The American Heartland offers so much more to visitors than the booming agricultural industry, which has made it famous. While it is a major producer of corn and wheat, Iowa also has many popular tourist attractions. Here are some Iowa bucket list destinations to check out while passing through the Hawkeye State.
(featured image via Flickr)
10. American Gothic House Center
(image via Wikipedia)
Eldon
Also known as the Dibbie House, this house served as the backdrop to Grant Wood’s 1930 painting American Gothic. Built between 1881 and 1882, the Gothic Revival style house was the home of Charles A. Dibbie. Since 1974, the house has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
9. Boone and Scenic Valley Railroad
(image via Wikimedia)
Boone
A former heritage railroad in Boone County, the area now serves as a tribute to the transportation industry. Since 1983, the Boone and Scenic Valley Railroad has had a collection of vintage railroad engines and automobiles. Visitors can take a short trolley ride around the area.
8. High Trestle Trail
(image via Flickr)
Ankeny
The High Trestle Trail is a former rail trail running 25 miles from Ankeny to Woodward. Hikers, bikers, and equestrians are fond of the High Trestle Trail Bridge, which offers breathtaking views of the Des Moines River Valley. The trail was awarded a MidAmerican Energy Trails and Greenways project award in 2011.
7. Field of Dreams
(image via Wikimedia)
Dyersville
“If you build it, they will come.” In Dubuque County lies the baseball field constructed for the 1989 film Field of Dreams. At certain periods in the park’s history, “ghost players” have been hired to entertain guests, mimicking the plot of the film.
6. Eagles Landing Winery
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Marquette
Located on the Great River Road, the Eagles Landing Winery sits in the valley of the Mississippi River. Gaining international recognition, the vineyard is commonly referred to as the most impressive in the state. Visitors come back for the famous sweet dessert wines.
5. Snake Alley Criterium
(image via Wikipedia)
Burlington
Each summer, Burlington hosts the Snake Alley Criterium, an annual bicycle race. The trail follows Snake Alley, which is world-famous for being one of the most crooked pathways in the world. The 60-foot ascent and five major turns make the race notoriously difficult.
4. Villisca Axe Murder House
(image via Flickr)
Villisca
In 1912, the entire Moore family and two houseguests were murdered in this Villisca home. The killings were so brutal that they bumped the sinking of the Titanic from the front page of many newspapers. You can now visit the house, which is considered to be one of the most haunted places in the United States.
3. Davenport Skybridge
(image via Getty Images)
Davenport
Spanning across River Drive in downtown Davenport, this pedestrian cable bridge connects both sides of the Mississippi River. There is an observation deck on the south end, which offers views of the river and surrounding area. Many local festivals occur near the location in the summer months.
2. Crystal Lake Cave
(image via Flickr)
Dubuque
Through a guided tour, visitors can observe a natural wonder over two million years in the making. Hosting crystal formations that are still growing, Crystal Lake Cave is known for its array of rare gems and minerals. Just five miles south of Dubuque, it is a great place to spend an afternoon.
1. Butter Sculptures at the Iowa State Fair
(image via Instagram)
Des Moines
For over a century, one of the biggest attractions at the Iowa State Fair has been the butter sculptures. In 1911, John K. Daniels gained attention when he sculpted a cow using butter. Since then, residents have added to the statuesque collection with renditions of celebrities, cartoon characters, and other interesting designs.
