12 Unforgettable Iowa Day Trips, One For Each Month Of The Year
By Kim Magaraci|Updated on June 16, 2023(Originally published June 13, 2023)
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Kim Magaraci
Author
Kim Magaraci graduated Rutgers University with a degree in Geography and has spent the last seven years as a freelance travel writer. Contact: kmagaraci@onlyinyourstate.com
There’s so much to do in the Hawkeye State, and unlike a big part of the country, we actually get four distinct seasons to enjoy. That means we can plan winter adventures, spring day trips, summer vacations, and even scenic, leaf-filled fall excursions in Iowa! If you’re looking for a list of the best things to do in Iowa by month, use the following guide to fill up your calendar for the best year yet. It’s always a good time to look at the calendar and start planning your next day trip or getaway. Below, you’ll find the best Iowa day trips. We’re so happy we can share them with you!
January - Sleepy Hollow Sports Park
Sleepy Hollow Sports Park, 4051 Dean Ave, Des Moines, IA 50317, USA
Hit the slopes at Sleepy Hollow Sports Park, the closest ski hill to the Des Moines area. You'll find plenty of ways to enjoy the snow, from tubing to skiing and snowboarding, to testing out fat bikes. It's a great way to kick off the year. Sleepy Hollow is the Best Place To Go Sledding In Iowa.
Check out the Sleepy Hollow Sports Park in this video from
Andreas Haffar:
The most colorful festival in Iowa is Clear Lake's Color the Wind kite festival. It's held every February and shows off some of the most unique kites you'll ever see. Bring the whole family. Bundle up, it gets cold out there! You'll have so much fun at this fantastic February Festival in Iowa.
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March - Dan and Debbie's Creamery
Dan and Debbie's Creamery, 1600 Main St, Ely, IA 52227, USA
If winter is dragging on and you need a pick me up, visit Dan and Debbie's Creamery in March. They make the best cheese curds in Iowa and you'll love touring their farm with your group. One visit will show you why Dan & Debbie's is Iowa's top creamery and one of the best things to do in Iowa in March.
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April - Reiman Gardens
Reiman Gardens, 1407 University Blvd, Ames, IA 50011, USA
Welcome spring with a trip to Reiman Gardens! In April, the flowers start to peek up out of the ground and brighten up this beautiful botanic garden. Anyone who loves flowers will enjoy a stroll through the grounds.
Tulip Time might be the most famous festival in Iowa. It is certainly one of the most colorful things to do in Iowa in May. You're sure to love exploring Pella, the Dutch town that has really embraced its heritage. Try Dutch Letters and test out a pair of clogs from Holland. There's nothing more stunning than seeing Pella's Famous Tulip Festival.
June - Le Mars - the Ice Cream Capital of the World!
When summer rolls around, visit Le Mars! The Ice Cream Capital of the World is right here in the Hawkeye State. You can stroll the streets, pose with the ice cream statues, and visit the Blue Bunny parlor for a whole lot of history. Do you think Blue Bunny makes the Best Ice Cream In Iowa?
One of the best things to do in Iowa on a summer day is getting ice cream - check out this news clip about the Ice Cream Days Festival in Le Mars, Iowa:
Arnolds Park has been entertaining Iowans since the 1800s! This thrilling and historic amusement park is the perfect place for a family day trip or a summertime vacation.
The coolest place to be during the hottest month of the year is Rathbun Lake! Honey Creek Resort is home to an incredible inflatable aquapark that's sure to be your favorite way to cool off. Splash and play and enjoy a day of slides and thrills. The Honey Creek Aquapark is so much fun for everyone.
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September - Hansen Dairy and Kangaroo Farm
Hansen's Farm Fresh Dairy, 8461 Lincoln Rd, Hudson, IA 50643, USA
Kangaroo farm. Need I say more? Hansens Dairy is a one of a kind place for a family day trip! Kids and adults of all ages will enjoy touring this family owned dairy and meeting their unique farm pets. Pet kangaroos in Iowa and you'll remember the experience for the rest of your life.
October - Effigy Mounds National Monument
Effigy Mounds National Monument, 151 IA-76, Harpers Ferry, IA 52146, USA
Effigy Mounds National Monument is one of Iowa's most sacred places. It's a protectd preserve that's home to hundreds of Native American burial sights. The trails around the mounds show off beautiful scenery, particularly in the Fall.
When you start to think about holiday shopping, plan a trip to Walnut! This welcoming Iowa town is home to a variety of antique shops that are sure to have the unusual and memorable gifts you're looking for. Come see the Coolest Iowa Antique Stores all in one spot!
Finally, wrap up the year with a trip to Atlantic. Iowa's "City of Lights" puts on an amazing Holiday celebration, and you'll want to see it for yourself. There's no place like small-town Iowa during the Holidays! It's one of the best and brightest Christmas Light Displays in the Midwest.
Learn more about Atlantic Iowa's City of Lights festival in this video from Travel Iowa:
What are your plans for the next 12 months? It doesn’t have to be New Year’s to look for new things to do! Will you go on a variety of adventures? If this list of the best things to do in Iowa by month has helped you plan your year, please share it with your friends and family, or let us know in the comments!
If you have fun ideas for the Iowa day trips, we’d love to hear them! Nominate your favorite Hawkeye State attractions, restaurants, and towns by filling out our nomination form.
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More to Explore
best day trips in Iowa
Kim Magaraci|May 20, 2022
What are the most unique things to do around Iowa?
The Hawkeye State is truly one-of-a-kind. Some of the most unique things to do in Iowa include:
Well, first, subscribe to our newsletter to find daily inspiration for getaways and information about the best day trips in Iowa. We love sharing our finds with you! If you're planning a family-friendly getaway in Iowa, it's hard to beat the area around Arnolds Park. For a more romantic getaway or a spot to vacation with your friends, the Mississippi River towns of Dubuque and Burlington never disappoint!
