Iowa Vacation Ideas
Iowa is ideal backdrop to connect with family and friends.
It's countless outdoor adventures as well as attractions for the family draws people from all over the U.S.
With the Missouri River on the west edge of the state, the Mississippi River separates Iowa from Illinois and Wisconsin to form the eastern boundary of the state and the Big Sioux River in the northwest corner of the state forms its Northern boundary with South Dakota.
The state is named for the Ioway people, a Siouan tribe of Native Americans that formerly lived there.
Campgrounds across the state afford relaxing getaways. Hundreds of miles of hiking and biking trails are great reasons to head to Iowa as well as rivers and lakes that await you with great opportunities for kayaking, boating and fishing.
Iowa is a great opportunity to teach yourself and the children about the planets and the night sky. One of my favorite things to do is look for constellations and for just a few dollars you can pick up a star finder. It's not hard to do and it is a lifetime of knowledge and fun for everyone.
Iowa Great Lakes
There are several natural lakes in the state. Spirit Lake, West Okoboji Lake, and East Okoboji Lake make the Iowa Great Lakes. They are a group of natural glacial lakes and the largest natural lakes in the state of Iowa.
The region is a popular destination for fishermen, both in summer and winter, as well as being one of Iowa's most popular vacation destinations.
Man Made Lakes
Lake Odessa, Saylrville Lake, Lake Red Rock, Coralville Lake, Lake MacBride and Rathbun Lake are Man-made lakes.
These lakes are utilized for many recreational activities. Camping, boating, swimming, fishing, hiking, disc golf, biking, deer and game bird hunting, are very popular year round.
Maquoketa Caves State Park
The park contains more caves than any other state park in Iowa. A trail system links the caves, formations, and overlooks providing a scenic hiking experience.
Attractons
It's all a Field of Dreams in Iowa! In fact, most of the movie "Field of Dreams" was shot in Dyersville. But the state of Iowa has many more attractions than that.
The Internationally acclaimed Iowa State Fair is located in Des Moines and attracts nearly 1 million people every August.
In Altoona just northeast of Des Moines is the amusement park Adventureland.
Arnolds Park is another a historic amusement park located in the center of the Iowa Great Lakes resort region.
Effigy Mounds National Monument
Before Europeans arrived, a unique American Indian "Effigy Mound" culture developed in the upper Midwest. They built thousands of earthen mounds in the shape of animals across the landscape.
Today, over two hundred mounds are preserved intact. Thirty-one are in the shape of bears and birds found along hiking trails.
Amana Colonies
This group of settlements of German Pietists comprising of seven villages are great American sites to see.
Herbert Hoover
The Herbert Hoover National Historic Site, Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum are located in West Branch. They also contain the birthplace and grave of former president.
Enjoy your vacation!