Things to Do in Iowa

Published Aug 14, 2026 · Things to Do ·

Iowa — the Hawkeye State — is packed with attractions for every kind of traveler. Here are the top places to put on your list.

Top attractions & activities

How do I plan a trip to Iowa?

Start with the Iowa state guide for key facts (capital Des Moines, population 3,190,369 (2020 census)), then explore city guides for Des Moines and other major cities in the state.

City guides: Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Iowa City, Davenport.

Frequently asked questions

What are the top things to do in Iowa?

The most-visited places in Iowa include Field of Dreams movie site, Maquoketa Caves and Effigy Mounds National Monument. The full list is above, and the Iowa state guide has more detail.

What is the capital of Iowa?

The capital of Iowa is Des Moines; the largest city is Des Moines.

How do I plan a trip to Iowa?

Start with the Iowa state guide for key facts, then check the official state tourism office and National Park Service sites for current hours, fees and seasonal closures.

Sources

National Park Service, state tourism offices and official attraction websites. Details verified at time of publication — always check official sites for hours, fees and seasonal closures.

More Iowa guides

Moving to Iowa

Relocation

Key facts and what to know before relocating to the Hawkeye State.

All 50 States

Nationwide

Browse state guides for every state in the U.S.

Nearby states

Minnesota Guide

Midwest

Capital St. Paul, population 5,706,494 (2020 census) and top places to visit across the North Star State.

Wisconsin Guide

Midwest

Capital Madison, population 5,893,718 (2020 census) and top places to visit across the Badger State.

Illinois Guide

Midwest

Capital Springfield, population 12,812,508 (2020 census) and top places to visit across the Prairie State.

Missouri Guide

Midwest

Capital Jefferson City, population 6,154,913 (2020 census) and top places to visit across the Show-Me State.

Nebraska Guide

Midwest

Capital Lincoln, population 1,961,504 (2020 census) and top places to visit across the Cornhusker State.

South Dakota Guide

Midwest

Capital Pierre, population 886,667 (2020 census) and top places to visit across the Mount Rushmore State.

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