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!
Our site gives you a fast, convenient way to explore the best tours, excursions, and experiences available for your vacation in Iowa. With up-to-date schedules, clear descriptions, and secure booking directly with local operators, you can lock in the activities you’re excited about before your trip even begins. No more scrambling for last-minute openings - just confident planning and more time to enjoy your getaway. Let us help you turn your vacation in Iowa into something truly memorable.
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!
Today's Featured Tours Explore All
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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The Wolf Dinner Train
Starting at $100 • Approximately 2 Hours • Elegant Dining through the Des Moines River Valley
Boone
Approximately 2 Hours
Train
Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad
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Canoe Rental
Arrival 9am-12pm l Fits two comfortably!
Monticello
Monticello River Rentals LLC
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Paranormal Investigation (Investigator-led)
Ages 12+ with Adult • 4 Hours • Up to 20 people
Maxwell
Guided Tour
Farrar Elementary
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RailsWest History Museum Group Tour - Self Guided
Group Tour - Self Guided
Council Bluffs
45 minutes
Historical Society of Pottawattamie County
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Homeschool: History Express (Object-Enhanced)
$5 per Student / $5 Per Chaperone | 1.5 hour | Grades K - 12th
Council Bluffs
90 minutes
Union Pacific Railroad Museum Association
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Waitlist for Horse Adventures Camp
Want to get in on a specific date but don't see any openings?
Granger
Jester Park Equestrian Center
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Golden Hour At The Farm
$5 Reservations Required Select Thursdays 5:30-7:30pm Pack a Picnic Visit with Herd at Fence
Cedar Rapids
2 hours
Prairie Patch Farm
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Dutch Flavors & More Food Tour
Discover the Heart of Dutch Heritage on the Pella Flavors & More Tour!
Pella
2.5 hours
Food Tour
Iowa Food Tour
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Youth Guided Tours (June-August)
For all ages • M-F only • 1-2 Hours •
Visit Dubuque Explore All
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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Wild Cave Tour
Ages 12+ • 3 Hours • Guided Tour into the depths of the cave!
Dubuque
3 Hours
Walking Tour
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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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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Lunch Cruise
All Ages! • 2 Hours • Includes Food • Most Popular
Dubuque
2 hours
Boat Tour
American Lady Cruises
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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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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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Lock 11 Northern Excursion
All Ages! • 7 Hours • Breakfast & Lunch Included
Dubuque
6.5 hours
Boat Tour
American Lady Cruises
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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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Visit Ames Explore All
Holistic Yoga (4 weeks)
Thursdays Oct 8-29 • 5:30 - 6:15 PM • All levels welcome!
Work in Bloom: Project Highlights from Interns & Student Employees
Thu Aug 13 • 6-8 PM • Hear what our students have been up to!
Botanical Bus Trip: Delights of Dubuque
Fri Sep 4 • 7:30 AM - 9:30 PM • Masterpiece on the Mississippi!
The (Neuro)Science of Lion's Mane Mushroom
Thu Oct 1 • 6-8 PM • Learn about wild food and the brain!
Youth Guided Tours (June-August)
For all ages • M-F only • 1-2 Hours •
Family Movie Night: Disney's "A Bug's Life"
Sat Aug 29 • 7-10 PM • Bring a blanket! Interact with Invertebrates!
Spirits in the Gardens
October 9-11 • All ages • Great for families!
Cultivating Conversations
NEXT: Thu Oct 8 • 6-7 PM • Grow Big or Grow Home • CLICK for MORE DATES
Clay Handbuilding: Tropical Leaf Platters
Sat Aug 15 • 3-5 PM • Create a unique work of clay art!
Fractal Fun Fest
Sun Aug 2 • 10AM - 2PM • All ages • Explore repeating patterns in nature!
Visit Des Moines Explore All
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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Smash Room Session- Located @ Merle Hay Mall
Des Moines
Kid-Friendly
Rage Room, Sledging
Splatter Room Iowa
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Combo Experience: (Both Smash Room and Splatter Room!!) SAVE MONEY AND BUNDLE!
1.5 Hours • Ages 10+ (Smash Room) • Ages 3+ (Neon Splatter Room)
Des Moines
Kid-Friendly
Rage Room, Sledging
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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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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Kayak Rentals
Ages 12+ • 2 Hours • Standard and Adaptive Kayaks • Single and Tandem
Des Moines
Kayak
Athene North Shore Recreation Area
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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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Beach and Water Wheelchair Rentals
Ages 12+ • 1 Hour
Des Moines
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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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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