It saddens me when people constantly hate on Iowa, saying there's nothing to do and there's nothing in the state worth seeing. The craziest part is that the people who say this LIVE IN IOWA.

There are so many things to do along with a hundred big attractions, people just don't care to look around.

Here is a list of 10 big attractions that Iowa has to offer.

10. Iowa State Capital

The capitol is impossible to miss, the 23-karat golden dome towering above the city is a favorite of sightseers.

Around the main dome are four smaller but equally beautiful domes. Be sure to schedule a tour so you get the chance to climb up the winding steps and reach the top of the dome for a close-up of its beauty.

Address: 1007 E Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50319

Website: www.legis.iowa.gov

9. Lost Island Waterpark & Adventure Golf & Go-Karts

It's all in the title people. Waterpark, adventure golf, AND go-karts. This park attraction is home to multiple slides & pools plus an arcade, pool hall, go-kart track, mini-golf course & concessions.

BONUS for the kids, this theme park contains MERMAIDS. Kids can stop by Mermaid Cove to visit or take a picture with Maizie Mermaid as she splashes and swims in her tank.

Address: 2225 E Shaulis Rd, Waterloo, IA 50701

 

8. Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden

Looking to get closer to nature? At the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, you can enhance your gardening skills while also enjoying the sweet smell and sight of blooming flowers.

Seasonal blooms are showcased outdoors & in a geodesic dome plus educational programs & art shows.

Visit the Amaryllis, Bonsai, Coleus & Plectranthus, Gesneriad, or Orchid Collections or attend one of the many events that take place each month.

Address: 909 Robert D. Ray Dr, Des Moines, IA 50309

 

7. Blank Park Zoo

Children AND adults will enjoy their time at the zoo, exploring exhibits of 1,484 animals from around the world, such as Japanese macaques, otters, and snow leopards.

Within the zoo is the Kids Kingdom, a place to give your children the chance to interact with farm animals, play on the playground, or go on a camel ride.

On Wednesdays, adults can enjoy the Zoo Brew, a time for adults to see the animals with delicious brews and no children around.

Address: 7401 SW 9th St, Des Moines, IA 50315

Website: www.blankparkzoo.com

6. Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad

Want to see the beautiful layout of Iowa without all the walking? Ride this train.

Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad offers an 11-mile journey into the valley, passing through cornfields, crossing the Bass Point Creek High Bridge, and going through the Fraser mining town. Visitors will enjoy the views of Iowa by riding in the passenger trains.

They offer dinner rides as well as seasonal rides during the holidays.

Visit the history center for exhibitions holding artifacts and memorabilia of Iowa’s railroad heritage.

 

5. Adventureland

Adventureland Park (Home of Iowa's Best Thrills) has more than 100 rides, shows, and attractions, including the new family-spinning roller coaster, The Phoenix! Rides for all ages are available, from mild to wet and wild. Shows throughout the park feature a variety of family entertainment.

Address: 3200 Adventureland Dr, Altoona, IA 50009

 

4. Field Of Dreams

Have you ever visited a sight where a famous movie was filmed?

The Field of Dreams is the actual baseball field and farm that appeared in the 1989 movie "Field of Dreams." This attraction is particularly famous among those who love the movie as the baseball field is a pop-culture tourist attraction.

Address: 28995 Lansing Rd, Dyersville, IA 52040

Website: www.fieldofdreamsmoviesite.com

3. Grotto of Redemption

A sight you've surely never seen before.

The Shrine of the Grotto of the Redemption in West Bend, Iowa, is the largest man-made Grotto in the world. A grotto is a natural or artificial cave used by humans in both modern times and antiquity, and historically or prehistorically.

The Shrine of the Grotto of the Redemption is a religious shrine in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Sioux City. A conglomeration of nine grottos depicting scenes in the life of Jesus.  It contains a large collection of minerals and petrifications.

Address: 300 N Broadway Ave, West Bend, IA 50597

Website: www.westbendgrotto.com

2. Maquoketa Caves State Park

Make a fun day trip or plan an overnight stay at one of the most popular state parks in Iowa, famous for the abundance of caves.

The top activities to do in the park include cave exploration, hiking, sightseeing, and viewpoints. Each cave has unique characteristics and is accessible for everyone with handrails installed inside.

Maquoketa Caves State Park is 111 acres with an elevation of 817 feet.

Address: 9688 Caves Rd, Maquoketa, IA 52060

 

1. Okoboji

Okoboji is a city in Dickinson County, Iowa, along the eastern shore of West Okoboji Lake in the Iowa Great Lakes region.

Okoboji holds parks, lakes, clubs, shops, theaters, and EVERYTHING. This is not just one attraction, this is a whole city. There is so much to do that I'm going to attach a video, so you can see it for yourself.

Address: Okoboji, IA

Have fun planning your trips!

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