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• Burlington Burlington, Iowa blends Mississippi River views, historic Snake Alley, territorial-era landmarks, scenic parks and welcoming small-city culture.
• Des Moines Des Moines, Iowa blends a golden-domed Capitol, riverfront trails, public art, farmers' markets, museums and welcoming neighbourhoods in America's heartland.
• Muscatine Muscatine, Iowa, pairs Mississippi River scenery with pearl-button history, historic architecture, museums, parks and welcoming small-city culture for curious travellers.
• Sioux City Sioux City, Iowa, pairs Missouri River scenery with Dakota history, museums, historic landmarks, arts and outdoor adventures across the tri-state region.
• Dubuque Dubuque, Iowa blends Mississippi River views, lead-mining history, historic architecture, museums, scenic parks and Midwestern culture for curious travellers.
• Iowa City Discover Iowa City, a vibrant blend of culture, history, and natural beauty, home to the University of Iowa and a UNESCO City of Literature.

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Every region of Iowa, with guides to the cities, landmarks and local highlights inside each one.

• Amana Colonies Explore the Amana Colonies in Iowa for German heritage, communal history, traditional crafts, historic villages and distinctive Midwestern food.
• Northeast Iowa Explore Northeast Iowa for Mississippi River bluffs, Driftless Area scenery, Indigenous heritage, historic towns, trout streams and farmhouse flavours.
• Northwest Iowa Explore Northwest Iowa for glacial lakes, prairie horizons, Siouxland history, Dutch-American heritage and relaxed outdoor recreation.
• Southeast Iowa Explore Southeast Iowa for Mississippi River towns, historic villages, prairie roads, heritage museums, local food and unhurried outdoor journeys.
• Southwest Iowa Explore Southwest Iowa for Loess Hills scenery, Missouri River heritage, historic towns, state parks and an accessible rural American road-trip landscape.
• Central Iowa Central Iowa combines Des Moines culture, prairie landscapes, university life, historic towns, river trails and accessible outdoor adventures across the state’s interior.

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• Maquoketa Caves State Park Maquoketa Caves State Park in Iowa offers limestone caves, wooded trails, rock formations, camping and outdoor exploration near Maquoketa and Dubuque.
• Pikes Peak State Park Pikes Peak State Park in Iowa offers Mississippi River overlooks, wooded trails, Bridal Veil Falls, camping and scenic Driftless Area landscapes.
• Backbone State Park Backbone State Park in Iowa combines a dolomite ridge, Backbone Lake, trout streams, CCC stonework, hiking, camping and quiet northeast Iowa scenery.
• Effigy Mounds National Monument Effigy Mounds National Monument in Iowa preserves ancient earthen mounds, Mississippi River bluffs, woodland trails and living Indigenous heritage.
• Yellow River State Forest Yellow River State Forest in Iowa offers Driftless Area bluffs, woodland trails, river recreation, camping and access to the Upper Mississippi near Harpers Ferry.
• Stone State Park Stone State Park in Iowa’s Loess Hills offers wooded trails, prairie views, camping, wildlife and easy access to Sioux City’s river-valley attractions.

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  Tourist attraction ★ 4.3 (8,151 reviews)

  The World's Only Corn Palace

  Mitchell's corn kernel canvas transforms millions of harvested ears into epic annual murals of prairie life, sports heroes, and Dakota history on a Moorish dome landmark.

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  Tourist attraction ★ 4.7 (4,262 reviews)

  National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium

  Immerse in Mississippi River history through aquariums, historic boats, and wildlife exhibits along Dubuque's dynamic waterfront.

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  Tourist attraction ★ 4.8 (2,906 reviews)

  Maquoketa Caves State Park

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  Tourist attraction ★ 4.9 (2,405 reviews)

  Shrine of the Grotto of the Redemption

  World's largest grotto in rural Iowa fuses global rocks into biblical shrines, handbuilt by one man over 30 years in a quiet testament to faith and stonecraft.

The closest countries to Iowa, if you are planning to cross a border on the same trip.

• Missouri Experience the diverse landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture of Missouri, the heart of America, offering everything from bustling cities to serene natural escapes.
• Illinois Discover Illinois: From Chicago's iconic skyline to the tranquil beauty of its countryside, experience the diverse allure of the Prairie State.
• Wisconsin Discover Wisconsin: A Midwestern gem offering stunning natural landscapes, rich cultural experiences, and a taste of America's finest dairy products.
• Minnesota Discover Minnesota: From the bustling Twin Cities and cultural landmarks to the serene lakes and expansive wilderness, experience the diverse beauty and welcoming spirit of the North Star State.
• Nebraska Discover Nebraska: A blend of rich history, diverse landscapes, and unique attractions in the heartland of America.

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