We’ve been exploring Iowa for years. And we’ve found countless scenic places and fun adventures along the way. Iowa is full of great places and outdoor experiences. And we’re making it our mission to share them with you so you can get out and explore Iowa too!
Find weekend getaways, explore parks, and find many other things to do. Your next Iowa adventure awaits! Explore all there is to see and do in Iowa. Here are some great places to get you started.*
More to Explore in Iowa…
Places to visit
- Explore Des Moines
- Top 10 Things to Do in Okoboji: Iowa’s Favorite Outdoor Vacation Destination
- Ames, Iowa: What to see, do, eat, and more!
- Cedar Rapids: Art & Culture, One of a Kind Experiences, Outdoor Adventures
- Decorah, Iowa – An Excellent Getaway Any Time of Year
- Interstate 80 in Iowa: Must see stops & things to do
- Top Things To Do in Muscatine, Iowa
- Effigy Mounds National Monument in NE Iowa
- Best of Northeast Iowa: Top 10+ things to see and do in the Driftless Area
- Top 10 Things To Do in Dubuque Iowa
- Pella: A Touch of Holland Here in Iowa
- Winterset, Iowa: A Fun Day Trip to A Historic Town
State Parks
- Iowa State Parks: The Best of the Outdoors in Iowa (Map & Printable!)
- Iowa State Parks With Cabins: Find the Best State Park Cabin Rental For You
- Backbone State Park
- Badger Creek State Park
- Banner Lakes at Summerset State Park
- Big Creek State Park
- Dolliver State Park
- Echo Valley State Park
- Elinor Bedell State Park
- Elk Rock State Park
- Emerson Bay State Recreation Area
- Fort Defiance State Park
- Geode State Park
- George Wyth State Park
- Honey Creek State Park
- Lake Anita State Park
- Lake Darling State Park
- Lake Keomah State Park
- Lake Macbride State Park
- Lake Wapello State Park
- Ledges State Park
- Lower Gar State Recreation Area
- Maquoketa Caves State Park
- Marble Beach State Recreation Area
- Mini-Wakan State Park
- Palisades Kepler State Park
- Pikes Peak State Park
- Pikes Point State Park
- Red Haw State Park
- Rock Creek State Park
- Templar State Recreation Area
- Trapper’s Bay State Recreation Area
- Walnut Woods State Park
- Wildcat Den State Park
- Viking Lake State Park
- Volga River State Recreation Area
- Yellow River State Forest
Lakes
- Top Lakes in Iowa: 12 Best Lakes for Recreation and Relaxation
- Coralville Lake: An Amazing Lake Getaway in East Central Iowa
- Visit Rathbun Lake for Lots of Outdoor Fun at “Iowa’s Ocean”
- Lake Red Rock: Visit Iowa’s Largest Lake for a Great Outdoor Adventure
- A Guide to Saylorville Lake in Central Iowa
- Lake Icaria: Don’t Miss This Spectacular SW Iowa Outdoor Destination
Camping in Iowa
- Campgrounds Near Interstate 80 in Iowa
- Okoboji Campgrounds
- Campgrounds in Iowa City & Cedar Rapids
- Campgrounds in Northeast Iowa
- Camping near Dubuque and Bellevue (+map & info)
- Campgrounds near Maquoketa [+ a map]
- Our favorite camping spots in Northeast Iowa
- Campgrounds in Des Moines
- Best Fall Camping Near Des Moines
- Guide to Des Moines RV Parks
Iowa weather
- Iowa Weather: What’s the climate like each season? [+ weather by month]
- Winter in Iowa: Average Temps, Snow, and All the Winter Things To Do!
Fall in Iowa
- Iowa Fall Colors: Best Times, Places, and Road Trips For Fall in Iowa
- The Best Fall Colors in Des Moines, Iowa
- Free Fall Scavenger Hunt Printables: Fall Fun for Kids and Adults
Winter in Iowa
- Winter in Iowa: Average Temps, Snow, and All the Winter Things To Do!
- 5 of the Best Iowa Winter Getaways & Vacation Ideas
- Midwest Winter Getaways: Top 10 Winter Road Trips in the Midwest
- Winter Road Trip: Best Road Trip Tips, Printable Packing List, & Trip Ideas
- Iowa Winter Birds: What to look for, where to look, and more!
- Ice Fishing in Iowa: Safety, Gear, and the Top Ice Fishing Lakes
- Trout Fishing in Iowa: Best trout streams and lakes, fishing tips, and more
- Animal Tracks in Snow: Identifying the Most Common Animal Tracks
- Winter Sowing Seeds: List of best seeds to winter sow and how to do it
- When To Start Seeds Indoors in Iowa: Get a Head Start on Spring
- Composting in Winter? Tips for Compost During Cold Weather
*We’re busy working our way around Iowa and writing articles about all the amazing outdoor places to visit in Iowa! So, check back regularly – we’re continually adding new articles to help you get out and Explore Iowa!
