Iowa Free Travel Guides

Iowa, the land between two rivers, is overflowing with warm hospitality and friendly people. A Free Iowa Travel Guide will list important historic sites, state parks, bike trails, exciting cities, art fairs, sporting events, amusement parks, endless rolling countryside, four seasons’ activities—and more!

Whether visiting the state fair, cycling on the annual ride across Iowa, running in the largest 20K road race in the country, or enjoying the scenic byways, balloon races, or concerts, Iowa is the place of friendly faces.

Everything you need to plan a great trip is yours for the asking. Order now your Free Iowa Travel Brochure and learn about the enjoyment of an Iowa getaway!

Gordon's Guide

Check out vacations and adventure travel in Iowa Iowa Travel Deals

If you’re heading to Iowa for vacation, you’re probably looking all over the internet for travel deals.  The tourism industry in Iowa can be very competitive and deals on hotels, cars, and attractions are easy to find.

Start your search for Iowa vacation deals at the state’s official tourism website, TravelIowa.com.  At this site you’ll find all sorts of information about the state, as well as a full listing of accommodations throughout the state.  Rooms are available in all different price ranges, so no matter what your budget is, you’ll be able to find somewhere to stay near the things you want to see in Iowa.

The site also offers a free travel guide.  Travel guides are great places to find hidden deals and discounts for your vacation.  Often times, featured restaurants and businesses will include coupons or discount codes in the vacation guides to lure customers in.  Taking advantage of these specials is a great way to save money, while trying new places.  Even if you’re from Iowa, picking up a travel guide is a wonderful way to find discounts and deals at restaurant and attractions nearby.  You never know what kinds of hidden gems you’ll stumble across in a vacation guide!

If you’re a member of a group discount club, you may be eligible for additional discounts.  Check your group’s website for a listing of participating retailers, and keep your eyes open for AAA or AARP stickers on doors, windows, and registers wherever you go.  Members of the United States Military with a valid ID card can often find discounts when they show their ID.  Many restaurants, hotels, and attractions reward veterans and active duty military members with specials and discounts not available to the general public.  With all the ways to save, it’s never been more affordable to take a vacation to Iowa.

Iowa Overview

Iowa, commonly referred to as the Hawkeye State, has long been luring tourists to its borders for a chance to slow down and enjoy a relaxing vacation in America’s heartland.  The state is best known for it’s agriculture and corn production, and because of this agri-tourism has become an important part of its economy.

Iowa is home to more than three million people and is the 30th most populous state in the Nation.  In terms of area, Iowa ranks 26th.  Agriculture plays an important role in the economy of Iowa, with corn being one of the most grown food products in the state.

The climate of Iowa is similar to that of other states in the Midwest.  Extreme heat during the summer and extreme cold during the winter are common.  Tornadoes occur in the state with regular frequency, and Iowa averages 50 days of high thunderstorm activity that could spawn tornadoes.

The first Native Americans settled in Iowa more than 13,000 years ago.  When the first people settled in the state, it looked much different than it does now.  Iowa used to be covered in glaciers, and because of this, the first people were primarily hunter-gatherers.  There are numerous archaeology sites throughout the state to learn more about early human habitation.

With such variety, it’s easy to see why so many people choose to spend their vacations in Iowa and why so many other people call the state home.

Places of Interest in Iowa

Iowa is a state in the Midwestern portion of America with many unique places to see and things to do.  When you travel to Iowa, you’ll find a wide variety of things to do, from your typical tourist activities to visiting uniquely Iowan places.  You are only limited by your imagination when you visit Iowa.

If you’re headed to the Des Moines area and you’re interested in agriculture, check out the Living History Farms.  Here you’ll have the opportunity to wander around 500 acres of outdoor museum chronically the journey early settlers took in their mission to make the plains of Iowa the most fertile in the world.  The museum covers five time periods over a range of 300 years.  Expect to spend up to five hours at the museum in order to see everything.

Visitors traveling near Sioux City Iowa can take a trip to the Sergent Floyd Monument.  The monument is an impressive 100 foot tall stone structure commemorating Sergent Charles Floyd who was the sole casualty of the Louis and Clark expedition.  The structure sits at the end of a path atop a scenic hillside.

Throughout the year there are many festivals and fairs that take place throughout the state.  Visitors can take part in wind festivals, marathons, and state fairs.  The state’s tourism site, TravelIowa.com has a listing of all festivals and happenings in Iowa, so you can easily see what’s going on during your vacation.

While you’re visiting the hawkeye state, keep your eyes open for signs along the way indicating places of interest.  You never know what types of things you’ll discover when traveling in Iowa!

Parks and Activities

If you enjoy spending ample time outdoors during your vacation, then Iowa is the place to be!  The state has dozens of parks and countless activities for vacationers to take part in.  No matter what part of the state you travel to, there is a state park with plenty of exciting outdoor activities near you.  There’s something for every type of outdoor enthusiasts in Iowa!

Just Southeast of Des Moines, you’ll find Elk Rock State Park.  The Park is situated on the shores of Red Rock Lake.  Visitors to the park can take advantage of camping, hiking, water sports, and nature viewing opportunities.  If you’re traveling with a horse, the park also has equestrian friendly camp sites and ample trails.

On the Northern border of Iowa, near the town of Estherville, lies Fort Defiance State Park.  The park features 191 acres of forested land for visitors to enjoy.  Picnic area throughout the park offer plenty of opportunities to slow down and enjoy natures finest offerings.  There are many examples of the state’s official tree, the oak, in the forested parts of the park.

If your ideal vacation includes plenty of time with your toes in the sand on a beach, head over to Marble Beach State Recreation Area on Spirit Lake.  The recreation area gives visitors access to boating, fishing, and swimming activities.  There are also campgrounds, so you never have to leave the beach!

No matter what types of things you enjoy doing on your vacation, Iowa’s parks offer a wide variety of activities to suit any kind of outdoor enthusiast.  

Getting to Iowa

There are many ways you can travel to Iowa.  Whether you prefer to fly, drive, or arrive some other way, it’s easy to access your favorite spots in the state for family fun.

If you choose to drive to Iowa, there are four primary highways for you to use to travel around the state.  Interstate 29 runs along the Western edge of the state and connects Council Bluffs to Sioux City.  Running North to South you can travel the entire length of the state along Interstate 35 or the short stretch between Cedar Falls and Iowa City on Interstate 380.  If you’re looking to travel from East to West, look for signs pointing you to Interstate 80, which spans the entire width of Iowa.

Another way you could get to Iowa is by plane.  There are several large airports to choose from, including Des Moines International Airport and Quad City International Airport.  Furthermore, an extensive network of airports are spread throughout the state allowing you to travel quickly between various points.

If you would like to travel by rail, Amtrak offers service within the state.  There are multiple stops along the Southern portion of the state, making it easy to travel between Southern cities.  

No matter how you to choose to get to or around Iowa, traveling throughout the state is easier than you think.  The many transportation options available to citizens and visitors alike make for stress free travel no matter where you’re headed to.