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 website makes it easy to discover and book unforgettable day trips, tours, excursions, and unique experiences in Iowa - before you even start your vacation. With real-time availability, detailed activity information, and direct booking with trusted tour operators, you can secure the adventures you want without the stress of last-minute planning or sold-out experiences. Whether you’re seeking outdoor thrills, cultural discoveries, or relaxing local highlights in Iowa, we give you a simple, reliable way to plan ahead and make the most of every moment of your trip.
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!
Bus Tours Explore All
HAMILTON in Chicago
Multiple March 2026 dates -- Cedar Rapids and Quad Cities Departures -- Multiple Packages Available
Chicago
2 hours 45 minutes including an intermission
Kid-Friendly
Bus Tour, Theater
Midwest Bus Trips
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Mall Of America Shopping Trip
December 5-6, Overnight Shopping Trip
Bloomington
2 Days
Bus Tour, Self-Guided Tour
Midwest Bus Trips
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Disney's Beauty and the Beast -- In Madison
May 16 -- Dubuque and Platteville Departures. Multiple package options available!
Madison
2 hours 30 Minutes including intermission
Kid-Friendly
Bus Tour, Theater
Midwest Bus Trips
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Cubs vs Brewers -- In Milwaukee
June and September -- Dubuque, Platteville, and Cottage Grove departures -- Multiple Packages
Milwaukee
3 Hours
Bus Tour, Sports, Transportation
Midwest Bus Trips
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Christmas In July Mall Of America Shopping Trip
July 11 - 12, 2026 -- Departs from Dubuque and Waterloo - Multiple Rooming Options
Bloomington
2 days
Bus Tour, Lodging, Self-Guided Tour, Transportation
Midwest Bus Trips
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Iowa Corn 350 powered by Ethanol NASCAR Trip
Sunday, August 9 -- Dubuque, Anamosa & Cedar Rapids Departure -- Multiple Packages Available
Newton
4 hours 30 minues
Bus Tour, Sports
Midwest Bus Trips
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The Great Gatsby -- In Madison
August 1 -- Dubuque and Platteville Departures. Multiple package options available!
Madison
2 hours 30 Minutes including intermission
Kid-Friendly
Bus Tour, Theater
Midwest Bus Trips
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Riley Green -- Great Jones County Fair
Saturday, July 25 -- Multiple departure locations -- Multiple Packages Available
Monticello
3 Hours
Bus Tour
Midwest Bus Trips
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Cody Johnson Live!
Saturday, May 9 -- Dubuque and Cedar Rapids depatures -- Multiple Packages Available
Des Moines
2.5 hours
Bus Tour
Midwest Bus Trips
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Garth Brooks at Summerfest
June 16 and June 17 -- Dubuque, Platteville and Cottage Grove departures
Milwaukee
2.5 hours
Bus Tour
Midwest Bus Trips
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Visit Dubuque Explore All
JOURNEY -- Final Frontier Tour 2026
Wednesday, June 24 -- Dubuque and Maquoketa departures
Dubuque, Moline
2 hours
Bus Tour
Midwest Bus Trips
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WICKED
Saturday, September 12 -- Departures from Dubuque and Cedar Rapids!
Des Moines, Dubuque
2 Hours and 45 minutes including a 15-minute int
Kid-Friendly
Midwest Bus Trips
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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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BANANA BALL -- In Milwaukee -- Party Animals vs Coconuts
June 6 and 7 -- Dubuque, Platteville, and Cottage Grove departures -- Multiple Packages
Dubuque, Milwaukee
3 Hours
Midwest Bus Trips
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9 Canopy Zipline Tour
Ages 10+ • 2 Hours • No experience required!
Dubuque
2 Hours
Kid-Friendly
Sky Tours at YMCA Union Park Camp
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Dubuque Fighting Saints vs Des Moines Buccaneers
Friday, March -- Dubuque and Anamosa departures -- Multiple Packages Availale
Dubuque, Urbandale
3 hours
Midwest Bus Trips
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Luke Bryan: Word On The Street Tour
Friday, July 10 -- Dubuque and Maquoketa departures
Dubuque, Moline
3 Hours
Midwest Bus Trips
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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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Lunch Cruise
All Ages! • 2 Hours • Includes Food • Most Popular
Dubuque
2 hours
Boat Tour
American Lady Cruises
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53rd Annual Warrens Cranberry Festival 2026
Saturday, September 26 -- Dubuque, Platteville, and Boscobel departures
Dubuque, Warrens
6 Hours at festival
Midwest Bus Trips
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Visit Ames Explore All
Biology for the Rest of Us (Individual Classes)
Thursdays, Apr 2-30 (5 weeks) • 6-7:30 PM • Ages 16+
Spring Yoga (4 weeks)
Tuesdays, Apr 7-28 • 9-9:45 AM • Indoors
Sip & Savor: A Chocolate Pairing Experience
Sat Feb 7 • 1- 4 PM • Register early - space is limited!
What The Fauna? (Individual Classes)
NEXT: Octopi! • Thu Feb 5 • 6-7:30 PM • Ages 16+
After-School Artists: Creative Exploration for Middle-Schoolers
Tuesdays, Apr 7-28 (4 weeks) • 4:30-6:30 PM • Grades 6-8
Group Volunteer Opportunities
For organizations or clubs • Saturday mornings, weekday afternoons
Sound Bath at the Gardens
NEXT: Tue Feb 10 • 6-7 PM • Bring Your Babe or Bestie! • Indoors
Maker Nights
NEXT: Wed Feb 4 • 6-8 PM • Botanical Doodling
What The Fauna? (5-wk SERIES)
Thursdays Feb 5 - Mar 5 • 6-7:30 PM • Ages 16+
Intro to Foraging: Ethics, Accessibility, and TEA!
Thu Apr 2 • 6-8 PM • Learn responsible foraging!
Visit Des Moines Explore All
Skiing and Snowboarding Admission
Includes Lift Ticket • Must have own Equipment
Des Moines
Ski
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!
60 Minutes - Splatter Room Field Trips
60 minutes • Ages 3+
Des Moines
Rage Room
Splatter Room Iowa
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WICKED
Saturday, September 12 -- Departures from Dubuque and Cedar Rapids!
Des Moines, Dubuque
2 Hours and 45 minutes including a 15-minute int
Kid-Friendly
Midwest Bus Trips
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Cody Johnson Live!
Saturday, May 9 -- Dubuque and Cedar Rapids depatures -- Multiple Packages Available
Des Moines
2.5 hours
Bus Tour
Midwest Bus Trips
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A Day At The Iowa State Fair
Choose from Saturday, August 15, or Saturday, August 22 -- Dubuque and Cedar Rapids departures
Des Moines
7 hours at fair
Midwest Bus Trips
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All We Need Is. . . The Beatles
Thurs. March 26th, 2026 at 7:30pm • 2 hours
Des Moines
October 2nd, 2025 at 7:30pm • 2 hours
Turner Center Jazz Orchestra
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Jazz for Lovers and Friends
Tues. February 10th, 2026 at 7:30pm • 2 hours
Des Moines
Tuesday February 10th, 2026 at 7:30pm • 2 hour
Turner Center Jazz Orchestra
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Mike Conrad
Thurs. May 21st, 2026 at 7:30pm • 2 hours
Des Moines
October 2nd, 2025 at 7:30pm • 2 hours
Turner Center Jazz Orchestra
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Smash Room Session- Located @ Merle Hay Mall
Des Moines
Rage Room, Sledging
Splatter Room Iowa
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