7-Day Iowa Itinerary

Fly into Des Moines International Airport (DSM).

Top Things to Do in Des Moines

• Tour the Iowa State CapitolThe golden dome is an iconic sight!
• Walk Around the Pappajohn Sculpture ParkA fun, outdoor art exhibit.
• Visit the East Village for Shopping & Local BreweriesTry Exile Brewing Co.
• Walk or Bike the Principal RiverwalkA scenic urban trail along the Des Moines River.
• Dinner at 801 ChophouseA great spot for steak lovers!

Overnight in Des Moines.

Drive from Des Moines to Pella (45 minutes).

Top Things to Do in Pella

• Explore the Tulip Time Festival Grounds (Spring Only).
• Tour the Vermeer WindmillThe largest working windmill in the U.S.
• Try Dutch Pastries at Jaarsma Bakery.

Top Things to Do in Winterset (Bridges of Madison County)

• Visit Roseman Covered Bridge & Holliwell Covered Bridge.
• See John Wayne's Birthplace & Museum.
• Stop at Covered Bridges Winery.

Drive to Winterset (1 hour) to see the famous covered bridges.

Overnight in Winterset or Des Moines.

Drive from Des Moines to Effigy Mounds (3.5 hours).

Top Things to Do at Effigy Mounds

• Hike to Fire Point OverlookStunning views of the Mississippi River.
• See Ancient Native American Mounds in the Shape of Animals.

Top Things to Do in Dubuque

• Ride the Fenelon Place ElevatorThe world's shortest & steepest railway!
• Visit the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium.
• Dinner at Brazen Open Kitchen.

Drive to Dubuque (1 hour).

Overnight in Dubuque.

Drive from Dubuque to Dyersville (30 minutes).

Top Things to Do in Dyersville

• Visit the Field of Dreams Movie Site.

Top Things to Do in Maquoketa Caves State Park

• Hike Through the Caves & Limestone Bluffs.
• Explore Dancehall Cave, the Largest in the Park.

Drive to Maquoketa Caves State Park (1 hour).

Overnight in Cedar Rapids or Iowa City.

Drive from Cedar Rapids to Iowa City (30 minutes).

Top Things to Do in Iowa City

• Walk Through the University of Iowa Campus.
• Visit the Iowa Writers' Workshop & Literary Landmarks.
• Lunch at Hamburg Inn No. 2A classic political stop for U.S. presidents!

Top Things to Do in Amana Colonies

• Explore the Historic German Villages.
• Try Beer & Brats at Millstream Brewing Co.
• Shop for Handmade Crafts & Local Cheese.

Drive to Amana Colonies (30 minutes).

Overnight in Amana or Cedar Rapids.

Drive from Cedar Rapids to Council Bluffs (4 hours).

Top Things to Do Along the Way

• Drive the Loess Hills Scenic BywayA unique wind-blown landscape only found in Iowa & China!
• Visit Hitchcock Nature Center for Great Views & Birdwatching.

Top Things to Do in Council Bluffs

• Tour the Historic General Dodge House.
• Visit the Union Pacific Railroad Museum.
• Try Your Luck at the Ameristar Casino (Optional).

Overnight in Council Bluffs.

Drive from Council Bluffs to Omaha, Nebraska (15 minutes).

Optional Omaha Stops

• Visit the Henry Doorly Zoo & AquariumOne of the best zoos in the world!
• Brunch in Omaha's Old Market District.

Drive from Omaha to Des Moines (2 hours) & catch your flight home.

Fly out of Des Moines (DSM).