Ah, the dog days of summer. There are a lot of great things to do in right here in Iowa – but sometimes you wish you were on an island beach far away, sipping a cocktail. Well, maybe you don’t have to leave the midwest for that. There are a surprising number of places in the state that feel like an island getaway in Iowa – ranging from large beaches to thrilling waterparks to restaurants bursting with island flavor. So get your Hawaiian shirt on, set your watch to island time, and make this a summer to remember without ever leaving the state.
- West Lake Park (Davenport)
TravelIowa This four-lake haven is a popular destination for boating, camping, and picnicking - and the sunny days are long in the summer. West Lake Park, 14910 110th Ave, Davenport, IA 52804, USA
- Ainsworth-Orleans Beach (Spirit Lake)
TravelIowa A more laid-back summer destination with a long sand beach, playground, and boat ramp. You’ll find it right next door to the Spirit Lake Fish Hatchery. Orleans Beach, Orleans, IA 51360, USA
- Boji Splash Indoor Waterpark (Okoboji)
Management/TripAdvisor Iowa’s largest indoor waterpark, this tropical paradise is fun for all ages and features thrilling waterslides and relaxing wave pools. Boji Splash Indoor Waterpark, 630 Linden Dr, Arnolds Park, IA 51331, USA
- Lake Icaria (Corning)
TravelIowa This 650-acre lake next to a campground has some of the clearest water in the state and is perfect for a relaxing getaway. Lake Icaria, Iowa 50841, USA
- Flying Mango (Des Moines)
Hondo 1 RPCV/TripAdvisor This charming cafe in the city center is a unique fusion of southern barbecue and island flavors. Flying Mango, 4345 Hickman Rd, Des Moines, IA 50310, USA
Slow-smoked meats are paired with authentic Caribbean sides and seasonings for an unforgettable summer meal.
m w/TripAdvisor
- Big Creek State Park (Polk City)
TravelIowa The state’s largest beach, this sprawling campground comes with thirteen picnic shelters, fishing piers, and a whole lot of area to play or sunbathe. Big Creek State Park, 8794 NW 125th Ave, Polk City, IA 50226, USA
- Manchester Whitewater Park (Manchester)
TravelIowa/TripAdvisor Want a little more thrill in your island getaway? This free public waterpark is always packed with thrill-seeking boaters during the summer and you can float to your heart’s content. Manchester Whitewater Park, 300 W Main St, Manchester, IA 52057, USA
Have you been to any of these in-state Caribbean getaways? Do you have a favorite place for an island getaway in Iowa? Let us know in the comments section. If you’re interested in dinner at Flying Mango, make sure to visit their website for more information on their menu. And if you’re looking for some good places to eat this summer, don’t miss these seasonal restaurants while they’re open.
TravelIowa
This four-lake haven is a popular destination for boating, camping, and picnicking - and the sunny days are long in the summer.
West Lake Park, 14910 110th Ave, Davenport, IA 52804, USA
A more laid-back summer destination with a long sand beach, playground, and boat ramp. You’ll find it right next door to the Spirit Lake Fish Hatchery.
Orleans Beach, Orleans, IA 51360, USA
Management/TripAdvisor
Iowa’s largest indoor waterpark, this tropical paradise is fun for all ages and features thrilling waterslides and relaxing wave pools.
Boji Splash Indoor Waterpark, 630 Linden Dr, Arnolds Park, IA 51331, USA
This 650-acre lake next to a campground has some of the clearest water in the state and is perfect for a relaxing getaway.
Lake Icaria, Iowa 50841, USA
Hondo 1 RPCV/TripAdvisor
This charming cafe in the city center is a unique fusion of southern barbecue and island flavors.
Flying Mango, 4345 Hickman Rd, Des Moines, IA 50310, USA
m w/TripAdvisor
The state’s largest beach, this sprawling campground comes with thirteen picnic shelters, fishing piers, and a whole lot of area to play or sunbathe.
Big Creek State Park, 8794 NW 125th Ave, Polk City, IA 50226, USA
TravelIowa/TripAdvisor
Want a little more thrill in your island getaway? This free public waterpark is always packed with thrill-seeking boaters during the summer and you can float to your heart’s content.
Manchester Whitewater Park, 300 W Main St, Manchester, IA 52057, USA
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