Every weekend in Iowa brings with it a fresh chance to getaway. Fun locations to visit may be found all throughout Iowa, from the beautiful countryside to the culturally rich city. Exploring a state park, visiting the Tulip Festival, or cheering on the Iowa Hawkeyes at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City are all popular weekend activities in Iowa.
Places like Loess Hills and Lake Okoboji are great year-round adventure options for nature and outdoor lovers. Other natural features, such as the Mississippi River and the high topography around Decorah, promote spending time outdoors as well. The Amana Colonies and Pella are two Iowa weekend escapes that involve stepping into various civilizations.
With this list of the finest weekend getaways in Iowa, you can plan your next best Midwest trip.
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1. Des Moines, Iowa
Des Moines is Iowa's state capital and a fast-growing city with young professionals, top-notch restaurants, and exciting things to do in every direction. The John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park and the gold-domed State Capitol building are also tourists draws in the downtown area. Foodies will also enjoy Americana, Centro, and the 801 Chophouse, which are all sumptuous restaurants.
The Science Center of Iowa, the Des Moines Civic Center, and the Wells Fargo Arena are among the other attractions in downtown Des Moines. The world-famous Iowa State Fair, located on the outskirts of downtown, is an annual event that attracts thousands of visitors each year.
2. Rotary Riverwalk Park
Des Moines' increasing attractiveness is aided by its proximity to natural areas. Rotary Riverwalk Park is an example of a lovely public area in the heart of the city. This manicured area, which is next to the Des Moines River downtown, also provides access to the neighboring Robert D. Ray Asian Gardens.
The Des Lux Hotel, which offers first-class service and décor that represents the better things in life, is a popular and fashionable location to stay in the city. The Waveland Cafe on University Avenue is known for providing the finest hash browns in the world, according to breakfast aficionados.
3. The town of Decorah
Decorah, in Iowa's extreme northeast corner, is renowned for its natural beauty and genuine Norwegian history. The Trout Run Trail is a wonderful non-motorized way to see Decorah's natural beauty, including some of the state's finest trout fishing. Other outdoor attractions, such as Dunning Spring and Ice Cave Hill Park, are only minutes from downtown and provide convenient outdoor enjoyment.
The Decorah community also welcomes weekend visits. The city is filled with many cultural institutions linked to its Norwegian heritage, in addition to welcoming faces and Midwestern friendliness. Between outdoor activities, there's enough to do at places like the Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum and the Billy Clocks Museum.
When visiting Decorah, the Hotel Winneshiek is a great location to stay. This historic hotel offers stylish contemporary rooms, as well as convenient access to the great outdoors and a variety of surrounding cultural activities.
4. Iowa City, Iowa
The Hawkeyes and the University of Iowa are both based in Iowa City. Whether you're a student or not, this college city has plenty of reasons to come on a weekend. Other options for entertainment include Hancher Auditorium, the Stanley Museum of Art, and many renowned breakfast restaurants, in addition to attending a Saturday football game and tailgating at Kinnick Stadium.
The Old Capitol inside the Pentacrest, the University of Iowa's campus centerpiece, is a striking reminder of the city's majestic history. The Old Capitol Museum in Iowa City now celebrates Iowa City's history as the state's first capital.
Iowa City's culture is very popular. The university's Iowa Writers' Workshop, the nation's top writing school, has helped the city become a UNESCO City of Literature. Prairie Lights Café, for example, is well-known for its literary reputation. And there's a lovely pedestrian mall dotted with local stores, cafés, and unusual public art pieces throughout the remainder of downtown. The Englert Theatre is located in downtown Iowa City.
Coralville Lake is a popular recreational location outside of the city, featuring an excellent network of mountain bike trails and a disc golf course at Sugar Bottom Recreation Area. The Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum, located just outside of town in West Branch, pays homage to the Iowa-born 31st President of the United States' labor and achievements.
5. Pella, Iowa
Pella is located 40 miles east of Des Moines, on the shores of Lake Red Rock. For many reasons, it is worth a weekend visit, but the city's rich Dutch history draws the most visitors. When visiting Pella, the Netherlands is never far away, from the Historical Village and Vermeer Windmill to the Dutch letters seen at businesses like Jaarsma Bakery.
The annual Tulip Time Festival, sponsored by the city, is perhaps the finest illustration of Pella's cultural festivities. Parades, costumed characters, and a plethora of tulip gardens highlight this springtime festival. The Tulip Festival is held the first full weekend in May, although the tulips are usually in full bloom a week before and after the festival.
6. Loess Hills
The Loess Hills, located on the state's western border, is one of Iowa's most beautiful landscapes. The region is made up of fine dirt that has been accumulated in huge mounds over a prairie landscape. It provides a one-of-a-kind setting not just in Iowa, but also in the nation, with a picturesque area seen in few other locations.
A drive along the Loess Hills National Beautiful Byway is one of the finest ways to appreciate the state's scenic western side. Hitchcock Nature Center and Loess Hills Lavender Farm are both enjoyable for the entire family along the trip. The Loess Hills State Forest is home to a variety of outdoor activities, including the historically significant Preparation Canyon State Park.
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