Iowa is so full of great attractions that it’s easy to just fall into doing the same thing year after year – but not in 2024! There are so many great hidden gems in Iowa that it can be hard to know where to start. Why not discover new Iowa hidden gems every month of the year? These twelve day trips are perfectly designed to give you a year of adventure – from restaurants that perfectly fit the season, to natural wonders when the weather is nice, to holiday adventures that will end the year with a bang. There is no better way to celebrate 2024 than with 12 of the best hidden gems in Iowa awaiting you throughout the state.

1. January - Donna Reed Theatre (Denison)

Donna Reed Road, Donna Reed Rd, Denison, IA, USA
Jfadds/TripAdvisor
Donna Reed, one of Iowa's most famous residents, had her birthday in January. What better way to celebrate than by visiting the museum and opera house bearing her name? It's a great way to start a year of exploring hidden gems in Iowa.

Get an in-depth look at Donna Reed’s legacy:

2. February - Chez Grace (Coralville)

Chez Grace - Nouveau French Cuisine, 424 6th Ave # 101, Coralville, IA 52241, USA
Chez Grace/Facebook
Valentine's Day is right around the corner, and this French bistro in Coralville is often called the most romantic restaurant in all of Iowa. You'll dine on fine cuisine in a peaceful, intimate environment.

3. March - Jameson's Public House (Waterloo)

Jameson's Public House, 310 E 4th St, Waterloo, IA 50703, USA
General Bob/TripAdvisor
When St. Patrick's Day rolls around, everyone is feeling Irish! This old-school pub not only has great décor and beer, it has top-quality Corned Beef and Cabbage as well.

4. April - Cedar Valley Fish Market (Waterloo)

218 Division St, Waterloo, IA 50703
Kristine Beenken/Google
If you're one of the many Iowans observing Lent, this fish market and fried fish stand is a Godsend. If not, the crispy fried fish is still a delicious treat!

5. May - Berry Patch Farm (Nevada)

62785 280th St, Nevada, IA 50201, USA
Emily Dux Speltz/Google
May is when Strawberry season starts, and there is no better way to celebrate than by visiting a pick-your-own farm for the pick of the season's crop.

Get a closer look at The Berry Patch Farm:

6. June - St. Donatus

Saint Donatus, St Donatus, IA, USA
Gehlen House Inn and Barn/Facebook
The "Little Luxembourg" of Iowa only has just over a hundred full-time residents, but its architecture and delicious Kalmes Restaurant are well worth a visit - especially on June 23rd, Luxembourg Independence Day.

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7. July - Valle Drive-In (Newton)

Valle Drive In, 4074 Hwy F48 W, Newton, IA 50208, USA
Julie Anstey/Google
There is no better way to see a movie in the summer than at a drive-in, and this old-school institution plays both classic and modern films in the open air.

8. August - Briggs Woods Lake (Webster City)

Briggs Woods Lake, Iowa 50561, USA
Cam Geis/Google
As the end of summer rolls around, a peaceful lakeside retreat is just the ticket. Not only will this beautiful lakeside be crowd-free, but the nearby Legacy Learning Boone River Valley Center teaches intriguing craft classes.

9. September - Yellow River State Forest (Harpers Ferry)

729 State Forest Rd, Harpers Ferry, IA 52146, USA
Christine Warner-Morin/Flickr
September is fall foliage time, and this massive state forest is full of colorful trees. With countless trails to explore, it's a great way to experience nature without the crowds.

Come along on a hike through this beautiful forest:

10. October - Linn's Haunted House (Des Moines)

Linn's Haunted House, 3805 6th Ave, Des Moines, IA 50313, USA
Allen Huffman/Google
Built into one of the last family-owned supermarkets in Des Moines, this old-school haunted house will scare guests of all ages silly without being as extreme as some of the bigger haunted houses.

11. November - Ox Yoke Inn (Amana Colonies)

Ox Yoke Inn, 220th Trail, Amana, IA, USA
Ox Yoke Inn/Facebook
Where to get the best Thanksgiving dinner in Iowa? Head to Amana, where this popular family-style restaurant dishes out the state's best turkey dinner - and it's all-you-can-eat!

12. December - Waverly Lights (Waverly)

Waverly Lights, 103 Eliasen Ave, Waverly, IA 50677, USA
Waverly Lights/Facebook
Far away from the massive holiday lights events, this charming suburban light display is put on entirely by volunteers and is free to see. All you have to do is walk down the street to discover what Waverly has created this year.

Which of these hidden gems in Iowa have you visited? Do you have any other favorite things to do in Iowa? Let us know about your travel plans in the comments section! If you’re looking for a place to stay during your travels, make sure to check out our listing of the best stays in Iowa for 2024.

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More to Explore

Intriguing Attractions In Iowa

Will Suphan | December 07, 2023

What are the most underrated attractions in Iowa?

The most underrated attractions in Iowa include:

  • Fenelon Place Elevator. With stunning views, this funicular ride is the world’s steepest and shortest scenic railway.
  • Waubonsie State Park. The sunsets here are so vibrant that they look like they came out of a Thomas Kincaid painting.
  • Pappajohn Scuplture Park. There are so many fun and whimsical sculptures here that the whole family will enjoy.
  • Effigy Mounds National Monument. Respectfully wander near over 200 Native American burial mounds and see some ancient history.

Discover more about the most underrated attractions in Iowa. 

What are the most unusual attractions in Iowa?

The most unusual attractions in Iowa include:

  • The Volkswagen Spider. This strange roadside attraction in Avoca is a huge metal spider made out of a Volkswagen Beetle.
  • Future birthplace of Captain Kirk. Come see the fictional birthplace of this beloved Star Trek Captain of the original Enterprise.
  • Ice Cave in Decorah. Not even the summer heat melts the ever-present ice in this cave.
  • World’s Largest Truck Stop. With a dentist, movie theater, barber, laundromat, and much more this is a massive and impressive truck stop.

Learn more about the most unusual attractions in Iowa. 

What are the most beautiful natural wonders in Iowa?

The most beautiful natural wonders in Iowa include:

  • Upper Iowa River. The last ice age passed this area by and left us with these impressive and beautiful bluffs.
  • Maquoketa Caves. Thousands of years of erosion created these intriguing caves which are a wonderful place to visit.
  • Ledges State Park. 300 million years ago, this area was an ocean and these sandstone formations are what was left behind.
  • Pikes Peak State Park. Hike up here to the overlook and see lovely views of the Mississippi River.

Find out more about the most beautiful natural wonders in Iowa.

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