Willow River State Park’s stunning falls and scenic surroundings offer year-round adventure, from hiking and paddling to camping and nature exploration.

VIDEO

Blue Lights and Big Views on the High Trestle Trail

Experience an unforgettable journey across one of the world’s largest trail bridges, stretching half a mile long and soaring 130 feet above the Des Moines River Valley.

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VIDEO

Field of Dreams: Where Baseball and Magic Meet in Iowa

Step into the iconic baseball diamond nestled in the heart of cornfields, where the timeless spirit of the game comes alive.

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IDEAS

Harvest Harmony: A Taste of Farmhouse Fun & Fresh Flavours

The Midwest is known for its farmland. Visit standout spots like the John Deere Tractor & Engine Museum in Waterloo, Living History Farms as well as a variety of dairy farms and agricultural museums spread across the state.

IDEAS

The World’s Shortest & Steepest Scenic Railway: Dubuque’s Historic Fenelon Place Elevator

Explore this fascinating piece of history, originally built in the 1800’s. Still running as possibly the world’s shortest and steepest scenic railway, giving riders an amazing view of Dubuque, Iowa.

IDEAS

As Seen in the Movies!

Discover Iowa’s celebrated connection to cinema, where the state’s scenic landscapes and welcoming communities have provided the backdrop for several iconic films, bringing Hollywood magic to the heart of America.

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Iowa

The Hawkeye State

Iowa is a land overflowing with genuine hospitality, historic sites, sophisticated cities, beautiful rolling countryside and four seasons of nature at its very best. The mighty Mississippi River on Iowa’s eastern edge provides opportunities for boating, fishing, canoeing and bald eagle watching. The Great River Road National Scenic Byway, one of the most famous and longest scenic and historic drives in the US, is a federally-designated route covering 3,000 miles of federal, state and county roads that generally follow the mighty Mississippi from Canada to the Gulf of Mexico.

In the west, the Loess Hill National Scenic Byway allows travellers to explore the rare and spectacular natural landscaping of the Loess Hills region of western Iowa, a fragile place of unique prairie flora and wildlife, farms and villages, nestled together among the Catstep hills. Bluestem and scarlet sumac ripen under the big skies atop this rich yellow-brown loess – ancient soil gathered by winds of a receding age of ice into a high wall that follows the vast Missouri River Valley. The rugged range rises abruptly from the flatlands on the west and melts into the rolling plains on the east, extending 200 miles. In between, travellers will find world-class attractions, charming communities and fabulous events.

Highlights

Visit the iconic Field of Dreams in Dyersville or Bridges of Madison County, explore the rare Loess Hills, marvel at the mighty Mississippi River or visit Iowa's charming small towns and urban centres.

State Secret

The Historic Park Inn Hotel in Mason City is the only remaining Frank Lloyd Wright-designed hotel in the world. After extensive renovations, the prairie school-style building now stands as a four-star boutique hotel with 27 guest rooms.

State Facts

Land Area: 55,853.7 sq miles

Water Area: 419.1 sq miles

Population: 3.2 million

State Capital: Des Moines

Largest City: Des Moines

Local Time: CST – 6 hrs behind the UK

Climate: Four distinct seasons – ranging from an average high of 74°F (23°C) in August to an average low of 17°F (8°C) in January

Ntl Parks: 4 national parks and 63 state parks

More Information

Iowa Tourism Office
Tel: 001 515 725 3084 |