Irresistible Iowa

12 nights

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.

Iowa's capital is filled with hidden gems, nationally recognized attractions and award-winning restaurants. Start your Des Moines adventure with tours of the stunning Iowa State Capitol and Terrace Hill mansion. Learn about Iowa history at the State Historical Museum of Iowa and the remarkable Salisbury House. Be sure the catch the annual Iowa State Fair and year-round events at the Iowa State Fairgrounds. 

 

The renowned Loess Hills are as breath-taking as they are unexpected – it’s the only place in the western hemisphere you can see these amazing landforms. Embark on a hiking or biking trip surrounded by a sea of rolling hills and billowing prairie grasses. Explore charming small towns and agricultural attractions. 

Council Bluffs, home to railroad history and filled with history and exciting attractions, Council Bluffs offers a great place to appreciate our history and anticipate our future. Step back in time with visits to the one-of-a-kind Historic Squirrel Cage Jail and Bregant House. Explore what life looked like decades ago at the General Dodge House, August Beresheim House. Or stop by the Union Pacific Railroad Museum, RailsWest Railroad Museum and the Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail to learn about how we used to travel and explore. 

Uniquely situated in the tri-state area of Iowa, Nebraska, and South Dakota, the Siouxland region is home to events and experiences as diverse as the communities it represents.

When you visit Siouxland, you’ll never be at a loss for something to do. Whether you’re into museums, architecture, snow tubing, art, sports, parks, theatre, hiking, casino gaming, ice skating, shopping, history, farmers markets, rock climbing, shopping and more, you’ll find it here. 

Whether or not you travel west to visit Iowa, you can go on a westward expedition right out of the history books at the Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center in Sioux City. Follow along with the famed explorers while lifelike exhibits take you on their journey, or book a guided tour to ensure you don’t miss a detail of the U.S. settlement of a new world. While you’re there, take a peek at their art installations that display and promote the work of Iowa-based creatives. When hunger strikes in Sioux City, there’s one place you need to be. For over 100 years, Milwaukee Wiener House has been a staple of comfort cuisine and the place to grab a tasty Coney dog. Take yours with cheese or their famous homemade chili, or try the Barker with mustard and sauerkraut. Big appetites will love the double dog Bow Wow, and if you’re not a weenie lover, take advantage of good ole burger joint fare, root beer floats, bottled sodas, and a tasty slice of pie to close out the meal. The Sioux City Railroad Museum is a short drive from the heart of downtown and offers visitors the chance to explore vintage trains hands-on. Dedicated to the “Ironhorse,” a large and powerful steam locomotive that is the last of its kind, you can climb aboard this metal giant and explore what it might have been like to drive it. Wander the beautiful 32-acre green space and peek into now-historic buildings that were once repair shops for locomotives moving along “The Milwaukee Road,” Don’t miss their enormous and beautifully detailed model railroad, which spans an incredible 75 by 15 feet!

Hotel – The Oakwood Inn (Inc Breakfast)

Jump right in to fun in Clear Lake! Classic, current and up-and-coming artists merge with music history at the Surf Ballroom. For an extra part of the Buddy Holly story, seek out the horn-rimmed glasses that mark the Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens & Big Bopper Crash Site Memorial. Admire gorgeous visual exhibits and explore the sculpture garden at Clear Lake Arts Center. Relive the history of firefighting at Iowa's first fire museum, Clear Lake Fire Museum. For a relaxing evening, stop by Lake Time Brewing to try one of their specialty and seasonal craft brews. 

Get to know some of Iowa's most creative minds by exploring Iowa City - a UNESCO City of Literature - and the house that inspired Grant Wood's American Gothic. Dive into more history and culture at diverse museums in the Quad Cities and Cedar Rapids. The heritage and charm of the Amana Colonies and Villages of Van Buren make for unforgettable, story-worthy memories.

Bustling metros with culture and cuisine including Cedar Rapids, Iowa City and the Quad Cities.

Landscape and architecture that inspired Grant Wood and his colony of artists.

Views of the Mississippi River.

Burlington's winding Snake Alley, named one of Ripley's Believe It or Not! Odd Spots Across America.

Authentic German heritage in the Amana Colonies.

Popular parks like Maquoketa Caves, Wildcat Den and Lacey-Keosauqua.

Iowa is the Unesco City of Literature! This art-centric community boasts intriguing history, modern attractions and great family destinations. Stop by the Old Capitol Museum to learn everything Iowa history. Admire natural and cultural worlds at the University of Iowa Museum of Natural History. Gaze at stunning works of art from around the world and Iowa at the University of Iowa Stanley Museum of Art.