Alright, I am finally writing a post on Iowa, since it is where I was raised and grew up. I’m keeping it specifically to Eastern Iowa because honestly, Iowa is a big state and it’s hard to cover ground there. I’m hoping to do more in other parts of Iowa the next time I am there, so if you are interested or have any recommendations for me, please leave them in the comments!
I know Iowa may not be on everyone’s “must visit” list, but trust me, there are some great things to do in the Hawkeye State! Here are a few to get you started.
1. Field of Dreams
Did you know the Field of Dreams is in Iowa? If you are a big baseball fan you might know. If you drive to Dyersville, Iowa, you will find it there! Don’t know where Dyersville is? It’s just west of Dubuque, if that helps. The field was originally built for the movie in 1989, but is actually a functioning baseball field and a tourist attraction. MLB started playing a game there every year in 2021. You can read more about that here. There’s more to do than just look at the field, so be sure to research before going so you can make the most of your trip!
2. See the Old Capitol Building
Iowa City used to be the capital of Iowa once upon a time. And although Des Moines now has that designation, the old capitol building is still in Iowa City. It lies right in the middle of the University of Iowa’s campus, and is a beauty to behold. Built in 1842, it is now a US National Historic Landmark. Plus, a visit to Iowa’s campus is a fun way to spend a day, too. While you’re there, you might want to go to a football game, a wrestling match, or a basketball game depending on the time of your visit! The Big10 is a fun conference to be in – I might be biased as a huge Hawkeye fan!
3. Maquoketa Caves
Maquoketa Caves State Park holds the record for most caves in any state park. See! Iowa has some things going for it! In all seriousness though, this is a great place to check out! There are 6 miles of trail in the park, and you don’t have to pay to get in. You can wander around exploring the caves, camp onsite, and the Maquoketa River isn’t too far away either. Be sure to check the website before coming, as they close on the off season and during the bat hibernation period (October-April normally)
4. LeClaire, Iowa
Positioned right along the Mississippi River, this cute little town is full of fun on a nice summer day. If you’ve ever heard of American Pickers, their shop, Antique Archaeology is located in LeClaire and is definitely worth a visit! There are a few boutique shops in the same area. Another interesting activity is the Buffalo Bill Museum. Admission is only $5 for adults. The different displays and exhibits show what times were like during that era, and stories of his life. Of course, you can take a walk along the river if you want to get outside for a bit, and stop by the Crane and Pelican Cafe for something to eat. They even have events going on sometimes!
5. Decorah, Iowa
Decorah is pretty far north in eastern Iowa, and because of that, it is a bit hillier. The terrain changes the further north you go, and it makes it so beautiful for hiking and activities. There are a few campgrounds around Decorah as well. If you like to explore college campuses, Luther College is there, and has a beautiful campus. I would say this is definitely a stop for someone looking to be outdoors and more active. The only food stop I can recommend because I’ve been there is the Sugar Bowl. It is more of a desserts/ice cream place, however, they do serve sandwiches and coffees!
6. Take a Drive on Old Historic Lincoln Highway
There are tons of little towns along Highway 30 (AKA Lincoln Highway), many of which are now being bypassed by bigger, faster highways. People take Lincoln Highway from New York City to San Fransisco! You’ll notice there are small towns spaced out every 5-7 miles along the highway. This is for the railroad that runs all the way along it. Back in the day, it was steam trains, and they needed water refills about that often.
Here are a few towns (from west to east) I think are worth stopping at along the old highway if you’d like to slow down a little bit.
Tama
Tama is located directly east of the Sac and Fox/Meskwaki Settlement. The main thing to do here would be to gamble or play Bingo at the Meskwaki Bingo Casino Hotel. If you want to go a few miles further west to Marshalltown (you’d be getting a bit more into central Iowa), I would recommend a stop for lunch at the Maid Rite. Maid rites are loose meat sandwiches, which might sound weird, but it is kind of an Iowa tradition along with breaded tenderloins. Maid Rite literally only sells that sandwich, so if it doesn’t sound like something you want to try, best to skip it!
Mount Vernon
Mount Vernon, Iowa is home to Cornell College. Not the one you might be thinking of, but it has a unique history of its own and is worth wandering the campus. Besides that, the little downtown is full of cute shops, cafes, and even a little wine bar! There is a hotel there also, if you are looking to break up the trip and take it slow. This wouldn’t be a bad place to stop for the night.
Just west of Mount Vernon is a Grant Wood historical site. Grant Wood was a famous painter most known for “American Gothic”. This painting has been put on the side of a barn, right on Highway 30. You can’t miss it if you come from the west into Mount Vernon!
Clarence
This is my hometown, so I have to share it on here! Although it is super small with only 1000 people, there are a few things worth stopping for! First, stop at Demeter’s Market and grab a coffee and a pastry! Next, walk down the street about 30 seconds to the Onion Grove Mercantile. They are usually open Thursday-Saturday, but you can also online shop at that link! And finally, another quick walk down the Main Street (Highway 30) is Mill Creek Cafe. You’ll be sure to have a yummy homemade meal there (or a breaded tenderloin if you’re lucky!) before heading on your way.
If you want to see one of the original Lincoln Highway markers, you can cross the street from Mill Creek Cafe and go into the tiny park on the corner there. Next to the tall clock, you will find the sign.
DeWitt
I grew up driving the 30 minutes to DeWitt for a little variety in food choices. Here are a few of my recommendations: For healthy, Urban Eats. For traditional Iowa, Sunrise Cafe. If you want ice cream, Cups & Cones (they are open seasonally). For bar food, Murphy’s Pub. There are also some cute boutiques and antique shops as well as a really nice secondhand store that I like. And, if you’re wanting a little fresh air, they have a nice little park to walk around in. There are a few hotel options there, but I would probably drive on to Clinton if you are doing the whole route.
Clinton
The first thing you’ll encounter when you come into Clinton from the east is the Wild Rose Casino & Hotel. There are plenty of other hotel options if you are interested in spending a night there, but aren’t into the casino. The Mississippi River goes right by the city, and when you cross over the bridge you will be in Illinois. There are a few trails down by the water for walking, hiking, biking, and even an area for recreational vehicles. The Candlelight Inn is a great option for dinner if you are looking for a bite to eat, but you have plenty of choices!
7. Harper’s Ferry and Northeast Iowa
Harper’s Ferry is another town located on the Mississippi, but further north. The town is home to less than 300 people, but that’s part of the charm! Though there isn’t a ton to do in town, it is a great area to go to see the fall foliage! Taking a roadtrip around Northeast Iowa is a great option for things to do during autumn. The terrain is a bit more hilly in that region, making it a great place to hike as well. And you can always take a little river cruise if you’re up for that!
8. Pella, Iowa
Another great town to tour a college campus, Pella is home to Central College. Pella is a bit more in Central Iowa (hence the college’s name), but it is one I didn’t want to leave out on this post because it is very unique. The town was founded by immigrants from the Netherlands, and as such, is very much a Dutch-influenced town. There is even a tulip festival called Tulip Time, every year on the first weekend in May. If you plan to go for the festival, be sure to plan in advance for hotels and restaurant reservations!
9. NewBo Market and Czech Village
Located in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, these two spots are right across the Cedar River from one another, so I put them together as one. NewBo is an indoor market full of different shops and stalls of all kinds of foods and artisan goods! It’s a good place to stop for a bite and a little shopping before heading across the river to the Czech Village.
There, you can go to the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library where they have rotating exhibits on display. Tickets are $10 for adults. This is a great area to wander around as well if you are wanting to get outside. If you need a pick-me-up, Café Saint Pio is a great place to grab a coffee.
10. Amana Colonies
These 7 villages were built in the 19th century by German Pietists, and has a large population of Amish people. The villages have unique architecture, many shops with homemade food, goods, and treats, and you are sure to see a horse drawn buggy riding along the side of the road at some point. There are some great restaurants there, like the Ox Yoke Inn, along with a few wineries and a traditional German brewery! It is a small area, but in my opinion is well worth staying a night or two to enjoy.
BONUS: 11. Sugarbottom Campground, Lake McBride, and Coralville Reservoir
I grew up going out to Sugarbottom campground every summer for weeks at a time. My dad always had a motorhome and a boat, which meant days spent on the water tubing and cliff jumping! It is some of my favorite memories growing up. In fact, I was just in Iowa visiting for a week, and spent most of it doing just that (minus the tubing and cliff jumping).
If you are into that sort of thing, it is well worth taking a trip out. If you don’t have a camper or a tent, but you do have a boat, you can launch your boat nearby at Mehaffey boat ramp. If you only want to camp, there is a designated swim area in the campground, a sand volleyball net, and a nice playground. We tended to run around on our scooters, and there are still plenty of kids out doing that!
To book a space, go to their website in advance. I recommend a space further down by the lake, but you can position yourself near the bathrooms, playground, etc.
Stay tuned because I will do a part 2 an talk about what to do in the Western part of the state too! For now, here’s a few things to do in nearby Milwaukee, Wisconsin! Have you been to Iowa?
