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5 Must-Do Adventures in Iowa

Whether by sea or land, there is fun to be had in Iowa.
By Kevin Litwin on January 6, 2021
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Iowa / Bill Nellans/IEDA

1. Iowa Great Lakes

The Iowa Great Lakes is a group of six glacier-carved lakes that are ideal for boating, waterskiing, jet-skiing and swimming, as well as popular fishing destinations. The cities of Milford, Okoboji and Spirit Lake provide easy access to these popular vacation destinations in northwestern Iowa.

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2. Dubuque Arboretum & Botanical Gardens

Open 365 days a year, Dubuque Arboretum & Botanical Gardens offers guests free admission and guided tours. Over 300 community volunteers maintain the 52-acre site, with highlights such as a Rose Garden, English Garden, Japanese Garden and the Packard Pavilion.

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3. Field of Dreams Movie Site

Transformed from a cornfield into a baseball diamond, the Field of Dreams attraction in Dyersville was built in 1989 for the movie of the same name. Summer/fall visiting hours at the site are from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. The Field of Dreams is scheduled to host a Major League Baseball game in August 2021.

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4. Pikes Peak State Park

Named for explorer Zebulon Pike, Pikes Peak State Park is located near McGregor and highlighted by a 500-foot bluff that overlooks the Mississippi River. Visitors also enjoy a beautiful view of bridges connecting Iowa and Wisconsin. The park offers mountain biking trails, campgrounds and 11.5 miles of hiking trails.

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5. Maquoketa Caves State Park

Located in Jackson County, Maquoketa Caves State Park boasts more caves than any other state park in Iowa. A 6-mile trail system links the caves, and the most popular destinations include Dancehall Cave, Hernando’s Hideaway and Shinbone Cave. A modern interpretive center is located at the park’s entrance.

About Kevin Litwin

Kevin Litwin is the author of Crazy Lucky Dead and a freelance feature writer with a career spanning more than 20 years. He was previously an editor for a small-town newspaper for 10 years, and is now a staff writer...Read Bio

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