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!
Planning the perfect vacation in Iowa is easier than ever with our all-in-one platform for finding and booking day trips, tours, excursions, and memorable local experiences. Browse curated activities, compare options, and check live availability so you can reserve your must-do adventures well before you arrive in Iowa. By booking ahead, you skip the hassle of searching once you're already on vacation and avoid missing out on popular experiences that fill up fast. Let us help you build a trip that’s smooth, stress-free, and filled with the moments you’ll remember most.
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 Ames Explore All
Wheel-Thrown Clay with Botanical Pressing
Sat Jul 25 • 10AM-12PM | 1-3PM | 4-6PM • Create a unique work of art!
Clay Handbuilding: Tropical Leaf Platters
Sat Aug 15 • 3-5 PM • Create a unique work of clay art!
Work in Bloom: Project Highlights from Interns & Student Employees
Thu Aug 13 • 6-8 PM • Support undergraduate internships!
Golden-Hour Photography (3-Day Workshop)
Tue-Thu Sep 22-24 • 5:30 - 7:30 PM • Bring any camera!
Cultivating Conversations
NEXT: Thu Oct 8 • 6-7 PM • Grow Big or Grow Home • CLICK for MORE DATES
Big and Small: Exploring the Hillside Garden from Concept to Craft
Tue Aug 25 • 6-8 PM • Guided walk with the Director of Horticulture!
"Tropical" Yoga in the Conservatory (4 weeks)
Tuesdays, Jun 30 - Jul 21 • 8:30-9 AM • In the Conservatory before we open!
Terrarium Workshop
Thu Jul 2 • 5:30-7:30 PM • A garden in a jar!
Fractal Fun Fest
Sun Aug 2 • 10AM - 2PM • All ages • Explore repeating patterns in nature!
Hike & Harvest: Floral Design
NEXT: Sat Jul 4 • 9-11 AM • Cut fresh from the Gardens! • CLICK for MORE DATES
Visit Des Moines Explore All
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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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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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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Stand-Up Paddleboard Rentals
Ages 12+ • 2 Hours
Des Moines
SUP
Athene North Shore Recreation Area
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Downhill Tubing Admission
Ages 3+ • 2 Hours • Thrills without the Chills •
Des Moines
Sleepy Hollow Sports Park
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Beach and Water Wheelchair Rentals
Ages 12+ • 1 Hour
Des Moines
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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Smash Room Session- Located @ Merle Hay Mall
Des Moines
Kid-Friendly
Rage Room, Sledging
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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Visit Dubuque Explore All
Sightseeing Cruise
All Ages! • 2 Hours • Snacks to Purchase
Dubuque
2 hours
Sightseeing Tour
American Lady Cruises
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Evening Dinner Cruise
All Ages! • 2 Hours • Dinner Included
Dubuque
2 hours
Dinner Boat
American Lady Cruises
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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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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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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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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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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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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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Lock 11 Northern Excursion
All Ages! • 7 Hours • Breakfast & Lunch Included
Dubuque
6.5 hours
Boat Tour
American Lady Cruises
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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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