Iowa Tourism Office

Iowa is The heart of the Heartland  

Located between the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers and near major Midwestern cities, Iowa offers the best of off-the-beaten path adventures. As one of the top agricultural states in the nation, Iowa’s rural attractions and major agriculture events give visitors the chance to see real American farm life up close.

For outdoor enthusiasts, Iowa’s wide-open spaces, diverse landscapes, thousands of miles of bike and water trails and more allow you to craft the ultimate Midwest adventure.    

With 2,500+ miles of beautifully paved trails throughout the state, Iowa is branded as the World Capital of Trails. If you’re exploring Iowa’s trails on your own, you won’t want to miss the 25-mile High Trestle Trail, which crosses the famous half-mile, 13-story High Trestle Trail Bridge near Des Moines. Other popular trails include the 40-mile Iowa Great Lakes Trails in Okoboji, the winding 11-mile loop Trout Run Trail in Decorah and the 60-mile T-Bone trail near Audubon.   

With landscapes that include rolling hills, remnant prairies, towering river bluffs and sweeping valleys, Iowa offers an abundance of outdoor adventures.

Take advantage of Iowa’s bordering rivers by enjoying a sightseeing cruise. Recognized as one of the oldest and largest agricultural and industrial expositions in the country, the Iowa State Fair is Iowa’s largest event. Be sure to get a picture of the world-famous Butter Cow and watch a pie eating, rooster crowing or arm-wrestling contest.