Family fun is around every corner at Iowa attractions that not only engage visitors but also inspire young people to appreciate where they come from
By Heather Dale
Nestled in America’s heartland, Iowa is more than just miles of cornfields as far as the eye can see. Beyond the amber waves of grain lies quintessentially Iowa attractions that will captivate visitors both young and young at heart. Only found in the Hawkeye State, discover an all-organic city, an amusement park and more for guaranteed family fun.
Iowa Attractions for Sports Fans
If tennis is your game, Iowa is home to a magnificent court that should be on your bucket list. Established on the Kuhn family farm in Charles City in 2003, All Iowa Lawn Tennis Club (AILTC) is Iowa’s only lawn tennis court. It was designed by the Kuhn family to replicate Wimbledon’s vintage Centre Court. Today, players can experience an old-fashioned game of tennis on authentic grass by making a court reservation.
Racing fans unite at the National Sprint Car Hall of Fame & Museum in Knoxville. This is the only museum in the world dedicated to preserving the history of sprint car racing. Open seven days a week, you can explore more than 30 sprint cars and open-wheel race cars on display. Take control of the wheel in their state-of-the-art racing simulator and speed around iconic racetracks. In addition to museum exhibits, a movie theater provides guests with authentic races from around the U.S.
Pop-Culture Destinations in Iowa
Antique Archaeology is tucked away in the historic Mississippi River town of LeClaire. It’s the birthplace of the famous bison hunter and showman Buffalo Bill. The two-story former fabrication shop is the home base for the American Pickers Show on History Channel. It now houses some of their best picks and a new merchandise store.
“Go the distance” and visit the Field of Dreams Movie Site in Dyersville. This family farm with a baseball diamond carved into its heart is the original site where the famous movie was filmed.
From tours of the inside of the iconic Field of Dreams Farm House to a retail store and concessions stand, there is plenty to do at the place dreams come true. Tours of the house are available daily. The 30-minute, live guided tour will take visitors through the first floor of the home, which has been restored to look just like it did in the movie and features movie artifacts.
Historic Locations in Iowa
A unique edifice built in 1885, the Historic Pottawattamie County Squirrel Cage Jail is one of three still existing. In fact, only 18 in total were ever constructed. The rare rotary cell jail provides insight into early prisoner life in Iowa. Ascertain the jail’s history, the reasoning behind the unusual rotating design, and how it came to be retired in 1969.
For a truly Iowa taste, head to the Wells Visitors Center & Ice Cream Parlor in Le Mars. Dating back more than 100 years, the Wells family has been producing creamy sweet treats for customers near and far.
Family Fun in Nature
Pack a lunch and take a scenic walk to a stunning 200-foot waterfall in Dunning’s Spring Park in Decorah. Breathe in the fresh air and marvel at beautiful limestone cliffs while spending a relaxing day in nature. Be sure to explore the stone bridge and scenic overlook for perfect picture-taking opportunities.
Peaceful Places in Iowa
Go big or go home at Sioux City‘s Trinity Heights Queen of Peace Shrine. This tranquil 16-acre expanse is the ultimate peaceful venue for reflection and prayer. Take a walk through serene landscapes showcasing impressive religious statues. Discover a towering Sacred Heart of Jesus statue and an equally spectacular Immaculate Heart of Mary Queen of Peace effigy. Prepare to be amazed by the life-sized jaw-dropping sculpture of the Last Supper before meandering the many pathways and shrines that comprise the property.
As America’s first all-organic city, Maharishi Vedic City, just north of Fairfield, is a uniquely Iowa community. The city was established in 2001 and is based on the principles of Veda, the ancient texts focusing on balance and natural law. Explore structures with rooms strategically placed based on the movement of the sun. The magnificent Observatory showcases “ten, six feet tall, white, concrete-and-marble” astronomical instruments arranged in a circle.”
Iowa Amusements
Summertime family fun is waiting at Arnolds Park Amusement Park in Okoboji. Visitors can try their hand at park games and children of all sizes have more than 30 rides and attractions to discover. Parking and admission are free, and you only pay for the games and rides you enjoy.
There’s always more to explore at Lost Island in Waterloo. Visit the outdoor waterpark or brand new theme park, go-karts and mini golf for unforgettable family fun. Lost Island was voted the No. 3 Best Outdoor Waterpark in the country by USA Today.
Adventureland Amusement Park and Adventure Bay Waterpark in Altoona contain over 100 rides, shows, and attractions. New this year are two all-new rides intertwined. Hop on the new Flying Viking roller coaster and soar over, under and around the new log flume Draken Falls. Double down on fun with two unique rides that are even better woven together.
The 110-foot-tall Grain Silo Mural in Fort Dodge is a 360-degree artwork created by Australian artist Guido van Helten that depicts local civic leaders and the history of Fort Dodge’s industrial footprint. It is the tallest mural in Iowa.
With so many exciting Iowa attractions to discover, there is certainly no shortage of family fun in the Hawkeye State.
Iowa still has more attractions to offer, whether traveling for competition, for fun, or both, so be sure to read more about Sioux City and Subscribe to Sports Planning Guide for FREE
