The summer is the perfect time for traveling – but sometimes it can feel like the entire state is crowded into the same popular spots. Fortunately, Iowa is full of some amazing small towns and countryside attractions with amazing opportunities for fun and exploration. Why not jump into the car and search out some of those hidden gems? This rural road trip in Iowa will take you to some out-of-the-way locations with a hefty dose of Hawkeye State charm.
This rural road trip in Iowa can be taken in a full day of travel, or spread out over two if you want to linger over some of these attractions.
Google Maps/Self-Generated
- The Wallace Centers (Orient)
TravelIowa The birthplace of Vice President Henry Wallace has now been transformed into one of Iowa’s best rural museums. The Wallace Centers of Iowa, 756 16th St, Des Moines, IA 50314, USA
Tour the original Wallace farm, the produce gardens, and the replica historic barn on a self-guided tour.
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- Jaarsma Bakery (Pella)
Jaarsma Bakery/Facebook Now it’s on to the “Little Holland” of Iowa for a snack break at one of the state’s best bakeries. Jaarsma Bakery, 727 Franklin St, Pella, IA 50219, USA
Different Dutch treats are always on offer, and almond-lovers in particular will be in small-town heaven.
Jaarsma Bakery/Facebook
- Berry Patch Farm (Nevada)
Beery Patch LLC/Facebook If you want another dose of sweetness, head over to this charming u-pick farm for the best summer fruits around. The Berry Patch Farm, 62785 280th St, Nevada, IA 50201, USA
The farm grows just about every berry imaginable, and you can pick up a convenient box or create your own out in the fields.
Berry Patch LLC/Facebook
- Story City Antique Carousel (Story City)
TravelIowa A hidden amusement park attraction in one of Iowa’s most charming small towns? Believe it - and the price of admission is only a dollar! Story City Antique Carousel, 700 Grove Ave, Story City, IA 50248, USA
First built in 1913 and restored by the local Iowa community, this old-fashioned ride will take you right back to childhood.
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- Lady of the Lake (Clear Lake)
TravelIowa This old-fashioned riverboat is worth a visit just to stare at its impressive construction, but you’ll definitely want to jump on board for a lake cruise! Lady of the Lake, N Lake View Dr, Clear Lake, IA 50428, USA
Cruises leave twice daily, and you’ll have a full bar, a selection of snacks, and some amazing views as you drift over the water.
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- Bily Clocks Museum and Antonin Dvorak Exhibit (Spillville)
TravelIowa A two-for-one museum, this building holds a tribute to the famous composer Antonin Dvorak on the upper floor. Bily Clocks & Dvo?ák Residence, 323 S Main St, Spillville, IA 52168, USA
And on the lower floor, you’ll find the famous collection of intricate wooden clocks created by the Bily brothers, each depicting a key moment in history or religion.
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- Schera’s (Elkader)
Heres2U2/TripAdvisor It wouldn’t a road trip finale without a great meal, so drive into Elkader for one of the only - and certainly the best - Algerian restaurants in the midwest. Schera’s Algerian American Restaurant, 107 S Main St, Elkader, IA 52043, USA
Elkader takes its name from a North African figure, and this hopping restaurant and bar is a great place to try their flavorful flatbreads, dips, and sandwiches.
Sarah W/TripAdvisor
Have you been to any of these hidden Iowa gems? Do you have any picks for a rural road trip in Iowa? Let us know in the comments section. If you’re looking for another amazing road trip with a view, take this drive through Iowa’s best Great River Road towns.
Google Maps/Self-Generated
TravelIowa
The birthplace of Vice President Henry Wallace has now been transformed into one of Iowa’s best rural museums.
The Wallace Centers of Iowa, 756 16th St, Des Moines, IA 50314, USA
Jaarsma Bakery/Facebook
Now it’s on to the “Little Holland” of Iowa for a snack break at one of the state’s best bakeries.
Jaarsma Bakery, 727 Franklin St, Pella, IA 50219, USA
Beery Patch LLC/Facebook
If you want another dose of sweetness, head over to this charming u-pick farm for the best summer fruits around.
The Berry Patch Farm, 62785 280th St, Nevada, IA 50201, USA
Berry Patch LLC/Facebook
A hidden amusement park attraction in one of Iowa’s most charming small towns? Believe it - and the price of admission is only a dollar!
Story City Antique Carousel, 700 Grove Ave, Story City, IA 50248, USA
This old-fashioned riverboat is worth a visit just to stare at its impressive construction, but you’ll definitely want to jump on board for a lake cruise!
Lady of the Lake, N Lake View Dr, Clear Lake, IA 50428, USA
A two-for-one museum, this building holds a tribute to the famous composer Antonin Dvorak on the upper floor.
Bily Clocks & Dvo?ák Residence, 323 S Main St, Spillville, IA 52168, USA
Heres2U2/TripAdvisor
It wouldn’t a road trip finale without a great meal, so drive into Elkader for one of the only - and certainly the best - Algerian restaurants in the midwest.
Schera’s Algerian American Restaurant, 107 S Main St, Elkader, IA 52043, USA
Sarah W/TripAdvisor
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Address: Wallace Centers-Iowa, 2773 290th St, Orient, IA 50858, USAAddress: Jaarsma Bakery, 727 Franklin St, Pella, IA 50219, USAAddress: The Berry Patch Farm, 62785 280th St, Nevada, IA 50201, USAAddress: Story City Antique Carousel, 700 Grove Ave, Story City, IA 50248, USAAddress: Lady of the Lake, N Lake View Dr, Clear Lake, IA 50428, USAAddress: Bily Clocks & Dvo?ák Residence, 323 S Main St, Spillville, IA 52168, USAAddress: Schera’s Algerian American Restaurant, 107 S Main St, Elkader, IA 52043, USA
