Discover Iowa: From the Heartland to the Mississippi

Your Midwest adventure begins in Minneapolis, where you'll spend the first two nights of your holiday. After arriving in the late afternoon, make your way to your hotel and enjoy a relaxed first evening exploring the city at your own pace. Take a leisurely stroll along the banks of the Mississippi River, wander through the vibrant Mill District or nearby Stone Arch Bridge, or simply unwind with dinner at one of the city's excellent restaurants, soaking up the welcoming atmosphere before the adventure ahead.

Your first full day offers the opportunity to discover why Minneapolis is one of the Midwest's most exciting cities. A visit to the world-famous Mall of America is a must, where hundreds of shops, restaurants and attractions, including Nickelodeon Universe, provide a full day of entertainment. Alternatively, explore the city's renowned arts scene with a visit to the Minneapolis Institute of Art or the striking Walker Art Center and its adjoining Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, home to the iconic Spoonbridge and Cherry.

If you prefer to spend time outdoors, discover the city's beautiful chain of lakes, hire a bike to explore the extensive park trails, or enjoy a relaxing cruise along the Mississippi River. Round off the day by dining in the lively North Loop district, known for its independent restaurants, breweries and vibrant atmosphere, before returning to your hotel to prepare for the next stage of your journey through the American Midwest.

This morning, collect your hire car and leave Minneapolis behind as you journey south into Iowa towards Mason City, where you'll spend the next two nights. Along the way, consider stopping in the charming town of Albert Lea, where picturesque lakes, parks and cafés provide the perfect place to stretch your legs before crossing the state line. Alternatively, visit the Surf Ballroom in nearby Clear Lake, one of America's most iconic music venues and the site of Buddy Holly's final performance, or spend time beside the lake itself, where waterfront walks and local restaurants make for a relaxing break in your journey.

Arriving in Mason City, discover one of Iowa's most architecturally significant cities. Consider staying at or visiting the historic Park Inn Hotel, the last remaining hotel in the world designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, before exploring the city's beautifully preserved Rock Crest–Rock Glen Historic District, home to the largest collection of Prairie School architecture in a natural setting. Round off your first day with dinner in the revitalised downtown, where independent restaurants and welcoming cafés showcase the city's friendly atmosphere.

Your second day offers plenty of opportunities to explore Mason City's rich heritage and cultural attractions. Tour the beautifully restored Stockman House, Frank Lloyd Wright's only Prairie-style home open to the public in Iowa, or visit the Charles H. MacNider Art Museum, renowned for its American art collection and Bil Baird puppet displays. Fans of classic musicals can enjoy Music Man Square, celebrating Meredith Willson and The Music Man, while those looking to relax can stroll along the Winnebago River Trail or unwind in East Park. Combining world-class architecture, fascinating history and small-town hospitality, Mason City provides a memorable introduction to Iowa before your journey continues.

Leaving Mason City behind, continue south through the rolling landscapes of central Iowa towards Des Moines, where you'll spend the next two nights. Along the way, consider stopping in Ames, home to the beautiful Reiman Gardens and the picturesque campus of Iowa State University, or take a scenic detour to Winterset, birthplace of Hollywood legend John Wayne. Here, you can visit the John Wayne Birthplace & Museum before exploring the iconic Bridges of Madison County, whose charming covered bridges became famous around the world through the bestselling novel and award-winning film. Nature lovers may also wish to pause at Ledges State Park, where sandstone cliffs, woodland trails and peaceful picnic spots provide a welcome break before continuing to Iowa's vibrant capital.

Spend the remainder of the day discovering Des Moines, a city that blends Midwestern hospitality with a thriving arts, culinary and cultural scene. Wander through the lively Historic East Village, browse its independent boutiques and cafés, admire the magnificent Iowa State Capitol, or visit the renowned Pappajohn Sculpture Park, where contemporary artworks are displayed against the city's skyline. As evening falls, enjoy dinner in the bustling Court Avenue District, home to an excellent selection of restaurants, breweries and lively entertainment.

Your second day offers the flexibility to explore more of Des Moines or venture further afield. Within the city, you could visit the Des Moines Art Center, the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden or step back in time at Living History Farms, one of America's leading outdoor history museums. Alternatively, take a short drive to the charming Dutch heritage town of Pella, where traditional architecture, artisan bakeries and the impressive Vermeer Windmill offer a taste of the Netherlands in the heart of Iowa, or head to Lake Red Rock, Iowa's largest lake, for scenic walking trails, wildlife and peaceful waterside views. Whether you're drawn to culture, history, outdoor recreation or small-town charm, Des Moines provides an ideal base for discovering the many sides of central Iowa.

After breakfast, depart Des Moines and make the scenic drive east towards Cedar Rapids, where you'll spend the next two nights. There are several rewarding places to visit along the way, including the Amana Colonies, one of Iowa's most distinctive heritage attractions. This collection of seven historic villages offers a fascinating glimpse into the state's German heritage, with traditional craft workshops, family-owned bakeries, wineries and locally produced goods. Alternatively, history enthusiasts may wish to stop at the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library & Museum in West Branch, the birthplace of America's 31st President, while those looking to enjoy the outdoors can stretch their legs at Lake Macbride State Park, where woodland trails and lakeside scenery provide a peaceful break before reaching Cedar Rapids.

Spend the remainder of the day exploring Cedar Rapids, Iowa's vibrant City of Five Seasons. Discover the city's Czech and Slovak heritage in the revitalised Czech Village and New Bohemia districts, browse independent boutiques, artisan shops and galleries, or visit the acclaimed National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library. You may also wish to enjoy a stroll along the Cedar River, sample locally brewed craft beers or dine in one of the city's excellent independent restaurants.

Your second day offers the opportunity to experience more of Cedar Rapids' cultural attractions. Visit the elegant Brucemore Estate, explore the impressive collections at the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art, home to the world's largest collection of works by Iowa-born artist Grant Wood, or enjoy the city's thriving arts and culinary scene. If you're visiting during the summer months, the popular NewBo City Market is an excellent place to sample local produce, browse artisan stalls and experience the community atmosphere.

Leaving Cedar Rapids, continue east towards Davenport, where you'll spend the final two nights of your Iowa adventure. Along the way, consider stopping in Iowa City, the first UNESCO City of Literature in the United States, where independent bookshops, historic architecture and vibrant cafés create an ideal place for a leisurely break. Alternatively, follow the Mississippi River south to Muscatine, one of Iowa's most picturesque river towns. Once renowned as the Pearl Button Capital of the World, Muscatine offers a charming historic downtown, scenic riverfront parks and panoramic views over the mighty Mississippi, making it an excellent place to enjoy lunch or simply watch life unfold along one of America's greatest waterways before continuing to Davenport.

Spend the remainder of the day exploring Davenport, one of the largest communities within the Quad Cities region. Stroll along the attractive Mississippi Riverfront, browse the city's independent shops and restaurants, or visit the acclaimed Figge Art Museum, home to an impressive collection of American, European and contemporary art. As evening falls, enjoy dinner overlooking the river, watch barges pass by or, if schedules allow, experience a Quad Cities River Bandits baseball game at Modern Woodmen Park, widely regarded as one of the finest minor league ballparks in the United States.

Your full day here offers plenty of opportunities to discover more of the region. Visit the fascinating Putnam Museum and Science Center, wander through the beautiful Vander Veer Botanical Park, or learn about the area's immigrant heritage at the German American Heritage Center. You could also take a sightseeing cruise on the Mississippi River, cycle sections of the riverfront trail network, or explore neighbouring communities across the river in Illinois, each offering their own distinct character, shops and attractions.

Today, continue north along Iowa's spectacular Great River Road to Dubuque, where you'll spend the next two nights. Rather than taking the quickest route, follow the scenic Mississippi River through a series of charming river communities, with plenty of opportunities to stop along the way. A visit to the legendary Field of Dreams Movie Site in Dyersville is a must for film lovers and baseball fans alike, where you can walk onto the iconic baseball diamond made famous by the classic film. Continuing north, consider stopping in the historic river town of Bellevue, where riverside parks, boutique shops and panoramic views across the Mississippi provide an ideal place for lunch before completing the drive to Dubuque.

Spend the remainder of the day discovering Dubuque, one of Iowa's oldest and most picturesque cities. Set amongst dramatic limestone bluffs overlooking the Mississippi River, Dubuque combines rich history with a vibrant waterfront and revitalised downtown. Explore the Historic Millwork District, stroll along the scenic riverfront or ride the famous Fenelon Place Elevator, the world's shortest and steepest scenic railway, for breathtaking views across Iowa, Illinois and Wisconsin. As evening falls, enjoy dinner overlooking the Mississippi before experiencing the city's welcoming atmosphere.

Your second day offers plenty of opportunities to discover more of Dubuque and the surrounding region. Visit the outstanding National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium to learn about the history, ecology and culture of America's greatest river, explore the beautiful Mines of Spain Recreation Area, or take a sightseeing cruise on the Mississippi. Alternatively, cross the river into neighbouring Wisconsin to enjoy the panoramic views from Eagle Point Park, sample local wineries along the river valleys or simply spend more time exploring Dubuque's independent shops, galleries and cafés. With its blend of river heritage, scenic landscapes and cultural attractions, Dubuque provides another memorable chapter of your journey through Iowa before continuing to your next destination.

Leaving Dubuque behind, continue north along the Great River Road, one of America's most scenic driving routes, as you follow the Mississippi River into Wisconsin before arriving in La Crosse for a two-night stay. The journey is filled with opportunities to pause and explore, including the picturesque river town of Guttenberg, where historic limestone buildings and riverfront parks overlook the Mississippi, or McGregor, the gateway to Pikes Peak State Park. Here, a short walk rewards visitors with spectacular views across the Mississippi River Valley where Iowa, Wisconsin and Illinois meet. Further north, the charming town of Prairie du Chien offers a chance to discover one of Wisconsin's oldest settlements, explore riverside trails or visit the historic Villa Louis, before continuing through the rolling bluffs and wetlands that define this beautiful stretch of the river.

On arrival in La Crosse, discover a welcoming riverside city where outdoor recreation, history and vibrant downtown districts come together. Take a stroll through the historic centre, browse independent boutiques and local cafés, or relax along the Mississippi River waterfront. For breathtaking panoramic views across the river valley, drive or take the short hike to the top of Grandad Bluff, one of the region's most iconic viewpoints, particularly spectacular at sunset. In the evening, enjoy dinner overlooking the river or sample locally brewed craft beers at one of La Crosse's popular breweries.

Your second day offers the opportunity to explore even more of the region's natural beauty and heritage. Cruise the Mississippi aboard an authentic paddlewheel boat, discover local history at the Riverside Museum, or cycle part of the city's extensive riverside trail network. Nature lovers may wish to visit the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge, where quiet backwaters provide excellent opportunities for birdwatching, kayaking and wildlife spotting. Alternatively, explore the surrounding bluff country, visit local wineries or simply enjoy the relaxed pace of life in one of the Midwest's most scenic river communities before continuing your journey north.

Today, it's time to begin your journey home as you make the scenic drive back to Minneapolis to return your hire car and catch your onward flight. If time permits, you may wish to make a final stop along the way to enjoy one last taste of the Upper Midwest before departing.

Alternatively, why not extend your holiday? Speak to one of our Discover North America Travel Specialists about tailoring your itinerary to include more of the American Midwest. Continue into neighbouring Wisconsin to discover destinations such as Madison, Milwaukee or Door County, explore the spectacular shoreline of Lake Superior, or combine your journey with additional states to create an even more immersive fly-drive holiday. Whatever you choose, this itinerary provides the perfect foundation for discovering more of this fascinating region of the United States.