Planning a trip to Iowa this summer? Here are 101 things to do while you're there
The Des Moines Register has gathered some of the best 2019 vacation ideas, free activities, things to see and fun things to do in Des Moines and around Iowa this summer.
Take a look:
1. RAGBRAI
Enjoy 427 miles of biking through central Iowa during the 47th RAGBRAI. July 21-27, bicyclists will ride from Council Bluffs to Keokuk on the eighth easiest, sixth shortest and eighth flattest route in the ride's history.
2. Bridal Veil Falls
Go for a one-mile round-trip hike and take in the sights of Bridal Veil Falls at Pikes Peak State Park in McGregor. The trail is kid-friendly and starts at the parking lot.
3. 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.
More: 'American Pie' isn't a song about Buddy Holly, Don McLean says: 'It's about America'
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 day or night, when it is lit a bright neon blue.
5. 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 seventh-oldest coaster.
More: 20 photos: Historic photos of Arnolds Park, Iowa
More: Okoboji for newbies: Where to stay, eat and play around Iowa's Great Lakes
6. Honey Creek Resort
Located on Rathbun Lake, stay in a cottage or at the hotel while you enjoy golfing, the indoor water park, hiking, boating or fishing during your visit.
7. Iowa Quilt Museum
Open year-round in Winterset, the Iowa Quilt Museum has two exhibits this summer. Through July 7, there will be a Quilts of Valor Salute with 17 quilts on display. Then, from July 9 through Sept. 29, visitors will be able to learn about how quilting has evolved with the Stitched Through Time: A History of Quilting exhibit.
8. Reiman Gardens
Visit this 17-acre garden in Ames to explore indoor and outdoor gardens as well as a butterfly wing where you can see up to 800 butterflies. Through Oct. 6, enjoy the interactive exhibit Nature of the Game, where you will find a collection of larger-than-life games.
9. Take in a baseball game
Enjoy a day (or night) at the ballpark cheering on 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.
10. Go zip-lining
In western Iowa, go zip-lining on a 1,600-foot ride at Mount Crescent Ski Area. If you find yourself in eastern Iowa, try out nine different zip lines at Sky Tours at YMCA Union Park Camp in Dubuque.
11. Kings Pointe Water Park
No matter the weather, you can enjoy this water park and resort in Storm Lake. It boasts indoor and outdoor water parks with water slides, lap pools, a lazy river and more.
12. 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. Shop, eat and stretch your legs before you hop back in the car.
13. Neal Smith 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.
14. Spook Cave
Take an underground boat tour through Spook Cave in McGregor. Your guide will teach you about the history of the limestone cave.
More: Six caves to explore in northeast Iowa
15. Water Works Amphitheater
Listen to live music at the brand new concert venue at Water Works Park. The Struts play on July 15 with opening act The Glorious Sons. Buy tickets at firstfleetconcerts.com.
16. Heritage Rose Garden
The town of Gray, in Audubon County, is home to a heritage rose garden. Take in the beautiful sights and scents of more than 50 varieties of roses and perennial flowers.
17. Des Moines Arts Festival
From June 28-30 in Western Gateway Park, find the next piece of art for your home. Spend time enjoying the performance art, interactive art, music, food and all the other activities the festival has to offer.
18. Ainsworth-Orleans Beach
Located on Big Spirit Lake, 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.
19. National Mississippi River Museum
Learn about America’s waterways in this museum located on Dubuque’s Riverwalk. Tour an old steamboat, see what kind of animals live in the Mississippi River and take part in the interactive exhibits. Through Sept. 8 you can also take part in the interactive exhibit Once Upon A Time … Exploring the World of Fairy Tales.
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. Blank Park Zoo
See giraffes, rhinoceros, lions, tigers and more at Des Moines' zoo. During Zoo Brew, adults 21 and over can have a drink and listen to music while enjoying the exhibits.
22. National Balloon Classic
From July 26 to Aug. 3, the sky will be filled with balloons in Indianola. Enjoy events all day and night, including the Night Glow Extravaganza, fireworks, music and food.
23. Gray's Lake
Enjoy a leisurely walk around the lake, rent a paddleboat or take a swim at the beach at this park located just south of downtown Des Moines.
24. Adel Sweet Corn Festival
Celebrate the 40th year of the Adel Sweet Corn Festival on Aug. 10. There is a 5K run at 8 a.m., parade at 9:30 a.m. and free sweet corn at 11:00 a.m.
25. Danish Villages of Elk Horn and Kimballton
Visit the two largest Danish settlements in the United States. See a sculpture of the Little Mermaid, an authentic windmill from Norre Snede and learn about the culture at the Museum of Danish America.
26. Boone and Scenic Valley Railroad
Choose from a variety of tours including a basic excursion, dinner, lunch or picnic train and enjoy the scenery while you take a ride on the rails.
More: Browse our weekly list of ideas for things to do, activities and events in Des Moines
27. Lost Island Water Park
Enjoy waterslides, a toddler area, mini golf and the longest go-kart track in the Midwest at the Lost Island Water Park in Waterloo. Spend a day or make it a vacation and stay nearby at the KOA campground or local hotels.
28. Living History Farms
Learn what life was like on a 1700 Ioway Indian farm, 1850 pioneer farm and 1900 horse-powered farm. Walk through the town of Walnut Hill (set in 1875) and visit the general store, blacksmith and the milliner.
29. World’s Largest Popcorn Ball
In Sac City, find out what a 5,000-pound, 8-foot-tall popcorn ball looks like. While you’re there, visit the Sac City Museum Village.
30. Sidney Rodeo
Enjoy Iowa’s oldest continuously held outdoor rodeo July 30-Aug. 3. Watch Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association saddlebronc riding, steer wrestling, team roping, mutton bustin’ and more.
31. 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.
32. Des Moines Storytellers Project
Listen as Iowans tell true, first-person stories centered around a common theme. Performances are scheduled throughout the year at Hoyt Sherman Place.
33. Decorah’s Trout Run Trail
This 11-mile trail runs next to the Decorah Trout Hatchery. Feed the fish at the Hatchery and then look for the Decorah Eagle Nest and three pieces of art while on the trail.
34. Great Escape
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.
35. Hinterland
Head to the Avenue of the Saints Amphitheater in St. Charles for three days of music Aug. 2-4. The lineup includes Hozier, Brandi Carlile, Kasey Musgraves and more. There are also craft vendors, art and family activities to enjoy.
36. Mines of Spain
This recreation center south of Dubuque is located on 1,437 acres of wooded and prairie land. Go hiking, have a picnic and keep your eye out for white-tailed deer, flying squirrels or red-tailed hawks.
37. Iowa Aviation Museum
Located in Greenfield, visit the museum to learn all about Iowa’s first recorded flight and enjoy looking at the vintage aircraft on display.
38. Farmall-Land USA
Located off I-80 in Avoca, Farmall-Land USA is a museum housing a collection of more than 250 IH full-size tractors, pedal tractors and toys. The museum is open through October with tours by appointment only the rest of the year.
39. American Gothic House
Take your picture in front of the house that inspired Grant Wood’s iconic painting. While in Eldon, visit the American Gothic House Center and learn about the history of the house and Grant Wood’s life.
More: Grant Wood and his art remain a mystery decades after his death
40. 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. Through Oct. 27 check out the Collaborative Collectors: Herbert and Lou Hoover exhibit. It includes unique, personal items and stories behind the artifacts.
41. Grotto of the Redemption
The largest man-made grotto in the world is in West Bend. The nine separate grottos each depict a scene from the life of Christ. The Grotto contains the largest collection of precious gems and gemstones found anywhere in one location. See photos and video and drone video.
42. Rent a yurt at McIntosh Woods State Park
A yurt is a nomadic shelter used in central Asia. It is a 16-foot circular tent structure. Yurts have a wood frame and vinyl covering with a clear done on the roof. Two are available to rent at McIntosh Woods State Park in Clear Lake.
43. Villages of Van Buren
Visit 11 villages in southeast Iowa for a trip back in time. It includes the Indian Artifact Museum in Bentonsport, Douds Depot in Douds, antiques stores, specialty shops and an opportunity for geocaching.
44. Valle Drive-In
The oldest drive-in in Iowa, Valle shows first-run movies every weekend from spring through fall. Head to Newton to enjoy a double feature — gates open at 6:30 and movies start at dusk.
45. Fossil and Prairie Park Preserve
Collect fossils from the time when Iowa was an ocean. Most of the fossils found are from a shallow sea environment. The preserve is located in Rockford.
46. Urbandale 4th of July Celebration
July 2-4 head to Urbandale to celebrate the 4th of July. Some of the activities include two street dances, carnival rides, a parade, car show and a cribbage tournament.
More: Where to find Fourth of July fireworks, parades, more in the Des Moines metro
47. Matchstick Marvels
See 70 models made of matchsticks including the U.S. Capitol, battleship USS Iowa and Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry from the "Harry Potter" movies. The museum is located in Gladbook.
48. Bellevue State Park
See spectacular views of the Mississippi River, enjoy the butterfly garden and look for bald eagles when you visit. There are miles of trails to enjoy and exhibits in the South Bluff Nature Center.
49. 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 their Facebook page to find out when they will have food available for purchase.
50. The Full Grassley
It might not be able to be done in one summer, but make an effort to visit all 99 counties, just like Sen. Chuck Grassley.
51. Jester Park Nature Center
Learn about wetlands, prairies, woodlands and the habitat of Iowa in the interactive exhibits. Make sure and visit the Elk and Bison Educational Plaza and the natural playscape during your visit.
52. Charles City Whitewater
Go whitewater kayaking at Riverfront Park in Charles City. The course consists of three water features and is 3/4 of a mile long.
53. Loess Hills Lavender Farm
Spend an afternoon walking through lavender fields and browsing at the gift shop. Located north of Missouri Valley, the farm is open from May to October on Thursdays through Sundays.
54. Adventureland
Ride the roller coasters at Adventureland (or the tea cups if that’s more your style) then head to Adventure Bay Water Park (included with regular admission) and hang out on the lazy river, in the wave pool or ride the waterslides. A new spinning coaster, The Phoenix, was scheduled to open "in June."
55. Pappajohn Sculpture Park
Bring a picnic and enjoy the art including Nomade, Spider, and the panoramic awareness pavilion. The park has been open since 2009 and guided tours are available with advance notice.
56. Amana Colonies
Learn about the history of the area at the Amana Heritage Society, visit the Woolen Mill, Millstream Brewing Company, multiple wineries or the Amana Meat Shop and Smokehouse.
57. 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 learn about rail travel in the United States.
58. Aquatic Parks
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.
59. Nitefall on the River
Watch a show at the Brenton Skating Plaza. The 2019 lineup includes Euforquestra, Lake Street Dive, the Turnpike Troubadours and more.
60. Ski Bellevue Water Ski Show
See the only water ski show team in Iowa that performs on the Mississippi River. There will be several shows through August. Shows are free and family friendly.
61. Farmers’ markets
Support local farmers, producers and artists at your local farmers’ market. Two of the more popular ones in central Iowa are The Farmers’ Market and Music in the Junction in Valley Junction and the Downtown Des Moines Farmers’ Market.
62. Hitchcock House
Take a tour of this National Historic Landmark outside of Lewis in Cass County. The house was built in 1856 by Rev. George Hitchcock and was a stop on the Underground Railroad. The Hitchcock House is open May-September from 1-5 p.m. Tuesdays through Sundays.
63. Enjoy a craft beer
Across Iowa you can find numerous craft breweries. Try a flight of local beers at Toppling Goliath in Decorah, Lion Bridge Brewing Company in Cedar Rapids or 515 Brewing Company in Clive.
64. 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.
65. Pioneer Heritage Museum
This museum located in Marengo is a half-block of structures including an 1860s log cabin, 1861 Rock Island Depot and a 1930s gas station.
66. Great River Tug Fest
Join in the fun in LeClaire at Tug Fest Aug. 8-10. Enjoy free admission Thursday night, fireworks on Friday and a Tug of War across the Mississippi River on Saturday.
67. 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 across.
68. Go sailing
Rent a pontoon boat on one of Iowa’s many lakes and enjoy a day on the water. Fish, relax and take in the scenery and don’t forget your sunscreen.
69. Old Threshers Reunion
This educational and historical event runs Aug. 29 to Sept. 2 in Mount Pleasant. There are parades, a trading post and vendors, horse pulls, antique cars, trucks, tractors and more.
70. Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth
Snookies Malt Shop is a favorite summertime stop for people in Beaverdale. Try a butterscotch malt and treat your furry friend to a puppy cone.
71. White Pole Road
Take a 26-mile drive between Adair and Dexter. This was part of a route once known as the Great White Way and was lined with 700 white-painted telephone poles.
72. Festival of Iowa Beers
Millstream Brewery in Amana will host more than 40 Iowa breweries as part of the Festival of Iowa Beers on Sept. 1. Tickets go on sale July 1.
73. Marshalltown Speedway
Spend a Friday night enjoying dirt-track racing in Marshalltown. Kids 10 and under are free, the grandstands open at 5:30 and races start at 7:30.
74. Ewing Park
Visit the lilac arboretum at Des Moines’ largest park during the few weeks the flowers are in bloom (usually in early May). While there, take the kids to Ashley Okland Star Playground and the Children’s Forest.
75. Tour the Mississippi River By Boat
Take a day trip on the largest non-gaming riverboat and enjoy the Mississippi River from LeClaire to Dubuque with Celebration River Cruises.
76. Nathaniel Hamlin Museum and Park
Check out this historic farm located in Audubon County. Other buildings include a one-room schoolhouse, barns and antique farm machinery. Outside the museum the park boasts live elk and windmill displays.
77. Okoboji
The Iowa Great Lakes provide entertainment for everyone. Spend time on the water boating, parasailing, waterskiing or fishing. If you prefer to stay on land, you can enjoy the shopping, golf and museums in the area.
78. Entertainment at the Iowa State Fair
August 8-18, celebrate the best Iowa has to offer at the Iowa State Fair. This year’s grandstand entertainment includes The Chainsmokers, Slipknot and Luke Bryan.
79. 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.
80. Visit the Highest Spot in Iowa
Hawkeye Point, north of Sibley, is the highest point in Iowa and provides a panoramic view of the Iowa landscape. The land is privately owned but the owners have kept the location accessible to the public.
81. Iowa Rock-n-Row Adventures
Go tubing down the Iowa River (most floats last 3 to 4 hours), then relax at the campsite for the night.
82. Grout Museum of History and Science
Learn about the flora and fauna of northeast Iowa and experience what it was like to be a pioneer in Iowa. Until Aug. 17 explore the Whose Land Is This: Nation American, European and American Perspectives exhibit. Waterloo.
83. Join a team
Check with your city parks and recreation department to see what sports are offered. Many cities offer slow-pitch softball, sand volleyball and kickball leagues.
84. Iowa’s Latino Heritage Festival
The 2017 event will be held Sept. 28-29 at Western Gateway Park in downtown Des Moines and will feature cultural booths, vendors, entertainment, dancing and food.
85. 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.
86. 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.
87. Go fishing
Get your fishing license and relax along the shores of an Iowa lake or pond. Try Rock Creek State Park, Lake Anita State Park or Lake MacBride State Park.
88. Heritage Carousel of Des Moines
Take a ride on the Heritage Carousel of Des Moines. After your ride, visit the Union Park playground.
89. Raccoon River Park
Enjoy the beach and playground or let your four-legged friend burn off some energy at the dog park at this West Des Moines park.
90. Chimney Rock Canoe Rental and Campground
Explore the Upper Iowa River by canoe and experience the beauty of the bluffs, cliffs, eagles and other wildlife.
91. Snake Alley
Ripley’s Believe It or Not has called it the “Crookedest Street in the World” and it is located in Burlington.
92. Stockman House
Fans of architect Frank Lloyd Wright can admire his work by visiting the Stockman House in Mason City. Tours include the exterior and interior of the house. Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for children 6-17 and are scheduled from May to October.
93. Laura Ingalls Wilder Park and Museum
When Laura Ingalls was 9 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.
94. 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 the first robbery of a moving train in 1873.
95. Fenelon Place Elevator
Ride what is described as the world’s shortest, steepest scenic railway in Dubuque. It takes visitors from Fourth Street up 189 feet to Fenelon Place and affords views of three states and the Mississippi River.
96. Take A Swing
Break out your golf clubs and take a swing at one of Iowa’s public golf courses.
97. Shop ’Til You Drop
Spend a day at the Outlets of Des Moines and shop at some of your favorite brand name stores.
98. Historic Swinging Bridge
Located just one block from Highway 92 near downtown Columbus Junction, take a walk on the Columbus Junction Swinging Bridge. The bridge is designed for pedestrian and bicycle traffic.
99. Smashpark
Eat, drink and play at Smashpark in West Des Moines. Ping pong, giant Jenga, yard dice and Connect Four, and bocce ball are just a few of the options available.
100. Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
Not only an indoor conservatory, the Botanical Gardens also has seven acres of outdoor gardens to explore. Grab a bite to eat at Trellis after strolling the grounds.
101. Maquoketa Caves State Park
Along six miles of trails see the natural bridge, balanced rock and dancehall cave. The park has more caves than other other state park in Iowa.
113. Orange City Tulip Festival
The festival began in 1936 to celebrate the city’s Dutch heritage and in 2019 it will be held May 16 - 18. Food, two daily parades, dancing and of course tulips can all be enjoyed while there.
114. CelebrAsian
May 24 - 25 experience over a dozen Asian Villages, food, entertainment and educational activities at the 17th annual CelebrAsian. The festival is held Western Gateway Park in Des Moines.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Planning a trip to Iowa this summer? Here are 101 things to do while you're there
