Latest Travel News Across Iowa - July 2024

July 11, 2024

RAGBRAI, statewide

Whether travelers are still soaking up the summer sun or looking ahead to the cooler temperatures of fall, Iowa is the perfect destination for family fun or grown-up getaways in every season.

Summer Vacations

Iowa’s lake life is underrated! Dive into summer fun in Clear Lake. The 3,600-acre lake is a prime destination for fishing, boating and swimming. Visitors can enjoy history and scenic views onboard the Lady of the Lake, an authentic paddle wheel excursion boat. Or enjoy the landscape while walking or biking the River City Greenbelt & Trail System. Music fans can catch a show at the famed Surf Ballroom or venture out to the horn-rimmed glasses that serve as a marker for the Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and Big Bopper Crash Site Memorial.

Adults and families will enjoy Decorah, a town full of Scandinavian culture and unforgettable sights. Kayak along the Upper Iowa River for views of dramatic vertical limestone palisades and forested bluffs that line the river's edge. For dry adventures, walk, run or bike the scenic 11-mile Trout Run Trail. Decorah is also home to Seed Savers Exchange, where the green thumb and garden novice alike can wonder at more than 20,000 heirloom varieties of fruits, vegetables and herbs. To top off the weekend’s festivities, travelers can find award winning craft beer at Pulpit Rock Brewery or Toppling Goliath Brewing or crisp cider at Convergence CiderWorks.

The Iowa State Fair is the state’s biggest event of the year and widely regarded as one of the best in the country. Our Ultimate Guide offers the scoop on some of the best attractions, the Iowa Craft Beer tent and the famed Butter Cow. For travelers who can’t make the Fair in August, Des Moines is still a bustling destination for summer fun. Adventureland Park is just east of the city, with over 100 rides, shows and attractions to keep the thrills going all day long. The Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden or Blank Park Zoo offer exotic learning opportunities and special events throughout the season. Historic Valley Junction and East Village are full of unique boutiques and delicious dining.

Fall Getaways

For those already planning for cooler temperatures, Iowa’s landscape makes a stunning backdrop for a fall getaway. The Loess Hills are known for having some of the best leaf peeping destinations. Visitors can hike through Stone State Park, which consists of 1,000 acres in Woodbury County, or venture up the observation tower at Hitchcock Nature Center. Autumn is also a great time to roll the windows down and hit the Loess Hills National Scenic Byway, spanning 200 miles along Iowa's western border.

Southeast Iowa offers an abundance of vibrant fall foliage and classic fall activities like pumpkin patches, apple orchards and corn mazes. Wilson’s Orchard offers apple picking of over 80 varieties and tractor rides for the kids, as well as a full farm-to-table restaurant and local cider for the adults. Harvestville Farm boasts more than 40 acres of pumpkins, an expansive corn maze (featuring Travel Iowa this year!) and two play areas for family fun. The charming Amana Colonies is also located in the area, offering authentic German experiences like Apfelfest and Oktoberfest set in the seven German villages.

For grown-up getaways, travelers can gather their courage, raise a glass and explore Iowa’s spirited side with these itineraries combining locally distilled spirits and historically haunted destinations throughout the state. Fall is also a great time to grab an Iowa Beer, Wine and Distillery Passport and add stamps along the way. Thrill seekers can brave the eerie at haunted locales like the Villisca Ax Murder House, where you can even stay the night, or watch a vaudeville show at the Cresco Theatre & Opera House.