Once the warmer weather arrives, we Iowans are itching to get outdoors and have some fun. Luckily for us Iowans, the options here are plentiful. Whether you enjoy lounging on a beach and soaking up the sun, or hiking deep into a subterranean cave, there’s something in Iowa for you. And while there’s no shortage of fun to be had, the following 13 activities definitely stand out among the rest and deserve a spot on your Iowa bucket list!
- Soak up the sun at one of the Iowa Great Lakes in Dickinson County.
Denise Heyer/Facebook For more information, click here.
- Take a tour of the bridges of Madison County, and don’t forget to pack a picnic!
Jeff Lawson/FLickr For more information, click here.
- Go hiking on the Wabash Trace Nature Trail in western Iowa.
S C Hargis/Flickr For more information, click here.
- Take a kayaking or canoeing trip down the Upper Iowa River in northeast Iowa.
Ellen Macdonald/Flickr For more information, click here.
- Take a hot air balloon ride over Indianola during the National Balloon Classic.
Will Murphy/Flickr For more information, click here.
- Ride the Boone and Scenic Valley Railroad across the beautiful Des Moines River Valley.
Jerry Huddleston/FLickr For more information, click here.
- Relax in nature at Dunning’s Spring in Decorah.
Michael Massa/Flickr For more information, click here.
- Explore the majestic Maquoketa Caves State Park in Maquoketa.
Michael Kappel/FLickr For more information, click here.
- Admire the art at the Sioux City Art Center.
Ali Eminov/FLickr For more information, click here.
- Check out the namesake bridge at Swinging Bridge Park in Columbus Junction, but don’t look down!
Chris Brooks/Flickr For more information, click here.
- Go biking on the High Trestle Trail between Ankeny and Woodward, and be sure to see the High Trestle Bridge at night.
Jason Mrachina/FLickr For more information, click here.
- Take a driving tour across western Iowa on the Loess Hills Scenic Byway, and stop off for a little hiking at Preparation Canyon.
Michael Leland/FLickr For more information, click here.
- End your perfect summer day at a drive-in movie theatre. The drive-in’s at Spirit Lake, Newton and Delmar are all good places to check out.
Flickr/Terry Shuck For more information, click here.
So, what do you think? Are these bucket list-worthy items? What are some more things you’d add to your Iowa bucket list?
Denise Heyer/Facebook
For more information, click here.
Jeff Lawson/FLickr
S C Hargis/Flickr
Ellen Macdonald/Flickr
Will Murphy/Flickr
Jerry Huddleston/FLickr
Michael Massa/Flickr
Michael Kappel/FLickr
Ali Eminov/FLickr
Chris Brooks/Flickr
Jason Mrachina/FLickr
Michael Leland/FLickr
Flickr/Terry Shuck
Looking for more summertime fun? Click here for another destination that belongs on your Iowa bucket list.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
Address: Dickinson County, IA, USAAddress: Madison County, IA, USAAddress: Wabash Trace Nature Trail, Mineola, IA, USAAddress: Upper Iowa River, Iowa, USAAddress: Warren County, IA, USAAddress: Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad | James H. Andrew Railroad Museum, 225 10th St, Boone, IA 50036, USAAddress: Dunning’s Spring Park, Ice Cave Rd, Decorah, IA 52101, USAAddress: Maquoketa Caves State Park, 9688 Caves Rd, Maquoketa, IA 52060, USAAddress: Sioux City Art Center, 225 Nebraska St, Sioux City, IA 51101, USAAddress: Columbus Junction, IA 52738, USAAddress: High Trestle Trail, Slater, IA, USAAddress: Loess Hills Scenic Overlook, Oak Ave, Moorhead, IA 51558, USAAddress: 1482 300th Ave, Spirit Lake, IA 51360, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Iowa Bucket List May 13, 2021 Daniella DiRienzo What else is there to do during the summer in Iowa? Nothing says summer in Iowa like the Iowa State Fair. Held over the course of 10 days every August, the fair is a nationally recognized event that’s jam-packed with sites and attractions. A long held tradition for many, the annual affair celebrates everything that makes Iowa, well, Iowa! Attendees can enjoy a slew of fantastic foods, many of which are served on sticks, as well as live music, games, rides, and more. One visit and you’ll quickly understand why the fair is one of the top summer activities in Iowa. What are some can’t-miss attractions in Iowa? There are lots of can’t-miss attractions in Iowa – and the Amana Colonies are among them. Offering a unique peek into the past, the Amana Colonies consist of seven historic German villages, which date back to the mid-19th century. Listed as a National Historic Landmark in 1965, the Amana Colonies continue to attract hundreds of thousands of visitors every year – and for good reason! The historic villages boast a variety of restaurants and specialty shops as well as play host to a variety of festivals and events throughout the year. What are the best outdoor activities in Iowa? Of all the outdoor activities in Iowa, Arnold’s Park Amusement Park ranks pretty high up there. As Iowa’s oldest amusement park, it offers nostalgic fun at its finest. From wooden coasters and a Ferris wheel to the tilt-a-whirl and fun houses, Arnold’s Park Amusement Park is brimming with old-school charm and plenty of opportunities for thrills, making it easy to see why it’s a favorite of the young and old alike.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Iowa Bucket List
May 13, 2021
Daniella DiRienzo
What else is there to do during the summer in Iowa? Nothing says summer in Iowa like the Iowa State Fair. Held over the course of 10 days every August, the fair is a nationally recognized event that’s jam-packed with sites and attractions. A long held tradition for many, the annual affair celebrates everything that makes Iowa, well, Iowa! Attendees can enjoy a slew of fantastic foods, many of which are served on sticks, as well as live music, games, rides, and more. One visit and you’ll quickly understand why the fair is one of the top summer activities in Iowa. What are some can’t-miss attractions in Iowa? There are lots of can’t-miss attractions in Iowa – and the Amana Colonies are among them. Offering a unique peek into the past, the Amana Colonies consist of seven historic German villages, which date back to the mid-19th century. Listed as a National Historic Landmark in 1965, the Amana Colonies continue to attract hundreds of thousands of visitors every year – and for good reason! The historic villages boast a variety of restaurants and specialty shops as well as play host to a variety of festivals and events throughout the year. What are the best outdoor activities in Iowa? Of all the outdoor activities in Iowa, Arnold’s Park Amusement Park ranks pretty high up there. As Iowa’s oldest amusement park, it offers nostalgic fun at its finest. From wooden coasters and a Ferris wheel to the tilt-a-whirl and fun houses, Arnold’s Park Amusement Park is brimming with old-school charm and plenty of opportunities for thrills, making it easy to see why it’s a favorite of the young and old alike.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Nothing says summer in Iowa like the Iowa State Fair. Held over the course of 10 days every August, the fair is a nationally recognized event that’s jam-packed with sites and attractions. A long held tradition for many, the annual affair celebrates everything that makes Iowa, well, Iowa! Attendees can enjoy a slew of fantastic foods, many of which are served on sticks, as well as live music, games, rides, and more. One visit and you’ll quickly understand why the fair is one of the top summer activities in Iowa.
What are some can’t-miss attractions in Iowa?
There are lots of can’t-miss attractions in Iowa – and the Amana Colonies are among them. Offering a unique peek into the past, the Amana Colonies consist of seven historic German villages, which date back to the mid-19th century. Listed as a National Historic Landmark in 1965, the Amana Colonies continue to attract hundreds of thousands of visitors every year – and for good reason! The historic villages boast a variety of restaurants and specialty shops as well as play host to a variety of festivals and events throughout the year.
What are the best outdoor activities in Iowa?
Of all the outdoor activities in Iowa, Arnold’s Park Amusement Park ranks pretty high up there. As Iowa’s oldest amusement park, it offers nostalgic fun at its finest. From wooden coasters and a Ferris wheel to the tilt-a-whirl and fun houses, Arnold’s Park Amusement Park is brimming with old-school charm and plenty of opportunities for thrills, making it easy to see why it’s a favorite of the young and old alike.
