Right now, many Iowans are self-quarantining and social distancing to do our part to save lives and slow the spread of the 2020 Coronavirus. While it’s a bummer to be stuck inside, all the free time is perfect for planning future adventures! Some of the most beautiful places in Iowa are timeless treasures that will always be waiting for you.
- Reiman Gardens
Flickr / SD Dirk Iowa State University is home to a beautiful botanical garden that’s sure to capture your heart in any season.
- Pappajohn Sculpture Park
Flickr / Phil Roeder Des Moines is home to one of the world’s most fascinating art displays. The Pappajohn Sculpture Park showcases some of the coolest works of art - and they’re all larger than life!
- Pella
Flickr / dmblue444 Tulip Time may be all virtual this year, but Pella’s signature festival will always be waiting for you when the world’s in a better place for gatherings.
- The Bridges of Madison County
Flickr / Andy Lagager Barring any natural disasters, the remaining Bridges of Madison County will be calling your name when it’s time to get out and experience the most beautiful places in Iowa all over again!
- The High Trestle Trail Bridge
Flickr / Jason Mrachina Our modern bridges are pretty cool, too. While it’s technically not a covered bridge, the engineering and design on the High Trestle Trail Bridge makes quite the impression.
- Ledges State Park
Flickr / Carl Wycoff Ledges State Park is a great place to go for family-friendly hiking and stunning sky-high views of Duck Creek. Take the Lost Lake Trail for an adventure you’re sure to enjoy.
- Iowa’s Great Lakes
Flickr / Mary Fairchild The Iowa Great Lakes may not be as large as Lake Huron or Lake Erie, but they’re special just the same. Visit Iowa’s signature vacation spot and enjoy the sunshine from the water.
- Lake Macbride
Flickr / Tony Webster Speaking of lakes, don’t forget to visit Lake Macbride! It’s one of Iowa’s most underrated wonders, and you haven’t lived until you’ve walked along the park’s cascading spillway.
- Grotto of the Redemption
Flickr / Carl Wycoff The world’s largest grotto is located right here in West Bend, Iowa! This incredible work of art is a result of a lifetime of work - and it’s consistently named one of the most beautiful places in Iowa.
- Maquoketa Caves State Park
Flickr / Michael Kappel Maquoketa Caves State Park is closed seasonally, but that just makes it more special when it’s open! Trek through more than a dozen caves and experience an ecosystem that we don’t typically see up close.
- The Amana Colonies
Flickr / DaveTBear Visit the Amana Colonies to see one of the most beautiful places in Iowa where time stands still. You’ll fall in love with the old fashioned lifestyle on display here.
- Effigy Mounds National Monument
Flickr / Scott Smithson The Effigy Mounds of Iowa’s Driftless Area have been around for thousands of years, and they’re not going anywhere any time soon! Be sure to add this historic and sacred site to your list of places to check out when it’s time to get out and explore again.
What are your favorite beautiful places in Iowa? Nominate them using this link and we’ll be sure to give them a little love so that when things get back to normal, people know where they should go first.
Flickr / SD Dirk
Iowa State University is home to a beautiful botanical garden that’s sure to capture your heart in any season.
Flickr / Phil Roeder
Des Moines is home to one of the world’s most fascinating art displays. The Pappajohn Sculpture Park showcases some of the coolest works of art - and they’re all larger than life!
Flickr / dmblue444
Tulip Time may be all virtual this year, but Pella’s signature festival will always be waiting for you when the world’s in a better place for gatherings.
Flickr / Andy Lagager
Barring any natural disasters, the remaining Bridges of Madison County will be calling your name when it’s time to get out and experience the most beautiful places in Iowa all over again!
Flickr / Jason Mrachina
Our modern bridges are pretty cool, too. While it’s technically not a covered bridge, the engineering and design on the High Trestle Trail Bridge makes quite the impression.
Flickr / Carl Wycoff
Ledges State Park is a great place to go for family-friendly hiking and stunning sky-high views of Duck Creek. Take the Lost Lake Trail for an adventure you’re sure to enjoy.
Flickr / Mary Fairchild
The Iowa Great Lakes may not be as large as Lake Huron or Lake Erie, but they’re special just the same. Visit Iowa’s signature vacation spot and enjoy the sunshine from the water.
Flickr / Tony Webster
Speaking of lakes, don’t forget to visit Lake Macbride! It’s one of Iowa’s most underrated wonders, and you haven’t lived until you’ve walked along the park’s cascading spillway.
The world’s largest grotto is located right here in West Bend, Iowa! This incredible work of art is a result of a lifetime of work - and it’s consistently named one of the most beautiful places in Iowa.
Flickr / Michael Kappel
Maquoketa Caves State Park is closed seasonally, but that just makes it more special when it’s open! Trek through more than a dozen caves and experience an ecosystem that we don’t typically see up close.
Flickr / DaveTBear
Visit the Amana Colonies to see one of the most beautiful places in Iowa where time stands still. You’ll fall in love with the old fashioned lifestyle on display here.
Flickr / Scott Smithson
The Effigy Mounds of Iowa’s Driftless Area have been around for thousands of years, and they’re not going anywhere any time soon! Be sure to add this historic and sacred site to your list of places to check out when it’s time to get out and explore again.
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Address: Reiman Gardens, 1407 University Blvd, Ames, IA 50011, USAAddress: Pappajohn Sculpture Park, 1330 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309, USAAddress: Effigy Mounds National Monument, Iowa 76, Harpers Ferry, IA, USAAddress: Amana, IA 52203, USAAddress: Caves Road, Caves Rd, Maquoketa, IA 52060, USAAddress: Pella, IA 50219, USAAddress: Madison County, IA, USAAddress: Shrine of the Grotto of the Redemption, 208 1st Ave NW, West Bend, IA 50597, USAAddress: Lake Macbride State Park, 3525 Hwy 382 NE, Solon, IA 52333, USAAddress: Ledges State Park, P Avenue, Madrid, IA, USAAddress: West Okoboji Lake, Iowa, USAAddress: High Trestle Trail, Madrid, IA, USA
