camping and explore the Upper Iowa River by canoe or kayak to experience the beauty of the bluffs, cliffs, eagles and other wildlife near Cresco.

11. Visit the highest spot in Iowa

Hawkeye Point in Osceola County is Iowa’s highest point at 1,670 feet above sea level. Take in the views from the observation deck or wander through the historical farming displays.

12. Decorah’s Trout Run Trail

Bike, walk or run along the Trout Run Trail to see the sights in Decorah. Stop by the Decorah Fish Hatchery and enjoy the art along the trail.

13. Mines of Spain

This recreation center south of Dubuque is made up of 1,437 acres of wooded and prairie land. Before heading out for a hike, stop to visit the exhibits at the EB Lyons Interpretive Center.

14. Wildcat Den State Park

Sandstone bluffs and natural formations like “Steamboat Rock” and the “Devil’s Punch Bowl” can be seen along the hiking trails at Wildcat Den State Park.

15. Plant Life Pizza Picnic

Enjoy a Friday night in the gardens at Plant Life Designs in Van Meter while eating wood-fired pizzas from Crafted Food Services. Tickets include a personal sized pizza, appetizer, vegetables, dessert and two drinks.  

16. Effigy Mounds National Monument

Located in Harpers Ferry, there are more than 200 known prehistoric mounds. Take a guided tour with a park ranger to learn more about these Native American-made mounds.

Pretty parks

17. Bellevue State Park

See spectacular views of the Mississippi River, enjoy the butterfly garden and look for bald eagles while you enjoy one of the park’s trails in Bellevue.

18. Jester Park Nature Center

Learn about wetlands, prairies, woodlands and the habitat of Iowa in the interactive exhibits. Make sure to drive by the Elk and Bison Educational Plaza during your visit to Granger.

19. Nathaniel Hamlin Museum and Park

Hike or view the elk year-round at this park in Audubon County. From Memorial Day through September you can also visit the museum buildings to learn about the settlement of the area.

20. Spring Park

Bring your own water bottle and fill up from the artesian well at Spring Park in Osage. You can also explore the two-mile trail, let kids play on the playground or stay at one of the primitive camping sites.

21. Whiterock Conservancy

Night owls can bring a telescope and enjoy the night sky at Whiterock Conservancy. You’ll find some of the darkest skies in Iowa — many nights the Milky Way can be seen with the naked eye.

Fun on the water

22. Ainsworth-Orleans Beach

Located on Big Spirit Lake in Orleans, Ainsworth-Orleans Beach is a two-acre park with a long sand beach, boat ramp, dock and playground. While you’re there you can also visit the Spirit Lake Fish Hatchery.

23. Gray's Lake Park

Go for a leisurely walk around the lake, rent a canoe or kayak, or take a swim at the beach at this park located just south of downtown Des Moines.

24. Elkader Whitewater Park

Go whitewater kayaking, boogie boarding or tubing in Elkader. The course consists of three water features including the Gobbler Wave. The river access also access for fishing.

25. Ski Bellevue Water Ski Show

See the only water-ski show team in Iowa that performs on the Mississippi River. Shows are free, family-friendly and are held on varying dates from June through August in Bellevue.

26. Go sailing

Rent a pontoon boat on one of Iowa’s 34 natural lakes and enjoy a day on the water. Fish, relax and take in the scenery and don’t forget your sunscreen. The state’s deepest lakes, the Iowa Great Lakes, include Big Spirit Lake, West Okoboji and East Okoboji that combine for 86 miles of shoreline.

27. Splash at a water park

Many towns in Iowa have their own outdoor aquatic parks with waterslides, lazy rivers and more. In the Des Moines area, try out the aquatic parks in Altoona, Ankeny, Clive or West Des Moines.

28. Tour the Mississippi River by boat

Take a day trip on the largest non-gaming riverboat and enjoy the sights along the Mississippi River with Celebration River Cruises.

29. Make it a weekend in Okoboji

The Iowa Great Lakes provide entertainment for everyone. Spend time on the water boating, parasailing, water skiing or fishing. If you prefer to stay on land, you can enjoy the shopping, golf and museums in the area.

30. Float down the Iowa River

Go tubing down the Iowa River (most floats last three to five hours) at Iowa Rock-n-Row Adventures, then relax at the campsite for the night in Eldora.

31. Go fishing

Get your fishing license and relax along the shores of an Iowa lake or pond. Try Rock Creek State Park in Kellogg, Lake Anita State Park in Anita or Lake MacBride State Park in Solon.

32. Splash and play at Raccoon River Park

Enjoy the beach, playground or go fishing off the pier at this West Des Moines park.

Family fun

33. Ride the Legend at Arnolds Park

Enjoy the beauty of the Lake Okoboji and the thrills of the amusement park rides at Arnolds Park. Take a ride on the Legend Roller Coaster, the nation’s 13th-oldest coaster.

34. Find fun and games at Smash Park

Eat, drink and play at Smash Park in West Des Moines. Enjoy the arcade or play some pickle ball, bocce ball or shuffleboard on the patio.

35. See some wildlife at Blank Park Zoo

See giraffes, rhinoceros, lions, tigers and more at Des Moines' zoo. Adults 21 and over can enjoy live music and drinks during a Zoo Brew, held on select Wednesdays throughout the summer.

36. See Iowa by train

Choose from a variety of tours in Boone via Scenic Valley Railroad including a basic excursion, dinner, lunch or picnic train and enjoy the scenery while you take a ride on the rails.

37. Go gaming

When it’s too hot to be outside, cool off with bowling, laser tag, and video games at Great Escape in Pleasant Hill. Grab a bite to eat and a craft beer while you’re there at Social-Eats & Crafts.

38. See movies outdoors

Featuring two screens, take your pick of double features at the Superior 71 Drive-In Theater, the drive-in movie theater in Spirit Lake.

39. Let's all go to Adventureland

Check out two new rides, Draken Falls and the Flying Viking, and then head to Adventure Bay Water Park (included with regular admission) and cool off in the wave pool or take a few trips down the waterslides.

40. Iowa Children’s Museum

Located in Coral Ridge Mall in Coralville, the Iowa Children’s Museum is a place for kids to play and learn at the same time. Each exhibit relates to at least one of their five educational initiatives: arts & culture, financial literacy, healthy kids, school readiness and STEM.

41. Feel the need for speed at the Hamilton County Speedway

Spend a Friday night enjoying dirt track racing at the oldest speedway in Iowa, located in Webster City. The grandstand opens at 5 p.m. and races start at 6:30 p.m.

42. Get interactive at LaunchPAD Museum

Located in Sioux City, children can learn about agriculture, explore different careers or create their own puppet show in the performing arts area.

43. Take a ride on the Heritage Carousel of Des Moines

Opening on May 27 for the 2023 season, take a ride on the Heritage Carousel of Des Moines. After your ride, visit the Union Park playground.

History buffs

44. Buddy Holly crash site and Surf Ballroom and Museum

Get a music history lesson at the Surf Ballroom and Museum in Clear Lake, then make the short drive north of town to the farm field where Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, J.P. “the Big Bopper” Richardson and pilot Roger Peterson were killed in a plane crash in 1959.

45. National Hobo Museum

Open for the season after Memorial Day, the National Hobo Museum in Britt features a collection of American Hobo artifacts, photographs paintings and more.

46. Living History Farms

Learn what life was like on a 1700 Ioway American Indian farm, 1850 pioneer farm and 1,900 horse-powered farm. Walk through the town of Walnut Hill (set in 1876) and visit the general store, blacksmith and the milliner. Find it in Urbandale.

47. Iowa Aviation Museum

Located in Greenfield, the museum showcases the history of flight in Iowa and visitors can enjoy looking at the vintage aircraft on display.

48. National Farm Toy Museum

See how farming has changed through the years and learn about the history of tractors. The museum features thousands of toys, exhibits and displays and is located in Dyersville.

49. Jesse James Historical Site

Drive just west of Adair and take your picture in front of a locomotive wheel that marks the site where Jesse James staged his first robbery of a moving train in 1873.

50. Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum

Learn about the life and legacy of the only president from Iowa while you tour the museum. Hoover’s birthplace cottage and grave are also located on the grounds in West Branch.

51. The Shrine of the Grotto of the Redemption

Located in West Bend, nine separate grottos each depict a scene from the life of Christ. The grotto contains a collection of precious gems and gemstones found anywhere in one location.

52. Villages of Van Buren

Time stopped at the 12 villages that make up the Villages of Van Buren. Visitors can find two National Historic Districts and shopping along with a dose of southern Iowa hospitality. While you’re there, check out the Bentonsport Historic Bridge, Douds Depot in Douds, or one of the antique and specialty shops in the area.

53. The Ice House Museum

Cool off from the summer heat with a visit to the Ice House Museum in Cedar Falls. The museum shares the story of ice harvesting and is located in an original ice house.

54. Union Pacific Railroad Museum

This free museum is in Council Bluffs and is full of interactive exhibits for all ages. Learn how the transcontinental railroad was built and all about rail travel in the United States.

55. Forest Park Museum and Arboretum

Learn about the history of Dallas County, check out the log cabin and one-room schoolhouse on the grounds or enjoy a stroll through the grounds of the Forest Park Museum and Arboretum in Perry.

56. Bily Clocks Museum and Antonin Dvorak Exhibit

Head to Spillville to admire the hand-carved clocks made by the Bily brothers. Visit the Antonin Dvorak exhibit on the second floor of the building where the Czech composer spent the summer of 1893 with his family.

57. Pioneer Heritage Museum

This museum located in Marengo is a half-block of structures including an 1860's log cabin, a 1938 Marengo fire truck and a heritage barn.

58. Brucemore Mansion

Built in 1886, Brucemore Mansion in Cedar Rapids is part of a 26-acre estate. Tour the mansion and learn about the Brucemore family before exploring the gardens.

59. Stockman House

Fans of architect Frank Lloyd Wright can admire his work by visiting the Stockman House in Mason City. Admission is $10 and tours can be scheduled online.

60. Laura Ingalls Wilder Park and Museum

When Laura Ingalls was nine years old, her family moved to Burr Oak to manage the Masters Hotel. Take a guided tour of the hotel to learn about Wilder’s life there and then wander along the banks of the Silver Creek.

Arts and culture opportunities

61. Shakespeare on the Lawn

Bring a blanket and picnic and enjoy an outdoor performance of Shakespeare’s "Twelfth Night" July 19-23 at the Salisbury House in Des Moines.

62. 'American Gothic' house

Take your picture in front of the house that inspired Grant Wood’s iconic painting. While there, stop at the visitor center to learn more about the artist in Eldon.

63. Iowa Quilt Museum

Open year-round in Winterset, the Iowa Quilt Museum has two exhibits this summer. Until June 18 check out “Timestamps,” which features the quilts of Ricky Tims. The exhibit “Come to Our (Patchwork) House” will open June 20 and features a display of house quilts.

64. Meskwaki Annual Powwow

Aug. 10-13 experience Native arts and crafts, traditional dancing and singing and more at the Meskwaki Annual Powwow held on the only Indian Settlement in Iowa.

65. Des Moines Arts Festival

From June 23-25 in Western Gateway Park in Des Moines, find the next piece of art for your home. Spend time enjoying the performance art, interactive art, music, food and other activities the festival has to offer.

66. National Mississippi River Museum

Learn about America’s waterways in this museum located on Dubuque’s Riverwalk. See what kind of animals live in the Mississippi River and take part in the interactive exhibits. The exhibit River of Innovation features a 19th-century belt-driven machine shop.

67. Des Moines Storytellers Project

Listen as Iowans tell true, first-person stories centered around a common theme. June 20 at Hoyt Sherman Place the theme is “Travel.”

68. Pappajohn Sculpture Park

Bring a picnic and enjoy the art spread across 4.4 acres in downtown Des Moines. If you want to learn more about the art, guided tours are available by request online.

69. National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library

Moravian Folk Motifs will be on display until Aug. 27 at the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library in Cedar Rapids. The exhibit features large folk mosaics created by 17 Moravian painters.

70. Iowa Arts Festival

Located in downtown Iowa City, the Iowa Arts Festival features more than 110 local and national artists, food vendors and activities for kids. It will be held June 3-5.

The wild world of sports

71. Take in a baseball game

Enjoy a day (or night) at the ballpark at any one of Iowa’s professional baseball teams. Watch the Clinton LumberKings, the Cedar Rapids Kernels, the Burlington Bees, the Sioux City Explorers, the Quad Cities River Bandits in Davenport or the Iowa Cubs in Des Moines.

72. Go ziplining

Sky Tours at YMCA Union Park Camp in Dubuque offers nine ziplines on a two-hour guided tour of Union Park. Book a tour online.

73. RAGBRAI

Enjoy 500 miles of biking across Iowa during the 50th annual RAGBRAI. From July 22-29, bicyclists will ride from Sioux City to Davenport during the Register’s Annual Great Bike Ride Across Iowa.

74. 'Field of Dreams' in Dyersville

Open year-round, the “Field of Dreams” movie site gives fans a chance to walk around the field or get tickets for a tour of the house.

75. Try your hand at axe throwing

Give axe throwing a try at the West Des Moines, Pella or Newton Ironside Axe Club locations. Want them to come to you? Rent their mobile axe range for your next event.

76. Climb Iowa

Located in Grimes and the East Village in Des Moines, Climb Iowa offers indoor climbing experiences for everyone. It’s the perfect activity for a rainy summer day in Iowa.

77. All Iowa Lawn Tennis Club

Play tennis on a lawn tennis court that was built on a family farm outside Charles City in 2003. Reservations are required.

78. Join a team

Check with your city's parks and recreation department to see what sports are offered. Many cities offer slow-pitch softball, sand volleyball and kickball leagues.

Festivals for everyone

79. National Balloon Classic

From July 28 to Aug. 5, the sky will be filled with balloons in Indianola. Enjoy morning and evening flights, the Nite Glow, fireworks and more.

80. Adel Sweet Corn Festival

The 44th annual Sweet Corn Festival in Adel takes place on Aug. 12. There is a 5K run, parade, vendors and free sweet corn.

81. Manchester River Days

June 1-3 enjoy live music, a Farmer’s Market, community float trip, a street dance and more during Manchester River days.

82. Iowa’s Championship Rodeo

From Aug. 1-5 head to Sidney for PRCA saddlebronc riding, steer wrestling and specialty act The Cowgirl Sweethearts.

83. Classic Car Day

Check out vintage cars and enjoy lunch at the Kinney Pioneer Museum in Mason City on June 11. Adult admission is $10, children 12 and under $5.

84. Nordic Fest

Head to Decorah July 27-29 for Nordic Fest. Enjoy the opening ceremonies, the grand parade, Scandinavian and Norwegian arts and crafts, entertainment and fireworks.

85. Cajun Fest Boil & Brew

Enjoy southern food and entertainment at the Cajun Fest Boil & Brew June 17 at Cowles Commons in Des Moines. Crawfish, beignets, and gumbo are on the menu and The Nola Jazz Band, The Swampland Jewels and The Matt Woods Band will provide live music.

Music at festivals

86. Entertainment at the Iowa State Fair

From Aug. 10-20, celebrate the best Iowa has to offer at the Iowa State Fair. This year’s grandstand entertainment includes Maren Morris, New Kids on the Block, Eric Church and more.

87. Backbone Bluegrass Festival

July 28-30, enjoy a weekend of music in Strawberry Point. This year’s musicians include The Grascals, The Kody Norris Show and the Anderegg Family.

88. Saturday in the Park

Enjoy a day of free music July 1 in Sioux City. The 2023 lineup includes Samantha Fish, The War and Treaty and Earth, Wind & Fire.

89. River Ruckus

This country music festival is held at the Guthrie County Fairgrounds. From July 27-29 you can see acts including Brandon Davis, Danny Grause, and HARDY.

90. 80/35 Music Festival

Find more than just music at this two-day festival in downtown Des Moines. Buy some art, take the littles to the kids zone for free activities and enjoy the food while listening to the music on the free and paid stages. The 2023 lineup includes The War on Drugs, Big Boi and House of Large Sizes.

91. Lauridsen Amphitheater

Listen to live music throughout the summer with the Field Daze Music Series at Lauridsen Amphitheater in Des Moines’ Water Works Park. Willie Nelson and Family take the stage June 27, Young the Giant on June 28, and Styx on July 14, among others.

92. Hinterland Music Festival

Head to the Avenue of the Saints Amphitheater in St. Charles for three days of music, Aug. 4-6. The lineup includes Bon Iver, Zach Bryan and Maggie Rogers. There are also craft vendors, art, and family activities to enjoy.

93. Des Moines Metro Opera

Enjoy performances of "Carmen," "Bluebeard’s Castle," "DWB (Driving While Black)" and more during the 51st Season of the Des Moines Metro Opera.

94. Iowa City Jazz Festival

June 30-July 2 head to downtown Iowa City for a weekend of jazz music, art, food and fireworks.

95. Tunes In Town

Head to Lincoln Park in DeWitt on Tuesday nights from June through August for live music and food vendors.

Eat and drink your way through Iowa

96. Enjoy a craft beer

Across Iowa you can find numerous craft breweries. Try a flight of local beers at Toppling Goliath in Decorah, Big Grove Brewery in Solon,  Iowa City, Cedar Rapids and Des Moines or Confluence Brewing Co. in Des Moines.

97. Satisfy your sweet tooth

Snookies Malt Shop is a favorite summertime stop for people in the Beaverdale neighborhood in Des Moines. Get a cone, float, or shake and treat your furry friend to a puppy cone while you’re there.

98. World Food & Music Festival

Head to the Western Gateway Park in Des Moines Aug. 25-27 to try food from around the world, wine and craft beers. Stay for the cooking demonstrations and live music.

99. Wells Visitor Center and Ice Cream Parlor

Located in Le Mars, the Wells Visitor Center gives fans of ice cream a chance to watch a movie about the history of Wells. After that, make sure to grab a sweet snack at the Ice Cream Parlor.

100. Pick your own berries

Spend a morning or afternoon picking strawberries, raspberries or blackberries. Days and times vary depending on the weather each year, and it’s best to call ahead. A list of U-Pick farms in Iowa is online at visitiowafarms.org.

101. Farmers markets

Support local farmers, producers and artists at your local farmers’ market. In central Iowa visit Valley Junction Famers’ Market on Thursday evenings or the Downtown Des Moines Farmers’ Market on Saturday mornings.

Shopping extravaganza

102. Shop ’til you drop

Spend a day at the Outlets of Des Moines in Altoona and shop at some of your favorite brand name stores such as the Coach Outlet, Express Factory, Lane Bryant, Nike Factory Store and Vera Bradley.

103. Iowa's Antique City

Head to Walnut for some shopping at antique stores and specialty shops. The Barn Mall, constructed in 1894, features more than 30 vendors with an entire floor filled with vintage chairs. The Granary Antique Mall, the area’s largest antique shop, has two levels of treasures from furniture to pottery.

104. A Very Vintage Market

Downtown Burlington is host to A Very Vintage Market on July 15. Find antique and vintage items, architectural salvage and handcrafted goods.

105. Do some picking in LeClaire

Antique Archeology, the shop made famous on “American Pickers,” gives fans a look at some of the treasure Mike Wolfe picked across America.

106. Historic Valley Junction

Find specialty shops, boutiques, art galleries and antique shops in this West Des Moines shopping area centered in an historic railroad district.

107. Village of East Davenport

This historic Mississippi River neighborhood is brimming with shopping, art and cafés, such as Lagomarcino’s, a family owned chocolate shop since 1908.

Novelty, the largest and shortest things

108. World’s Largest Truck Stop

When you’re traveling along Interstate 80 in Eastern Iowa, stop for gas at the World’s Largest Truck Stop in Walcott. Shop, eat and stretch your legs before you hop back in the car.

109. World’s Largest Popcorn Ball

Find out what a 9,300-pound popcorn ball looks like in Sac City. While you’re there, visit the Sac County Freedom Rock on East Main Street.

110. Fenelon Place Elevator

Ride what is described as the world’s shortest, steepest scenic railway. It takes visitors from Fourth Street in Dubuque up 189 feet to Fenelon Place and affords views of three states and the Mississippi River.

111. Matchstick Marvels

See models made of thousands of matchsticks including the Mars 2020 Rover Perseverance, Notre Dame Cathedral and the U.S. Capitol. New in 2023 is a display based on the movie "Back to the Future." The museum is located in Gladbrook.

112. White Pole Road

Take a 26-mile drive between Adair and Dexter along White Pole Road. There are more than 500 painted white poles along the route that was once known as the Great White Way.

113. Snake Alley

Located in Burlington, Snake Alley has been designated “Unbelievably Crooked” by Ripley’s Believe It or Not. Visit on Father’s Day from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and enjoy art, music and food during the Snake Alley Art Fair.

Heather Torpy is a freelance writer in Des Moines.

This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: 113 things to do in Iowa this summer, from outdoors to arts