7-Day Iowa Itinerary

Experience the Best of Iowa: A 7-Day Family-Friendly Road Trip Through Scenic Landscapes & Historic Towns

Theme: A mix of historic towns, state parks, and unique Midwestern experiences across Iowa.

Best Time to Visit: Spring (April-June) or Fall (September-October) for the best weather and beautiful countryside scenery.

Day 1: Arrive in Des Moines & Explore

Fly into Des Moines International Airport (DSM).

Top Things to Do in Des Moines:

Tour the Iowa State Capitol – The golden dome is an iconic sight!

Walk Around the Pappajohn Sculpture Park – A fun, outdoor art exhibit.

Visit the East Village for Shopping & Local Breweries – Try Exile Brewing Co.

Walk or Bike the Principal Riverwalk – A scenic urban trail along the Des Moines River.

Dinner at 801 Chophouse – A great spot for steak lovers!

Overnight in Des Moines.

Day 2: Pella & Bridges of Madison County

Drive from Des Moines to Pella (45 minutes).

Top Things to Do in Pella:

Explore the Tulip Time Festival Grounds (Spring Only).

Tour the Vermeer Windmill – The largest working windmill in the U.S.

Try Dutch Pastries at Jaarsma Bakery.

Drive to Winterset (1 hour) to see the famous covered bridges.

Top Things to Do in Winterset (Bridges of Madison County):

Visit Roseman Covered Bridge & Holliwell Covered Bridge.

See John Wayne's Birthplace & Museum.

Stop at Covered Bridges Winery.

Overnight in Winterset or Des Moines.

Day 3: Effigy Mounds National Monument & Dubuque

Drive from Des Moines to Effigy Mounds (3.5 hours).

Top Things to Do at Effigy Mounds:

Hike to Fire Point Overlook – Stunning views of the Mississippi River.

See Ancient Native American Mounds in the Shape of Animals.

Drive to Dubuque (1 hour).

Top Things to Do in Dubuque:

Ride the Fenelon Place Elevator – The world's shortest & steepest railway!

Visit the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium.

Dinner at Brazen Open Kitchen.

Overnight in Dubuque.

Day 4: Field of Dreams & Maquoketa Caves State Park

Drive from Dubuque to Dyersville (30 minutes).

Top Things to Do in Dyersville:

Visit the Field of Dreams Movie Site.

Drive to Maquoketa Caves State Park (1 hour).

Top Things to Do in Maquoketa Caves State Park:

Hike Through the Caves & Limestone Bluffs.

Explore Dancehall Cave, the Largest in the Park.

Overnight in Cedar Rapids or Iowa City.

Day 5: Iowa City & Amana Colonies

Drive from Cedar Rapids to Iowa City (30 minutes).

Top Things to Do in Iowa City:

Walk Through the University of Iowa Campus.

Visit the Iowa Writers' Workshop & Literary Landmarks.

Lunch at Hamburg Inn No. 2 – A classic political stop for U.S. presidents!

Drive to Amana Colonies (30 minutes).

Top Things to Do in Amana Colonies:

Explore the Historic German Villages.

Try Beer & Brats at Millstream Brewing Co.

Shop for Handmade Crafts & Local Cheese.

Overnight in Amana or Cedar Rapids.

Day 6: Loess Hills Scenic Byway & Western Iowa

Drive from Cedar Rapids to Council Bluffs (4 hours).

Top Things to Do Along the Way:

Drive the Loess Hills Scenic Byway – A unique wind-blown landscape only found in Iowa & China!

Visit Hitchcock Nature Center for Great Views & Birdwatching.

Top Things to Do in Council Bluffs:

Tour the Historic General Dodge House.

Visit the Union Pacific Railroad Museum.

Try Your Luck at the Ameristar Casino (Optional).

Overnight in Council Bluffs.

Day 7: Omaha (Nearby) & Return to Des Moines

Drive from Council Bluffs to Omaha, Nebraska (15 minutes).

Optional Omaha Stops:

Visit the Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium – One of the best zoos in the world!

Brunch in Omaha's Old Market District.

Drive from Omaha to Des Moines (2 hours) & catch your flight home.

Fly out of Des Moines (DSM).

Total Drive Time:

Approx. 15-18 hours of driving across Iowa.