Hit the Road: Iowa

Home to several world record-breakers – such as largest strawberry, most crooked street and largest cereal company, Quaker Oats – Iowa packs a mighty punch. These accolades are just a few things that Iowa has to offer. The state is flowing with many gems you cannot find anywhere else.

With a Best Western Hotels & Resorts to call home base, here are several must-sees in Iowa to add to your itinerary:

Go into town

Des Moines

The fastest-growing city in the Midwest, Des Moines, prides itself in offering all the appealing elements of a major U.S. city without the downsides. Bye, bye traffic. Visit some of the delicious eateries that have made their national television debut – Fong’s Pizza to Crème Cupcake + Dessert – or hit up colorful and eccentric art installations throughout the city, such as Art Route and city murals.

Iowa City

Called the ‘Athens of the Midwest’ for its appreciation for learning and passion for creativity, Iowa City says, “it’s a community where librarians are treated like rock stars” – that alone has our attention. Young or old, solo traveler or family clan, we found the city’s offerings to be endless, from a literature walking tour, the University of Iowa’s Athletics Hall of Fame to escaping into the beauty and history of the region at the Museum of Natural History.

Get outside

Backbone State Park

The first state park for Iowa, Backbone State Park consists of 2,000 acres. Paddle, canoe or kayak Backbone Lake when temperatures are warm or hike the parks trail system, which includes 21 miles of hiking trails that take guests inside the wooded and whimsical terrain. Visit “Devils Backbone” overlook, wander inside a cave or walk along a flowing stream.

Effigy Mounds National Monument

This sacred space homes more than 200 American Indian mounds, creating a beautiful and picturesque area of the Upper Mississippi River Valley. Reflect on the meaning of the mounds and the people who built them so many years ago.

Preparation Canyon State Park

What once was the prospering town of Preparation is now an explorer’s paradise filled with picnic areas and hiking trails in the Loess Hills.

Things to do

• “If you build it, they will come.” Step foot into a classic film and experience the beauty of it all. The Field of Dreams movie site is located in Dyersville, Iowa and is the original movie site for the film. Visitors can host their personal and corporate events on-site or pay a day visit.
• Living History Farms contains 500-acres of interactive, outdoor museums; Ioway Indian Farm, Pioneer Farm, Horse-Powered Farm and the Town of Walnut Hill. Here, guests can immerse themselves in the land’s history and culture during these prominent times in history.
• Any reason is a good reason to have ice cream. Located in Le Mars, Iowa, is the Ice Cream Capital of the World as the town produces more ice cream than any other location on earth. Originally known as Blue Bunny Ice Cream Parlor, the Wells Visitor Center & Ice Cream Parlor is a refreshing, delicious and fun way to eat some ice cream and learn more about the area.

Hit the Road with Best Western and travel with ease as our hotels are putting guest’s safety first with the implementation of our We Care Clean program. Book your next stay direct at bestwestern.com to get our lowest rates guaranteed.