Iowa Travel Guide

Browse 96 travel reviews, 46 travel blogs and 1,445 travel photos from real travelers to Iowa.

People Traveling To Iowa

Iowa Locals

Iowa Overview

Often referred to as the American Heartland, Iowa is a Midwestern state whose name is derived from the Ioway tribe of Native Americans who occupied the region during the earliest European exploration days. While it was originally part of New France, the land was transformed into the Corn Belt region after the Louisiana Purchase, which led to this state becoming known as the “Food Capital of the World” due to its various grains and agriculture. In the 21st century, however, Iowa’s agriculture has become diversified to the point that the state is now known for being a leader in biotechnoloread moregy and green energy production, and the state is considered one of the safest to live in the entire U.S.

Bordered by the Mississippi River, the Missouri River, and the Big Sioux River, Iowa is known for its vast open spaces which are perfect for growing grains, and for dense vegetation and forests, as well as lush river valleys and wetlands, with over 60% of the state being used to grow crops. The natural beauty of Iowa is unparalleled, and anyone who takes the time to branch out from the capital city of Des Moines will get an up close and personal view. However, tornadoes are quite common in the spring and summer months, so be wary when traveling.

Iowa's history dates back hundreds of years and even more, but with most of the country being designated as farmland, Des Moines is really the only economic center within the state. Iowa City is ranked second, due to being the home of the University of Iowa and the world-famous Iowa Writer’s Workshop. Western Iowa is generally considered the most scenic, with the Iowa Great Lakes having several resort areas, as well as Council Bluffs, which sits at the Loess Hills National Scenic Byway and is one of the most beautiful areas in the entire U.S.

Des Moines #1 most popular location
Hometown of the mighty Bill Bryson!!! 'I come from Des Moines. Someone had to.' The Lost Continent, Bill Bryson
68travelers 15reviews 9blogs
Davenport #2 most popular location
21travelers 6reviews 2blogs
Dubuque #3 most popular location
5travelers 4reviews 2blogs
Ames #4 most popular location
15travelers 16reviews
Sioux City #5 most popular location
Overview: Sioux City, Iowa is located in northwestern Iowa and shares its borders with North Sioux City, South Dakota and South Sioux City, Nebraska. With a population of over 80,000, Sioux…
13travelers 2reviews 3blogs
Mason City #6 most popular location
Mason City is a city in Cerro Gordo County, Iowa, United States. The population is estimated to be about 30,000. It is the county seat of Cerro Gordo County. The city is known for being th…
2reviews 2blogs
Urbandale #7 most popular location
3reviews 1blogs
Clear Lake #8 most popular location
1travelers 3reviews 2blogs
Muscatine #9 most popular location
3reviews
Dyersville #10 most popular location
Dyersville is a small agricultural town in Iowa. There are two nice reasons to visit this comunity. The St Francis Basilica is located here. And beautifully restored and maintained church.…
4reviews 2blogs
Winterset #11 most popular location
2reviews 2blogs
Algona #12 most popular location
2travelers 3reviews
Sergeant Bluff #13 most popular location
2reviews 1blogs