FAQ

There are plenty of adventures to have on the Mighty Mississippi! Spend a weekend exploring the historic communities along its shores or driving along the Great River Road. Learn more about the river at these Great River Road Interpretive Centers. For boating, fishing and paddling information, visit the Iowa DNR’s website.
 

While it is less popular for recreation, there are still ways to enjoy the Missouri River. In Council Bluffs, you can enjoy scenic views of the river from Rivers Edge Park and the accompanying 3,000-foot-long Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge, or find boating access at Narrows River Park and bike along the shoreline on the Iowa Riverfront Trail. For more river recreation, check out Sioux City’s Riverfront Trail for more scenic water views, Wilson Island State Recreation Area for trails, fishing and boating and Huff-Warner Access Area for boating and camping.
 

While Iowa’s fall season typically spans from late September to early November, the best time to see peak fall color is during the first two weeks of October. However, the timing can vary slightly depending on the specific region and weather conditions each year. To catch the colors at their brightest, it's a good idea to check the Iowa DNR Fall Color Report for updates.

Winterset is especially known for its picturesque landscapes and rich history. Learn about the community’s Hollywood connections by visiting each of the six covered Bridges of Madison County or the John Wayne Birthplace & Museum.  For scenic sights and outdoor adventures, visit the beautiful Winterset City Park, paddle the Middle River Water Trail or hike at Pammel State Park. For farm fun, visit Rusty Stars Alpacas, shop and/or glamp at PepperHarrow Farm and Speckled Hen Farms. Or go on a shopping spree, see stunning murals and catch a movie inside the historic Iowa Theater on Winterset’s town square.
 

Burlington is packed with historic and modern adventures. You can’t miss a stroll or drive down Snake Alley, the most crooked street in the world. Then check out FunCity Resort’s endless entertainment, which includes a casino, arcade, go-karts, outdoor waterpark, bowling and more. Then catch a Burlington Bees Baseball game, watch a movie inside the historic Capitol Theater or shop around Downtown Burlington. For outdoor fun, explore Starr’s Cave Park and Preserve, Big Hollow Recreation Area, Geode State Park and the North Gorge Trails. Here’s the ultimate guide to a family getaway to Burlington.
 

Sioux City is packed with surprises. For family fun, visit the LaunchPAD Children’s Museum. For history enthusiasts, you can’t miss the Sioux City Public Museum, Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center and Sergeant Floyd River Museum. For nature enthusiasts, check out the Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center. For year-round outdoor thrills, stop by Cone Park. For art lovers, the Sioux City Art Center is a must-visit. For the area’s best dining and shopping, stroll thought the Fourth Street Historic District. Your planning just got easier – here’s how to spend 48 hours in Sioux City.
 

Okoboji is a laker lovers’ paradise! Take advantage of the Iowa Great Lakes by hopping aboard a sightseeing Queen II Cruise, staying at the lakeside Bridges Bay Resort, biking the Iowa Great Lakes Trail or riding the iconic Legend Roller Coaster at Arnolds Park Amusement Park. Other must do’s include the Pearson Art Lakes Center, live music events, the Okoboji Spirit Center and West O Brewing. Here’s the ultimate guide for how to experience Okoboji and the Iowa Great Lakes.
 

A vibrant college town, Ames is packed with fun activities. Attend a Cyclones sporting event at Iowa State University, admire the beautiful displays at Reiman Gardens, discover local art at the Brunnier Art Museum,  go on a shopping spree on Ames Main Street and more. Here’s the perfect way to spend 48 hours in Ames.
 

The Boone and Scenic Valley Railroad offers a variety of ticketed rides that train enthusiasts of all ages can enjoy. The most popular excursion is the Fraser Train, an 11-mile round trip ride that takes you to the once bustling coal mining town of Fraser. Other rides include dinner, lunch and picnic trains, as well as seasonal rides like the Pumpkin Express and Santa Express.
 

The best time to visit Iowa largely depends on what you’re looking for, and each of Iowa’s four seasons offer endless fun.
For vibrant festivals, outdoor activities, water recreation and other warm weather adventures, summer is the perfect time to visit. For stunningly colorful foliage, scenic road trips and cool sweater weather, fall is what you’re looking for. Winter, while cold, offers its own charm with holiday festivities and winter sports, and spring boasts blooming flowers and milder weather that best suits hiking, bird watching and other outdoor adventures.
 

Des Moines is a vibrant city with a wide range of activities to enjoy! Some must-dos include visiting the Iowa State Capitol, Science Center of Iowa, Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, Pappajohn Sculpture Park and eating at famous restaurants like Fong’s Pizza and Zombie Burger. Here are some itineraries to jump-start your planning: Des Moines on a Budget, How to Spend 48 Hours in Des Moines and Des Moines’ hidden gems. 
 

Iowa City boasts a rich culture and historic landscape. You can’t miss the Old Capitol Museum, University of Iowa Museums like the Stanley Museum of Art, Natural History Museum, the Englert Theatre and the downtown district’s shops and restaurants. For more inspiration, see How to Spend 48 Hours in Iowa City, or dive into the city’s literary history and attractions.
 

Dubuque offers a delightful mix of history, outdoor adventures and cultural experiences. Some must dos include visiting the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium, Fenelon Place Elevator, Mines of Spain Recreation Area and the nearby Field of Dreams Movie Site. Jump-start your planning with these itineraries: Family Fun in Dubuque and Campus Town Vacations: Dubuque.
 

Decorah is a charming town with a rich blend of outdoor adventures, cultural experience and delightful dining. For outdoor fun, see 200-foot waterfall at Dunning’s Spring Park, bike ride the scenic 11-mile Trout Run Trail or paddle the Upper Iowa River. Immerse yourself in the community’s Norwegian heritage at the Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum. Or spend your time exploring the downtown boutiques and restaurants.
 

Cedar Rapids is filled with vibrant culture. Explore the Czech Village and New Bohemian District to discover unique attractions like the National Czech & Slovak Museum and African American Museum of Iowa. Support up-and-coming local businesses at the lively NewBo City Market. Tour the historic estate of Brucemore Mansion. Learn about sustainability and the environment or go for a scenic hike at the Indian Creek Nature Center. Start planning with these itineraries: 48 Hours in Cedar Rapids and Cedar Rapids on a Budget.
 

 
With a rich history steeped in architecture and music, Mason City is a must-visit! Admire Frank Lloyd Wright’s architectural ingenuity with a stay at the Historic Park Inn Hotel or a stroll through the Rock Crest – Rock Glen Historic District. Celebrate the legacy of famous composer Meredith Willson at the Music Man Square; see an impressive collection of American art inside a stunning mansion at the MacNider Art Museum; enjoy hiking, mountain biking and birdwatching at the Lime Creek Nature Center and more. Jump-start your planning: 48 Hours in Mason City, 15 Surprising Things to Do in Mason City.
 

Pella is a delightful community known that’s known for its Dutch heritage. Dive into a shopping spree throughout the charming town square, which is packed with clothing boutiques and bakeries selling Dutch treats. Learn more about its heritage and see the tallest working grain windmill in the country at the Pella Historical Society & Museums; walk or bike around the stunning Lake Red Rock and climb to the top of the Cordova Park Observation Tower for amazing views. Recreate this trip: 48 Hours in Pella.