Travellers can discover farm experiences and family fun across Iowa this summer while earning the chance to win prizes with the refreshed Iowa Farm & Fun Passport. The passport features trail options for u-pick flower farms and dairies.
New this year, the U-Pick Flower Farms Trail includes fun stops like Dogpatch Urban Gardens (Des Moines), Holland Flower Farm (Sioux Center) and Miss Effie’s Country Flowers (Donahue). Each check-in to a location on the U-Pick Flower Farms Trail now through August 31 earns an entry into the grand prize drawing of a Travel Iowa gift basket valued at $200.
The refreshed Iowa Dairy Trail includes homemade ice cream, cheese and all things dairy. Each check-in now through October 31 earns an entry into a monthly sweepstake drawing courtesy of Midwest Dairy. Prizes include an ice cream maker, smoothie maker, espresso machine, artisan pizza oven and fondue set.
Wine and Beer Passports
Travel Iowa’s Wine & Beer Passports are back! Relaunching June 8, consumers can quench their thirst and let their tastebuds do the exploring through Iowa while supporting local businesses and earning prizes along the way.
June is officially Wine Month in Iowa, as declared by the Iowa Wine Growers Association. Explore five ways to celebrate Iowa Wine Month.
Nothing goes together quite like fresh air, endorphins and an ice-cold pint from a local brewery. Check out our list of 10 Iowa Breweries on Bike Trails.
Frank Lloyd Wright’s 155th Anniversary
Generally regarded as the most influential American architect of all time, Frank Lloyd Wright’s Prairie School style left an impression on Iowa that you can still see throughout the state. In honour of the 155th anniversary of his birth on June 8, 1867, we’re highlighting how travellers can experience his architectural mastery in Iowa.
Stockman House (Mason City): Wright’s only Prairie School home in Iowa was completed in 1908 for George and Eleanor Stockman. Fully restored and furnished with Arts and Crafts furniture and reproductions of period Wright furniture. Scheduled tours are available throughout the year.
Historic Park Inn Hotel (Mason City): The last remaining hotel in the world designed by Wright. Docent-led historical tours are available. The newly opened Markley & Blythe, a sophisticated American tavern that pays homage to the bounty of the Midwest, is driven by the seasonality of regional produce and the offerings of neighbouring ranchers.
Cedar Rock State Park (Independence): As one of Wright’s most complete designs, nearly everything at Cedar Rock bears the architect’s imprint. Lowell and Agnes Walter’s house exemplifies many of the ideals Wright was incorporating into his Usonian designs as he created his own version of the average American’s home. Tours available.
Adventure & Adrenaline Await
No summer is complete without the added thrill of a visit to a theme park or water park with family and friends. Iowa offers a variety of new and fun experiences for friends and families to create new memories that will last a lifetime. Explore a few of Iowa’s top spots below.
Lost Island Theme Park and Waterpark (Waterloo): The Lost Island Theme Park is slated to open on June 18. The waterpark, now open for the season, is Iowa’s largest and includes 14 major water slides.
Siouxnami (Sioux Center): Indoor and outdoor water slides, an outdoor aqua zip line, lazy river, 16-foot climbing wall and more.
FunCity (Burlington): With more than 100 interactive arcade games, an outdoor waterpark, kiddie go-carts and laser tag, options for entertainment are endless.
The Beach Ottumwa (Ottumwa): The indoor and outdoor water park features a wave pool, curly and speed slides, indoor swimming, a sand volleyball court and a children’s play area.
King’s Pointe Waterpark Resort (Storm Lake): Offers everything needed for a unique vacation: indoor and outdoor waterparks, spacious suites and cottages, al fresco dining and fire pits, and even mini-golf across the street.
Adventureland and Adventure Bay Water Park (Altoona, pictured): Adventure awaits with nine new attractions now open to enjoy at Adventureland. Cool off in Iowa’s largest wave pool or relax in the state’s longest lazy river at the water park. One admission covers both parks.
Arnolds Park Amusement Park (Arnolds Park): Dating back to 1927, this historic amusement park offers thrilling experiences and feelings of nostalgia at every turn and twist.
Weekend Getaway Guide: Council Bluffs
“Unlike anywhere else – on purpose” sums up the vibe in Council Bluffs. Activities include scenic drives along the Loess Hills National Scenic Byway, outdoor adventures at Lake Manawa State Park, a beloved pedestrian bridge over the Missouri River, railroad history at the Union Pacific Railroad Museum? and quirky attractions like the Squirrel Cage Jail (pictured).
When all that exploring works up an appetite, dig in at local establishments like Tish’s Restaurant, 712 Eat + Drink, Boxer Barbecue, Pizza King and Caddy’s Kitchen and Cocktails.
Learn more about Council Bluffs.
Events and Activities
Mark your calendars for these events and activities you won’t want to miss.
Clay County Fair (Spencer, Sep. 10-18)
Mississippi Valley Blues Festival (Davenport, Sep. 16-17)
Tri City BBQ Fest (Denison, Sep. 16-17)
Creston/Southwest Iowa Hot Air Balloon Days (Creston, Sep. 16-18, pictured)
Guttenberg’s GermanFest (Guttenberg, Sep. 23-24)
Pancake Day (Centerville, Sep. 24)
Oktoberfest (Amana Colonies, Sep. 30 – Oct. 2)
Covered Bridge Festival (Winterset, Oct. 6-9)
Refocus Film Festival (Iowa City, Oct. 6-9)
Haunted Rails (Mount Pleasant, Oct. 14-15, 21-22 and 28-29)
Scenic Drive Festival (Villages of Van Buren, Oct. 14-16)
Craft Carnival (Clarinda, Oct. 15)
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