Iowa

"The Hawkeye State"

Iowa is a land overflowing with genuine hospitality, historic sites, sophisticated cities, beautiful rolling countryside and four seasons of nature at its very best. The mighty Mississippi River on Iowa’s eastern edge provides opportunities for boating, fishing, canoeing and bald eagle watching. The Great River Road National Scenic Byway, one of the most famous and longest scenic and historic drives in the US, is a federally-designated route covering 3,000 miles of federal, state and county roads that generally follow the mighty Mississippi from Canada to the Gulf of Mexico.

In the west, the Loess Hill National Scenic Byway allows travellers to explore the rare and spectacular natural landscaping of the Loess Hills region of western Iowa, a fragile place of unique prairie flora and wildlife, farms and villages, nestled together among the Catstep hills. Bluestem and scarlet sumac ripen under the big skies atop this rich yellow-brown loess – ancient soil gathered by winds of a receding age of ice into a high wall that follows the vast Missouri River Valley. The rugged range rises abruptly from the flatlands on the west and melts into the rolling plains on the east, extending 200 miles. In between, travellers will find world-class attractions, charming communities and fabulous events.

Visit the iconic Field of Dreams in Dyersville or Bridges of Madison County, explore the rare Loess Hills, marvel at the mighty Mississippi River or visit Iowa's charming small towns and urban centres.

The Historic Park Inn Hotel in Mason City is the only remaining Frank Lloyd Wright-designed hotel in the world. After extensive renovations, the prairie school-style building now stands as a four-star boutique hotel with 27 guest rooms.

Land Area: 55,869 square miles

Population: 2,926,334

State Capital: Des Moines

Largest City: Des Moines

Local Time: CST – 6 hrs behind the UK

Four distinct seasons – ranging from an average high of 74°F (23°C) in August to an average low of 17°F (8°C) in January

55 Parks

Located between the Missouri and Mississippi rivers near major Midwestern cities, Iowa offers off-the-beaten path adventures around every corner. Its deep agricultural roots are on display at working farms across the state, where you can get a first-hand look at farm equipment and interact with animals. At local restaurants and farmers’ markets, you can taste those farm-fresh flavours for yourself. Outdoor enthusiasts will delight in exploring wide-open spaces, diverse landscapes and sprawling hiking, biking and paddling trails. No matter what you’re seeking, Iowa is a prime destination for crafting your ultimate Midwest adventure.

The Midwest is famous for its fertile farmland and hearty foods, and Iowa is no exception. Family-friendly attractions like the John Deere Tractor & Engine Museum in Waterloo and Living History Farms in Des Moines offer insight into the past, present and future of the state’s agriculture through immersive educational exhibits. In the warmer months, shop for colourful produce and artisan goods at community farmers markets statewide. Des Moines’ and Cedar Rapids’ are among the largest open-air markets in the Midwest, while Dubuque boasts the longest-running farmers’ market in the state. Many of Iowa’s restaurants also prioritize using in-season, locally sourced ingredients for their menu items. Sample farm-to-table flavours at Taste in Osage, Brazen Open Kitchen & Bar in Dubuque, Grace on Main in Elk Horn and more. 

You won’t have to spend long travelling Iowa’s beautifully paved cycling paths to understand why the state calls itself the “World Capital of Trails.” Choose from over 4,000 kilometers of pristine trails, from the lofty bridge crossings of the High Trestle Trail near Des Moines to the pastoral stretches of the scenic Trout Run Trail in Decorah. Other popular spots for bike outings include the Iowa Great Lakes Trails in Okoboji and the T-Bone Trail near Audubon. Join cyclists from all over the USA (and the world) on the Register’s Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa (known to locals as RAGBRAI), an annual eight-day group bike ride that sees participants traveling from one end of the Hawkeye State to the other. This is the oldest, largest and longest multi-day bicycle touring event in the world, and it’s a great way to see many of Iowa’s most beautiful places and welcoming communities. 

With landscapes that include rolling hills, untouched prairies, towering river bluffs and sweeping valleys, Iowa offers exciting outdoor adventures around every corner. Set off on the remote hiking trails of Western Iowa’s famous Loess Hills, where thousands of years of western winds sculpted some of the largest deposits of loess soil on Earth. Take on Iowa’s ample waterways aboard a scenic sightseeing cruise. Hop aboard the Riverboat Twilight and Celebration River Cruises to explore the Mississippi River. In the Northwest region of the state, take a ride on the iconic Queen II or Lady of the Lake cruises to experience the beauty of the six Iowa Great Lakes.