10 Best Things to Do in Iowa
Discover the Best Sites and Attractions in Iowa
Iowa’s scenic landscapes, rich history, and unique roadside attractions offer a wide variety of activities for travellers. You can stroll down historic streets and window shop in tranquil towns, or you can take in the natural beauty of the rolling hills, farmland, streams, and covered bridges. The state is also home to many interesting attractions and strange roadside stops. A visit to Iowa will give you a sense of the slow-paced and laid-back Midwest lifestyle. Here are the 10 best things to do in Iowa.
1. Buddy Holly crash site
Check out the handcrafted memorial of rock icon Buddy Holly
Ideal para: História, Econômico, Viagens alternativas
The Buddy Holly crash site commemorates the spot where Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and J.P. “The Big Bopper” Richardson lost their lives in 1959 when they crashed in their small aircraft shortly after takeoff. You will find the entrance about 6 miles north of their last show at The Surf Ballroom in city centre Clear Lake, which is marked by a large pair of Buddy’s trademark glasses. As you arrive at the memorial, you will notice objects including flowers, Mardi Gras beads, and a rusty number plate. The site itself consists of a handmade stainless steel guitar and 3 records adorned with the names of the musicians who perished here.
Buddy Holly crash site
2. Swinging bridges
Take a photo at this charming suspension bridge
Ideal para: História, Foto, Econômico, Aventura
Iowa is home to several swinging bridges, but you’ll find 3 that tend to stand out, including Lover’s Leap, Iowa Falls, and Charles City. Lover’s Leap Swinging Bridge is a narrow pedestrian bridge you can cross that stretches over a massive ravine. While much-improved since its original construction in the late 19th century, you can still feel a bit of a swing once you reach the centre. You can also visit the Iowa Falls Swinging Bridge, which offers scenic views of the river and the towering cliffs that were carved over millions of years. The Charles City Suspension Bridge is another favourite and offers a tranquil walk over the Cedar River, as it doesn’t tend to swing all that much.
3. Squirrel Cage Jail Museum
View a one-of-a-kind revolving jail cell
Ideal para: História, Viagens alternativas
The Squirrel Cage Jail museum houses 3 levels of pie-shaped jail cells that rotated similar to a lazy Susan. You can find the jail just off of Interstate 29. The cells were designed to provide “maximum security with minimum attention” and were considered inescapable. In the front part of the building, you can view the jailers’ offices, kitchen, and women’s quarters. While 18 of these “squirrel cage” jails were built, this is the only one that was made of 3 levels. If you love a good scare, spooky torch tours are offered in the fall months.
Localização: 226 Pearl St, Council Bluffs, IA 51503, USA
Abre: Thursday–Saturday from 11 am to 4 pm (closed Sunday–Wednesday)
Telefone: +1 712-323-2509
Squirrel Cage Jail Museum
4. Dunnings Springs
Take in the majestic beauty of this tranquil waterfall and stream
Ideal para: Famílias, Foto, Aventura
Dunnings Springs features a stunning 200-foot waterfall that feeds into a peaceful stream leading to the Iowa River. Just outside of Decorah, this hidden gem can be easy to miss. Once you cross the rock bridge near the car park, you won’t need to go far before you begin to see the waterfall. You can relax in the serenity of nature, enjoy a picnic, or take a hike here. Several trails circle the impressive waterfall and follow along the stream. One trail includes an overlook with picturesque views of the falls and a panoramic glimpse of Decorah.
Localização: Ice Cave Rd, Decorah, IA 52101, USA
Abre: Daily from 7 am to 11 pm
Telefone: +1 563-382-4158
Dunnings Springs
5. Avenue of Flags
Take a drive honouring US veterans
Ideal para: História, Econômico
The Avenue of Flags allows you to pay your respects to US war veterans with a drive along this unique road. This display lines South Kiel Street in Holstein, Iowa, with each flag serving as a memorial of a military veteran. Started as a Boy Scout programme with 267 flags in 2012, the memorial has grown to honour over 449 veterans. As you drive or walk by, you will see each soldier’s name, rank, branch of service, and military period on a 5-by-8-foot flag waving 18 feet off the ground.
Localização: S Kiel St, Holstein, IA 51025, USA
Avenue of Flags
6. Fenelon Place lift
Enjoy a ride to a beautiful viewpoint in a historic cable car
Ideal para: História, Foto
The Fenelon Place lift is a short, steep railway that will take you up 189 feet in a small, enclosed cable car. Running up Fenelon Street, this railway was designed by a wealthy businessman in 1882 as a way to shorten his commute from his job at a bank to his home at the top of the hill. From the top, you can enjoy awe-inspiring views of historic Dubuque, the Mississippi River, and 3 states. You’ll pay admission at the top, but you can ride up before doing so. Credit cards are not accepted, so be sure to bring cash.
Localização: 491 W 4th St, Dubuque, IA 52001, USA
Abre: Daily from 10 am to 8 pm
Telefone: +1 563-582-6496
Fenelon Place lift
7. Maharishi Vedic City
Visit a city centred around enhancing the quality of life
Ideal para: Viagens alternativas
A tour of Maharishi Vedic City will give you a glimpse into a unique approach to ideal city life that’s based on promoting peace and happiness. You will find this unique community just 2 miles north of Fairfield. Your tour will begin with an explanation of several unique aspects of the city. From there, you will drive through areas and admire the ancient Indian-inspired architecture. At Maharishi International University, you can witness transcendental meditation, dine in the vegetarian café, and tour the sustainable living centre. If you visit when school is in session, schedule a visit to the Maharishi School of the Age of Enlightenment, where students in preschool through 12th grade practice meditation twice daily.
Localização: 1734 Jasmine Ave, Fairfield, IA 52556, USA
Abre: Daily from 9.30 am to 4.30 pm
Telefone: +1 641-472-9580
Maharishi Vedic City
8. Matchstick Marvels
Wonder at detailed models made from tiny matchsticks
Ideal para: Viagens alternativas
At Matchstick Marvels, you can admire 70 scale models of famous architecture, complicated machines, and true-to-life sculptures made entirely of matchsticks. Huge models like the 12-foot illuminated model of the US Capitol building have been creatively built by artist Patrick Acton from 2-inch wooden matchsticks. In addition to seeing these ornate models, you can get a glimpse into Acton’s creative process. The museum also features model plans and many of the tools and equipment that aided in the construction of these works of art. Credit cards are not accepted, so be sure to bring cash for admission.
Localização: 319 2nd St, Gladbrook, IA 50635, USA
Abre: Thursday–Sunday from 1 pm to 5 pm (closed Monday–Wednesday)
Telefone: +1 888-473-3456
Matchstick Marvels
9. National Sprint Car Hall of Fame & Museum
Appreciate the top racing cars and drivers
Ideal para: História
The National Sprint Car Hall of Fame & Museum honours the greats of sprint car racing. You will find the museum and raceway in Knoxville. The Donald Lamberti National Sprint Car Museum is found on the ground floor of the museum. Here, you can admire the collection of sprint cars, supermodifieds, and restored “big cars” that have been loaned to the museum. Along with plaques honouring top racers, there is also an extensive display of memorabilia including helmets, photos, and trophies. Don’t miss the museum store for a souvenir of your experience. From the second floor, you can purchase tickets to view Knoxville Raceway events in climate-controlled seats with several screens to view replays.
Localização: 1 Sprint Capital Place, Knoxville, IA 50138, USA
Abre: Monday–Friday from 9 am to 5 pm, Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm, Sunday from noon to 5 pm
Telefone: +1 641-842-6176
National Sprint Car Hall of Fame & Museum
10. Ida Grove
Take a trip back in history with castles and historic attractions
Ideal para: Famílias, História, Foto, Econômico
Ida Grove is best known for the majestic castles that are found throughout the small town. This rural community is nestled in the hills of northwestern Iowa. When you first arrive, you will notice the decorative City Entrance Castle. As you travel through the city, you can gaze upon additional castle-inspired architecture, including the lake LaJune Chalet, Golf Course Bridge, and Skate Place. While you are in town, check out Ida Grove’s additional historical attractions, including the Railway Depot, Grant Centre School, and Log Cabin House. Although castle properties are privately owned and tours are not available to view the insides, you can enjoy an open skate on weekends at the Skate Place if you visit in the winter.
Ida Grove
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