What do Frank Lloyd Wright architecture, historic covered bridges, Dutch windmills, farm-to-table dining, award-winning bourbon, literary cities and one of the most famous baseball fields in America all have in common?
You'll find them in Iowa.We travelled through the state expecting to discover classic Midwest America, but what we found was a destination that continually challenged our expectations.From touring Frank Lloyd Wright-designed buildings in Mason City and going behind the scenes at the enormous Iowa State Fair to driving the country roads of Madison County, discovering the Dutch heritage of Pella and exploring the historic Amana Colonies, almost every stop revealed another side of the state.
Along the way, we discovered how Iowa's agricultural roots are inspiring memorable food and drink experiences, explored cities shaped by art, architecture, literature and immigrant heritage, and travelled through landscapes that changed dramatically as we headed towards the wooded hills and limestone bluffs of the northeast.
And then there was the Field of Dreams.Standing beside the instantly recognisable baseball diamond surrounded by cornfields is memorable enough, but watching professional baseball beneath the lights made it one of those travel experiences we'll never forget.
Yet the biggest surprise wasn't any individual attraction. It was how naturally everything connected. Cities, small towns, farmland, architecture, culture, food, landscapes and classic Americana combined to create a remarkably varied self-drive journey through a part of the United States many UK travellers have yet to discover.
Read our full blog, Discovering the Unexpected: My Journey Through Iowa, to follow our journey across the state, discover the experiences that surprised us most and find out why we returned convinced that Iowa deserves a place on more UK travellers' USA wish lists.
Posted by: Discover North America
Posted on: 14/09/2026