Hidden Gems in Iowa
Explore towns steeped in European heritage, marvel at giant sculptures, meet skilled craftsmen and artisans, visit charming dairy farms, and uncover hidden gems in Iowa.
Visit Elwood, the World's Tallest Concrete Garden Gnome.
Reiman Gardens in Ames, Iowa, is a lovely botanical garden approximately thirty miles north of Des Moines. In addition to a beautiful indoor butterfly garden and manicured grounds, the gardens are also home to Elwood, the world's tallest concrete garden gnome. The 15-foot tall, 3,500 lb gnome is a delight to visitors of all ages.
Reiman Gardens at Iowa State University is a beautiful botanical garden worth a visit. The butterfly garden is a favorite tranquil spot to watch a variety of butterfly species. The gardens are home to over 6,000 plant species, with something to enjoy year-round. Admission is charged.
Cross the High Trestle Trail Bridge in Madrid, Iowa.
The High Trestle Trail, a decommissioned railroad line turned multi-use trail, is one of the most famous trails in Iowa, spanning 25 miles through five towns in four counties. This paved trail is a favorite for cyclists, walkers, and runners alike. The most iconic landmark on the trail is the High Trestle Trail Bridge spanning the Des Moines River. The bridge is 35 feet tall and 2,640 feet long. As you cross the bridge, you may read signage that shares local history. Artistically, the bridge is decorated with forty-one steel frames to represent support cribs within a historic coal mine. At nighttime, the frames are illuminated with blue lights marking the location of the river channel below. Bridge Lighting Hours: April-Oct, sunset - midnight. Nov-March, sunset - 9 pm.
Tour the tallest Dutch windmill in the United States.
Vermeer Mill is an 1850s-style Dutch grain mill that has been at home in Pella's historic village since 2002. Visitors are invited to tour the five-story mill and learn how grain is ground into flour. You may even purchase a souvenir bag of flour in the gift shop. Guides teach visitors about the process, you learn about the various types of wood used to build the windmill and why each wood was selected, and children try to lift flour bags. A highlight is standing on the windmill deck where you can see the town below, Pella's canal, and shops. Admission to the windmill also includes admission to the miniature Dutch Village display and the historic village which includes Wyatt Earp's home, a blacksmith, a grist mill where corn is ground into cornmeal, a bakery, and a wooden shoemaker's shop. Learn more about Pella, Iowa here.
Learn how blue cheese is made.
Approximately 40 miles east of Des Moines is Maytag Dairy Farms, home to Maytag Blue Cheese. The retail shop is open 8 am - 5 pm weekdays. Visitors get to watch as blue cheese is packaged, learn the history of the farm, watch a film on blue cheese production, and sample products.
Attend Dubuque's Winter Arts Festival and watch snow sculpture in action.
Dubuque, Iowa, is a riverfront town famous for its charm. Every winter, weather permitting, they host a Winter Arts Festival in February and guests have the opportunity to watch artists create sculptures in the snow! Dubuque is also home to the world's shortest and steepest railroad. The Fenelon Place Elevator, a funicular railway offers views of the town below. The ride operates from April to November. Additionally, Dubuque, Iowa is home to a state park, museums, local boutiques, bed and breakfasts, and orchards.
Bowl "Under the Sea."
C is the most fun place to bowl in America! The "under-the-sea" themed bowling alley, next to Bass Pro in Altoona, Iowa, is a favorite for all ages. The entire atmosphere is decked out in an underwater theme. Sharks, alligators, and octopi with mouths open wide, serve as ball returns. The bowling alley floor looks like the bottom of the sea and fish dangle from the ceiling above. This nautical experience is a fave on vacation.
Experience Germany in the heart of Iowa.
The Amana Colonies comprise six villages: Amana, East Amana, West Amana, South Amana, High Amana, and Middle Amana. Among these, the Village of Amana attracts the most visitors due to its numerous renowned shops. A trip to the Amanas is sure to captivate you, where craftsmanship, German heritage, and community spirit are cherished.
Start Planning Your Amana Getaway:
Take photos with giant sculptures in Des Moines.
The Pappajohn Sculpture Park in Des Moines is an urban oasis featuring dozens of larger-than-life sculptures. The creative collection features a beautiful prism, giant sculptures of animals, modern art, and whimsical designs that inspire the imagination. This is one of our favorite stops in the capital city. Use this guide to learn about the art and the artists.
Learn about President Herbert Hoover.
The Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum in West Branch, Iowa is one of fifteen presidential libraries and museums in the United States. This site tells the story of the 31st President of the United States, Herbert Hoover including his participation in the first intercity television broadcast, interesting trivia (he was the first President with a telephone on his desk), and how he came to be known as “The Great Humanitarian”, the leader who fed war-torn Europe during and after World War I. Explore the museum, the birthplace cottage, the schoolhouse, the blacksmith shop, and historic buildings portraying the life of Hoover in Iowa.
What is your favorite experience to enjoy in Iowa?
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