Latest Travel News Across Iowa - July 2023

July 19, 2023

Summertime Activities

Beat the heat this season with water activities throughout the state. Travelers seeking scenic views and outdoor adventures should embark on one of the many water trails in Iowa. From long, relaxing floats on the Iowa River Water Trail to paddling down the popular Upper Iowa River, Iowa is home to a variety of trails that are perfect for any type of float trip.

Families looking for splashing thrills and excitement for all ages shouldn’t miss Lost Island Adventure Park in Waterloo, named among the top three water parks in the country! The adjacent theme park offers just as much excitement with award-winning interactive attractions and rides. Visitors can make a weekend out of exploring the different offerings throughout both parks.

In August, the Iowa State Fair kicks off in Des Moines, featuring delicious food, Grandstand performances, livestock shows, contests and the best people-watching around. Annually attracting more than a million visitors, the State Fair is one of the most famous fairs in the country, inspiring a novel, three movies and a Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Broadway musical. The Choose Iowa Brunch on August 20 will highlight seasonal and local ingredients sourced from Iowa farmers and prepared by some of the state's top chefs. This fine dining experience includes a three-course plated meal and exclusive cocktails.Limited tickets available. Proceeds will be donated to the Iowa FFA Foundation to support local food programming and the ProStart High School Culinary Arts Program.

Evolution of the Heartland, Manning and Audubon

Celebrating Iowa’s farmers and entrepreneurs, the Evolution of the Heartland event in Manning and Audubon on August 3 will teach visitors about what it takes to live the American Dream in rural Iowa. Experiences include visits to wineries, a distillery, a yak farm and more.

Sports enthusiasts know Dyersville, Iowa, is home to the famed Field of Dreams movie site, where visitors can play on the field, tour the interior of the home or even stay overnight. But, the baseball fun doesn’t end there! Fans will find plenty of opportunities to enjoy the nostalgia of a summer game with Iowa’s six minor league teams. Perfect for a family outing, the memories made at these games are ones that visitors won’t soon forget.

Fall Preview

It doesn’t get better than autumn in Iowa. Start planning your fall getaway with a few of Iowa’s famous fall activities. Walk among the trees, sip cider and pick a basket of Iowa-grown apples to take home at 3 Bee Farms in Griswold or grab a cider donut at Ditmars Orchard in Council Bluffs. Pick the perfect gourd or get lost in the endless fields of pumpkins at places like Pinter's Gardens and Pumpkins in Decorah or Deal's Orchard in Jefferson.

There’s no better view than one of a fall vineyard with a glass of locally made wine in hand from places like Epworth’s Park Farm Winery. Enjoy live music and local brews at destinations like Alluvial Brewing Company in Ames. Fall in love with the local wineries and breweries around the state using the Iowa Wine & Beer Passport. Keep track of the places you visit and earn exclusive access to deals and prizes along the way.

Last, but certainly not least, an Iowa getaway isn’t complete without time spent outdoors basking in the beauty of Iowa’s fall colors. With hundreds of biking paths like the Trout Run Trail in Decorah or Wabash Trace Nature Trail in southwest Iowa, hiking trails in the Loess Hills State Forest in Pisgah or Wildcat Den State Park in Muscatine County and one-of-a-kind outdoor attractions like Rail Explorers in Boone or river cruises on the Mississippi or Iowa River, there is no limit to the places you can explore this fall! Complete your weekend adventure with a stay at one of Iowa’s unique camping sites (like glamorous yurts or renovated grain bins) throughout the state.

Mark your Calendar

Newton: Hy-Vee Indy Car Race Weekend (July 21 - 23)

Statewide: RAGBRAI (July 22 - 29)

Decorah: Nordic Fest (July 27 – 29)

Indianola: National Balloon Classic (July 28 - August 5)

Manning/Audubon: Evolution of the Heartland (August 3)

Des Moines: Iowa State Fair (August 10 - 20)

Des Moines: World Food & Music Festival (August 25 - 27)

Sioux City: Artsplash 2023 (September 2 – 3)

Amana: Amana Colonies Oktoberfest (September 29 – October 1)

Anamosa: Anamosa Pumpkinfest (October 7)

Keosauqua: Scenic Drive Festival (October 13 – October 15)

The Newsstand

USA Today Travel: GO Escape Midwest: Best Hiking Trails, RAGBRAI and Great River Road (May 2023)

Paula Sands Live: Travel Iowa highlights state’s best destinations and events for 2023 (May 2023)

WHO Radio: Iowa Summer Travel Season Underway (June 2023)

Minnesota Monthly: Travel Guide: Mason City (June 2023)

Paula Sands Live: Travel Iowa highlights trending trip getaways for summer or early fall (July 2023)

Return To All News