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Iowa Summer Road Trips Worth Taking Before the Season Ends
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items You don't have to leave Iowa to have an unforgettable summer adventure. Whether you're looking for scenic hikes, charming small towns, hidden waterfalls, lake days, or the perfect ice cream stop, Iowa has plenty of road trip destinations that are jus...
Why Go: Walk through the charming Dutch-inspired downtown, shop unique boutiques, enjoy fresh pastries, and visit the famous windmill. Stop by the bakery for a Dutch letter before exploring the town square.
Visit Pella - Pella Convention & Visitors Bureau - Pella, IA
Why Go: One of Iowa's best summer destinations for boating, beaches, mini golf, lakefront dining, and sunsets over the water.
Explore Okoboji and the Iowa Great Lakes l Vacation Okoboji
Why Go: Bring a flashlight and explore caves, hiking trails, rock formations, and beautiful wooded scenery. Wear sturdy shoes because some areas can be muddy.
Maquoketa Caves State Park - Iowa DNR
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Why Go: Iowa's oldest state park offers scenic overlooks, kayaking, hiking trails, fishing, and peaceful picnic spots.
Backbone State Park | Department of Natural Resources - Iowa DNR
Why Go: Visit the trout hatchery, explore downtown shops, hike nearby trails, and stop at the famous ice cave and waterfalls.
Visit Decorah, Iowa: Things to Do, Trails, Dining & Lodging
Why Go: Rent a kayak, relax on the beach, enjoy live music, or walk around the charming downtown filled with restaurants and local shops.
Clear Lake, Iowa | Chamber of Commerce | Stay at the Shore and ...
Why Go: Ride the historic Fenelon Place Elevator, walk along the Mississippi River, and visit museums, riverfront attractions, and local breweries.
Travel Dubuque - What to Do, Taste, Explore in Dubuque, Iowa
Why Go: One of Iowa's most photographed landmarks, especially at sunset when the bridge lights create a stunning tunnel effect.
High Trestle Trail | Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation
Why Go: Cool off by walking through shallow creek crossings, enjoy scenic canyon views, and hike some of Iowa's most beautiful trails.
Ledges State Park | Department of Natural Resources - Iowa DNR
Why Go: Spend the day boating, swimming, camping, fishing, or watching wildlife around Iowa's largest lake.
Lake Red Rock - US Army Corps of Engineers, Rock Island District
Why Go: Explore handcrafted goods, local wineries, family-style restaurants, and historic German villages full of charm.
Amana Colonies Tours - Guided Tours in Amana, IA | Amana Colonies
Why Go: Visit the famous Field of Dreams movie site and enjoy small-town Iowa hospitality.
Dyersville, IA - Official Website | Official Website
Why Go: Drive through one of the world's most unique landforms with breathtaking overlooks, hiking trails, and quiet backroads. The Loess Hills are widely recognized as one of Iowa's most scenic driving regions.
Loess Hills National Scenic Byway - Home
Why Go: Combine beautiful hiking with Native American history while enjoying incredible views of the Mississippi River Valley.
Effigy Mounds National Monument (U.S. National Park Service)
Why Go: Take a relaxing train ride across the impressive Bass Point Creek High Bridge and enjoy views you can't see by car.
Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad & Museum – Ride the trains in ...
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Why Go: Tour the famous covered bridges, explore the town square, and visit the birthplace museum of John Wayne.
One Day in Winterset Iowa Itinerary - Madison County Tourism
Why Go: See one of the world's largest man-made grottos, built from thousands of rocks, fossils, and gemstones.
The Shrine of the Grotto of the Redemption | West Bend, Iowa
Why Go: Hike to stunning overlooks high above the Mississippi River and visit the beautiful Bridal Veil Falls.
Pikes Peak State Park | Department of Natural Resources - Iowa DNR
Why Go: Even outside of fair time, it's fun to visit the iconic grounds. If you're traveling in August, the Iowa State Fair is one of the state's biggest summer traditions and worth planning a road trip around.
Event Calendar - Iowa State Fairgrounds