Iowa

The Breathtaking National Balloon Classic in Indianola, Iowa

For 50 years, many of the country’s top balloon pilots have flocked to Iowa for fiery competition, quirky antics and unreal summer views.

15 Hot Spots in Des Moines

Every four years, the nation's political spotlight turns to Iowa and its capital, Des Moines. Here are some of the city's favorite gathering places—whenever you happen to visit!

Best Midwest Family Vacations

Head for a sparkling lake, explore big-city science and nature museums, or enjoy hiking and biking in state parks. The Midwest delivers great family getaways in destinations like Branson, Missouri; Brainerd Lakes, Minnesota; the Black Hills of South Dakota; Traverse City, Michigan; Indianapolis and more. Check out two dozen of our top picks for family vacation destinations.

Travel Hot List: 5 Things We're Crushing on This Winter

Bring skates to a new park trail. Buy a personal poem written on the spot. And pour a glass of ice wine (which doesn’t mean on the rocks).

Recharge Your Spirit at a Midwest Folk School

Modern folk schools are forging a movement built on timeless craft and shared experience—packaged up in a single day or weekend away.

Weekend Getaway in Eastern Iowa

Two emerging Iowa cities—Cedar Rapids and Dubuque—bookend vast caves, a dreamy concert barn and the corn in the outfield that won over Hollywood.

20 Top Things to Do in Iowa

Explore the capital city of Des Moines and discover other reasons to explore the Hawkeye State, including Dubuque's National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium, Decorah's Norwegian heritage, the rolling Loess Hills, and the dramatic limestone formations of Maquoketa Caves State Park.

Top Things to Do in Dubuque, Iowa

Things to do in Dubuque include the National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium, the Fenelon Place Elevator, riverboat rides, Dubuque Arboretum and Botanical Gardens and the Mines of Spain State Recreation Area.

Top Free Things To Do In Iowa

Things to Do in Iowa's Amana Colonies

Top Things to Do in Iowa City

Top Things to Do in Decorah

A Fresh Look at Apples from an Eastern Iowa Orchard

Perched above an Iowa apple orchard, Rapid Creek Cidery promises farmstead libations and seasonal dishes that are as American as, well, you know—with a few global twists.