Latest Travel News Across Iowa - March 2024
March 15, 2024
Spring Getaways
Is this heaven? No, it’s Iowa! This year marks the 35th anniversary of "Field of Dreams," meaning there’s no better time to visit the movie site in Dyersville. Visitors of all ages will enjoy the nostalgic feeling of playing catch or running the bases on the famed field. To get a behind-the-scenes look, stop into the If You Build It Museum to discover stories and memorabilia from the film. Take the experience one step further by touring or spending the night in the iconic farmhouse. For more baseball fun, visit the Baseball Hall of Dreams – an interactive museum that explores the history, joys and heartbreaks of the sport.
If you want to see a live game, check out one of Iowa's minor league teams. Head to Des Moines for an Iowa Cubs game, but don’t leave town without taking the kids to the Blank Park Zoo or Living History Farms. To see the Kernels play, plan a trip to Cedar Rapids. While you’re there, explore Iowa’s history at Brucemore and art exhibits at the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art. Or, visit the Quad Cities to see the River Bandits play at the award-winning Modern Woodmen Park. Kids are sure to love the attractions like Michael's Fun World and The Putnam Museum and Science Center.
For a scenic road trip, take a drive down the Great River Road National Scenic Byway. The 328-mile route overlooks the Mighty Mississippi and the views of the river are unmatched. While driving along the byway, stop at the charming river town of LeClaire, home to unique attractions like the Buffalo Bill Museum or Riverboat Twilight. Enjoy local eateries like Happy Joe's Pizza or delicious treats at The Shameless Chocoholic. Don’t leave without treasure hunting at or the iconic American Pickers.
Summer Vacations
Boone County is a haven for those seeking outdoor adventure. Home to the famed Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad, visitors can take a thrilling ride on the Midwest's first Rail Explorers or opt for a slower ride with a scenic dinner overlooking the Des Moines River Valley on the Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad Dinner Train. The iconic High Trestle Trail is also nearby, offering 25 miles of trails for hiking, biking or horseback riding through five historic communities. On the hottest of summer days, Seven Oaks Recreation is the perfect way to cool off, with two-to-four-hour river tubing or kayaking expeditions.
Mason City is one of many hidden gems throughout the state. No other city is home to Frank Lloyd Wright's only remaining hotel or the largest collection of Prairie-style architecture on a unified site. Visitors can embark on a historic architectural walking tour for an insider's look, experience Hollywood history come to life at The Music Man Square and Meredith Willson Boyhood Home or explore the cultural treasures of the McNider Art Museum. Keep the adventure going by exploring Iowa’s craft beer scene at Fat Hill Brewing and Mason City Brewing.
Sioux City provides a great balance of urban and outdoor experiences. Located just downtown, The Orpheum Theatre, LaunchPAD Children's Museum, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Sioux City and award-winning Sioux City Art Center offer a diverse set of family fun activities. For travelers seeking thrills in nature, Cone Park will soon add to their long list of outdoor activities with a brand-new set of mountain biking trails. Coming in May 2024, the addition includes features for all skill levels and on-site bike rentals. After working up an appetite, visitors can explore the area's dining choices such as Main + Abbey, Trattoria Fresco and Da Kao.
Mark your Calendar
The Newsstand
As the days get longer and warmer, travelers are ready to start planning their spring and summer vacations - searches for "summer vacation ideas," "travel baseball teams near me" and even "Field of Dreams" are topping the Google Trend charts. Iowa has just what travelers are looking for.
Spring Getaways
Is this heaven? No, it’s Iowa! This year marks the 35th anniversary of "Field of Dreams," meaning there’s no better time to visit the movie site in Dyersville. Visitors of all ages will enjoy the nostalgic feeling of playing catch or running the bases on the famed field. To get a behind-the-scenes look, stop into the If You Build It Museum to discover stories and memorabilia from the film. Take the experience one step further by touring or spending the night in the iconic farmhouse. For more baseball fun, visit the Baseball Hall of Dreams – an interactive museum that explores the history, joys and heartbreaks of the sport.
If you want to see a live game, check out one of Iowa's minor league teams. Head to Des Moines for an Iowa Cubs game, but don’t leave town without taking the kids to the Blank Park Zoo or Living History Farms. To see the Kernels play, plan a trip to Cedar Rapids. While you’re there, explore Iowa’s history at Brucemore and art exhibits at the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art. Or, visit the Quad Cities to see the River Bandits play at the award-winning Modern Woodmen Park. Kids are sure to love the attractions like Michael's Fun World and The Putnam Museum and Science Center.
For a scenic road trip, take a drive down the Great River Road National Scenic Byway. The 328-mile route overlooks the Mighty Mississippi and the views of the river are unmatched. While driving along the byway, stop at the charming river town of LeClaire, home to unique attractions like the Buffalo Bill Museum or Riverboat Twilight. Enjoy local eateries like Happy Joe's Pizza or delicious treats at The Shameless Chocoholic. Don’t leave without treasure hunting at or the iconic American Pickers.
Summer Vacations
Boone County is a haven for those seeking outdoor adventure. Home to the famed Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad, visitors can take a thrilling ride on the Midwest's first Rail Explorers or opt for a slower ride with a scenic dinner overlooking the Des Moines River Valley on the Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad Dinner Train. The iconic High Trestle Trail is also nearby, offering 25 miles of trails for hiking, biking or horseback riding through five historic communities. On the hottest of summer days, Seven Oaks Recreation is the perfect way to cool off, with two-to-four-hour river tubing or kayaking expeditions.
Mason City is one of many hidden gems throughout the state. No other city is home to Frank Lloyd Wright's only remaining hotel or the largest collection of Prairie-style architecture on a unified site. Visitors can embark on a historic architectural walking tour for an insider's look, experience Hollywood history come to life at The Music Man Square and Meredith Willson Boyhood Home or explore the cultural treasures of the McNider Art Museum. Keep the adventure going by exploring Iowa’s craft beer scene at Fat Hill Brewing and Mason City Brewing.
Sioux City provides a great balance of urban and outdoor experiences. Located just downtown, The Orpheum Theatre, LaunchPAD Children's Museum, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Sioux City and award-winning Sioux City Art Center offer a diverse set of family fun activities. For travelers seeking thrills in nature, Cone Park will soon add to their long list of outdoor activities with a brand-new set of mountain biking trails. Coming in May 2024, the addition includes features for all skill levels and on-site bike rentals. After working up an appetite, visitors can explore the area's dining choices such as Main + Abbey, Trattoria Fresco and Da Kao.
Mark your Calendar
Mark your calendars for these events and activities you won’t want to miss.
Iowa Eats Festival, Waterloo, April 6
Julien Dubuque International Film Festival, Dubuque, April 24-28
Tulip Time, Pella, May 2-4
Waverly Art Walk, Waverly, May 4
Orange City Tulip Festival, Orange City, May 16-18
Adventureland’s 50th Season Opening Day, Altoona, May 18
John Wayne Birthday Celebration, Madison County, May 24-25
Snake Alley Criterium, Burlington, May 25The Newsstand
Quad Cities Live: Travel Iowa highlights the best 2024 getaways for spring break, summer, and new events, 2/22
Let’s Go Iowa: Iowa 2024: New Attractions You’ll Want to See, 1/10
Thrillist: Lesser-Known U.S. Destinations to Add to Your 2024 Itineraries, 12/13