FAQ

Yes! Communities across the state come together throughout the summer (and sometimes winter!) to support local growers and artists. Here’s a list of the main Farmers’ Markets, but be sure to also check our listings and/or community websites to find smaller markets.
 

Waterloo offers a variety of attractions and activities. Visit one of the many museums that make up the Grout Museum District. For a deep-dive into the area’s agriculture roots, stop by the John Deere Tractor & Engine Museum. See stunning art and learn about Haitian culture at the Waterloo Center for the Arts. During the summer, experience endless thrills at Lost Island Waterpark and Themepark. Catch a Waterloo Bucks Baseball game in the summer of Waterloo Black Hawks hockey game in the winter. And more! Here’s how to maximize a weekend in Waterloo.
 

Iowa is filled with fun camping opportunities! Discover unique camping adventures and camping paired with outdoor recreation. If glamping is more your style, check out these year-round cabin rentals and tents, cabins, covered wagons and more vacation rentals on working farms across the state.
 

A must-visit architectural marvel, the High Trestle Trail Bridge spans half a mile with 41 steel frames that highlight the area’s mining history. During the day, you can admire the sweeping views of the Des Moines River Valley. Or visit at night to see the bridge’s steel frame glow with blue LED lights under the moonlight.
 

Iowa has its fair share of spooky spots – like the Villisca Ax Murder House, where an entire family was mysteriously murdered in 1912, and the Edinburgh Manor, a former poor farm and asylum that’s now a hotspot for ghost hunters. Find more haunted attractions.
 

There are endless adventures to discover in Iowa. Find a trip that checks all your bucket list boxes here.
 

Iowa is home to a variety of festivals that celebrate its rich culture and community spirit. In the fall, visit one of the many fall festivals in Iowa. Throughout the year, discover some of the country’s best and biggest music festivals; learn about the many cultures that call Iowa home at these cultural festivals; watch innovative and inspiring independent films at Iowa’s film festivals; and discover other events across the state with the Iowa Events Calendar.

Iowa’s warm weather months are packed with live outdoor music events. Discover some of the country’s best and biggest music festivals or catch a performance at these unique music venues. Discover other music events across the state with the Iowa Events Calendar.
 

The Iowa State Fair offers endless activities. Iconic adventures include racing down the giant slide, visiting the famous Butter Cow, sampling Iowa brews at the Craft Beer Tent, catching big name live music performances at the Grandstand. Visitors can also stop by Thrill Park to experience carnival rides and games, meet farm animals, admire agricultural equipment, catch magic shows and other live music events and more throughout the fair. Here’s an ultimate guide to the Iowa State Fair.

Iowa boasts a plethora of outdoor activities that cater to adventurers and nature lovers alike. Did you know Iowa is the World Capital of Trails? Discover bike trails for every adventure. There’s also plenty of places for mountain biking, hiking, rock climbing and paddling, plus endless opportunities for lake fun. For nature lovers, enjoy these stargazing and birding spots, or check out these nature centers, caves and waterfalls. Iowa offers especially stunning views during the fall – here are 20 ways to experience the stunning fall foliage. During the winter, be sure to check out Iowa’s ski slopes and ice fishing hot spots, plus other winter recreation.
 

Iowa is home to some fantastic farm-to-table dining experiences. You can’t miss Primrose in Corning, all the Big Grove Brewery locations, Brazen Open Kitchen and Bar in Dubuque and more! Here’s a more extensive list, and be sure to also check out Iowa’s farm-to-table dining events and farmers’ markets.
 

Iowa offers plenty of you-pick pumpkin patches for fall fun! Some popular locations include Deal’s Orchard, Harvestville Farm, Pinter’s Gardens & Pumpkins, Bloomsbury Farm and more.

If you’re looking to enjoy some apple picking fun in Iowa, check out this list of delightful pick-your-own apple orchards across the state. Some of the top spots include the Center Grove Orchard, Deal’s Orchard, Ditmars Orchard, Little Sioux Orchard and more.

Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures or indoor escapes, there’s plenty of exciting activities to enjoy during the winter season. Admire the snow-covered landscape on a scenic winter hike, test your skills on Iowa’s slopes or try a new winter activity like cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. For fun inside, check out these tropical waterparks and thrilling indoor playgrounds.
 

Summer in Iowa is such a vibrant time! Here’s a summer bucket list to get your planning started, and here’s one specifically for summer events. Otherwise, there’s plenty of other warm-weather must-dos. From Iowa’s theme parks, water parks and splash pads to farmers’ markets, county fairs and baseball games, your weekends will quickly fill up. For outdoor recreation, cool down on Iowa’s water trails or lakes or pedal for sights, scenery and sips. Be sure to also check out these pet-friendly patios.
 

Fall in Iowa is a magical time filled with vibrant colors, festive events and unforgettable outdoor adventures. Kickstart your fall planning with this list of 20 ways to see fall colors or this autumn bingo card. Relax and admire the stunning fall views at these 10 wineries or by taking a scenic drive. For the best of family fun, check out Iowa’s pumpkin patches and apple orchards, or plan a campus town vacation when school is back in session. Embrace spooky season with a visit to Iowa’s most haunted attractions or merge both kinds of spirits with haunted spots and distillery stops.  
 

Spring in Iowa is a delightful time – the weather warms up, and the landscape comes alive with budding trees and blooming flowers. This season is the perfect time to explore Iowa’s hiking trails (more hiking!) and bike trails, and see the state’s beautiful waterfalls. This time of year is also perfect for bird watching (migrating season) and stargazing (shorter days). If you’re especially interested in wildflowers, subscribe to the Iowa DNR’s Wildflowers Bloom report to see what’s bloom where and when.