10 Best Things To Do In Iowa 2026

Q: What are the top activities in Iowa?

Top activities in Iowa include: Personal Guided Tour of the Covered Bridges of Madison County Murder Mystery Detective Experience in Sioux City IA Farrar School Paranormal Investigation Kayak Rentals at Quarry Springs Outfitters Des Moines Dash Scavenger Hunt Discover top tours and activities in Iowa →

Q: What are the top things to do near Iowa?

Check out things to do near Iowa: Things to do in Omaha Things to do in Sioux Falls Things to do in South Dakota Things to do in Kansas Things to do in Kansas City

Q: What do I need to know before visiting Iowa?

Check out these top Iowa travel ideas: Family-friendly Iowa Tours Iowa Foodie Tours Senior-friendly tours Iowa The best tours and activities for culture lovers in Iowa Things to do in Iowa this summer Discover more Iowa trip ideas →

Welcome to Iowa

Traditional prairie pioneer cultural influences remain strong in the Midwestern U.S. state of Iowa. Bounded by the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers on the east and west, Iowa is known for gently rolling plains and endless cornfields. Des Moines, the capital, is a classic university town with an abundance of arts, entertainment, and fine dining options. The Bridges of Madison County and a traditional Dutch tulip blossom festival are highlight attractions in South-Central Iowa. Mason City is home to the Park Inn, the only remaining Frank Lloyd Wright-designed hotel building. Active pursuits in the state include boating or jet skiing in the Lakes Region, whitewater trips, river floats, and winter snow sports.

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Things To Do In Iowa

Murder Mystery Detective Experience in Sioux City IA

Step into the shoes of a newly-minted detective, tasked by Commander Mahoney to solve a gripping case... murder on the streets of Sioux City. Throughout...

2 hours 30 minutes • Free Cancellation

from
$15

4.9 (61)

Personal Guided Tour of the Covered Bridges of Madison County

Travel the back roads through the heart of Madison County under the wing of one of our guide experts, who are all residents of Madison...

2 hours • Free Cancellation

4.9 (61)

from
$12

5.0 (1)

Public Trolley BYOB Tour Quad Cities, Iowa

Experience downtown Davenport like never before with the ultimate mobile bar that takes you and your party on a fun-filled journey to the best local...

2 hours • Free Cancellation

5.0 (1)

from
$36

5.0 (1)

Dubuques Historic Downtown GPS Self Guided Walking Tour

The tour will start at the majestic Saint Raphael's Cathedral, stroll through Dubuque’s historic downtown, and end at the grand Dubuque County Courthouse. You'll see...

60 to 90 minutes • Free Cancellation

5.0 (1)

from
$10

5.0 (1)

Adventurous Scavenger Hunt in Des Moines by Zombie Scavengers

Zombie Scavengers takes you on an adventure in Des Moines to survive the zombie apocalypse! Use our app and some strategy to find a list...

1 hour • Free Cancellation

5.0 (1)

from
$20

4.3 (3)

Farrar School Paranormal Investigation

Guests will embark on a 4 Hour Paranormal Investigation of Sam and Colbys Haunted Farrar Elementary School. This storied location has a prolific history of...

4 hours • Free Cancellation

4.3 (3)

from
$85

4.0 (1)

An Epic Scavenger Hunt : Adventures in Des Moines

Step into a world where every landmark and hidden gem is waiting to be discovered. Challenge yourself with trivia, tackle brain-teasing puzzles, and embark on...

1 hour 30 minutes • Free Cancellation

4.0 (1)

from
$15

3.0 (2)

Murder Mystery Detective Experience in Ames IA

Step into the shoes of a newly-minted detective, tasked by Commander Mahoney to solve a gripping case... murder on the streets of Ames. Throughout this...

2 hours 30 minutes • Free Cancellation

3.0 (2)

from
$15

3.5 (2)

Participate in a Fun Scavenger Hunt in Davenport by Zombie Scavengers

Survive an apocalypse in Davenport today with Zombie Scavengers! An app will provide you with a list of items needed to survive the zombies. Find...

1 hour • Free Cancellation

3.5 (2)

from
$20

4.3 (3)

Des Moines Dash Scavenger Hunt

Our very unique, immersive adventures are the only ones of their kind. We, unlike other companies, provide your very own remote, interactive, live host to...

2 hours • Free Cancellation

4.3 (3)

from
$16

3.7 (10)

Kayak Rentals at Quarry Springs Outfitters

240 Acres of Clear, Spring-Fed Water Established in Quarry Springs Park in 2017 to provide exciting and fun paddlesport recreation to the central Iowa area....

1 to 4 hours • Free Cancellation

3.7 (10)

from
$15

Recent Iowa traveler reviews

New York City

Personal Guided Tour of the Covered Bridges of Madison County

Jeanine_H, Aug 2026

This fulfilled a 20-year...

This fulfilled a 20-year bucket list trip. It was amazing and so worth it. Francesca & Robert Forever❤️ Cheryl was fabulous!!!!

New York City

Personal Guided Tour of the Covered Bridges of Madison County

Mark_R, Aug 2026

Diane was very...

Diane was very knowledgeable about the movie and had interesting tidbits about the general area. She allowed time for stops and pictures also.

New York City

Dubuques Historic Downtown GPS Self Guided Walking Tour

sarahnO3452KH, Jul 2026

Fun in Iowa

Great experience Worth the try

New York City

Farrar School Paranormal Investigation

jackcT972KI, May 2026

Incredible Experience at Farrar School

Amazing experience at Farrar School. The guides were incredible, and I loved all the amazing equipment, history, and stories they shared. A truly memorable and unique experience.

New York City

Farrar School Paranormal Investigation

kynae2026, Mar 2026

Farrar Elementary is a MUST SEE for any Paranormal Club!

I am a teacher who sponsors a Paranormal Club, and we wanted to experience the investigations at Farrar Elementary. We booked with Ivy for a 6 pm experience. First of all, Ivy is an absolute delight! Our group had 8 students and 4 adults; we had a blast! From the boiler room to the auditorium, we experienced activity and all things only the Farrar team could show us. I give this experience a 10/10. We would love to go back and try this out again. Thank you Ivy for being so awesome!

New York City

Kayak Rentals at Quarry Springs Outfitters

Connie_G, Jun 2025

Fantastic‼️

Great experience‼️. The attendant even gave us an extra 30 minutes since we’d never kayaked before. Loved it, not even sore the next day.

New York City

Des Moines Dash Scavenger Hunt

Lanette A, Mar 2025

Scavenger hunt was so much fun! We went to different stores and learned a skill from one of the store owners! A must do

My roomates and I set out from sioux city to Des Moines for 2 appts and we had time in between, so we looked up things to do and found Alley kat scavenger Hunts and booked it! It was a 2 hr game where we went to different stores and sites and in playing we made new friends, performed an act of kindness helping a gentleman at the historical building stack chairs after learning things about iowa in the museum! We loved playing! Its a must do if you are in the Des Moines area! We are headed to Minneapolis Mn in a week and hope tovdo this again there! Love love loved it!

New York City

Des Moines Dash Scavenger Hunt

erikamL6590EJ, Nov 2024

Fun

So much fun. Found fun places to explore. Wish we could have seen the other teams. Got us outside even in the rain. Thank you all for the fun

New York City

Kayak Rentals at Quarry Springs Outfitters

B510HZsarav, Aug 2024

Peaceful, convenient, and relaxing

The views were beautiful, so peaceful, and convenient. Will def be back to do this again next time I am coming through the area.

New York City

Adventurous Scavenger Hunt in Des Moines by Zombie Scavengers

708jeannettea, Aug 2024

Discover DES MOINES

Des Moines, the city of walkways between buildings. We went to Farmer Market, it's Saturday, delicious food, crafts and live show.

New York City

Public Trolley BYOB Tour Quad Cities, Iowa

L9004KEaaronl, Jul 2024

Trolley ride through downtown Davenport, IA

Will was fantastic. This was my first time riding the trolley and I'll absolutely do this again. Will made the trip so much fun and was very accommodating. Can't sing enough praises

New York City

Participate in a Fun Scavenger Hunt in Davenport by Zombie Scavengers

lauriekS3158NC, Aug 2022

Perfect VRBO Location and views

We found a great VRBO right by the river, close to bike trail. Place was bike friendly renovated industrial building with concrete floors. Really cool atmosphere. Private kitchen. Shared rooftop deck with beautiful views. Close to a couple of train tracks, so it can get loud. I find the sound of the trains relaxing. My husband wore ear plugs and that worked out well. High industrial ceilings and good space. We want to come back and would highly recommend.

New York City

Personal Guided Tour of the Covered Bridges of Madison County

John_V, Jul 2026

Americana at our fingertips in the comfort of our own car

Private tours are usually out of reach, an expensive and extravagant indulgence. Not in Iowa.... booked it for $39 through Cool Destinations, met our local, expert guide at the county seat's Chamber of Commerce, and I drove our rental car, while Cheryl navigated from the back seat and regaled us with her vast knowledge and commentary on all things Covered Briges of Madison County. A bit of Americana charm, a throwback to the good old days that we celebrated this 4th of July, and my wife's Big 70 on our Nation's 250th yesterday. Not without a bit of common sense, I had to provide my driver's license to the CC volunteer, as a deterrent to my possibly absconding with our guide, LOL. Cheryl was a wonderful source of information, local lore and history, while putting up with my frequent photo stops - the perfect recipe for a little vacation photojournalism.

New York City

Personal Guided Tour of the Covered Bridges of Madison County

Cezarina_A, May 2026

Must Do Tour of the Bridges of Madison County!

This personal tour with a guide is worthwhile and very interesting. Cheryl was fantastic and made the tour very enjoyable!

New York City

Kayak Rentals at Quarry Springs Outfitters

juliemlange, Jul 2024

Serenity near the city

This was a delightful little trip. I am a novice kayaker, but felt totally safe. I love that they provide life vests, and the shore is always within view. I saw a lot of fish jumping, turtles sunning themselves on logs, birds and flowers. I had a great time, it was very peaceful. I spent about an hour and a half, and did not fully explore the whole area. I would definitely return!

New York City

Kayak Rentals at Quarry Springs Outfitters

ewingame, Jun 2024

Beautiful and a must if you are in the Des Moines area!

What a wonderful and amazing experience. Greg, offered excellent service with kayaks and life jackets ready to go for the 6 of us and we used the double kayaks. Greg has the best and most comfortable kayaks to experience the most serene and tranquil trip kayaking around the lakes/quarry.

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Free Cancellation

You'll receive a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours in advance of most of our tours.

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