The 20 Best Places to Visit in the State of Iowa [GALLERY]

How many of these Iowa attractions have you visited?

We put together a list of the best attractions in Iowa, as listed under "Traveler Favorites" on Trip Advisor! Here are the top 20:

1. Field of Dreams Movie Site
   • 28995 Lansing Rd, Dyersville
   • The movie site of the iconic 1989 film Field of Dreams. Guests can tour the grounds, including the Kinsella house, which is also available to rent out for a night. The site also hosts events and tournaments and has a gift shop.
2. National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium
   • 350 E 3rd St, Dubuque
   • A museum, aquarium, and science center that highlights the history and wildlife of the Mississippi River with more than 20 exhibits and hands-on activities for all ages.
3. Fenelon Place Elevator Co.
   • 512 Fenelon Place, Dubuque
   • A historic cable car described as “the world’s steepest, shortest scenic railway.” It offers awesome views of downtown Dubuque, the Mississippi River, and three states.
4. Maquoketa Caves State Park
   • 9688 Caves Rd, Maquoketa
   • One of Iowa’s most unique parks, featuring a six-mile trail system, 13 caves, scenic overlooks, bluffs, and campgrounds.
5. Grotto of the Redemption
   • 208 1st Ave NW, West Bend
   • A religious shrine consisting of 9 grottos that are built entirely of minerals, fossils, shells, and petrifications. Wikipedia reports that it is "believed to be the largest grotto in the world." The attraction also features a museum and gift shop.
6. Iowa State Fair
   • 3000 E Grand Ave, Des Moines
   • Held each year in August, the iconic fair is the largest event in Iowa. The 11 day event features tons of live entertainment, contests, rides, games, new foods, kids' activities, and more.
7. Capitol Building
   • 1007 E Grand Ave, Des Moines
   • Built in 1886, the historic Capitol building is the only five-domed capitol in the country, with one of the domes covered in gold. The interior of the building is filled with history and beautiful architecture, and one of the biggest highlights is the vast Law Library. There are free guided tours, as well as self-guided tours.
8. Des Moines' Downtown Farmers' Market
   • Downtown Des Moines
   • The Market takes place every Saturday from May through October and includes hundreds of vendors selling everything from produce, specialty foods, and prepared foods, to crafts, art, and jewelry.
9. Horseshoe Casino
   • 2701 23rd Ave, Council Bluffs
   • A casino that initially opened as a greyhound racing track in 1986. Although greyhound racing ended in 2015, the spacious casino offers nearly 1,500 slot machines, over 60 table games, a poker room, a full-service sportsbook, a steak house, free live entertainment, and an adjoining hotel.
10. Pappajohn Sculpture Park
    • 1330 Grand Ave, Des Moines
    • A 4.4-acre park featuring 28 sculptures that opened in 2009. Wikipedia reports that it is considered "one of the most significant collections of outdoor sculptures in the United States."
11. Adventureland
    • 305 34th Ave NW, Altoona
    • A 50-year-old amusement park with over 90 different rides and attractions, including Adventure Bay Water Park. They host a number of big events throughout the season, like a 21+ Oktoberfest celebration and Phantom Fall Fest for Halloween.
12. Blank Park Zoo
    • 7401 SW 9th St, Des Moines
    • Iowa's only accredited zoo that's home to over 1,400 animals, including lions, giraffes, tigers, sea lions, penguins, rhinos, and more. They host lots of special events over the course of the year, like Wild Lights and the 21+ Zoo Brew.
13. Mines of Spain Recreation Area
    • 10426 Mines of Spain Rd, Dubuque
    • Located on 1,437 acres of wooded and prairie land, the popular state park is a National Historic Landmark. It includes the Julien Dubuque Monument, a bird & butterfly garden, 15.1 miles of trails, limestone bluffs, and a 15-acre wetland area.
14. Eagle Point Park
    • 2601 Shiras Ave, Dubuque
    • A 164-acre park overlooking the Mississippi River and Lock and Dam No. 11. It has a hiking/biking trail, several pavilions, playground equipment, a bandshell, tennis courts, flower gardens, a fish pond, and more.
15. Iowa 80 Trucking Museum
    • 505 Sterling Dr, Walcott
    • Located at the World's Largest Truck Stop, the museum features antique, rare, and one-of-a-kind trucks and other trucking memorabilia from truck stop founder Bill Moon.
16. Crystal Lake Cave
    • 6684 Crystal Lake Cave Road, Dubuque
    • A natural limestone cave that's known for its "stunning underground formations and unique geological features" that was discovered by miners in 1868. The formations are illuminated by special lighting for guests.
17. Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
    • 909 Robert D. Ray Drive, Des Moines
    • 12-acres of indoor and outdoor gardens that are both entertaining and educational. The facility hosts lots of events and classes, and also features a garden shop.
18. Pikes Peak State Park
    • 32264 Pikes Peak Rd, McGregor
    • One of "Iowa’s premier nature destinations," the park is home to 11 miles of trails, scenic bluffs, a waterfall, Bear Mound Effigy, campgrounds, and the stunning Point Ann overlook.
19. John Wayne Birthplace & Museum
    • 205 S John Wayne Dr, Winterset
    • An "extensive collection of artifacts and memorabilia" from actor John Wayne's life. The facility also features a movie theater, a gift shop, and John's restored childhood home.
20. Dunnings Spring Park
    • Ice Cave Rd, Decorah
    • A park that features a waterfall, limestone cliffs, hiking trails, and a scenic overlook. There is also a unique ice cave that guests can step into.