Weird, Fun & Beautiful Places in Iowa

Ledges State Park

This park has dramatic sandstone cliffs, beautiful, wooded trails, and scenic views that make it feel surprisingly rugged.

Driving through the lower canyon area when water flows over the road is especially fun for kids. This park feels way more “Ozarks” than “cornfields.”

Bring water shoes if your kids are the type who immediately try to walk in every creek they see. (Which… mine absolutely are.)

Maquoketa Caves State Park

This is my personal favorite outdoor spot in Iowa. The park has multiple caves, a giant rock bridge, rock formations, and 5 miles of trails.

Some caves are large and easy to explore, while others are tiny enough to make you question your life choices halfway through.

Be sure to:

• Bring flashlights
• Expect mud (you won't get too muddy unless you go into the very tight caves, which we decided to skip)
• Wear shoes you do not deeply care about

Fenelon Place Elevator- Dubuque, Iowa

The Fenelon Place Elevator is the world’s shortest and steepest scenic railway. It was originally built in the 1880s by a banker who was tired of climbing the bluff to get home every day. And now you can ride it up the bluff for incredible views overlooking Dubuque, Iowa, and the Mississippi River.

Note that it is closed late fall through early spring.

American Gothic House- Eldon, Iowa

Yes, it's THAT house from the famous American Gothic painting. And yes, you can dress up like the painting! They even provide costumes and props so you can fully commit to your farmer-era experience.

Fairfield, Iowa

Fairfield became known for its connection to Transcendental Meditation and Maharishi International University. It has developed this really interesting mix of Midwest small-town energy, wellness culture, art spaces, and eclectic shops.

Pella, Iowa

Pella is a little slice of the Netherlands in the Midwest. There are windmills, Dutch bakeries, tulips, charming architecture, canals, and cute little shops throughout the town.

Tulip Time in early May is fun because the tulips are blooming, and there are even more Dutch food options than normal. Be warned that more than a million visitors descend upon Pella for Tulip Time, so personally I like going during the week before or after for the tulips but fewer crowds.

Hitchcock Nature Center- Near Council Bluffs, Iowa

Hitchcock Nature Center sits within the Loess Hills, which are really unique windblown geological formations that only exist in a few places in the world. (In fact, the Loess Hills in Northeast Missouri and Eastern Iowa are one of the two largest formations like this in the world.) The hills almost look soft and rolling from a distance, and the hiking trails and overlooks are gorgeous.

Weird & Quirky Iowa Roadside Stops

The Future Birthplace of Captain Kirk-Riverside, Iowa

Yes, seriously. Riverside claims to be the future birthplace of Captain Kirk from Star Trek, and I love that level of commitment to a fictional timeline.

Matchstick Marvels- Gladbrook, Iowa

This museum has insanely detailed giant sculptures built entirely out of matchsticks. It sounds random because it absolutely is.

Geode Hunting Near Keokuk, Iowa

This is one of the coolest Iowa adventures if your kids love rocks, treasure hunts, or getting dirty outdoors. The Keokuk area is famous for geodes, which look like regular rocks on the outside but can contain beautiful crystals inside.

You can hunt for them around creeks, certain public digging areas, and nearby spots around Hamilton, Illinois just across the river too.

You can find group digs throughout the year on Facebook or go during Geode Fest when landowners open their land up for people to look for geodes.

Other Random Stops

• Prairie Patch Farm - You can walk a llama here or stay the night! (near Cedar Rapids)
• Mount Trashmore - Somehow they transformed this trash mountain into a stunning park! (Cedar Rapids)
• Windy Goat Acres - Stay in a hobbit house or hang out with sweet, adorable animals.
• Field of Dreams Movie Site - You can play baseball on the field or stay overnight in the house from the film (20-minutes from Dubuque)
• Dubuque Arboretum - they have a brand-new kids play area that looks epic! (Dubuque)
• Mines of Spain - an old quarry turned into a beautiful hiking trail (Dubuque)
• Rail Explorers - bike on train tracks and go over huge trellis bridges. I loved it but don't do it if you're afraid of heights! (Boone)
• Cross Country Skiing at Jester Park - you can rent skis and explore the trails! (30 minutes from Des Moines)
• Albert the Bull - just a big bull! And yes, he is anatomically correct (Audubon)
• World's Largest Popcorn Ball - somehow it is preserved and not all eaten by mice (Sac City)

Summer of Soccer Pass in Lawrence

This is a great way to explore Lawrence and have fun. When you stop at places on the pass you earn points and collect prizes or can be entered for the sweepstakes! Plus, different locations offer discounts or free merchandise just for participating!

Before You Go...

One of my favorite things about Iowa is how unexpectedly varied it feels.

What weird adventures did you find this summer?

Talk soon,
Amy

8450 NW Prairieview Road, #1397, Kansas City, MO 64154
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