FAQ

Commonly referred to as the Driftless Area, a region that escaped the Ice Age’s glaciers, Northeast Iowa’s dramatic bluffs and valleys make it an exciting place to visit. Must-dos include visiting the Field of Dreams Movie Site, Lost Island Themepark and Waterpark, Dunning’s Spring Park, Fenelon Place Elevator, Charles City Whitewater Park, Cedar Falls Main Street and the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium. Some hidden gems include Heaven Boutique Winery, New Day Dairy GuestBarn, Bily Clocks Museum and Cedar Rock State Park.
 

Also known as Capital Country, Central Iowa offers a variety of attractions. Can’t-miss highlights include Adventureland Park in Altoona, Reiman Gardens in Ames, Blank Park Zoo in Des Moines, the Bridges of Madison County in Winterset, the Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad and the Rail Explorers, the Iowa Speedway in Newton and the High Trestle Trail in Madrid. Some hidden gems include the National Balloon Museum, National Sprint Car Museum, Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge and Speckled Hen Farms.
 

Otherwise known as Iowa’s Lakes and Land travel area, Northwest Iowa offers a variety of adventures. This area offers the best of lake life – from Okoboji’s resorts and lakeside amusement park and Clear Lake’s iconic lakeside music events to Storm Lake’s famous walleye fishing and Lake View’s water surrounded by lush landscapes. Land fun includes seeing iconic Frankl Lloyd Wright architecture throughout Mason City, learning the living story of land of water at the River’s Edge Discovery Center in Fort Dodge and enjoying year-round outdoor thrills at Cone Park in Sioux City. Some hidden gems include the Sioux City Railroad Museum, Sanford Museum & Planetarium, Vermeer Glass Art Studio and Okoboji Classic Cars.
 

Also known as Loess Hills and Beyond, Southwest Iowa offers a beautiful landscape that’s just begging to be explored – did you know Iowa’s Loess Hills are the only landscape of its kind in the world? Enjoy easy access to the hills at the Hitchcock Nature Center or along the Loess Hills Scenic Byway. Other must-dos include visiting the one-of-a-kind Squirrel Cage Jail in Council Bluffs, the Clarinda Carnegie Art Museum, Atlantic’s endless antique shops and the Danish Windmill in Elk Horn or biking along Carroll’s 30-mile Sauk Rail Trail. The area’s hidden gems include the Art Church Iowa, Iowa Aviation Museum, Hitchcock House and Fremont County History Center & Iowa’s Championship Rodeo Museum.

Commonly referred to as the Storied & Scenic travel area, Southeast Iowa boasts a rich history and culture. Some cultural highlights include Iowa City, a UNESCO City of Literature, the American Gothic House in Eldon, the Czech Village & New Bohemia District in Cedar Rapids, Figge Art Museum in Davenport and Snake Alley in Burlington. Some hidden gems include the Anne Frank Connection, Hotel Rea, Video Game Capital of the World Museum, Swinging Bridge Park, Blue Grass Drive-In Theater and Wilton Candy Kitchen.
 

There are five major travel areas in Iowa: Lakes & Land in the northwest portion of the state, Loess Hills & Beyond in the southwest, Capital Country in central Iowa, Driftless Area in the northeast and Stories & Scenic in the southeast. 

The Lakes & Land travel area is the northwest section of Iowa. This region is especially known for its lake resorts and year-round water adventures, music history and unique architecture. Some of the most popular lake spots include Okoboji, Clear Lake, Storm Lake and Lake View. All are known for their excellent boating in the summer and ice fishing in the winter.