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!
Visit Ames Explore All
Wheel-Thrown Terracotta Pots
Sat Jun 6 • 10AM-12PM | 1-3PM | 4-6PM • Make your own flower pot!
Nature's Apothecary: Herbs and Oils Workshop
Sat Jun 6 • 10AM - 12PM • An immersive herbal experience!
Botanical Bus Trip: Delights of Dubuque
Fri Sep 4 • 7:30 AM - 9:30 PM • Masterpiece on the Mississippi!
Illustrate the Magic: A Garden Story Workshop
Sat Jul 18 • 10-11:30 AM • With author Andrew Gogerty and illustrator Tim Read
Steeped in Tradition: A Botanical Walk & High Tea Experience
Sun Jun 28 • 1:15-4:30 PM • @Reiman Gardens AND Clouds Ames! • Early bird pricing til 6/1
Intermediate Watercolor (4 weeks)
Wednesdays • Jun 10 - Jul 1 • 6:30-8:30 PM
"Tropical" Yoga in the Conservatory (4 weeks)
Tuesdays, Jun 30 - Jul 21 • 8:30-9 AM • In the Conservatory before we open!
Terrarium Workshop
Thu Jul 2 • 5:30-7:30 PM • A garden in a jar!
Cultivating Conversations
NEXT: Thu Oct 8 • 6-7 PM • Grow Big or Grow Home • CLICK for MORE DATES
Silica & String: Hands-On Flower Drying Workshop
Mon Jul 13 • 2-5 PM • Includes take-home supplies!
Visit Dubuque 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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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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Lock 11 Northern Excursion
All Ages! • 7 Hours • Breakfast & Lunch Included
Dubuque
6.5 hours
Boat 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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Private Cruise - Inquiry Form
Please fill out this inquiry form for private cruise inquiries
Dubuque
Varies
Private Tours
American Lady Cruises
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Walking History & Science Tour
All Ages • 45 Minutes • Guided Tour • Most Popular - Book now!
Dubuque
45 minutes
Water Activities
Crystal Lake Cave
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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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Lunch Cruise
All Ages! • 2 Hours • Includes Food • Most Popular
Dubuque
2 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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Father's Day Cruise
All Ages! • 3 Hours • Dinner Included
Dubuque
2.5 hours
Dinner Boat
American Lady Cruises
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Visit Des Moines Explore All
1-Hour Splatter Room Session • Located @ Merle Hay Mall
1 Hour • Ages 3+ • Minimum of 2 People required
Des Moines
1 hour
Kid-Friendly
Rage Room
Splatter Room Iowa
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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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Stand-Up Paddleboard Rentals
Ages 12+ • 2 Hours
Des Moines
SUP
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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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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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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Recumbent Trike Rentals
All Ages • 2 Hour • Arm-powered and leg-powered options • Adult and Child trikes
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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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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