FAQ

This area isn’t nicknamed the Lakes and Land region for no reason! Northwest Iowa has Okoboji, Clear Lake, Storm Lake, and Lake View to choose from, each with their own stunning beaches. The lake at Brushy Creek Recreation Area also offers excellent fishing opportunities, along with 40 miles of trails, public hunting, and camping.

You'll find lake shorline and so much more at state parks in Northeast Iowa! Enjoy 2,000 acres of Iowan nature at Backbone State Park, home to hiking, rock-climbing, paddling, and angling enthusiasts. George Wyth State Park is also home to four different lakes, miles of hiking trails, and nearly 70 campgrounds — making it the perfect summer camping destination.

Rock Creek State Park is one of central Iowa's camping hotspots. Trails for hiking and horseback riding, mountain biking, cross country skiing and snowmobiling are enjoyed year-round. Plus, the lake is perfect for swimming, boating, and fishing. If you’re interested in a less crowded experience, Lake Ahquabi State Park in Indianola and Big Creek State Park in Polk City are great beach alternatives.

Southwest Iowa is home to several lakefront spots! Green Valley State Park, Lake Anita State Park, Prairie Rose State Park, and Lake of Three Fires State Park are great options for spending a day at the beach with friends and family. Swimming, boating, and fishing are just a few of the popular activities you can take advantage of at these lakes.

Lake Wapello State Park has one of the best sand beaches in southern Iowa and a large beach house near the lake. Lake Darling State Park and Geode State Park have a no-wake policy, making their beaches a perfect place to rest and relax. Planning on throwing a beach party? Reserve an open shelter or a lodge at Lacey Keosauqua State Park.

Known as the “Home of Great Beginnings,” Clarinda is in Southwestern Iowa near the Missouri border. It’s a perfect stop for modern attractions mixed with historic appeal.

Indianola is a charming community within 30 minutes of Des Moines. We recommend stopping by in July to experience the National Balloon Classic, one of the Midwest’s premier hot air balloon events.  

Decorah is a small town located in the Driftless Area of northeastern Iowa, just west of the Mississippi River. It’s a beautiful, scenic town near waterfalls and rivers, making it a must-see for any nature enthusiast.

Oskaloosa is a small town about an hour southeast of Des Moines. If you’re looking for big city fun with a small-town feel, Oskaloosa is the place to be!

Spencer is a small town in Northwest Iowa that’s full of historic charm. Known for its 1930s Art Deco architecture, it’s a great place to visit to embrace your inner artist.

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.