Explore Things to Do in Iowa
Welcome to Iowa - a state where rolling landscapes, friendly communities, and rich cultural experiences create a warm and inviting getaway. Explore the scenic beauty of the Loess Hills, visit charming small towns and historic covered bridges, or discover the vibrant arts and dining scenes of Des Moines and Iowa City. Wander through picturesque farmland, enjoy outdoor adventures along the Mississippi River, or tour iconic attractions like the Field of Dreams movie site. With its blend of natural beauty, history, and Midwestern hospitality, Iowa offers something memorable for every traveler.
Book Your Experiences Today!
Our site gives you a fast, convenient way to explore the best tours, excursions, and experiences available for your vacation in Iowa. With up-to-date schedules, clear descriptions, and secure booking directly with local operators, you can lock in the activities you’re excited about before your trip even begins. No more scrambling for last-minute openings - just confident planning and more time to enjoy your getaway. Let us help you turn your vacation in Iowa into something truly memorable.
Why wait until you arrive in Iowa to book your tours - only to discover that the ones you want are already full? Click any activity below to learn more about the tour, view availability, and reserve your excursions directly with the tour operators today!
Visit Dubuque Explore All
Evening Dinner Cruise
All Ages! • 2 Hours • Dinner Included
Dubuque
2 hours
Dinner Boat
American Lady Cruises
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Lock 11 Northern Excursion
All Ages! • 7 Hours • Breakfast & Lunch Included
Dubuque
6.5 hours
Boat Tour
American Lady Cruises
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Walking History & Science Tour
All Ages • 45 Minutes • Guided Tour • Most Popular • Book online, or walk-ins available!
Dubuque
45 minutes
Water Activities
Crystal Lake Cave
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P-51 Mustang Flight Experience - Dubuque, IA Jul 17-18
Ages 12+ - 20 or 40 Minutes
Dubuque
20-40 Minutes
P-51 Gunfighter
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Lunch Cruise
All Ages! • 2 Hours • Includes Food • Most Popular
Dubuque
2 hours
Boat Tour
American Lady Cruises
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Black Light Tour
Experience the cave like never before - in glowing, otherworldly color.
Dubuque
45 minutes
Walking Tour
Crystal Lake Cave
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Colors of Fall Cruise
All Ages! • 6.5 Hours • Breakfast & Lunch Included
Dubuque
6.5 hours
Boat Tour
American Lady Cruises
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Sightseeing Cruise
All Ages! • 2 Hours • Snacks to Purchase
Dubuque
2 hours
Sightseeing Tour
American Lady Cruises
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9 Canopy Zipline Tour
Ages 10+ • 2 Hours • No experience required!
Dubuque
2 Hours
Kid-Friendly
History Tour, Zipline
Sky Tours at YMCA Union Park Camp
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Happy Hour Cruise
All Ages • 1.5 Hours • Includes Draughts & Light Food
Dubuque
1.5 hours
Boat Tour
American Lady Cruises
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Visit Ames Explore All
Family Movie Night: Disney's "A Bug's Life"
Sat Aug 29 • 7-10 PM • Bring a blanket! Interact with Invertebrates!
Terrarium Workshop
Thu Jul 2 • 5:30-7:30 PM • A garden in a jar!
Silica & String: Hands-On Flower Drying Workshop
Mon Jul 13 • 2-5 PM • Includes take-home supplies!
Golden-Hour Photography (3-Day Workshop)
Tue-Thu Sep 22-24 • 5:30 - 7:30 PM • Bring any camera!
Botanical Bus Trip: Delights of Dubuque
Fri Sep 4 • 7:30 AM - 9:30 PM • Masterpiece on the Mississippi!
Clay Handbuilding: Tropical Leaf Platters
Sat Aug 15 • 3-5 PM • Create a unique work of clay art!
Cultivating Conversations
NEXT: Thu Oct 8 • 6-7 PM • Grow Big or Grow Home • CLICK for MORE DATES
Wheel-Thrown Clay with Botanical Pressing
Sat Jul 25 • 10AM-12PM | 1-3PM | 4-6PM • Create a unique work of art!
The (Neuro)Science of Lion's Mane Mushroom
Thu Oct 1 • 6-8 PM • Learn about wild food and the brain!
Work in Bloom: Project Highlights from Interns & Student Employees
Thu Aug 13 • 6-8 PM • Support undergraduate internships!
Visit Des Moines Explore All
Birthday Party Package @ Merle Hay Mall
1.5 hours • Ages 3+ • 10 children included! $15 extra child….party room included!
Des Moines
1.5 Hours
Kid-Friendly
Splatter Room Iowa
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Recumbent Trike Rentals
All Ages • 2 Hour • Arm-powered and leg-powered options • Adult and Child trikes
Des Moines
Athene North Shore Recreation Area
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Fishing Equipment Rentals
All Ages • 2 Hour • Poles, hands-free rod holders, and grasping cuffs
Des Moines
Athene North Shore Recreation Area
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Kayak Rentals
Ages 12+ • 2 Hours • Standard and Adaptive Kayaks • Single and Tandem
Des Moines
Kayak
Athene North Shore Recreation Area
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Beach and Water Wheelchair Rentals
Ages 12+ • 1 Hour
Des Moines
Athene North Shore Recreation Area
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Stand-Up Paddleboard Rentals
Ages 12+ • 2 Hours
Des Moines
SUP
Athene North Shore Recreation Area
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1-Hour Splatter Room Session • Located @ Merle Hay Mall
1 Hour • Ages 3+ • Minimum of 2 People required
Des Moines
1 hour
Kid-Friendly
Rage Room
Splatter Room Iowa
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Canoe Rentals
Ages 12+ • 2 Hours • Fits 3 Passengers
Des Moines
Canoe
Athene North Shore Recreation Area
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Field Trip Tubing Reservation
Ages 3+ • 2 Hours • School, Non-Profit, or Government Agencies only •
Des Moines
Sleepy Hollow Sports Park
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Smash Room Session- Located @ Merle Hay Mall
Des Moines
Kid-Friendly
Rage Room, Sledging
Splatter Room Iowa
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