Free attractions in Des Moines
Iowa State Capitol, Des Moines Tour the gold-domed landmark (left), built between 1871 and 1886, and its monument-dotted grounds overlooking downtown Des Moines.
Des Moines Art Center The collection features modernist works by Edward Hopper, Henri Matisse and others. Large, airy exhibit spaces reflect the different styles of three architects: Eliel Saarinen, I. M. Pei and Richard Meier.
State Historical Museum, Des Moines Listen to tapes of coal miners at work, learn about Iowa's caucus system, see a battle flag preservation lab or carry pioneer-era water buckets with a shoulder yoke.
Free parks to explore
All Iowa State Parks are free! Two of our favorites are Elk Rock, about 40 miles southeast of Des Moines, and Pike's Peak, near McGregor (60 miles northwest of Dubuque).
Elk Rock, on Lake Red Rock, has camping, hiking, biking, fishing and boating. Pike's Peak, on bluffs overlooking the Mississippi River, offers great hiking (left) with beautiful vistas, spring-fed streams and waterfalls, and large timbered tracts.
Know of other free things to enjoy in Iowa? Add them in the Comments section below!
Free attractions in Dubuque
Dubuque Arboretum and Botanical Gardens Roses, woodland wildflowers, water and shade gardens and hostas bloom on 52 acres (left) . Free concerts are held most Sundays in summer.
Dubuque Museum of Art Established in 1874, Iowa's oldest cultural institution shows national and regional art.
Mines of Spain State Recreation Area, Dubuque A 1,387-acre national historic landmark encompasses soaring limestone canyons, dense old timber and the Mississippi River backwater of Catfish Creek. Visit the interpretive center for an introduction to the park and its 12 miles of trails.
For history buffs
Amana Colonies These seven villages, settled in 1885 by a German religious society, now are a National Historic Landmark. Free attractions include the Amana Woolen Mill, the general store (left) , the Kolonieweg lake trail and more than 400 historic barns, shops and homes.
Western Historic Trails Center, Council Bluffs Hands-on exhibits and videos show visitors about the region's major pioneer trails, including the Lewis and Clark Trail and the Oregon, Mormon and California trails.
Iowa legends
Field of Dreams Movie Set, Dyersville Run the bases, sit in the bleachers or bat a few balls on the set of this classic baseball flick, about 30 miles west of Dubuque (left) .
Maytag Dairy Farms, Newton See a 10-minute video, peek at the packaging and shipping area and sample Iowa's famous blue cheese. The farm is between Des Moines and Iowa City off Interstate-80.
Know of other free things to enjoy in Iowa? Add them in the Comments section below!
Northern Iowa is a mecca for rural bike riding and snowmobiling from town to town. Stay at the Red Cedar Lodge, www.theredcedarlodge and they will provide maps to enjoy the beautiful Iowa countryside. Amazing cabins... clean, clear river and scenic canoe/ kayak trips!
1/26/2011 05:13:47 PM Report AbuseCharles City, Iowa. Come and enjoy our new kayak/ canoe riverfront park under construction and opening June 2010. Will provide white water fun and beautiful parks for all. Visit Charles City Library to see the Mooney Collection, a collection of art masterpieces by Monet and other noteable artists.Floyd County/ Charles City area boasts 29 barn quilts and 16 more scheduled to be erected in 2010! Follow our Barn Quilts as you enjoy a country drive, mennonite nurseries and stores along the way.
1/26/2011 05:13:33 PM Report AbuseNeil Smith National Wildlife Refuge www.tallgrass.org;Largest reconstruction of the tallgrass prairie ecosystem in the entire U.S.Grazing herds of buffalo with their young calves Pheasants badgers elk & white-tailed deer World class wildlife exhibit & educational facility More than 200 types native prairie flowers & grasses Popular & highly-acclaimed environmental educational programs Walking trails & auto-tours offer views of buffalo & prairie plantings Prairie Point bookstore & gift shop
7/22/2010 08:43:00 AM Report AbusePine Lake State Park; Hiking - on & off trail, biking - on & off trail, swimming, canoeing, fishing, camping - modern, next to Eldora easy access by foot or wheels, next to Iowa river = tubing, canoeing, etc., cabins along river. Beautiful area, quiet, clean, has that feel from the mid 20th century with all the modern conveniences.
7/22/2010 08:37:31 AM Report Abuse