The National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium is a museum located in Dubuque, Iowa, USA. The museum is a property of the Dubuque County Historical Society, which also operates the Mathias Ham Historic Site. The museum has two buildings on its riverfront campus: the Mississippi River Center and the National River Center. The museum originally opened as the Fred W. Woodward Riverboat Museum on July 18, 1982, before being expanded and re-organized into its current form. The museum is an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution and is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums (AAM) and the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).

The National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium houses museum exhibits about America's rivers' culture and history. Over a dozen aquariums on campus feature animals from the Mississippi River, the Gulf of Mexico, and other river systems and deltas, including large catfish, sturgeon, ducks, frogs, turtles, rays, octopus, river otters, and more. Outdoor displays include river otters, a marsh, and big relics including boats, a blacksmith shop, a stream, and raptor aviaries with bald eagles.

Google rating: 4.7/5

Phone: +1 563-557-9545

Address: 350 E 3rd St, Dubuque, IA 52001, United States

Website: http://www.rivermuseum.com/

The Grotto is frequently considered the “Eighth Wonder of the World,” and The Iowan magazine has described the Grotto as a “miracle in stone.” The location was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2001 and has been included in such features as Roadside America and Disney’s The Straight Story. A composite of nine separate grottos, each portrait displays a scene in the life of Christ.

A pilgrimage to the Grotto of the Redemption offers you an opportunity for spiritual renewal and growth. Here, you can attend Mass at Ss. Peter and Paul Church, receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation and find quiet time for reflection within one of the nine grottos of the shrine, a place of unparalleled beauty and a silent testimony in stone.

This holy place is a sanctuary from the hectic pace of life today and provides a respite for those seeking a contemplative setting. Come for a few hours or a few days. Group tours of any size are welcome at the Grotto! Take a tour and visit other wonderful sites in West Bend and the surrounding areas. Be sure to customize it.

Google rating: 4.8/5
Phone: +1 515-887-2371
Address: 208 1st Ave NW, West Bend, IA 50597, United States
Website: http://www.westbendgrotto.com/

The Des Moines Art Center is a museum of modern and contemporary art located in Des Moines, Iowa. The Art Center also includes a gift shop, a restaurant, and a school for studio art education. There is no cost to visiting the museum; admission is always free for all. The John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park features artwork by more than two dozen of the world’s most celebrated artists. This approachable location, along with the expert landscape design and the high quality of the art, distinguishes it from any other sculpture park in the United States.

The 4.4-acre park, positioned at a significant urban grid junction, offers a pedestrian-friendly gateway to downtown Des Moines. The Pappajohns' donation of almost two dozen paintings to the park is the largest donation of artwork ever given to the Des Moines Art Center. The Pappajohn Sculpture Park is located at 1330 Grand Avenue in downtown Des Moines. The park is open during city park hours—sunrise to midnight. Ample metered street parking is available around the park. The park is accessible by bike via the bike lanes on Grand Avenue. This is one of the best things to do in Idaho when you come to this state.

Google rating: 4.6/5

Phone: +1 515-277-4405
Address: 4700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50312, United States

Website: http://www.desmoinesartcenter.org/

Pikes Peak State Park is one of Iowa's best outdoor sites, known for its magnificent vistas of the Mississippi River. The park, which is located on a national scenic byway, has 11 miles of trails that wind through magnificent bluffs and valleys. Hike to Point Ann, which overlooks the surrounding town of McGregor, or see where the Mississippi and Wisconsin Rivers meet atop a 500-foot bluff on the half-mile route. Pikes Peak, a hiker's paradise and one of the most gorgeous places in the state, is a must-see for anybody looking to enjoy Iowa's spectacular views.

Hike the half-mile boardwalk to Bridal Veil Falls and visit Bear Mound, a Woodland-era effigy created by Native Americans. For those searching for a more adventurous option, they can hike the four-mile walk to Point Ann for spectacular views of McGregor and the Mississippi River. Along the paths, you may also find fossilized brachiopods, gastropods, and cephalopods. The path from Homestead Park to the McGregor parking lot is open to mountain bikers. Hike the trails at Pikes Peak State Park said to be one of the best things to do in Iowa.

Google rating: 4.8/5
Phone: +1 563-873-2341
Address: 32264 Pikes Peak Rd, McGregor, IA 52157, United States
Website: http://www.iowadnr.gov/

No trip to Allamakee County would be complete without a stop at Iowa's only national monument, the Effigy Mounds. Within the park's boundaries are 210 known prehistoric American Indian mounds, 31 of which are shaped in the likeness (effigy) of bears or birds. Visitors are awed by the majestic expanse of the Upper Mississippi River Refuge from the overlooks at Fire Point, Twin Views, and Hanging Rock. Hiking to these peaceful and scenic spots explains why the Woodland culture thought the ridgelines of these bluffs were ideal for special cultural monuments.

The Effigy Mounds National Monument protects 206 prehistoric mounds, 31 of which are animal effigies. Mounds of Effigy The National Monument safeguards 206 prehistoric mounds, 31 of which are animal effigies. These earthen mounds were built by American Indians between 600 and 1300 AD. Archaeologists believe they may have served a ceremonial function. Some mounds were used as burial sites, while others, such as compound mounds, may have represented family members. It's possible that the bear and eagle effigies were totems to animal spirits or distinct territorial markers.

The visitor center is a good place to start your visit to this 2,500-acre scenic and archaeologically rich monument. Visit the museum to learn about the men and women who lived in the Mississippi Valley 1,400 years ago. It offers ranger-led hikes and a site map. The North Unit mounds trail begins just outside the visitor center. The trails range in length from two to seven miles and are well-kept. The South Unit trailhead is located off Highway 76, south of the visitor center. The monument is located within an Audubon Important Bird Area and encompasses remnant oak savanna, reconstructed prairie, and mixed deciduous forest, making hikes not only an opportunity to learn about a complex human history but also an opportunity to enjoy the Driftless Area's stunning natural features.

Google rating: 4.8/5
Phone: +1 563-873-3491
Address: 151 IA-76, Harpers Ferry, IA 52146, United States
Website: http://www.nps.gov/efmo/index.htm

Come to Eldon, Iowa and view the exterior of the house that inspired Grant Wood to paint American Gothic, one of the most recognized paintings in the world. Tour the adjacent American Gothic House Center, which showcases Grant Wood's life and the history of the house. Props on hand encourage visitors to pose in front of the historic American Gothic House and create their own unique American Gothic portrait.

In 1930, Grant Wood took a tour of a small Iowa town and spotted a little white house with a large Gothic window. Inspired, Wood quickly sketched the house and returned home to Cedar Rapids to paint American Gothic.

The house still stands to this day, and its exterior is viewed by thousands of people each year. The adjacent visitor center welcomes travelers from near and far, providing services for the site, including an exhibit gallery and a gift shop. The American Gothic House is only open to the general public on the second Saturday of the month from April to October, from 10am to 4pm. Admission is free and tickets or reservations are not required.

Please note: visitors to the Gothic House will only be allowed to tour the ground floor, as the stairs to the second floor are steep, winding, and have no handrail. In addition, the Gothic House is not easily accessible for individuals with mobility issues, as there is a slight hill leading up to the house, two steps to get onto the porch, and one step to get inside the house.

Google rating: 4.7/5

Phone: +1 641-652-3352

Address: 300 American Gothic St, Eldon, IA 52554, United States

Website: http://www.americangothichouse.org/

The Lost Island brand was conceived during a Bertch family vacation in 1991 as a fun way to give back to the Cedar Valley community. Land was purchased, and plans were developed to build Iowa's most spectacular water park. Staff were unsure what they had gotten themselves into when the gates opened in June 2001, but after 10 years of making memories, Lost Island decided to branch out with a KOA Kampground—themed as a tropical getaway, of course. Lost Island's mission is to create fun, exciting, and unforgettable experiences for their staff and guests by providing a safe, clean, and family-friendly environment unlike any other.

The camping industry was new to the Bertches, but with a focus on guests' needs and an eye for details, the Waterloo/Lost Island KOA quickly became a top tier camping option in the area. The Bertches were thinking about new ways to attract visitors to Iowa after welcoming visitors from far away places. Many ideas were discarded before the Lost Island Themepark vision became clear. It would be a premier attraction themed to transport guests as soon as they stepped inside... Only this time there would be a story as well.

Today, Lost Island Waterpark is one of the country's top-rated waterparks, and the KOA consistently receives franchise awards for exceptional service.

Google rating: 4.5/5

Phone: +1 319-455-6700

Address: 2225 E Shaulis Rd, Waterloo, IA 50701, United States

Website: http://www.thelostisland.com/

Ledges State Park is 1,200 acres of lush forest, clear bodies of water, and huge rock formations. The park was one of Iowa's first state parks and was founded in 1924. Along with stunning views of the water along the trail, you will also find beautiful native trees such as hickory, basswood, maple, and oak. The park contains bridges on which to walk over the water running through it. You can also find stone buildings in the park that were constructed in the 1930s.

Ledges State Park is home to a sandstone gorge that runs alongside Pea's Creek, which is a tributary of the Des Moines River. At its deepest point, the gorge is approximately 100 feet deep. If you're looking to do more than hike, consider exploring the Des Moines River, where you can do some fishing or jump in your kayak or canoe for a gentle ride. The paths through Ledges State Park are well maintained and doable for most skill levels. If you have more than a day, consider staying at one of the many campsites in Ledges State Park for a relaxing and rejuvenating experience. Traveling through this area should be at the top of your list of best things to do in Iowa.

Google rating: 4.8/5

Phone: +1 515-432-1852
Address: 1515 P Ave, Madrid, IA 50156, United States

Website: https://www.iowadnr.gov/

All spelunkers, unite! Maquoketa Caves State Park has thirteen different caves to explore, more than any other state park in Iowa. These caves differ greatly. Some caves, such as Dancehall Cave, have cathedral-like areas, walkways, and LED lights, while others, such as Wye Cave, have narrow passageways that require crawling. Unlike other parks' caves, you can explore these caves alone or with friends or family after listening to a short program about White Nose Syndrome.

Many visitors come to Maquoketa Caves State Park to explore the caves, but don't miss out on some of the park's unique rock features, such as Natural Bridge and Balanced Rock. Raccoon Creek is 50 feet below the Natural Bridge. The path beneath it allows you to see this unique feature from below and get a sense of its massive size. Another gravity-defying rock feature is Balanced Rock. It's a 17-ton rock sitting on a small pedestal.

Maquoketa Caves State Park's diverse habitat, which includes restored prairie and oak savanna, woodland, caves and rock outcroppings, food plots, and access to water in springs and streams, makes this 370-acre park appealing to wildlife. You are likely to see or hear whitetail deer and other mammals. Keep an eye out for amphibians and reptiles as well. Birds abound in the canopy, and birds and insects, including butterflies, bring the prairie to life, especially during the summer months when flowers bloom.

Google rating: 4.8/5
Phone: +1 563-652-5833
Address: 9688 Caves Rd, Maquoketa, IA 52060, United States
Website: https://www.iowadnr.gov/Places-to-Go/State-Parks/Iowa-State-Parks/Maquoketa-Caves-State-Park

The Des Moines Botanical Garden is an excellent way to experience the beauty of nature – no matter the weather! This living museum’s lush indoor and outdoor gardens are a treat for everyone. Driving through downtown Des Moines, you've undoubtedly noticed the gardens' distinctive geodesic dome.

And you won't be sorry if you pay us a visit! Whether you like plants or not, you'll enjoy the beauty of the gardens no matter what time of year it is. The conservatory houses an international collection of lush, tropical plants and cacti. You can walk through the lovely palms and flowering plants. And don't forget to visit the waterfall to see the koi fish.

The picturesque outdoor gardens feature a diverse array of native plants and trees set in expert garden designs. There's something for everyone here, complete with riverfront views. A savanna, water garden, and rose garden are among the notable gardens. After you’ve toured the gardens, stop in at the Trellis Cafe for a bit to eat.

Google rating: 4.7/5

Phone: +1 515-323-6290

Address: 909 Robert D. Ray Dr, Des Moines, IA 50309, United States

Website: http://www.dmbotanicalgarden.com/

Prairie Lights will dazzle you as you drive through 4 million lights strung along a 2-mile path. Hundreds of all-new displays in various shapes line and arch over the roads. Halfway through the drive, pull over to Holiday Village for food, gifts, Santa, a lighted walk-through forest, and a holiday theater spectacular. The show's finale is the world's largest light tunnel from Thanksgiving to New Year's Eve.

View all of the lights and all of the magic during their one-hour Prairie Lights Christmas Light Tour at Lynn Creek Park on Joe Pool Lake. Experience the holiday magic at one of Dallas/Fort Worth's most popular destinations, Prairie Lights, with one of the most spectacular light displays. Their festive trolleys will provide excellent views of over 4 million lights in Lynn Creek Park over the next hour; the trolley will stop at the Holiday Village for 35-40 minutes for people to take pictures. Take a stroll through the trees that will be illuminated with tens of thousands of lights at Holiday Village. Presented in scenes that depict how the holiday season is celebrated around the world.

This attraction will leave you speechless with its amazing walk-through tunnel of lights and animated Christmas tree. NO LONG WAITING TIMES in your car just to get into the Prairie Lights at Lynn Creek Park. Tickets are only available online. On the day of the tour, there will be a limited number of tickets available. Because of the popularity of this tour, advanced reservations are strongly advised. There are also private rentals available. Due to limited parking, please carpool if possible.

Google rating: 4.2/5

Phone: +1 972-237-4569

Address: 5610 Lake Ridge Pkwy, Grand Prairie, TX 75052, United States

Website: http://prairielights.org/

The Missouri Governor's Mansion is located in Jefferson City at 100 Madison Street. It is the home of the Governor and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is located on 10 acres overlooking the Missouri River and the State Capitol. A talented group of volunteers known as docents greet visitors to the Missouri Governor's Mansion. Throughout the year, nearly 70 docents lead public tours and assist at special events. Docents work as trainers, educators, tour guides, researchers, public relations specialists, and Jefferson City ambassadors. They welcome over 70,000 visitors each year and bring history to life at the First Family's home.

The Wyoming Historic Governors’ Mansion offers a variety of programs focusing on the history of Wyoming, the city of Cheyenne, and the states Governors’. The Mansion is able to tailor to most every age and grade, ranging from elementary school age to high school as well as adults. Suggested group size is no more than 40 students for a single tour. Larger groups can schedule tours; however times will be broken down in segments (e.g. 1:30 pm – 2:30 pm, 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm) to assist staff in touring groups over 40 through the mansion. While groups will traditionally get general tours giving an in-depth background of the Mansion and its history as the home to the First Families, they also have the ability to focus on particular subjects, such as architecture, Governor history, Cheyenne history, and regional history by request.

Google rating: 4.8/5

Phone: +1 307-777-7878

Address: 300 E 21st St, Cheyenne, WY 82001, United States

Website: https://wyoparks.wyo.gov/index.php/places-to-go/historic-governors-mansion

Are you looking for things to do near Clear Lake? You should definitely check out the Buddy Holly crash site. For over six decades, the memorial site has been kept alive to honor the fallen music stars. When the lights of three young rock 'n' roll music pioneers were abruptly turned off in the early morning hours of Tuesday, February 3rd, 1959. The light plane carrying Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and J.P. Richardson "The Big Bopper" crashed shortly after 12:55 a.m., killing all four on board.

The crash happened near Clear Lake, Iowa, about 6 miles from Mason City Municipal Airport. Buddy Holly crash site was named after the lead artist in the "Winter Dance Party" tour, which was scheduled to visit various Midwest cities. Although there are numerous theories about what caused the tragedy, one thing is certain: the fateful morning took away some of the world's most incredible musical talents. Don McLean later dubbed the tragic day "The Day the Music Died" in his 1971 hit "American Pie." Visit the Buddy Holly crash site is considered to be one of the best things to do in Iowa.

Google rating: 4.7/5

Address: Clear Lake, IA 50428, United States

The Union Pacific Railroad Museum is housed in the beautiful and unique Beaux Arts-style building that formerly housed the Council Bluffs Carnegie Free Public Library in downtown Council Bluffs, Iowa. A group of Council Bluffs men and women dedicated to establishing the city's first free public library were able to do so at the turn of the twentieth century thanks to a bequest from philanthropist Andrew Carnegie. On August 15, 1905, the library was opened to the public.

As the twenty-first century approached, the library relocated to a new location, and a fundraising campaign was launched to raise funds to restore the Carnegie building and establish a home for Union Pacific's Historical Collection. The restoration of the historic Carnegie Library and the establishment of the Union Pacific Railroad Museum created a tourist destination in the heart of the Council Bluffs historic district while also preserving an important part of the city's rich heritage.

The Union Pacific Railroad Museum complements other local rail attractions such as the Historic General Dodge House, the RailsWest Museum, the Golden Spike monument, and the Durham Museum, as well as expanding on the story of pioneer migration depicted at the Western Historic Trails Center. Together, these attractions make Council Bluffs and Omaha a popular destination for railroad enthusiasts and history buffs from all over the country and the world.

Google rating: 4.6/5
Phone: +1 712-329-8307
Address: 200 Pearl St, Council Bluffs, IA 51503, United States
Website: http://uprrmuseum.org/

Eagle Point Park in Clinton, Iowa is one of the best places to catch a river view in Hawkeye State. There are a few lookouts from the trails that wind their way around the top of this cliff, and you can see straight across the river! Try to spot birds on Lock and Dam 13. If you travel down the park's path closer to the river, you'll stumble upon quite a unique sight. The Eagle Point Castle is a lookout tower open for climbing! From the top, look out across the park and the mighty Mississippi. On a clear day, you might be able to spot Illinois. Make time to travel to this scenic, breezy point during spring or summer and you'll be treated to one of the prettiest views in Iowa.

Eagle Point Park is located at 3923 N 3rd St, Clinton, IA 52732. Visit in the spring or summer to catch the prettiest views. If you stop by in Winter, you’ve got a good chance of spotting bald eagles on the lock and dam.

Google rating: 4.7/5

Address: Clinton, IA 52732, United States

If you're as intrigued as you are by this unsolved murder mystery house, you can go see it for yourself at the Villisca Ax Murder House. Day tours are available from 1 to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday, and tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for seniors (you just have to be 12 years or older to enter). Reservations are not required, but masks or face coverings are required, and groups are limited to six people with a 15-minute time limit inside the house.

And for the most spine-tingling type of visit, you and a group of up to six guests can book an overnight tour for $428. After a tour of the house and grounds, keys are turned over to the guests and you have the house to yourself from 4 p.m. to 9:30 a.m. the next morning. Those staying overnight are advised to bring coats, sleeping bags, and pillows. Photographs, videos, and audio recordings are highly encouraged!

You can book an overnight tour by visiting the Villisca Ax Murder House website. In the meantime, sneak a peek at some of the rooms inside the Villisca Ax Murder House ahead.

Google rating: 4.3/5
Phone: +1 712-621-1530
Address: 508 E 2nd St, Villisca, IA 50864, United States
Website: http://www.villiscaiowa.com/index.php

Want to find the best trails in Backbone State Park for an adventurous hike or a family trip? Enjoy hand-curated trail maps, along with reviews and photos from nature lovers like you. Ready for your next hike or bike ride? Explore one of 2 easy hiking trails in Backbone State Park that are great for the whole family. Looking for a more strenuous hike? Got you covered, with trails ranging from 36 to 191 meters in elevation gain. Whatever you have planned for the day, you can find the perfect trail for your next trip to Backbone State Park.

Backbone State Park is Iowa's first state park and was dedicated in 1920. Named for the narrow and steep ridge of bedrock carved by the river, the "Devil's Backbone" is one of the most popular hikes in the state. Backbone consists of 2,000 acres and has outdoor recreation opportunities for fishers, hikers, campers, paddlers, bikers and more. The Backbone State Park trail system includes 21 miles of hiking and multi-use trails. Hike through winding wooded pathways, around the lake, along a stream, up rocky staircases to a cave, or along the Backbone Trail to one of the highest points in Northeast Iowa, the “Devil’s Backbone” overlook. Backbone Park hikes are known for their changes in elevation, rocky terrain, exposed limestone features, forested bluffs, and expansive views.

Google rating: 4.7/5

Phone: +1 563-924-2527

Address: 1347 129th St, Dundee, IA 52038, United States

Website: https://www.iowadnr.gov/Places-to-Go/State-Parks/Iowa-State-Parks/Backbone-State-Park