This is a guest post by Rachel Foxwell, a student at Iowa State University majoring in Hospitality Management, emphasizing on Travel and Tourism.
Vermeer Mill, the tallest working windmill in the United States, is located in Pella, Iowa
1. Pella, Iowa – A small town with Dutch origins, a walk through Pella is like a walk back in time. Bakeries selling pastries and Dutch letters line the streets and wooden clogs are common decorations. Perhaps the best time to visit Pella is during the annual Tulip Time Festival during May, which features performances, crafters, music, tulip gardens, parades, and traditional Dutch costumes. You’ll have to be sure to check out the Vermeer Mill, which is the United States’ tallest working windmill. Still today it grinds wheat into flour using solely wind power.
A scenic view of the Mississippi River from the bluffs of Dubuque, Iowa
2. Dubuque, Iowa – A large, historic city nestled on the Mississippi River, Dubuque offers plenty to see and do. Visitors must take a ride on the old cable elevator, which takes them to the top of the bluffs that overlook the city. Travelers can also visit the National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium, which outlines the history of settlement of the West and exhibits marine animals, such as fish, otters, and mussels. Or, if outdoor recreation is your forte, the Mississippi River provides a multitude of opportunities for boating, water-skiing, kayaking, and jet-skiing.
Chocolate-covered bacon, one of the must-try foods at the Iowa State Fair
3. The Iowa State Fair – Iowa claims one of the biggest state fairs in the nation. Some of the things you’ll find there include top-notch entertainment from current artists, blue-ribbon state fair entries, the world’s largest pig, and butter sculptures. You’re guaranteed to also find the world’s largest offering of fried and chocolate-covered food, such as fried Twinkies, butter, and Oreos, as well as chocolate-covered bacon.
A view of the old-time Amana Colonies
4. Amana Colonies – A German settlement in central Iowa, the Amana Colonies are a group of settlements of German Pietists. Since their settlement, they have lived a self-sufficient lifestyle with a nearly self-sufficient economy. Visitors can enjoy traditional German restaurants and the woodworking, wine, and craft shops.
One of the trails at Maquoketa Caves State Park
5. Maquoketa Caves State Park – This state park boasts more caves than any other state park in Iowa. Hiking trails connect the commonly explored caves, providing a variety of options for visitors. Take some time to camp, cave, bike, hike, and more!
What is your favorite must-see place in Iowa? Please share below in comments.
Rachel Foxwell — a native of Monona, Iowa — is completing a social media internship for VentureTime Travel.
Read more about her travel adventures – including her summer study in Europe – in her Rachel’s Realities blog.
Other blog posts on Iowa that you might enjoy reading….
- Destination Discovery: Kimballton, Iowa is home for this “Little Mermaid”
- 10 Fun (and Cheap) Weekend Activities to do in Ames, Iowa
- “The worldly perspective gained from travel is incomparable to any other experience.” A Travel Chat with Hospitality Management Student
- A Quick Detour Off I-35 to Explore the Bridges of Madison County and John Wayne’s Birthplace
If you are still looking for more Iowa travel ideas, check out these books….
Oddball Iowa: A Guide to Some Really Strange Places