Discover Iowa’s timeless Midwest charm on an unforgettable road trip through its historic small-town towns like Winterset, Pella, and Decorah. From scenic drives along winding byways to immersive museum visits and authentic local eats, this guide uncovers the top 10 must-do adventure experiences. Dive into Iowa’s rich heritage and hidden discoveries for your perfect adventure.
Key Takeaways:
- Explore Iowa’s Loess Hills Byway and Great River Road for breathtaking scenic drives with stunning viewpoints, river fronts, and covered bridges showcasing Midwest landscapes.
- Savor local eats like Amana Colonies Dutch apple pie, Hawkeye State State Fair treats, and Des Moines Farmers’ Market delights for authentic Hawkeye State flavors.
- Discover culture gems including the Field of Dreams site, Effigy Mounds National Monument, Maquoketa Caves, and Cedar Rapids’ art and brewery scene.
1. Scenic Drive: Loess Hills Byway
The Loess Hills Byway traverses 200 miles through striking glacial hills, distinctive to the western edge of Iowa, presenting panoramic bluffs and remnants of pristine prairie landscapes.
Top Viewpoints and Stops
Seven exceptional viewpoints offer panoramic 360 degrees vistas accessible via short hiking trails:
- Preparation Canyon State Park (5-mile loop trail with bluff overlooks);
- Lewis & Clark State Park (sculpture hill providing 100-foot views);
- Beebeetown Bluff (shortest 0.5-mile hike to river overlooks).
- Loess Hills State Forest (42.483 degreesN, 96.067 degreesW; 2-mile trail; ideal for sunset golden hour amid ancient loess formations; $0 entry; AllTrails rating: 4.7/5).
- Pisgah Preserve (41.987 degreesN, 95.942 degreesW; 3-mile ridge loop; excellent for dusk wildlife spotting in native prairie remnants; $2 entry; 4.8/5).
- Flat Top Scenic Overlook (42.123 degreesN, 95.876 degreesW; 1-mile bluff path; features sunset horizon glow and eagle nesting cliffs; $0 entry; 4.6/5).
- Boyer Chute Bridge Viewpoint (41.456 degreesN, 96.034 degreesW; 0.8-mile river trail; renowned for twilight reflections and historic truss bridge; $5 entry; 4.7/5).
The AllTrails app (average rating: 4.7/5) is recommended for navigation. Note: A common oversight is neglecting tick repellent from May to August, as Iowa Department of Natural Resources reports encounter rates exceeding 30%.
2. Local Eats: Amana Colonies Dutch Apple Pie at Jaarsma Bakery
The Amana Colonies’ renowned Dutch apple pie, meticulously crafted by seventh-generation German immigrants, showcases caramelized Granny Smith apples enveloped in a flaky crust. This dessert has been acclaimed by Food Network as Iowa’s finest pie.
Replicate this signature creation at home using the precise recipe from Ox Yoke Inn: 3 pounds of peeled Granny Smith apples, 1 cup of sugar, 2 teaspoons of Dutch cinnamon, and a pinch of nutmeg, all within a double-crust pastry.
Layer the apples in the bottom crust, dot with 2 tablespoons of butter, apply the top crust, and brush with an egg wash.
Bake at 425 degreesF for 15 minutes, followed by 350 degreesF for 40 minutes, or until golden brown.
Complement the pie with Amana raspberry wine. In 2023, Ox Yoke Inn sold 50,000 pies; their bakery opens at 7 a.m. for fresh slices. (92 words)
3. Scenic Drive: Great River Road
America’s Great River Road follows the Iowa side of the Mississippi River for 340 miles, offering a scenic journey that combines eagle watching with visits to charming riverfront towns and history ferries.
Riverfront Highlights
Discover five exceptional riverfront destinations along the Mississippi River:
- Bellevue State Park: Features 200-foot bluffs and prime fish-viewing opportunities at Lock & Dam 12.
- Sabula: Iowa’s only island town, accessible via a complimentary ferry service.
- Guttenberg: Renowned for its history brewery district.
- Potosi Point (450 Marina Dr, Potosi, WI; open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; free admission). Embark on a guided eagle-watching boat tour ($25 per person, 1 hour) to observe bald eagles along the river. Peak season is January to February, with tours averaging over 200 birds sighted (data from Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources).
- Cassville (101 N Howell St, Cassville, WI; visitor center open 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.; free admission). Hike the Stone Hollow Trail, a 2-mile loop offering panoramic views from the bluffs. Optimal for frozen river vistas in January and February.
Approximate driving times via Google Maps: Bellevue to Sabula (25 minutes), Sabula to Guttenberg (15 minutes), Guttenberg to Potosi (20 minutes), Potosi to Cassville (15 minutes).
4. Field of Dreams Movie Site in Dyersville
Dyersville‘s Field of Dreams, featured in the 1989 Kevin Costner film, attracts approximately 100,000 visitors annually to the preserved cornfields diamond used during filming.
For planning your visit, note the following details: Adult admission is $20, which includes access to the field and tours of the movie house; bats and balls are available for rent at $5 to play catch.
- Ghost player photo opportunities are offered on weekends from 10 AM to 4 PM (summer schedule). Enjoy baseball fun!
- Hourly tours of the nearby farmhouse are available for $10 per person.
Visitation increased by 30% in 2023, following the release of the *Field of Dreams* sequel, according to Iowa Tourism statistics.
Visitors can view the iconic plaque bearing the quote “If you build it, he will come” located near home plate, evoking the film’s cinematic essence.
Learn more, ‘Field of Dreams’: A history of the Dyersville, Iowa, movie site.
5. Local Eats: Iowa State Fair Foods
The Iowa State Fair features over 1,100 food stands offering more than 11 deep-fried classics, such as the pork chop on a stick priced at $11, alongside attractions like the butter cow sculpture.
The top eight must-try foods, ranked by 2024 attendance, include:
- Chicken fried bacon ($12, 850 calories) – a crispy pork delicacy;
- Deep-fried Oreos clone recipe ($8, 1,200 calories per serving) prepared with pancake batter;
- Pork chop on a stick ($11, 900 calories).
For an optimal experience, consider a structured “fair food crawl”: Begin at Gate 7 for the pork chop, proceed 0.3 miles to the Culinary Arts building for the Oreos, and continue 0.4 miles to the Grandstand for the chicken fried bacon.
Fair hours are 9:00 AM to 11:00 PM. The total crawl spans 1 mile and exceeds 3,000 calories. It is advisable to hydrate between bites.
6. Scenic Drive: Covered Bridges Trail in Madison County
Madison County is home to 19 historic covered bridges, which inspired Robert James Waller’s novel *The Bridges of Madison County*. These bridges are conveniently clustered within a 30-mile self-guided driving loop originating from the John Wayne Birthplace & Museum in Winterset.
Visitors are advised to follow a clockwise route for an optimal scenic tour, approximately 4 hours in duration, utilizing GPS waypoints for navigation.
Key highlights to prioritize include:
- Hogback Bridge, Iowa’s longest at 118 feet;
- Cedar Covered Bridge, renowned for its striking photogenic arches.
GPS coordinates, such as Hogback Bridge at 41.368 degreesN, 94.233 degreesW, are recommended for precise navigation.
Prime photography locations for romantic imagery feature the arched interior of Cedar Covered Bridge and the picturesque willow backdrop at Imes Bridge.
All 19 bridges were added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1976. Six have been preserved through county restoration grants totaling $1.2 million since 2000.
The official Madison County map app is available for download, providing real-time directions and enhanced visitor experience.
7. Effigy Mounds National Monument – Outdoor Attractions
Effigy Mounds National Monument preserves more than 200 American Indian earthworks, including mounds shaped like bears and panthers, as well as sacred sites dating back 2,500 years situated atop the bluffs of the Mississippi River.
Visitors may hike the 2.1-mile Hanging Rock Trail, which is of moderate difficulty and offers stunning bluff views, or the 1.1-mile Third Mound Trail, an easier option providing overlooks of the effigy mounds.
Ranger-led programs are available, including birdwatching on Saturdays at 10:00 AM and cultural talks on Sundays at 2:00 PM; schedules should be verified at nps.gov.
Photographers are permitted to use tripods only on designated trails, in accordance with National Park Service regulations prohibiting drones.
A 2019 University of Wisconsin survey confirmed the presence of 206 mounds, and the park attracts approximately 30,000 visitors annually.
It is recommended to allocate 2-4 hours per trail, wear sturdy footwear, and remain on marked paths to protect these UNESCO-nominated sites.
8. Local Eats: Des Moines Farmers’ Market – Pastry Delights
America’s largest farmers market, held every Saturday from 7 a.m. to noon, features 200 vendors offering Iowa sweet corn, artisan bread, and La Quercia prosciutto.
Follow this curated food trail map for the finest culinary experiences:
- Begin at the Gusto stall for the highest-rated breakfast burrito ($8), featuring chorizo and egg perfection.
- Proceed to Breadsmith for a tasting of their sourdough timeline, including samples from 24-hour fermented pastries.
- Conclude at Seasonal Peak for July’s peak sweet corn ($4 per dozen).
In 2024, the market attracted 250,000 visitors. For optimal parking, utilize the free and convenient Skywalk access from downtown Des Moines.
9. Maquoketa Caves State Park & Grotto Adventures
Maquoketa Caves State Park in Decorah features 13 major caves, including Raccoon Cave, which requires descending 95 steps, and the 1,110-foot Dancehall Cave, illuminated by string lights.
This guide provides a cave-by-cave exploration overview:
- Natural Bridge: A 40-foot span accessible via an easy 0.3-mile loop trail, perfect for biking.
- Ice Cave: Maintains a consistent 35 degreesF temperature year-round; visitors should wear layers for the 20-foot deep chamber.
Essential gear includes a headlamp or flashlight and sturdy boots. The 6-mile trail network map along the Upper Iowa River is available for download from the Maquoketa Caves State Park website.
Safety records from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources indicate zero fatalities when proper footwear is used. Begin at the visitor center for guided tour options; total hiking time ranges from 3 to 5 hours.
10. Cedar Rapids Art Scene & Breweries, Pella, Winterset
Cedar Rapids, Iowa’s second-largest city in the Hawkeye State, boasts over 20 breweries and the acclaimed National Czech & Slovak Museum, featuring notable Grant Wood exhibits from Madison County. To optimize your visit, follow this curated 3-hour itinerary.
Commence at the National Czech & Slovak Museum (admission: $12), or visit Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum for Scandinavian heritage, where you can explore its distinguished Bohemian glass collection and Grant Wood artworks.
Proceed to Pint’s guided downtown brewery crawl, comprising five stops with 4-ounce tasting flights for $12. Highlights include hazy IPAs at Grab A Pint, authentic Czech-style lagers at Czechmate, danish pastries nearby, and trout from local streams.
Conclude your itinerary along the Public Art Trail, which showcases 32 striking murals.
In 2023, tourism in Cedar Rapids generated $45 million in economic impact, according to data from the Cedar Rapids Convention and Visitors Bureau, sustaining this dynamic cultural and brewing landscape.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Top 10 Things to Do in Iowa: Scenic Drives, Local Eats & Midwest Charm?
The Top 10 Things to Do in Iowa: Scenic Drives, Local Eats & Midwest Charm include driving the Loess Hills Scenic Byway for stunning views, savoring loose meat sandwiches at local diners in Elk Horn and West Bend, exploring Amana Colonies for German-inspired eats and charm, hiking in Maquoketa Caves State Park, enjoying farm-fresh pies at Iowa State Fair and Tulip Time Festival in Pella, cruising the Great River Road along the Mississippi, tasting craft beers in Des Moines and at Nordic Fest in Decorah, visiting the Bridges of Madison County, John Wayne Birthplace & Museum in Winterset, digging into tenderloin sandwiches in small towns like Gladbrook and Madrid, and experiencing covered bridge tours with picnic stops highlighting Midwest hospitality at Vermeer Windmill or Danish Windmill.
Which scenic drives are highlights in the Top 10 Things to Do in Iowa: Scenic Drives, Local Eats & Midwest Charm?
Key scenic drives in the Top 10 Things to Do in Iowa: Scenic Drives, Local Eats & Midwest Charm feature the Loess Hills Scenic Byway with its rolling hills and prairies, the Great River Road tracing the Mississippi River’s bluffs, the Field of Dreams in Dyersville, High Trestle Trail Bridge near Madrid, and the Bridges of Madison County route showcasing iconic covered bridges amid pastoral landscapes, all embodying Iowa’s Midwest charm.
What local eats should I try from the Top 10 Things to Do in Iowa: Scenic Drives, Local Eats & Midwest Charm?
Must-try local eats in the Top 10 Things to Do in Iowa: Scenic Drives, Local Eats & Midwest Charm are the famous Iowa loose meat sandwich, breaded pork tenderloin that’s bigger than the plate, homemade pies at roadside stands and Jaarsma Bakery, German sausages and strudels in Amana Colonies, corn-fed steaks at family-owned steakhouses, and norwegian specialties, paired perfectly with scenic drives.
How does Midwest charm play into the Top 10 Things to Do in Iowa: Scenic Drives, Local Eats & Midwest Charm?
Midwest charm shines in the Top 10 Things to Do in Iowa: Scenic Drives, Local Eats & Midwest Charm through friendly locals at diners, quaint farm towns with white-steepled churches, summer county fairs and festivals with butter sculptures, Trek Fest and windmill exhibits, and welcoming bed-and-breakfasts along scenic byways, creating an authentic, heartfelt Iowa experience.
Can you suggest a road trip itinerary based on Top 10 Things to Do in Iowa: Scenic Drives, Local Eats & Midwest Charm?
A great road trip for Top 10 Things to Do in Iowa: Scenic Drives, Local Eats & Midwest Charm starts in Des Moines with craft brews and tenderloins, heads to Loess Hills for scenic drives, stops in Amana for local eats, follows the Great River Road to the Grotto of the Redemption in West Bend and Axe Murder House in Villisca, explores Madison County bridges and Laura Ingalls Wilder sites, visits Matchstick Marvels Museum and the tulip festival, and ends at Maquoketa Caves and Riverside’s Captain James T. Kirk legacy, blending drives, food, and charm over 3-5 days.
Why is Iowa perfect for combining scenic drives and local eats in Top 10 Things to Do in Iowa: Scenic Drives, Local Eats & Midwest Charm?
Iowa excels in Top 10 Things to Do in Iowa: Scenic Drives, Local Eats & Midwest Charm because its uncrowded backroads offer breathtaking drives through farmlands and rivers, dotted with mom-and-pop eateries serving hearty, affordable Midwest staples like pie and pork, all wrapped in genuine small-town charm that’s easy to access year-round.
