While for many people Iowa isn't the first state that comes to mind as a vacation spot in the Midwest, it always surprises visitors with its diversity of sights and attractions. A rich agricultural center in the American Heartland, and birth home of Mark Twain and John Wayne, Iowa offers as many cultural attractions as it does natural scenery. With an Iowa vacation cabin or condo rental available directly from the owner or manager, your family can enjoy easy access to all of the indoor points of interest and outdoor pleasures this bucolic region has to offer.
Stuff To See and Do In Iowa
As the capital of Iowa, Des Moines is the cultural center of the state and one of the leading vacation spots in the Midwest. With two major entertainment arenas, Civic Center and Wells Fargo Arena, the whole family can choose from theater, live music, tournaments, and other shows.
Want to teach the kids a thing or two? Take a tour of the Iowa State Capitol, visit the Iowa Hall of Pride, or check out the Science Center of Iowa and the IMAX Dome Theater. Kids will love the science exhibits, play areas and live demonstrations. Another educational spot is the Iowa Historical Building, featuring a range of fascinating exhibits and artifacts. The Wallace House is an immaculately preserved Victorian home that is open to the public with free tours. If art's your thing, Polk County Heritage Gallery features work by local artists, or stroll into The Sculpture Park Garden
There are other appealing cities in the state of Iowa that will capture youth family's imagination and make for a fun and interesting vacation. Check out Indian burial grounds in Harpers Ferry and experience a demonstration on ancient tools used by Native American tribes. Effigy Mounds National Monument is located right on the Iowa-Wisconsin border for hiking and scenery.
At Loess Hills, explore the natural wonder of amazing silt formations and sprawling grassland prairies, especially beautiful in fall. The Amana Colonies reconstructs seven villages settled by German immigrants in late 1800's. Book a tour or browse the visitor's center. Iowa also boasts several reconstructed forts, allowing you to experience re-creations of real frontier outposts.
Dubuque is another Iowa town that offers family fun and culture. This includes the National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium, with a great interactive theater.
Remember the book The Bridges of Madison County, which took place in Iowa? Winterset is famous for some of those picturesque covered bridges famously fictionalized in the novel, and of course Winterset is the birthplace of John Wayne. Tour his childhood home!
The town of Bonaparte features a historic Riverfront district with quaint shops, cottages dating to the 1800s and stunning Victorian homes. Stroll the Farmers Market and mingle with the locals!
Throughout the state you might find county fairs that offer real country farm flavor. More than just hogs and corn, you'll find crafts, home-baked desserts, animals, music and much more.
Make Iowa Your Next Vacation Destination
Experience the Heartland from the ease of a home base in one of Iowa's vacation cabin or condo rental available directly from the owner or manager. You'll save money and increase your comfort, with many hotel or motel amenities and conveniences plus more privacy and homelike comfort. Roam the State of Tall Corn by day and settle back into your Iowa vacation cabin or condo rental by night, relaxed and refreshed.
Interested in More Iowa?
Check out nearby Cedar Rapids .
