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Whenever I start planning a road trip and thinking about what to do in Iowa, I know one thing is almost guaranteed. At some point along the highway, I will spot a Bald Eagle. It happens so often that if I didn’t know better, I would think the Iowa Department of Tourism hires them for dramatic effect.
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See, I grew up in the ’70s and ’80s, when Bald Eagles were endangered, and seeing one in the wild wasn’t really a thing. We had to go to our local zoo to see the one with a broken wing, who had been rescued. Now, every time one appears above my windshield like a winged welcome sign, I feel a little flutter of gratitude and whip off my favorite over-glasses sunglasses to get a better look. It is as if Iowa is delivering a personal hello every time.
While you are packing for your Iowa adventure, grab my free printable travel journal. It’s the perfect way to track your road trip moments, unexpected detours, and quirky stops.
Iowa Isn’t a Flyover State
People love to call Iowa a flyover state, but I have never understood that. Iowa is full of wide open spaces, golden fields, historic sites, and small towns full of personality. There are 11 Frank Lloyd Wright properties scattered across the state. College towns are overflowing with art and ideas (hello U of I Hawkeyes!), and quirky roadside attractions that pop up out of nowhere.
Fairfield is a small town with an unexpected global vibe. Fort Dodge is packed with stories from the early pioneers. Mason City is a music lover’s dream. Iowa really does have it all, even a lake! The official Travel Iowa site is a great resource if you want a broader look at what the state offers.
While others call Iowa flyover country, I call it drive-through country, and I mean that as the best compliment. You may enter Iowa on your road trip thinking it is just a quick route to your next destination, and instead find yourself pulling over again and again to admire a sunset, snap a photo of a historic bridge, grab ice cream in a cute historic town, or wander through a museum’s permanent collection. As you plan your Iowa adventure, make sure your road trip kit is stocked. I always keep my favorite Baggalini bag stocked in my front seat car so I don’t have to dig around when I’m looking for something important.
Here is a broad look at three regions that showcase some of the best things to do in the Hawkeye State, along with where to go next for deeper guides.
North-Central Iowa: What to Do in Iowa for Music, Lakes, and Prairie Beauty
I think what makes North-Central Iowa stand out is just beneath the surface. Before visiting this area, I had no idea about the history I would encounter in lil ole Iowa. Mason City and Clear Lake are great starting points if you enjoy art, architecture, or the great outdoors. Make sure you have your travel tripod stowed at easy reach for grabbing selfies on the go! So much easier than balancing your phone on the nearest fence post!
My guide to 17 Things to Do in Mason City offers a simple overview of the attractions that make it such a special city. You can also swing through Clear Lake to visit the Surf Ballroom. This national historic landmark celebrates the area’s rich live music history. Both towns offer plenty of personality and make terrific stops for an Iowa road trip.
For a full breakdown of attractions, dining, and lake-town fun, keep an eye on my Exploring North-Central Iowa guide coming soon.
If quirky roadside stops are your cup of tea, you will love my national guide, Discover the Joy of Quirky Roadside Stops Across the USA. It is packed with fun attractions, oddball towns, and cool places to see across the country.
And don’t forget to come hang out with me in the Quirky Roadside USA Facebook group, a fun, friendly corner of the internet where travelers share oddball finds, giant statues, strange museums, and those moments that just made us pull over.
Southeast Iowa: Creative, Colorful, and Full of Surprises
Southeast Iowa is chock full of creative energy. Start in Fairfield for a town with its own unique vibe. Fairfield is full of creative energy and boasts global restaurants and a thriving local arts community. Surrounding Fairfield are cute historic towns, scenic byways, and plenty of stops for travelers who love something different and off the beaten path. Many of these towns are walkable, so be sure to pack your comfy pair of walking shoes (I love these Skechers slip-ins) to make your feet smile along with your face!
To get a feel for the area, start with my guide to the best things to do in Fairfield, where you can explore murals, shops, sustainable living initiatives, and historic sites that show off the town’s personality. Fairfield is also a jumping-off point for exploring the rolling countryside and the quiet charm tucked into this part of the state. The Fairfield Visitors Bureau offers an updated list of arts events and unique things to see.
For a complete look at everything this region offers, visit Exploring Southeast Iowa: Fairfield and Beyond.
Central Iowa: What to Do in Iowa for History, Nature, and a Cozy Yurt Escape
The Central region is the heart of Iowa. You can enjoy a Capitol tour of the Iowa State Capitol Building, check out Ledges State Park, and listen to old frontier stories that blend with outdoor adventure and stunning public art. The area around Fort Dodge offers museums, historic buildings, and places where you can stretch your legs on paved trails, admire wildlife, or enjoy time outside.
As I’ve matured, I’ve become much more curious about history, especially how unique it is to each destination. If you love local history, too, check out my post on Discovering Fort Dodge, which highlights the town’s unique attractions, from historic sites to photogenic stops around the city. For something especially fun, you can even spend the night in a cozy Fort Dodge yurt that sits near water and trails perfect for nature lovers. You’ll want to keep your 7 Degrees hoodie close if you stay in the Yurt. It gets delightfully cool at night, and a warm layer makes the stay even more relaxing.
More details for this region will be available in my upcoming guide, Exploring Central Iowa.
The Rest of the Hawkeye State Awaits
The best news yet is that Iowa offers even more places to explore beyond these three regions. You can walk the riverfront in towns along the Mississippi River, visit state parks like Ledges or Backbone, take a scenic drive near the Loess Hills National Scenic Byway, or enjoy city attractions in Des Moines or Cedar Rapids.
This state is full of fun things to see, from quiet historic bridges (hello, Madison County) to quirky roadside attractions that make you smile. Whether you love the great outdoors, small-town charm, or quirky places that surprise you, there is always something new to discover.
If you know me at all, you know I can’t resist a little road trip curiosity. So come back and peek at this post from time to time. I will be adding new Iowa regions, fun attractions, and quirky roadside finds as I continue exploring. I’m talking to you, Bridges of Madison County, Amana Colonies, and the Field of Dreams movie site. This state never stops delivering!
Before you wrap up your planning, grab my free printable travel journal one more time. It comes in handy when you spot something cool, meet someone interesting, or find a little moment worth remembering.
Iowa reminds me that travel is not always about the big, flashy destinations. Sometimes it is about the calm of an evening sky, the friendliness of a local shop owner, or the way a Bald Eagle sweeps across an open field at just the right moment. Iowa may be quiet, but it speaks loudly in all the ways that matter.
And if you spot your own Bald Eagle along the way, send me a note. Iowa might be saying hello to you, too.
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