When you think of Iowa, of course, you would picture endless cornfields and quiet. The state of Iowa is way beyond that; it’s full of history, quirky charm, and stunning landscapes, offering far more than meets the eye, from cinematic dreams and the mighty Mississippi. This guide is packed with unforgettable adventures waiting to be explored. Let’s explore these stunning landscapes with me as I take you beyond the cornfields.
Top Tourist Attractions in Iowa
1. Grotto of the Redemption (West Bend)
2. Amana Colonies
3. Field of Dreams movie site in Dyersville
4. Maquoketa Cave State Park
5. National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium (Dubuque)
6. The Iowa State Capitol in Des Moines
7. The Bridges of Madison County
7 TOP TOURIST ATTRACTIONS IN IOWA
Through this guide, you will find out the top 7 tourist attractions based on their qualities and how adventurous they are in nature.
1. Grotto of the Redemption (west bend)
The shrine of the Grotto of the Redemption is a religious shrine located in West Bend, Iowa, in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Sioux City. A conglomeration of nine grottos depicting scenes in the life of Jesus, it contains a large collection of minerals and petrification, and is believed to be the largest grotto of its kind.
It’s also considered to be the world’s most complete man-made collection of minerals, fossils, shells, and petrification in one place. The estimated value of the grotto is over $4,308,000. Over 100,000 people visit each year. It includes a museum with precious and semiprecious stones from throughout the world, and photos and artifacts about the construction of the shrine.
2. Amana Colonies
Located in Amana (20 min from Cedar Rapids), the Amana Colonies are seven villages of 26,000 in east-central Iowa, United States. The villages were built and settled by German Radical Pietists who were persecuted in their homeland by the German state government and the Lutheran Church. For eighty years, the Amana Colony maintained an almost completely self-sufficient local economy, importing very little from the outside industrial economy.
The Armenians achieved this independence and lifestyle by adhering to the specialized crafting and farming occupations that they had brought with them from Europe. Craftsmen passed their skills and techniques on from one generation to the next. They used hand, horses, wind, and water power and made their own furniture, clothes and other goods. Today, the seven villages of Amana are a tourist attraction known for their restaurants and craft shops.
3. The Fields of Dreams Movie Site in Dyersville’s
The Field of Dreams movie site in Dyersville, Iowa, is a year-round attraction where tourists can walk the iconic baseball field from the 1989 film, tour the farmhouse, play catch in the cornfields, and experience the magic of the movie, hosting events, youth tournaments, and offering a museum, gift shop, and even overnight stays in the farmhouse.
The Fields of Dreams is located at 28995 Lansing Rd, Dyersville, IA 52040. It is always open every day, but hours vary by session (generally sunrise to sunset, with specific times like 9 am – 6 pm or 9 am – 9 pm depending on the month). Additionally, it gives film buffs and baseball fans the feeling of a nostalgic pilgrimage. It also offers a unique chance to connect with themes of family, dreams, and second chances. Whether you’re reliving cherished memories or creating new ones, the field of dreams offers a timeless escape into the magic of the movies.
4. National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium (Dubuque):
This is nestled in the historic port of Dubuque, as it consistently earns wonderful reviews because it brilliantly interconnects the changes in the aquatic exhibits with a lengthy historical narrative of the Mississippi River, offering an engaging, insightful, and deeply immersive experience for tourists of all ages that goes far beyond typical museum offerings.
What truly sets the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium apart is its blend of two seemingly distinct attractions: a captivating aquarium and a rich historic museum. It’s a place where you can watch river otters frolic one moment and learn about the daring journeys of steamboat captains. There’s this incredible array of aquatic exhibits, from the backwaters & Bayous to the main channel to the Alligator Alley to the River otters down to other regional critters.
The water quality is impeccable, and the habitats are thoughtfully designed, which is very educational and engaging. There are a bunch of things to write about the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium, as it possesses a lot of remarkable qualities.
5. Maquoketa Caves State Park
The Maquoketa Caves Park is famous for having more caves than any other Iowa state park, which offers unique underground adventures through formations like Dancehall Cave, alongside miles of trails, limestone bluffs, a natural bridge, and camping facilities. It attracts lots of tourists and visitors as it’s a good place for hiking, exploring, and appreciating nature.
It has about 13 caves and also offers electronic and non-electronic sites, requiring reservations and featuring modern restrooms/showers, which are closed seasonally. The cave closes from October 15th to April 15th for bat hibernation.
6. The Iowa State Capitol in Des Moines:
The Iowa state capital is a stunning Renaissance Revival building, famous for its iconic five domes, the largest of which is covered in 23.75 karat gold leaf. The state capitol was built between 1871 and 1886. It houses the Iowa House and Senate chambers, the Supreme Court, the Governor’s office, and a beautiful Victorian law library, featuring rich woodwork, marble, and art. It’s a place for tourists to explore the legislative chambers and the whispering gallery; available most weekdays and Saturdays.
7. The Bridges of Madison County
It refers to the actual historic covered bridges in Iowa and the famous 1992 novel and 1995 film about a passionate, brief affair between a farm wife and a photographer at these iconic structures, exploring themes of love, duty, and missed chances. It remains a popular tourist attraction in Madison County, Iowa. While in Winterset, don’t miss the John Wayne Birthplace museum celebrating the town’s most famous son.
SUMMARY OF MUST-SEE ATTRACTIONS
| Attraction | Category | Key Highlight |
| Authentic German family-style dining | Pop culture | Playing catch on the movie field. |
| Amana Colonies | Cultural history | $4 million worth of set gemstones |
| Maquoketa Caves | Nature/ Geology | Exploring the Dancehall Cave |
| State Capitol | Architecture | The Victorian law library |
| The Grotto | Art/spiritually | The iconic Rose Man Bridge |
| Madison County | Romance/History | The iconic rose man bridge |
| River Museum | Science/History | Touring the historic dredge boat |
CONCLUSION
Iowa’s treasures extend far beyond cornfields, offering a captivating blend of natural wonders like the Field of Dreams, the Amana Colonies, the Mississippi River Museum, and quirky icons such as Madison County. The unique experiences from the mystical Grotto of Redemption prove that the heartland truly holds a universe of adventure waiting to be explored. Inviting you to discover its hidden depths and iconic sights yourself. Your unforgettable Iowa story starts now!!
About the Author
