Looking for someplace new in Iowa for a day trip or some much-needed time away? Try any of these beautiful and relaxing locations for the perfect mini-vacation.
- The Loess Hills Lavender Farm, 2278 Loess Hills Trail, Missouri Valley
Michael Vincent Miller/Flickr This family-owned Lavender farm offers tours, events, and a beautiful little gift shop.
- Upper Iowa River near Bluffton
Randy Kasal/Facebook For people who love to spend time on the water, the 150-mile river offers some unique terrain. You’ll float through six towns, and you may even spot some of north eastern Iowa’s famous eagles. There’s an access point at Randy’s Bluffton Store, 2619 W Ravine Rd., Decorah
- Lovers Leap Swinging Bridge, IA-92, Columbus Junction
Chris Brooks/Flickr This bridge may or may not be haunted by the ghost of a heartbroken Native American who jumped to her death here. It is one of the most beautiful, underrated, and amazing places in Iowa to visit.
- East Park, 717 3rd St NE, Mason City
Carolyn Fletcher/Facebook With nearly 60 acres to explore, including a playground, recreational area, and five shelter houses, there’s more than enough to see and do in this stunning Iowa park.
- Phelps Park, 613 Park St., Decorah
silentspace2000/Flickr Decorah has many beautiful parks. Often overlooked. this one has a fountain, hiking trails, beautiful views, and playground areas. It’s a great place to relax.
- Siewers Spring, Siewers Spring Rd., Decorah
J. D. Adelmund/Flickr Located along Trout Run Trail, this is a perfect place to spend a quiet afternoon fishing. The scenery is stunning, wouldn’t you agree?
- Three Mile Lake, Campground Rd., Afton
Darrin Isaacson/Facebook For swimming, camping, fishing, and an abundance of natural beauty, you must visit this park.
- Wabash Trace Nature Trail, Council Bluffs to Blanchard
S C Hargis/Flickr This trail is 63 miles of heaven. It travels through six southwestern Iowa towns, and offers a world-class view of the Loess Hills.
- Crystal Lake Cave, 6684 Crystal Lake Cave Rd., Dubuque
Soumit Nandi/Flickr Iowa has more than a few places to satisfy your urge to explore underground. This amazing cave offers fun for the whole family. Well, except for the claustrophobic ones. They can enjoy a picnic above ground at this beautiful Iowa park.
- Jester Park, 11407 Northwest Jester Park Drive, Granger
Randy Kasal/Facebook Located on the west Saylorville Lake shoreline, this 1,500-acre park is close to Des Moines, but still quiet. You can golf, camp, or just have a nice relaxing picnic here. Oh, and it’s beautiful during the fall.
We have some beautiful fall weather ahead. Take the opportunity to enjoy all of the amazing scenery Iowa offers by taking a road trip, visiting our newest park, or going for a hike.
Michael Vincent Miller/Flickr
This family-owned Lavender farm offers tours, events, and a beautiful little gift shop.
Randy Kasal/Facebook
For people who love to spend time on the water, the 150-mile river offers some unique terrain. You’ll float through six towns, and you may even spot some of north eastern Iowa’s famous eagles. There’s an access point at Randy’s Bluffton Store, 2619 W Ravine Rd., Decorah
Chris Brooks/Flickr
This bridge may or may not be haunted by the ghost of a heartbroken Native American who jumped to her death here. It is one of the most beautiful, underrated, and amazing places in Iowa to visit.
Carolyn Fletcher/Facebook
With nearly 60 acres to explore, including a playground, recreational area, and five shelter houses, there’s more than enough to see and do in this stunning Iowa park.
silentspace2000/Flickr
Decorah has many beautiful parks. Often overlooked. this one has a fountain, hiking trails, beautiful views, and playground areas. It’s a great place to relax.
J. D. Adelmund/Flickr
Located along Trout Run Trail, this is a perfect place to spend a quiet afternoon fishing. The scenery is stunning, wouldn’t you agree?
Darrin Isaacson/Facebook
For swimming, camping, fishing, and an abundance of natural beauty, you must visit this park.
S C Hargis/Flickr
This trail is 63 miles of heaven. It travels through six southwestern Iowa towns, and offers a world-class view of the Loess Hills.
Soumit Nandi/Flickr
Iowa has more than a few places to satisfy your urge to explore underground. This amazing cave offers fun for the whole family. Well, except for the claustrophobic ones. They can enjoy a picnic above ground at this beautiful Iowa park.
Located on the west Saylorville Lake shoreline, this 1,500-acre park is close to Des Moines, but still quiet. You can golf, camp, or just have a nice relaxing picnic here. Oh, and it’s beautiful during the fall.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
