There’s so much to do in the Hawkeye State, and unlike a big part of the country, we actually get four distinct seasons to enjoy. That means we can plan winter adventures, spring day trips, summer vacations, and even scenic, leaf-filled fall excursions in Iowa! If you’re looking for a list of things to do in Iowa by month, use the following guide to fill up your calendar for the best year yet. It’s always a good time to look at the calendar and start planning your next day trip or getaway. Below, you’ll find the best day trips in Iowa, and we’re so happy we can share them with you!
January: Sleepy Hollow Sports Park
Facebook / Sleepy Hollow Sports Park Hit the slopes at Sleepy Hollow Sports Park, the closest ski hill to the Des Moines area. You’ll find plenty of ways to enjoy the snow, from tubing, to skiing and snowboarding, to testing out fat bikes. It’s a great way to kick off the year.Sleepy Hollow is the Best Place To Go Sledding In Iowa.
February: Clear Lake’s Color the Wind Festival
Google Local / Brianna Gonzales The most colorful festival in Iowa is Clear Lake’s Color the Wind kite festival. It’s held every February and shows off some of the most unique kites you’ll ever see. Bring the whole family. Bundle up, it gets cold out there!You’ll have so much fun at this fantastic February Festival in Iowa.
March: Dan and Debbie’s Creamery
Facebook / Dan and Debbie’s Creamery If winter is dragging on and you need a pick me up, visit Dan and Debbie’s Creamery in March. They make the best cheese curds in Iowa and you’ll love touring their farm with your group.One visit will show you why Dan & Debbie’s is Iowa’s top creameries.
April: Reiman Gardens
Flickr / Scott McLeod Welcome spring with a trip to Reiman Gardens! In April, the flowers start to peek up out of the ground and brighten up this beautiful botanic garden. Anyone who loves flowers will enjoy a stroll through the grounds.Have you visited this beautiful Botanical Garden in Iowa?
May: Pella’s Tulip Time
Flickr / Douglas Porter Tulip Time might be the most famous festival in Iowa. You’re sure to love exploring Pella, the Dutch town that has really embraced its heritage. Try Dutch Letters and test out a pair of clogs from Holland.There’s nothing more stunning than seeing Pella’s Famous Tulip Festival.
June: Le Mars - the Ice Cream Capital of the World!
Facebook / Blue Bunny Ice Cream Parlor When summer rolls around, visit Le Mars! The Ice Cream Capital of the World is right here in the Hawkeye State. You can stroll the streets, pose with the ice cream statues, and visit the Blue Bunny parlor for a whole lot of history.Do you think Blue Bunny makes the Best Ice Cream In Iowa?
July: Arnolds Park Amusement Park
Facebook / Arnolds Park Arnolds Park has been entertaining Iowans since the 1800s! This thrilling and historic amusement park is the perfect place for a family day trip, or a summertime vacation.Plan a trip to enjoy this Family-Friendly Amusement Park In Iowa!
August: Rathbun Lake Aquapark
Facebook / Honey Creek Resort The coolest place to be during the hottest month of the year is Rathbun Lake! Honey Creek Resort is home to an incredible inflatable aquapark that’s sure to be your favorite way to cool off. Splash and play and enjoy a day of slides and thrills. The Honey Creek Aquapark is so much fun for everyone.
September: Hansen Dairy and Kangaroo Farm
Hansen Dairy Kangaroo farm. Need I say more? Hansens Dairy is a one of a kind place for a family day trip! Kids and adults of all ages will enjoy touring this family owned dairy and meeting their unique farm pets.Pet kangaroos in Iowa and you’ll remember the experience for the rest of your life.
October: Effigy Mounds National Monument
Facebook / Effigy Mounds National Monument Effigy Mounds National Monument is one of Iowa’s most sacred places. It’s a protectd preserve that’s home to hundreds of Native American burial sights. The trails around the mounds show off beautiful scenery, particularly in the Fall.When you visit, you’ll get to see the prettiest fall foliage in Iowa.
November: Walnut, Iowa’s Antique City
Facebook / Walnut Antique City Walk When you start to think about holiday shopping, plan a trip to Walnut! This welcoming Iowa town is home to a variety of antique shops that are sure to have the unusual and memorable gifts you’re looking for.Come see the Coolest Iowa Antique Stores all in one spot!.
December: Atlantic, Iowa’s City of Lights
Facebook / Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce Finally, wrap up the year with a trip to Atlantic. Iowa’s “City of Lights” puts on an amazing Holiday celebration, and you’ll want to see it for yourself. There’s no place like small town Iowa during the Holidays!It’s one of the best and brightest Christmas Light Displays in the Midwest.
What are your plans for your next 12 months? It doesn’t have to be New Years to look for new things to do! Will you go on a variety of adventures? If this list of things to do in Iowa by month has helped you plan your year, please share it with your friends and family, or let us know in the comments below!
Facebook / Sleepy Hollow Sports Park
Hit the slopes at Sleepy Hollow Sports Park, the closest ski hill to the Des Moines area. You’ll find plenty of ways to enjoy the snow, from tubing, to skiing and snowboarding, to testing out fat bikes. It’s a great way to kick off the year.Sleepy Hollow is the Best Place To Go Sledding In Iowa.
Google Local / Brianna Gonzales
The most colorful festival in Iowa is Clear Lake’s Color the Wind kite festival. It’s held every February and shows off some of the most unique kites you’ll ever see. Bring the whole family. Bundle up, it gets cold out there!You’ll have so much fun at this fantastic February Festival in Iowa.
Facebook / Dan and Debbie’s Creamery
If winter is dragging on and you need a pick me up, visit Dan and Debbie’s Creamery in March. They make the best cheese curds in Iowa and you’ll love touring their farm with your group.One visit will show you why Dan & Debbie’s is Iowa’s top creameries.
Flickr / Scott McLeod
Welcome spring with a trip to Reiman Gardens! In April, the flowers start to peek up out of the ground and brighten up this beautiful botanic garden. Anyone who loves flowers will enjoy a stroll through the grounds.Have you visited this beautiful Botanical Garden in Iowa?
Flickr / Douglas Porter
Tulip Time might be the most famous festival in Iowa. You’re sure to love exploring Pella, the Dutch town that has really embraced its heritage. Try Dutch Letters and test out a pair of clogs from Holland.There’s nothing more stunning than seeing Pella’s Famous Tulip Festival.
Facebook / Blue Bunny Ice Cream Parlor
When summer rolls around, visit Le Mars! The Ice Cream Capital of the World is right here in the Hawkeye State. You can stroll the streets, pose with the ice cream statues, and visit the Blue Bunny parlor for a whole lot of history.Do you think Blue Bunny makes the Best Ice Cream In Iowa?
Facebook / Arnolds Park
Arnolds Park has been entertaining Iowans since the 1800s! This thrilling and historic amusement park is the perfect place for a family day trip, or a summertime vacation.Plan a trip to enjoy this Family-Friendly Amusement Park In Iowa!
Facebook / Honey Creek Resort
The coolest place to be during the hottest month of the year is Rathbun Lake! Honey Creek Resort is home to an incredible inflatable aquapark that’s sure to be your favorite way to cool off. Splash and play and enjoy a day of slides and thrills. The Honey Creek Aquapark is so much fun for everyone.
Hansen Dairy
Kangaroo farm. Need I say more? Hansens Dairy is a one of a kind place for a family day trip! Kids and adults of all ages will enjoy touring this family owned dairy and meeting their unique farm pets.Pet kangaroos in Iowa and you’ll remember the experience for the rest of your life.
Facebook / Effigy Mounds National Monument
Effigy Mounds National Monument is one of Iowa’s most sacred places. It’s a protectd preserve that’s home to hundreds of Native American burial sights. The trails around the mounds show off beautiful scenery, particularly in the Fall.When you visit, you’ll get to see the prettiest fall foliage in Iowa.
Facebook / Walnut Antique City Walk
When you start to think about holiday shopping, plan a trip to Walnut! This welcoming Iowa town is home to a variety of antique shops that are sure to have the unusual and memorable gifts you’re looking for.Come see the Coolest Iowa Antique Stores all in one spot!.
Facebook / Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce
Finally, wrap up the year with a trip to Atlantic. Iowa’s “City of Lights” puts on an amazing Holiday celebration, and you’ll want to see it for yourself. There’s no place like small town Iowa during the Holidays!It’s one of the best and brightest Christmas Light Displays in the Midwest.
If you have fun ideas for the best day trips in Iowa, we’d love to hear! Nominate your favorite Hawkeye State attractions, restaurants, and towns right here.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
Address: Sleepy Hollow Sports Park, 4051 Dean Ave, Des Moines, IA 50317, USAAddress: Clear Lake, IA 50428, USAAddress: 1600 Main St, Ely, IA 52227, USAAddress: Reiman Gardens, 1407 University Blvd, Ames, IA 50011, USAAddress: Pella, IA 50219, USAAddress: Le Mars, IA 51031, USAAddress: Arnolds Park, IA, USAAddress: Honey Creek Resort, 12633 Resort Dr, Moravia, IA 52571, USAAddress: 127 E 18th St, Cedar Falls, IA 50613, USAAddress: Effigy Mounds National Monument, Iowa 76, Harpers Ferry, IA, USAAddress: Walnut, IA 51577, USAAddress: Atlantic, IA 50022, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
best day trips in Iowa May 20, 2022 Kim Magaraci What are the most unique things to do around Iowa? The Hawkeye State is truly one-of-a-kind. Some of the most unique things to do in Iowa include visiting the Decorah Ice Cave, climbing to a cliffside grave at the Mines of Spain, and even spotting the future birthplace of Captain Kirk. For unique and interesting places to dine, try creative pizza creations at Fong’s Pizza in Des Moines, or eat an apocalyptic burger at Zombie Burger. Where can I find great getaway spots near me in Iowa? Well, first, subscribe to our newsletter to find daily inspiration for getaways and information about the best day trips in Iowa. We love sharing our finds with you! If you’re planning a family-friendly getaway in Iowa, it’s hard to beat the area around Arnolds Park. For a more romantic getaway or a spot to vacation with your friends, the Mississippi River towns of Dubuque and Burlington never disappoint!
The OIYS Visitor Center
best day trips in Iowa
May 20, 2022
Kim Magaraci
What are the most unique things to do around Iowa? The Hawkeye State is truly one-of-a-kind. Some of the most unique things to do in Iowa include visiting the Decorah Ice Cave, climbing to a cliffside grave at the Mines of Spain, and even spotting the future birthplace of Captain Kirk. For unique and interesting places to dine, try creative pizza creations at Fong’s Pizza in Des Moines, or eat an apocalyptic burger at Zombie Burger. Where can I find great getaway spots near me in Iowa? Well, first, subscribe to our newsletter to find daily inspiration for getaways and information about the best day trips in Iowa. We love sharing our finds with you! If you’re planning a family-friendly getaway in Iowa, it’s hard to beat the area around Arnolds Park. For a more romantic getaway or a spot to vacation with your friends, the Mississippi River towns of Dubuque and Burlington never disappoint!
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
The Hawkeye State is truly one-of-a-kind. Some of the most unique things to do in Iowa include visiting the Decorah Ice Cave, climbing to a cliffside grave at the Mines of Spain, and even spotting the future birthplace of Captain Kirk. For unique and interesting places to dine, try creative pizza creations at Fong’s Pizza in Des Moines, or eat an apocalyptic burger at Zombie Burger.
Where can I find great getaway spots near me in Iowa?
Well, first, subscribe to our newsletter to find daily inspiration for getaways and information about the best day trips in Iowa. We love sharing our finds with you! If you’re planning a family-friendly getaway in Iowa, it’s hard to beat the area around Arnolds Park. For a more romantic getaway or a spot to vacation with your friends, the Mississippi River towns of Dubuque and Burlington never disappoint!
