The Top 9 Best Attractions In Iowa Include Caves, A Movie, And Death

What are the best attractions in Iowa?  While much of the country might just think of corn, pigs, and the Hawkeyes, Iowa is filled with much more for residents and tourists.

Check them all out and then let us know if the list is correct.

#9 - Buddy Holly Crash Site

Yes, the list starts with death.  The Day The Music Died.  The site where Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and The Big Bopper died when their plane crashed on February 3, 1959, in Clear Lake comes in at number 9 on this list.  Not a great start to Iowa's top attractions.

#8 - Eagle Point Park

Ok, this looks better!  One of the best parks in Iowa and the Midwest, Eagle Point Park in Dubuque has amazing views, the Trolley Line Trail, a Spray Pool, a Rock Garden and Fish Pond, and more.

#7 - Capitol Building

It's a nice-looking building.  And for some people politics and government are appealing.  So the Capitol Building in Des Moines shows up at number 7 on the list of top attractions in Iowa.

#6 - National Mississippi River & Aquarium

The river is only 1/4 of the Iowa border but plays such a big part in the state.  You can learn more about it and what lives in and around it at the museum in Dubuque.

#5 - Grotto of Redemption

This is not as well known as some of the others on this list but belongs.  It was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2001 and has been featured in Roadside America and Disney's The Straight Story.  Located in West Bend Iowa thousands make the pilgrimage every year to gaze at the shrine.

#4 - Field of Dreams Movie Site

You were wondering where this would be on the list.  I'd argue this is actually number 1.  Around 30 years ago I even visited the Field of Dreams on a school field trip from Wisconsin.  What it started as, what it became, and what it will become is a far cry from the movie.  But something that baseball fans young and old still love to see first hand.

#3 - Pikes Peak State Park

Now maybe you are thinking, "Isn't Pike's Peak in Colorado?"  Well yes, it is.  But there is also a state park in the northeast corner of Iowa near McGregor.  Hike, camp, and explore another Iowa attraction along the river.

#2 - Maquoketa Caves

The Maquoketa Caves State Park has more caves than any state park, but it's much more than just some caves.  It's been a popular destination for picnickers and hikers since the 1860s.  Be sure to bring your hiking boots, and flashlights, and get ready to lose all cell reception in some of the coolest caves around.

#1 - Effigy Mounds

The Effigy Mounds National Monument has more than 200 prehistoric mounds built by pre-Columbian Mound Builders.  The sacred place is not just unique to Iowa but America.  Located in Harpers Ferry, Iowa it is (on this list) the top Iowa attraction.

What do you think?  Are these the best attractions in Iowa?  The folks at IowaBets put the ranking together based on search volume, so maybe it's more interest in the places rather than people actually going to them.

Leave a comment on whatever platform you are reading this on to let everyone know about the best places in our state!