FAQ

Iowa has some amazing waterfalls! From Dunning's Spring Park in Decorah to the Willow Creek Waterfall in Mason City  14 Wonderful Waterfalls in Iowa is Travel Iowa's complete guide to to the best waterfall's Iowa has to offer. 

Iowa is home to a little bit of everything – award-winning museums, culinary delights, farm tours, historic wonders, etc. Explore each of our Travel Areas to discover the attractions that make Iowa’s communities worth a visit.

 

The High Trestle Trail Bridge is located between Madrid and Woodward. It can be easily accessed by parking at the Flat Tire Lounge in Madrid or the Woodward trailhead (99 N Main St). The bridge is located just 2.5 miles from both locations. For visitors, you can rent an electric bike at Local Spokes in Slater for an easy and stress-free High Trestle Trail experience.
 

The Iowa State Fair is typically held the second weekend through the third weekend of August. In 2025, the fair takes place August 7-17 at the Iowa State Fairgrounds.

Each year’s fair brings a variety of foods on a stick, fried everything and more delicious dishes! Repeat favorites include Barksdale’s Cookies, honey lemonade, pork chop on a stick, hot beef sundaes, fried oreos and twinkies and more. Here’s an ultimate guide to the Iowa State Fair.
 

There are endless unique places to spend a night in Iowa – it simply depends on what you’re looking for! A night surrounded by history? Check out these historic hotels, or spend a night with spooky spirits at some of Iowa’s haunted spots. A night on a farm? Check out these farm stays or renovated barns and bins. A night at a winery? Check out these romantic retreats. A luxury boutique hotel? Check out these intimate weekend getaways. Find even more unique hotels that match your interests or check out Iowa’s year-round cabins.
 

The Field of Dreams Movie Site is located at 28995 Lansing Road, Dyersville, Iowa, which is about 25 miles west of Dubuque.
 

Western Iowa is rich in history, natural beauty and unique attractions. This section of the state includes communities like Sioux City, Okoboji, Fort Dodge and Council Bluffs, which offer endless exciting adventures. You can’t miss the Loess Hills, which are a geological gem that can’t be found anywhere else in the world. For more outdoor adventures, check out Stone State Park, the Iowa Great Lakes and Preparation Canyon State Park. For family fun, experience Danish culture in Elk Horn or dive into the Ice Cream Capital of the World in Le Mars. History buffs can delight in the area’s settlement history at the Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center or the Fort Atkinson State Preserve.
 

Southern Iowa is full of small-town charm, scenic landscapes and fascinating historical sites. This area is home to communities like Clarinda, Centerville, Burlington, Keokuk and Fort Madison, each offering its own unique blend of attractions and experiences. Outdoor lovers can explore the scenic trails and shoreline at Lake Rathbun, cast a line at Three Mile Lake or enjoy a peaceful escape to Honey Creek State Park. Families can settle in for a weekend of fun at FunCity Resort or Honey Creek Resort. History buffs can dive into the area’s past by visiting the Appanoose County Historical and Coal Mining Museum, Dragoon Trace Nature Center and more.
 

Eastern Iowa offers lots to do – cultural attractions, river recreation, historic adventures and more. This area includes vibrant communities like Dubuque, Davenport, Iowa City, Cedar Rapids, Waterloo, Cedar Falls, Muscatine and Burlington. Outdoor adventures include endless hiking and camping opportunities at Yellow River State Forest, Effigy Mounds National Monument, Pikes Peak State Park and Wildcat Den State Park. Families can enjoy hands-on interactive fun at the Iowa Children’s Museum in Coralville, the Family Museum in Bettendorf and the Sawmill Museum in Clinton. History buffs can also delight in German heritage throughout the Amana Colonies, tour the historic estate of Brucemore in Cedar Rapids and learn about Iowa’s only native president at the Herbert Hoover National Historic Site in West Branch.
 

Northern Iowa offers a variety of landscapes complete with charming small towns to explore. This area of the state includes Mason City, Clear Lake, Decorah, Forest City, Spencer, Sioux Center and Le Mars, each offering a unique sample of life in Iowa. Outdoor enthusiasts can take on Charles City’s and Manchester’s whitewater parks, Dolliver Memorial State Park or Pilot Knob State Park. Families will love visiting the Fossil & Prairie Park Preserve in Rockford, the Decorah Fish Hatchery and King’s Pointe Waterpark Resort in Storm Lake. History buffs can dig into the area’s roots at the Okoboji Spirit Center, Fort Dodge’s Fort Museum & Frontier Village and the Vesterheim National Norwegian-American Museum.
 

Iowa is home to several beautiful lakes that offer both thrilling recreation and relaxing escapes. The Iowa Great Lakes are the most popular summer lake destination, and boast everything from lake cruises and boat rentals to lakeside dining and lodging and more. Other Iowa lakes are perfect for family weekends, hiking trips, quiet escapes or fishing trips. Or simply enjoy a peaceful retreat to these Iowa lake resorts.
 

Iowa has several Amish and Mennonite communities across the state. Many communities welcome visitors including, Davis County Amish in Bloomfield, Hazleton Amish Community in Buchanan County, Kalona Amish & Mennonite in Washington County, and Van Buren County Amish and Mennonite in Cantril & Milton.

From curds to blocks to spreads, Iowa is for cheese lovers! Check out Hansen's Farm Fresh Dairy in Waterloo & Cedar Falls, Hinterland Dairy in Donnellson, WW Homestead Dairy in Waukon, or Picket Fence Creamery in Woodward to find the perfect additions for your next charcuterie board.

When visiting Spencer, eat like the locals do! Kick off your day with specialty coffee and baked goods from Medlar Coffee in downtown Spencer. Then pop over to Sammy's Italian Pasta & Pizza for lunch and treat yourself to a hand-tossed pizza. Finish up your day at Weasy's Lounge & Grille for their signature “Weaser Pleaser"—a local favorite.

Oskaloosa is known for its Irish-American cuisine, with Bridget's Public House being a local favorite. For a more historic experience, check out the P.O. Box located inside the historic 1904 post office building. Or pair your dinner with live music and movies at TRIO Entertainment.

Crouse Café is a local legacy known for some of the best pie in the state, plus all-day breakfast and lunch items including French toast, omelets, onion rings and hot sandwiches.

With all-day breakfast, hand-held lunch options, and fresh baked goods, Robin's Nest Café & Bakery is the perfect stop for brunch. In the evening, enjoy some fine dining and cocktails at J. Bruner's.

The Autistic & Loved Sensory Gym in Davenport provides a safe, drop-in-friendly space with sensory stations, trampolines and a zip line. Get Air Trampoline Park in Waterloo also offers quiet hours the first Saturday of each month.

There are several KultureCity certified sensory-inclusive entertainment venues across Iowa. Catch a ball game at Principal Park, enjoy a live show at Vibrant Music Hall, or get lost in Blank Park Zoo—they all feature designated quiet spaces and offer a variety of accommodations.

Big Spring Fish Hatchery Kid's Fishing Pond in Elkader is reserved exclusively for youth 15 years old or younger, so long as they are accompanied by a licensed adult. In addition to fishing, kids can feed trout and see how they’re raised at the Decorah Fish Hatchery.

Pella and Orange City were both founded by Dutch immigrants and host Tulip Festivals every spring, bringing a little piece of the Netherlands into the Midwest.

The Amana colonies were founded by German immigrants in 1855, where they are still celebrating their culture with festivals like Maifest and Oktoberfest. Guttenberg is another fantastic small town that features over 100 stone structures built by German craftsmen.

First founded in the 1800s, Czech Village is the go-to spot in Iowa to experience Czech culture. Celebrate the arrival of spring by attending Houby Days, then stop by the National Czech & Slovak Museum to learn more about their history. 

Decorah hosts several Norwegian events throughout the year, such as Syttende Mai Celebration and Nordic Fest.

Named after a French-Canadian settler from Quebec, we must recommend Dubuque! Learn all about the town’s cultural history at one of their many museums and enjoy the European-influenced architecture.

Kimballton and Elk Horn are two of the largest rural Danish settlements in the U.S. Enjoy Danish folk dancing, Viking demonstrations and the Danish windmill for a taste of Denmark.

Known as Iowa’s Irish Capital and as the official sister city to Dublin, you must visit Emmetsburg—especially around St. Patrick’s Day! The event draws in huge crowds that come to celebrate Irish culture through dancing, music and a parade.

With thousands of lakes, ponds and rivers to choose from, Iowa offers many excellent boat fishing opportunities. Both Green Valley State Park and Red Haw State Park offer great camping areas so you can be sure to get an early start to your next great catch. Enjoy 171 acres of swimming, boating and fishing on the  Lake Anita State Park or visit a larger body of water in Iowa’s resort region for fishing adventures on Spirit Lake.