Cozy, Small-town Life
Sports, Smiles and Adventure:
So Much to Love About Iowa
Get To Know Iowa
Iowa is synonymous with cozy, small-town life. It’s packed with charming cities, flea markets, historic properties, and cultural attractions galore. If you’re booking a bus ticket to Iowa, be prepared to enjoy a little bit of everything—from agriculture to science to art, there’s something for everyone here.
There's no shortage of things to do in Iowa.
A Brief History of Iowa
Iowa was obtained by America in 1803 as a part of the Louisiana Purchase. Following this, President Thomas Jefferson requested that Meriweather Lewis and William Clark develop a map of the northern portion of the newly purchased territory. Among their stops was Iowa, for which they offered their approval. Before long, the enthusiasm drew hundreds of residents. Iowa entered the union in 1846, and Des Moines was named the capital in 1857.
Must See List
Top Cities To Visit in Iowa
Iowa City
You may book a bus ticket to Iowa City with the intention of visiting the state capital, but this is not actually the capital! It is, however, among the most vibrant cities in the state. This is where you’ll find the University of Iowa, and if you’re a sports fan you can take in a football game at Kinnick Stadium or a basketball game at Carver-Hawkeye Arena. If you’re a politics buff, head to Hamburg Inn No. 2, where many candidates stop to make speeches while on the trail. There are also many Iowa City attractions listed on the National Register of Historic Places, including the Old Post Office, Park House Hotel, Johnson County Courthouse, St. Mary’s Church, and the five cottages on the Muscatine Avenue Moffitt Cottage Historic District.
Waterloo
There is much to see and do in Waterloo, despite its relatively small size. It neighbors Cedar Falls, where the University of Northern Iowa is situated, so people visiting students may flock to the city for new things to do. Among the most noteworthy is the Silos & Smokestacks National Heritage Area, a preserved space whose mission is to celebrate historic and modern farming and agriculture. It’s also worth a visit to the Waterloo Center for the Arts to browse the largest Haitian art exhibit in the country.
Dubuque
A bustling manufacturing town, Dubuque is home to several locations listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Among them are the Dubuque Arboretum and Botanical Gardens, the Dubuque County Courthouse, and the Grand Opera House. For visitors who just want to relax and take in the scenery, a walk along the Mississippi River waterfront is a must. Here, you can try your hand at the Diamond Jo Casino and visit Ice Harbor.
Ames
Just north of Des Moines is Ames, a fairly low-key city with plenty of activities for families and solo travelers to enjoy. Pay a visit to the tap room at the Alluvial Brewing Company, learn about local life at Ames Historical Society, or check out the art exhibits at the Octagan Center for the Arts.
Davenport
The third-largest city in Iowa is Davenport, known largely for its broad arts and entertainment scene. Providing views of the Mississippi River, the Figge Art Museum offers a vast collection of local and international exhibits. Indulge your outdoorsy side with a walk through Vander Beer Botanical Park, a beautiful spot to relax and enjoy the earthy aromas and vibrant greenery.
Culture in Iowa
Many associate Iowa solely with farming, but there’s so much more to this diverse state than meets the eye. Given its landlocked position, it’s certainly no surprise that outdoor life and agriculture take center stage here. The farm-state also has incredible historic ties. It was the birthplace of Herbert Hoover, the 31st president, and features a group of old-world American Indian ceremonial mounds. Multicultural festivals are held year-round, and there are wonderful art and history museums, farmer’s markets, and botanical gardens peppered throughout the state.
The real draw here, however, is the opportunity to experience “Iowa nice.” It’s hospitality at its best: cordiality, warmth, kindness, and generosity are the norm here, and you shouldn’t be surprised if you make an instant connection with the friendly person you meet at a restaurant, tourist attraction, or store.
