Iowa
The Hawkeye State
Iowa is a place where rolling hills meet river valleys, where genuine hospitality and natural beauty shape every journey. Nicknamed The Hawkeye State, Iowa offers travellers a peaceful, scenic escape filled with rich history, cultural experiences, and some of the most unique landscapes in the American Midwest.
Scenic Drives and River Towns
Along Iowa’s eastern edge, the mighty Mississippi River carves a winding border between bluffs and farmland. It’s here that travellers can explore the Great River Road National Scenic Byway, a legendary 3,000-mile route that follows the Mississippi from Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico. In Iowa, this scenic drive reveals charming river towns, wildlife watching, including bald eagles, and opportunities for boating, canoeing, and fishing. While Illinois shares the Mississippi shoreline, each state offers its own way to experience the river – Illinois with its lively riverfront cities and Iowa with its relaxed small-town charm and quieter stretches of water.
The Loess Hills and Natural Wonders
In contrast, the Loess Hills National Scenic Byway in western Iowa offers one of North America’s most fragile and fascinating natural wonders. These rare wind-blown loess formations, rich with prairie grass, scarlet sumac, and ancient soils, rise dramatically from the Missouri River Valley and stretch across 200 miles of western Iowa. These rare wind-blown loess formations are found in only two places in the world: western Iowa and parts of China. Where Missouri features the rugged Ozarks and Illinois is known for its fertile plains, Iowa’s Loess Hills bring another perspective on the Midwest’s landscape – blending geological rarity with farming heritage.
Small-Town Charm and Historical Sites
Between these two iconic byways lies a land of rolling countryside, historic sites, and small-town charm. Whether you’re stopping off in Amana Colonies, known for their German roots and artisan shops, or exploring the birthplace of American film legend John Wayne in Winterset, Iowa, travel delivers experiences that feel personal and refreshingly authentic.
Iowa’s Vibrant Cities and Cultural Scene
Iowa’s cities may be smaller in size than those of its neighbours, but they pack a cultural punch. Des Moines, the state capital, boasts a thriving arts scene, top-notch restaurants, craft breweries, and major events like the Iowa State Fair. While Chicago in neighbouring Illinois offers a world-renowned urban skyline, Des Moines reflects a more intimate Midwestern experience – creative and full of local pride. Meanwhile, towns like Dubuque and Cedar Rapids combine history, riverfront beauty, and Midwestern friendliness.
Outdoor Adventures Year-Round
For outdoor lovers, Iowa’s changing seasons bring endless possibilities, from colourful autumn drives through foliage-covered hills to springtime hikes and quiet winter getaways. You’ll find state parks, wildlife areas, and scenic cycling trails in every corner of the state
A Unique Midwestern Experience
Whether you’re drawn to river adventures, rare geological landscapes, or cultural treasures tucked between cornfields, Iowa invites you to explore at your own pace. Where Illinois highlights urban energy and Missouri leans toward rugged adventure. Iowa completes the picture with its open spaces, community warmth, and a pace of life that invites travellers to slow down and take it all in.
Last Updated: 16/12/2025