20 Things to Do in Iowa
Iowa, often celebrated for its rolling fields and agricultural heartland, offers visitors a wealth of charm, history, and natural beauty that extends far beyond the cornfields. Exploring the Hawkeye State doesn’t require spending heavily on attractions; numerous fantastic free things to do in Iowa allow you to experience its welcoming towns, scenic byways, and cultural highlights without straining your budget. Discovering state parks, historic sites, and unique landmarks is easy for those seeking value.
This guide points you towards 20 specific activities and sights you can enjoy across Iowa completely free of charge. From state capitol tours and sculpture parks to scenic bridges and historic village strolls, you can craft a memorable Iowa journey. Get ready to explore the best of the state without opening your wallet.
State Capitol & Historic Sites
Iowa State Capitol Tour: Take a free guided or self-guided tour of the stunning Iowa State Capitol building in Des Moines. Admire the impressive 23-karat gold leaf dome, grand staircase, law library, and legislative chambers.
State Historical Museum of Iowa: Explore Iowa’s rich heritage through engaging exhibits covering natural history, early settlers, military history, and cultural evolution. Located in Des Moines, admission is always free.
Herbert Hoover National Historic Site Grounds: Walk the grounds of the site honoring the 31st U.S. President in West Branch. Explore the park-like setting, view the exteriors of historic buildings including his birthplace cottage, and visit the gravesite; access to the grounds is free.
Effigy Mounds National Monument Visitor Center/Grounds: Learn about the unique animal-shaped mounds built by Native Americans centuries ago near Harpers Ferry. Exploring the visitor center exhibits and walking the grounds near the center is typically free (hiking trails may be within paid park area).
Amana Colonies Stroll: Wander through the seven historic villages of the Amana Colonies. Admire the traditional German architecture, browse unique shop windows (window shopping is free!), and soak up the communal heritage atmosphere.
Parks, Trails & Scenic Views
High Trestle Trail Bridge: Walk or bike across the spectacular High Trestle Trail Bridge near Madrid and Woodward, especially impressive when lit up at night (dusk to midnight, April-October). The bridge offers stunning views over the Des Moines River Valley from 13 stories high.
Loess Hills National Scenic Byway Viewpoints: Drive sections of this scenic byway in Western Iowa. Pull over at designated overlooks to appreciate the unique geological landscape of steep, rolling hills formed by windblown silt; views are free.
Pikes Peak State Park Overlooks: Visit the overlooks at this state park near McGregor for breathtaking views of the Mississippi River confluence with the Wisconsin River. Admiring the panoramic vistas from easily accessible points is free (note: parking fee may apply).
Ledges State Park Canyon Trails: Hike the trails through the unique sandstone gorges (“ledges”) near Boone. Exploring the canyon floor trails and enjoying the dramatic scenery is free (note: parking fee may apply).
Saylorville Lake Visitor Center/Trails: Explore the exhibits at the visitor center overlooking Saylorville Lake near Polk City. Enjoy the surrounding walking trails offering lake views and opportunities for bird watching.
Clear Lake Seawall Walk: Stroll along the picturesque seawall and promenade bordering Clear Lake in North Iowa. Enjoy the lake views, watch boats, and soak up the classic lakeside town atmosphere.
Art & Culture
Pappajohn Sculpture Park: Wander through this urban park in downtown Des Moines featuring major sculptures by internationally acclaimed artists. Enjoy interacting with the large-scale artworks in an open-air setting.
Des Moines Art Center: Explore diverse collections of modern and contemporary art housed in architecturally significant buildings. General admission is always free, providing access to impressive works.
University of Iowa Pentacrest Museums: Visit the Old Capitol Museum and the Museum of Natural History located on the historic Pentacrest of the University of Iowa campus in Iowa City. Admission is usually free to these university museums.
Cedar Rapids Museum of Art Free Days/Evenings: Check the museum’s schedule for potential free admission days or evenings. It offers opportunities to see their collections, including the world’s largest collection of Grant Wood art, without the usual fee.
Grotto of the Redemption Grounds: Walk the grounds of this unique religious shrine in West Bend, constructed from rocks and precious stones. Admiring the intricate grottos and structures from the exterior paths is free.
Unique Iowa Experiences
Field of Dreams Movie Site Viewing: Visit the iconic baseball field carved out of a cornfield near Dyersville. Walking onto the field, sitting on the bleachers, and soaking up the cinematic nostalgia is free (donations accepted, special events may charge).
Snake Alley Walk: Carefully walk (or drive down slowly!) the street dubbed “the most crooked street in the world” by Ripley’s Believe It or Not! in Burlington. Experiencing this unique brick-paved landmark is free.
Bridges of Madison County Exterior Viewing: Drive the scenic roads around Winterset to view the exteriors of the famous historic covered bridges. Admiring these picturesque structures from public roads is free (some bridge parks may have fees).
National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium Riverwalk: While the museum has an entry fee, enjoy walking along the adjacent riverwalk area in Dubuque. Take in views of the Mississippi River, the historic shot tower, and the museum’s outdoor exhibits (from a distance).
