Iowa boasts some world-famous attractions. People come from all corners of the globe for something like the Iowa State Fair, for example. But what if you want to explore the other side of Iowa, the side that most people don’t know about? Then you need to take this hidden gems road trip.

Each of these little-known Iowa hidden gems is within an hour or two of Iowa's famed state fair in the capital city of Des Moines. Hop in the car and let's get started!
Google Maps
1. Tedesco Environmental Learning Corridor, Ames
Tedesco Environmental Learning Corridor, 1815 Plaza Lp, Ames, IA 50010, USA
Story County Iowa
The Tedesco Environmental Learning Corridor, located within the Iowa State University Research Park in Ames, is a public area promoting conservation, technology, water quality, and community connectivity. With trails, informational signage, and more, this quiet little spot is an interesting, educational stop. Learn more here.
2. Adel Historical Museum, Adel
Adel Historical Museum, 1129 Main St, Adel, IA 50003, USA
Google Maps
This little museum is packed full of the history of Adel, Iowa, and the surrounding region! The safest way to ensure you can visit is to schedule an appointment. Learn more here.
3. Fort Des Moines Park, Des Moines
Fort Des Moines, Des Moines, IA 50315, USA
Heidi Butler / Alltrails
This 135-acre historic site is the location of an old Cavalry Post. It features a pond, a playground, an arboretum, and more. Learn more here.

Related Stories

This 2-Hour Road Trip Around Sac County Is A Glorious Spring Adventure In Iowa

This 2-Hour Road Trip Around Sac County Is A Glorious Spring Adventure In Iowa

 Take This Unforgettable Road Trip To 4 Of Iowa's Least-Visited State Parks

Take This Unforgettable Road Trip To 4 Of Iowa's Least-Visited State Parks

 The Ultimate Iowa Hidden Gem Road Trip Will Take You To 10 Incredible Little-Known Spots In The State

The Ultimate Iowa Hidden Gem Road Trip Will Take You To 10 Incredible Little-Known Spots In The State
4. Ewing Park, Des Moines
5300 Indianola Ave, Des Moines, IA 50320, USA
Alexandru Panoiu / Flickr
This beautiful park has so much to offer, including, for two weeks in the spring, a breathtaking lilac arboretum in full bloom! Learn more here.
5. Yellow Banks Park, Polk
Yellow Banks Park, 6801 SE 32nd Ave, Pleasant Hill, IA 50327, USA
Matt Smith / Google Maps
Where can you find a pond, a Native American burial mound, a campground, bluff views, and hiking trails all in one place? At Yellow Banks Park, that's where! Learn more here.
6. Thomas Mitchell Park, Mitchellville
Thomas Mitchell Park, 4590 NE 108th St, Mitchellville, IA 50169, USA
Laura S / Used With Permission
Scenic paths, a quiet river perfect for wading, picturesque bridges, a playground, a fishing pond... Thomas Mitchell Park in Des Moines offers all these options and more. Learn more here.
7. Big Rock Park, Pella
Big Rock Park Road, Big Rock Park Rd, Pella, IA 50219, USA
Laura S / Used With Permission
Pella is another of those famous places in Iowa that attract tourists from all around the world. But even here there are some hidden, undiscovered gems, one of which is Big Rock Park. Learn more here.

Find the map of this hidden gems road trip here. Have you ever visited any of these little known places?

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Related Articles