10 Best Things to Do in Iowa

The Buddy Holly crash site commemorates the spot where Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and J.P. "The Big Bopper" Richardson lost their lives in 1959 when they crashed in their small aircraft shortly after takeoff. You will find the entrance about 6 miles north of their last show at The Surf Ballroom in downtown Clear Lake, which is marked by a large pair of Buddy’s trademark glasses. As you arrive at the memorial, you will notice objects including flowers, Mardi Gras beads, and a rusty license plate. The site itself consists of a handmade stainless steel guitar and 3 records adorned with the names of the musicians who perished here.

Iowa is home to several swinging bridges, but you'll find 3 that tend to stand out, including Lover's Leap, Iowa Falls, and Charles City. Lover's Leap Swinging Bridge is a narrow pedestrian bridge you can cross that stretches over a massive ravine. While much-improved since its original construction in the late 19th century, you can still feel a bit of a swing once you reach the center. You can also visit the Iowa Falls Swinging Bridge, which offers scenic views of the river and the towering cliffs that were carved over millions of years. The Charles City Suspension Bridge is another favorite and offers a tranquil walk over the Cedar River, as it doesn't tend to swing all that much.

The Squirrel Cage Jail museum houses 3 levels of pie-shaped jail cells that rotated similar to a lazy Susan. You can find the jail just off of Interstate 29. The cells were designed to provide “maximum security with minimum attention” and were considered inescapable. In the front part of the building, you can view the jailers' offices, kitchen, and women’s quarters. While 18 of these “squirrel cage” jails were built, this is the only one that was made of 3 levels. If you love a good scare, spooky flashlight tours are offered in the fall months.

Dunnings Springs features a stunning 200-foot waterfall that feeds into a peaceful stream leading to the Iowa River. Just outside of Decorah, this hidden gem can be easy to miss. Once you cross the rock bridge near the parking lot, you won’t need to go far before you begin to see the waterfall. You can relax in the serenity of nature, enjoy a picnic, or take a hike here. Several trails circle the impressive waterfall and follow along the stream. One trail includes an overlook with picturesque views of the falls and a panoramic glimpse of Decorah.

The Avenue of Flags allows you to pay your respects to U.S. war veterans with a drive along this unique road. This display lines South Kiel Street in Holstein, Iowa, with each flag serving as a memorial of a military veteran. Started as a Boy Scout program with 267 flags in 2012, the memorial has grown to honor over 449 veterans. As you drive or walk by, you will see each soldier’s name, rank, branch of service, and military period on a 5-by-8-foot flag waving 18 feet off the ground.

The Fenelon Place elevator is a short, steep railway that will take you up 189 feet in a small, enclosed cable car. Running up Fenelon Street, this railway was designed by a wealthy businessman in 1882 as a way to shorten his commute from his job at a bank to his home at the top of the hill. From the top, you can enjoy awe-inspiring views of historic Dubuque, the Mississippi River, and 3 states. You’ll pay admission at the top, but you can ride up before doing so. Credit cards are not accepted, so be sure to bring cash.

A tour of Maharishi Vedic City will give you a glimpse into a unique approach to ideal city life that's based on promoting peace and happiness. You will find this unique community just 2 miles north of Fairfield. Your tour will begin with an explanation of several unique aspects of the city. From there, you will drive through neighborhoods and admire the ancient Indian-inspired architecture. At Maharishi International University, you can witness transcendental meditation, dine in the vegetarian café, and tour the sustainable living center. If you visit when school is in session, schedule a visit to the Maharishi School of the Age of Enlightenment, where students in preschool through 12th grade practice meditation twice daily.

At Matchstick Marvels, you can admire 70 scale models of famous architecture, complicated machines, and true-to-life sculptures made entirely of matchsticks. Huge models like the 12-foot illuminated model of the U.S. Capitol building have been creatively built by artist Patrick Acton from 2-inch wooden matchsticks. In addition to seeing these ornate models, you can get a glimpse into Acton’s creative process. The museum also features model plans and many of the tools and equipment that aided in the construction of these works of art. Credit cards are not accepted, so be sure to bring cash for admission.

The National Sprint Car Hall of Fame & Museum honors the greats of sprint car racing. You will find the museum and raceway in Knoxville. The Donald Lamberti National Sprint Car Museum is found on the first floor of the museum. Here, you can admire the collection of sprint cars, supermodifieds, and restored “big cars” that have been loaned to the museum. Along with plaques honoring top racers, there is also an extensive display of memorabilia including helmets, photos, and trophies. Don’t miss the museum store for a souvenir of your experience. From the second floor, you can purchase tickets to view Knoxville Raceway events in climate-controlled seats with several screens to view replays.

Ida Grove is best known for the majestic castles that are found throughout the small town. This rural community is nestled in the hills of northwestern Iowa. When you first arrive, you will notice the decorative City Entrance Castle. As you travel through the city, you can gaze upon additional castle-inspired architecture, including the lake LaJune Chalet, Golf Course Bridge, and Skate Place. While you are in town, check out Ida Grove’s additional historical attractions, including the Railway Depot, Grant Center School, and Log Cabin House. Although castle properties are privately owned and tours are not available to view the insides, you can enjoy an open skate on weekends at the Skate Place if you visit in the winter.