Your preview for what’s new and notable in 2026 - see the year's most exciting new destinations and exhibits plus attraction expansions and improvements. From thrilling new distilleries and playscapes to reimagined museums, restaurants and events, there's something to get anyone excited for what's ahead.
Sioux City Distilling Company - Sioux City
Local entrepreneur Austin Foster is leading the restoration of Sioux City’s Ogden Building, originally opened in 1892, into the Sioux City Distilling Company. The transformed space will become a vibrant restaurant and event venue. Foster will use juniper grown on land in the nearby Loess Hills to create the distillery’s gin.
The Iowa Dambo Trolls - Clinton
Clinton will soon welcome “The Iowa Dambo Trolls,” a captivating public art installation by world-renowned artist Thomas Dambo. Known for transforming discarded materials into large-scale sculptures, the Denmark-based artist brings his imaginative creations to Iowa for the first time. The trolls will become a permanent part of Clinton’s cultural landscape, with installations near the Sawmill Museum and the Bickelhaupt Arboretum.
Herbert Hoover Presidential Library & Museum - West Branch
Step into history at the newly revitalized Herbert Hoover Presidential Library & Museum in West Branch, slated to reopen summer 2026. This reimagined national treasure brings Hoover’s extraordinary journey to life: from his humble Iowa beginnings to his global impact as a humanitarian, engineer and President. Immersive exhibits, powerful media experiences and rarely seen artifacts reveal Hoover’s belief in service, innovation and the power of community. Visitors can also explore the story of Lou Henry Hoover, a pioneering First Lady whose intellect and leadership shaped the nation.
Siouxland Splash - Sioux City
Spanning 10 acres, Siouxland Splash in Sioux City, will feature a towering 50-foot-tall slide structure with multiple slides cascading from its peak. Visitors can unwind in a relaxing lazy river, dive into the activity pool and enjoy a variety of water-based experiences perfect for all ages. Families will love the expansive kids’ play zone, complete with interactive splash elements designed for endless fun.
T12 Distillery - Bondurant
Owner Scott Turczynski, a paraplegic entrepreneur, is designing T12 Distillery in Bondurant as the country’s only fully wheelchair-accessible distillery inside an abandoned grain elevator. The distillery is named after the injury to his T12 vertebra, and each beverage’s name will relate to spinal injury education. The first phase of the project, a tasting room, speakeasy and a cigar patio, plans to open in Spring 2026.
MidAmerican Energy Adventure Tower - Council Bluffs
The 138-foot-tall MidAmerican Energy Adventure Tower at River’s Edge Park in Council Bluffs will take visitors above the trees to experience panoramic views of the Missouri River. An adventure course includes an outdoor 50-foot-tall climbing wall (designed to meet the standards for a pre-Olympic speed climbing site), simulated caving experiences and two 480-foot-long roll-glide tracks.
Wanderwood Gardens - Dubuque
Coming in summer 2026, Wanderwood Gardens in Dubuque will be a magical forest of make believe for adventurers or all ages to explore, play and find joy and inspiration in nature. Adventurous visitors can dig for treasure, fill mine carts with sand, or duck into a cool tunnel; climb a whimsical tree play set with slides and interactive features; and visit homes of the Wanderwood fairies and elves. The garden will be located next to the Dubuque Arboretum & Botanical Gardens.
hy-vee amphitheater at centennial park - north liberty
The Hy-Vee Amphitheater at Centennial Park in North Liberty will debut in May 2026 and host a variety of free and ticketed seasonal events for all ages. The new outdoor venue is an exciting addition for regional entertainment and completes the first of a four-phase development of the park. Future amenities will include a premier splash pad, year-round pavilion with expanded plaza space and an honor garden.
MLB at Field of Dreams - Dyersville
Major League Baseball returns to Iowa in August 2026 when the Minnesota Twins and Philadelphia Phillies will meet for an exciting game at the Field of Dreams in Dyersville. The game will take place on a field next to the famed movie site.
Bally's marquette - marquette
Casino Queen Marquette will be renamed Bally’s Marquette as part of its highly anticipated move to a newly developed permanent landside facility in Marquette, set to open in early 2026. The name change will coincide with a comprehensive $21 million transformation project, which includes relocating the gaming floor ashore and introducing new dining, gaming and entertainment experiences.
Oakwood Retreat - Corning
Located in the Loess Hills near Corning, Oakwood Retreat offers the perfect blend of comfort and nature. Choose from a bell tent, an A-frame or a geodesic dome and savor the serene sights and sounds of the area.
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