Five Amazing Day Trips: Iowa

The beautiful midwestern state of Iowa is bordered by the Mississippi River on the east and Missouri River on the west and has no shortage of things to do throughout the year. It is made up predominately of small towns, dotted across the landscape, and is home to unique attractions, outdoor recreation, and charming local restaurants. The largest cities of Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, and Davenport are brimming with art, culture, and entertainment – they also make excellent gateways to the surrounding areas. Iowa is a great state to take a road trip, allowing visitors to experience special places like the Iowa Great Lakes, Amana Colonies, Madison County and, Villages of Van Buren all in one trip. Last but not least, there’s the famous Iowa State Fair, a bucket-list experience that attracts more than a million people from around the world.  

Here are five great day trip destinations from Des Moines to destinations across The Hawkeye State: 

Amana Colonies (Small Town Experience) 

Iowa County is the location of the seven villages collectively known as the Amana Colonies. Just 100 miles east of Des Moines in east-central Iowa, the area was originally settled by German immigrants and retains much of the German culture and traditions. From the 1850’s to the 1930’s the colony lived independently with a self-sufficient economy based on farming and skilled crafts, such as carpentry and metalworking. Begin your day trip at the Amana Colonies Visitors Center and then head to the Amana Heritage Museum to learn about the local history and heritage. The colonies are famous for family style restaurants serving traditional dishes, breweries, and wineries. Find superbly made handcrafted items at the Amana Heritage Shops that include the Amana Furniture and Clock Shop, Amana Woolen Mill, and High Amana General Store. The Amana Colonies have an extensive annual events and festivals calendars, coordinate your visit with a festival and consider booking a night in a quaint inn or one of the many B&Bs. 

Courtesy of Reiman Gardens

Ames (Museums & Attractions) 

A short 30 miles north of Des Moines in the city of Ames, you’ll find Iowa State University. The campus is home to the University Museums, popular attractions that include three museums, a sculpture garden, and one of the largest campus art collections in the country, installed in buildings, classrooms, and open spaces. This day trip takes you to the award-winning Reiman Gardens. The botanical garden encompasses 17-acres, with sprawling outdoor gardens, a Conservancy building featuring seasonal plantings, and an enclosed butterfly garden with 800 colorful butterflies. The gardens are open year-round, so there is always something new in bloom in the ever-changing landscape. Before leaving Ames, continue the art and culture themed day in the vibrant downtown district where you’ll find interesting shops, restaurants, and plenty of entertainment to enjoy.

Pella (Small Town Experiences) 

The small town of Pella is located just 45 miles southeast of Des Moines and is considered America’s Dutch Treasure. The ideal time to visit is in May to experience the annual Tulip Time Festival; however, there really isn’t a bad time to see the local museums, beautiful gardens, and historic downtown. This day trip is all about culture and heritage and starts with a tour of the Pella Historical Village & Vermeer Mill, the tallest working windmill in the United States. Other unique points of interest in town are the Klokkenspel, with eight, four-foot mechanical figures that perform to the music played by the 147-bell carillon, and the Molengracht Plaza Waterway, an authentic Dutch canal with a working drawbridge. Stroll through the downtown square and appreciate the European architecture before stopping for lunch at the charming Windmill Café. After lunch, explore the world of Dutch desserts— fresh breads, cookies, and pastries made from scratch. Two great pastry shop options are Jaarsma Bakery and Vander Ploeg Bakery. If you prefer handmade chocolate, Van Veen Chocolates is worth a few extra calories!

Villages of Van Buren (Small Town Experience) 

The small towns that make-up the villages of Van Buren County are located about 130 miles southeast of Des Moines. This special place is off the beaten path and “untouched by time”— you won’t find a fast–food restaurant or even a stop light!! A good place to start the day trip is at the Van Buren County Iowa Historical Society. The society is housed in the Twombly building in downtown Keosauqua, and, during the summer months, offers tours of the 1845 Pearson House, a station on the Underground Railroad, and the 1847 Ellis School and Keosauqua Log Cabin. Enjoy your visit to each of the villages but don’t miss the largest shopping district, Bentonsport National Historic District, located along the scenic Des Moines River. To extend your day trip of unique experiences away from the hustle and bustle, book a room at one of the local B&B’s or inns. 

Winterset (Small Town Experience) 

The small town of Winterset is located 35 miles southwest of Des Moines in Madison County, the “Covered Bridge Capital of Iowa”. Grab a map from the visitor center and begin the scenic drive on Iowa’s Covered Bridge Scenic Byway to see the bridges that were made famous by the book, movie, and musical – The Bridges of Madison County. Not only will you see the five bridges, the route also allows you to experience the beauty of the natural midwestern landscapes, historic and cultural sites, and dozens of points of interest that are worth a stop along the way. Spend the remainder of the day around the charming town square. Winterset is also home to a few museums that are worth a visit: the Iowa Quilt Museum, the John Wayne Birthplace & Museum, and the Madison County Historical Museum. After your visit to Madison County, you can officially say – I have been to Iowa!!