When it’s time for a get away, the daytrip is the perfect answer. Here are just 10 of the many amazing waterfront towns in Iowa that you’ll want to put on your list of places to visit.
- Bellevue
Phil Roeder/Flickr With a beautiful state park and shopping at riverfront stores, Bellevue has more than one day’s worth of fun. Some of the most amazing views in the state are right here.
- Cedar Rapids
Stijn Debrouwere/Flickr With miles of beautiful biking and walking trails and more than enough locally-owned restaurants and breweries to keep you busy, Cedar Rapids is an inviting town located on the Cedar River. It even has its own island downtown. Mays island is a civic center where the Linn County Courthouse and City Hall are located. Kingston Village, the New Bo neighborhood, and the downtown area are all fun places to spend the day.
- Dubuque
SD Dirk/Flickr They call it the “Masterpiece on the Mississippi” and they aren’t being dramatic. It really does look like something out of a fairy tale. Be sure to see the Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium. Shop the historic and breathtaking downtown area, and take in the views from the Julien Dubuque Monument.
- Elkader
Bruce Wicks/Flickr Be sure to check out the Turkey River Mall while you are here. Elkader has just over 1,200 residents, but in spite of its small size, there’s plenty to do. This gorgeous town is located on the Turkey River.
- Lansing
Apo lanthar/Flickr This small but mighty town has more than its fair share of beauty. Yellow River State Forest is just outside of town, and it offers some of the best hiking opportunities in the state. There are plenty of chances to see the Mississippi River at its best during your visit to Lansing.
- Clinton
SD Dirk/Flickr When you visit Clinton, be sure to take the scenic drive through Eagle Point Park. You’ll get amazing views of the Mississippi River and you may even get to see a boat pass through the lock and dam.
- Marquette
Walter/Flickr This small Iowa town has fewer than 400 residents, and its charming landscape will make you want to spend as much time as possible, here. Eagles Landing Winery is a locally owned place that’s worth a visit.
- Muscatine
Apo lanthar/Flickr The riverfront in Muscatine is simply beautiful. Enjoy the hiking and biking trails and the huge playground. The historic downtown area offers specialty shops, local restaurants, and beautiful scenery.
- Fort Madison
David Wilson/Flickr Fort Madison has a fun historic train depot near the amazing River View Park. The railroad museum is open on Sundays and staffed by volunteers. The park is a great place to get out and walk along the river. The 35-acre park has playground equipment, park benches, and the pond is an ice skating rink during winter months.
- McGregor
EarlRShumaker/Flickr If you feel like spending time outdoors, head to this amazing little river town. Check out the views of the mighty Mississippi from Pikes Peak State Park and be sure to take the short hike to Bridal Veil Falls. It’s beautiful year ‘round, here.
There are so many more waterfront towns in Iowa that are worthy of your time and attention. Tell us about your favorites.
Phil Roeder/Flickr
With a beautiful state park and shopping at riverfront stores, Bellevue has more than one day’s worth of fun. Some of the most amazing views in the state are right here.
Stijn Debrouwere/Flickr
With miles of beautiful biking and walking trails and more than enough locally-owned restaurants and breweries to keep you busy, Cedar Rapids is an inviting town located on the Cedar River. It even has its own island downtown. Mays island is a civic center where the Linn County Courthouse and City Hall are located. Kingston Village, the New Bo neighborhood, and the downtown area are all fun places to spend the day.
SD Dirk/Flickr
They call it the “Masterpiece on the Mississippi” and they aren’t being dramatic. It really does look like something out of a fairy tale. Be sure to see the Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium. Shop the historic and breathtaking downtown area, and take in the views from the Julien Dubuque Monument.
Bruce Wicks/Flickr
Be sure to check out the Turkey River Mall while you are here. Elkader has just over 1,200 residents, but in spite of its small size, there’s plenty to do. This gorgeous town is located on the Turkey River.
Apo lanthar/Flickr
This small but mighty town has more than its fair share of beauty. Yellow River State Forest is just outside of town, and it offers some of the best hiking opportunities in the state. There are plenty of chances to see the Mississippi River at its best during your visit to Lansing.
When you visit Clinton, be sure to take the scenic drive through Eagle Point Park. You’ll get amazing views of the Mississippi River and you may even get to see a boat pass through the lock and dam.
Walter/Flickr
This small Iowa town has fewer than 400 residents, and its charming landscape will make you want to spend as much time as possible, here. Eagles Landing Winery is a locally owned place that’s worth a visit.
The riverfront in Muscatine is simply beautiful. Enjoy the hiking and biking trails and the huge playground. The historic downtown area offers specialty shops, local restaurants, and beautiful scenery.
David Wilson/Flickr
Fort Madison has a fun historic train depot near the amazing River View Park. The railroad museum is open on Sundays and staffed by volunteers. The park is a great place to get out and walk along the river. The 35-acre park has playground equipment, park benches, and the pond is an ice skating rink during winter months.
EarlRShumaker/Flickr
If you feel like spending time outdoors, head to this amazing little river town. Check out the views of the mighty Mississippi from Pikes Peak State Park and be sure to take the short hike to Bridal Veil Falls. It’s beautiful year ‘round, here.
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