Day Trips in Iowa

Living in Iowa’s capital or one of the Greater Des Moines (DSM) region’s surrounding cities puts you in the center of the state, an ideal location for a day trip in any direction. DSM has much to do to keep you busy, but did you know the state has plenty of places to explore just a short drive away? Whether you’re up for an outdoor adventure, looking for live music or want to check out unique restaurants with local food options, one of our day trip itineraries below is sure to meet your expectations! 

Wander Warren County, Iowa

Photo Credit: National Balloon Classic

You don’t have to leave the DSM region to have a unique staycation experience. From hot air balloons to farm-to-table meals, it’s time to explore Warren County and the southern part of the region. 

• For an award-winning opera performance, head over to the Des Moines Metro Opera in Indianola. As one of the Midwest’s largest performing arts organizations, it stages more than 100 exceptional performances each season from May through July. 
• Spend a weekend on an agri-venture filled with excitement and relaxation. From strolling flower gardens to berry picking, the Agri-Venture by Wander Warren County is one you won’t forget!  
• At the end of July, Indianola brings in more than 85,000 guests to experience the National Balloon Classic. For a week, the skies will be filled with color in both the morning and evening as hot air balloons take off from the Memorial Balloon Field. 
• Looking to check out the drink scene in Warren County? Warren County Economic Development Corp. has an agenda ready for you to check out!  
• For additional travel itineraries for Warren County, check out Wander Warren County’s website.

Extend your trip and stay the night at Bison Ranch Cabin — For a unique experience, book this farm stay in New Virginia where visitors can experience the serene countryside and views of the bison and timber farm! This cabin features a fully equipped kitchen, 6 beds and 2 baths. 

Restaurant Pick: Get a seasonal Farm-to-Table Dinner at Bochner Farms located south of Indianola. This 5-course meal dining experience boasts of a beautiful sunset, peaceful countryside and lasting memories.  

Foodie Trip to Iowa City, Iowa

An Iowa City restaurant was just chosen as one of the top 10 Best Burgers in Iowa by the Iowa Beef Industry Council! Find the Iowa Gold burger at Wilder at the Graduate by Hilton — and read about the process that went into creating the burger here! Although, Iowa City is known for more than just a good burger, so where else should you grab a bite in Iowa City, one of two chosen U.S. Cities of Literature and home of the University of Iowa? Here are a few ideas: 

• Grab breakfast at The Dandy Lion on the Pedestrian Mall, where you’ll find omelets, pancakes, French toast and a house-baked cinnamon roll. Later in the day, stop by to try the Dandy Burger or Charcuterie Sandwich. 
• The Webster has been recognized as one of the top restaurants in the U.S. by USA Today and the New York Times. Menus change daily and highlight the best offerings of the season. Head to The Webster after exploring nearby University of Iowa locations like the Old Capitol Museum or Stanley Museum of Art or shopping 45,000 books at The Haunted Bookshop.
• If you’re looking for an award-winning pick, there’s no better place than Jimmy Jack’s Rib Shack. Try the Pulled Pork sandwich, a Half Slab of Ribs (St. Louis-style!) or a Smoked Portobello sandwich. 
• Head to Pullman Bar & Diner for Midwest diner fare (or Ramen Happy Hour every Monday through Friday from 3 – 6 p.m.!). At Pullman, you’re right near The Englert Theatre, a historic local arts venue where you can catch a comedy show or attend a concert, so grab tickets to see a show you can walk to.

Extend your trip and stay the night at Hilton Garden Inn — While there are a lot of hotels to choose from in Iowa City, when you stay at the Hilton Garden Inn, you have easy access to the views at The Vue Rooftop, not to mention the menu items, including apps like Lamb Meatballs and Duck Wontons and entrees like Mango Swordfish, Iowa Bone In Pork Chop and the Teriyaki Tofu Bowl. The Hilton Garden Inn Iowa City Downtown University offers a free shuttle to U of I medical buildings and downtown hospitals, too. 

Major Event Pick: If you’re looking for a popular annual food event to attend in Iowa City, the Top Chef event in the Iowa City Downtown District in February is not to be missed. Admission includes unlimited samples, live music and more.

Live Music Trip to Madison County, Iowa

Live music lovers know that Madison County is home to one of the most anticipated music festivals every year in the Midwest, Hinterland. The music festival takes place in St. Charles at the Avenue of the Saints Amphitheater just 30 minutes south of Des Moines, and has welcomed the likes of Bon Iver, The Avett Brothers, Maggie Rogers, Chappell Roan, Hozier and Noah Kahan to perform. In 2025, attendees will hear Lana Del Rey, Bleachers, Kacey Musgraves and Tyler, The Creator, among other well-known acts. But Hinterland is just one live music event of the year in Madison County. Read on for other live music must-dos in the area: 

• Covered Bridges Winery in Winterset holds afternoon Sunday Wine Downs and Music at the Winery on Saturday nights on select dates throughout the year. 
• With its grand reopening in May 2025, the Winterset Cidery will offer a live music schedule alongside their hard cider flavors. 
• The Levitt Amp Earlham Music Series brings music to Earlham City Park during the summer. These shows are free each week!

Extend your trip and stay the night at Lakeside Hotel Casino — It’s a quick 20 minutes south of the Madison County area to stay at Lakeside Hotel Casino, and it’s a convenient pick to stay just south of the Hinterland festival location. Not only that, but Lakeside Hotel has its own lineup of live music to offer.

Restaurant Pick: Not only does The Drift in Winterset have amazing food, but live music can be heard throughout the year. 

Museum Day Trip to Davenport, Iowa

In just two and a half hours, you can make your way west to Davenport from DSM to visit historical and cultural museums. The city also boasts attractions like  Adler Theatre, LeClaire Park and nearby riverboat cruises along the Mississippi River, not to mention the famed Davenport Skybridge. While not a museum, it’s a stop worth seeing! Listed below are the must-see museums in Davenport:

• The entire family can enjoy the exhibits at The Putnam Museum and Science Center. Explore science, history and cultural exhibits or plan your visit around events, including showings at Putnam’s GIANT Screen Theatre.
• Spoons are one of the oldest eating utensils, and their history is worth diving into. At the Mississippi Spoon Gallery, you’ll learn about the background and preservation of its more than 10,000 antique spoons.
• The Figge Art Museum should be next on your list. You can attend events and see gallery exhibitions as well as stop in at Figge Bar on Thursday evenings from 5 – 8 p.m. and the second Saturday of month from 1 – 3 p.m.
• If you’re a jazz music fan, you won’t want to miss the Bix Beiderbecke Museum. Beiderbecke is known as one of the most influential jazz soloists of the 1920s. The musician was born and grew up in Davenport.  

Extend your trip and stay the night at The Current Iowa, Autograph Collection — The Current Iowa boasts art in every room and is within walking distance of several Davenport attractions.

Restaurant Pick: Relax and enjoy food and drink options like Ahi Tuna Tacos or the Black & Blue Steak Bites as well as hand-crafted drinks like the Spanish Lemonade or The Current at UP Skybar. This rooftop bar overlooking the Mississippi River is a convenient choice if you’re staying at The Current, but even if you’re not, you won’t want to miss the views! 

Photo Credit: Visit Decorah

Looking for the perfect place to spend a day canoeing, hiking and exploring the great outdoors? See the beautiful bluffs of Decorah, just over three hours northeast of DSM. Tip: We suggest visiting during the autumn season when the fall colors are most vibrant! This part of Iowa, also known as part of the Driftless Area, is known for its limestone bluffs, including Bluffton Bluffs, which overlooks the Upper Iowa River. Check out our ideas for recreational activities below: 

• Rent a canoe or kayak on Iowa’s Upper Iowa River, a 156-mile-long tributary of the Mississippi River.
• Hike Pulpit Rock Park before grabbing a refreshing local beer from Pulpit Rock Brewing Co.
• Visit well-known walking sites like Dunnings Spring Park, where you can see a 200-foot waterfall, or check out the scenic overlook at Palisades Park. 
• Did you know Decorah has a fish hatchery where you can feed the fish and see Siewers Spring, Iowa’s second largest natural spring? Visit the Chuck Gipp Decorah Fish Hatchery with the entire family. You might even get a glimpse of the popular Decorah Eagles while you’re there! 

Extend your trip and stay the night at Hotel Winneshiek — This historic landmark hotel opened in 1905 and offers a convenient place to stay in Downtown Decorah. The hotel is right across from Impact Coffee on Water Street, so you can easily grab your morning brew before heading out to explore the area. 

Restaurant Pick: Check out vegetarian and vegan options at Blazing Star to round out your active day in Decorah. 

Major Event Pick: Held annually each fall, the Decorah Gear Exchange is the best place to sell and buy gently used outdoor recreation gear in the Decorah Driftless Area. Find new-to-you gear, connect with other outdoor enthusiasts, and gain resources about the area. Proceeds benefit Decorah Parks and Recreation, further expanding recreational opportunities and resources in the Decorah area. 

Day Trip Tip: Another nature day trip is an option when you visit the other side of the state to see Loess Hills State Forest in western Iowa. Travel along the National Scenic Byway to hike, see wildlife and explore Iowa’s remaining tallgrass prairie. 

Day Trip on the Water to Iowa's Great Lakes Region

Photo Credit: Vacation Okoboji

Did you know that Spirit Lake is the largest natural lake in Iowa? It’s also one of the healthiest small cities in the state, thanks to its location in Iowa’s Great lakes Region, which also encompasses Okoboji. Here are a few things to do in Spirit Lake and neighboring Okoboji: 

• In Spirit Lake you can visit Marble Beach State Recreation Area where you can go boating or fish at Iowa’s largest natural lake, Spirit Lake.
• Then, head to Pikes Point State Park in Spirit Lake. It has 11 miles of trails, and hikers will love seeing the Bridal Veil Falls and views from Point Ann scenic overlook. Find the entire list of Iowa Great Lakes to explore, including state parks and other recreational areas.
• Okoboji is just 5 miles from Spirit Lake and has plenty to keep you busy. Arnolds Park alone has so much to do — from the Iowa Great Lakes Maritime Museum to a ride on the Queen II steamboat built in 1986 — and your visit will include more than just amusement park rides. 
• Stop by West Lake Okoboji to take a dip in the deepest natural lake in the state. 

Extend your trip and stay the night at Bridges Bay Resort which is located in Okoboji and offers aquatic fun at its on-premises waterparks, including Splash Indoor Park, an outdoor pool and swim-up bar and Lake Okoboji lakefront access. There are three on-site dining options, a zip line and fishing pond, too! 

Restaurant Pick: Check out Sportsman’s & The Venue in Spirit Lake for drinks at the outdoor tiki bar, fun at the golf simulator or to take part in the venue’s events. 

Major Event: Attend the Okoboji Blue Water Festival at Arnold’s Park with the entire family. This annual event takes place in August and raises awareness of water quality issues in the Iowa Great Lakes. 

Take a Day Trip While Living in Greater Des Moines 

Explore the areas within driving distance of DSM and make the most out of living in the region. Find a fulfilling career, a meaningful community and peace of mind and discover your own way of doing something greater. Connect with DSM to learn more.