Iowa’s Heartland Highlights

Welcome to Iowa. After arriving in Cedar Rapids, collect your hire car and make the short drive to your hotel for a two-night stay. After your journey, keep things relaxed with a leisurely stroll through downtown, enjoy dinner at one of the city's welcoming restaurants or simply unwind before your Iowa adventure begins.

The following morning, start the day with breakfast at Bluebird Diner before exploring the vibrant Czech Village & New Bohemia District, where colourful murals, independent boutiques, artisan shops and galleries showcase the city's creative spirit. If you're visiting on market day, browse the lively farmers market before taking a guided tour of the beautifully restored Paramount Theatre, one of Iowa's finest historic performance venues. If schedules allow, enjoy a matinee performance before lunch at Collins Roadhouse.

Round off the day with a leisurely walk along the Cedar River, where scenic riverside trails provide the perfect setting to watch the sunset and reflect on your first taste of Iowa.

Leave Cedar Rapids behind this morning and make the drive east to Davenport, where you'll spend the next two nights. Set on the banks of the mighty Mississippi River, Davenport forms part of the vibrant Quad Cities region and combines riverfront scenery with a thriving arts scene, fascinating history and excellent dining. After arriving, explore the lively downtown district, browse its independent boutiques, galleries and cafés, then visit the acclaimed Figge Art Museum, home to an impressive collection of American, European and regional artwork. Round off the day with dinner overlooking the river before enjoying a sunset stroll along the Mississippi waterfront.

The following day offers plenty of opportunities to discover more of the city. Explore the fascinating exhibits at the Putnam Museum and Science Center, wander through the beautifully landscaped Vander Veer Botanical Park, or take a relaxing sightseeing cruise along the Mississippi River for a different perspective of the region. Sports fans may enjoy visiting Modern Woodmen Park, one of America's most picturesque minor league baseball stadiums, while the German American Heritage Center provides further insight into the area's immigrant history.

Before continuing your Iowa journey, take time to soak up Davenport's relaxed atmosphere with a leisurely breakfast, browse the local shops or enjoy lunch at one of the city's riverside restaurants or craft breweries. Blending culture, history and the iconic Mississippi River, Davenport offers an unforgettable introduction to eastern Iowa and one of the state's most rewarding urban destinations.

After breakfast, leave Davenport behind and enjoy the scenic drive west to Iowa City, America's first UNESCO City of Literature, where you'll spend the next two nights. On arrival, explore the lively Pedestrian Mall, the heart of the city, where independent shops, cafés and public art create a vibrant atmosphere. Step inside the historic Old Capitol Museum before wandering through the beautiful University of Iowa campus, admired for its historic architecture, leafy walkways and welcoming collegiate atmosphere. Continue along the Iowa Avenue Literary Walk, where bronze panels celebrate the authors whose work has shaped the city's internationally recognised literary heritage.

Your second day offers the chance to discover more of Iowa City's cultural and outdoor attractions. Art lovers can browse the impressive collections at the University of Iowa Museum of Art, while the beautifully restored Englert Theatre and Hancher Auditorium regularly host live performances throughout the year. If you prefer the outdoors, enjoy a walk around Terry Trueblood Recreation Area or head to Macbride Nature Recreation Area, where woodland trails, lakeside scenery and abundant wildlife provide a peaceful escape from the city. During the harvest season, Wilson's Orchard & Farm also makes a delightful stop for apple picking, local produce and homemade treats.

Round off your stay with dinner at one of Iowa City's acclaimed restaurants before taking an evening stroll along the Iowa River or through City Park. Combining literary heritage, vibrant arts, outdoor recreation and an excellent food scene, Iowa City offers the perfect blend of culture and relaxation before you continue your journey through Iowa.

This morning, leave Iowa City behind and enjoy a scenic drive through Iowa's rolling countryside to Dyersville, where you'll spend the next two nights. Best known internationally as the home of the Field of Dreams, Dyersville is also a welcoming small town with a rich German heritage and a proud agricultural history.

Begin your visit at the magnificent Basilica of St. Francis Xavier, one of only a handful of minor basilicas in the United States, renowned for its impressive Gothic Revival architecture and beautiful interior. Afterwards, visit the National Farm Toy Museum, where fascinating exhibits celebrate Iowa's farming traditions and the manufacturers that have become household names among collectors. Spend the remainder of the afternoon exploring Dyersville's historic downtown, browsing its independent shops and appreciating the friendly small-town atmosphere before enjoying a relaxed evening.

Today is dedicated to one of Iowa's most iconic attractions, the legendary Field of Dreams Movie Site. Walk onto the original baseball diamond made famous by the 1989 film, admire the beautifully preserved farmhouse and learn about the making of this much-loved classic and its enduring place in American popular culture. Whether you're a baseball fan or simply enjoy cinematic history, it's an unforgettable experience that perfectly captures the nostalgic spirit of rural America.

After your visit, continue exploring more of Dyersville's heritage through its local museums, scenic country roads and surrounding rural landscapes. Take time to slow the pace, enjoy the peaceful countryside and perhaps stop at a local café or brewery before returning to your hotel for a final evening in this charming Iowa community.

Leave Dyersville behind this morning and enjoy a scenic drive through northeast Iowa to the charming town of Decorah, where you'll spend the next two nights. Surrounded by rolling hills, limestone bluffs and winding rivers, Decorah offers a very different side of Iowa, combining outdoor adventure with a rich Scandinavian heritage.

After arriving, ease into your stay with a visit to the Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum, the largest museum in the United States dedicated to Norwegian-American history and culture. Afterwards, spend time exploring Decorah's welcoming historic downtown, where independent boutiques, galleries and cafés line the streets, before enjoying dinner at one of the town's locally owned restaurants.

The following day is perfect for exploring Decorah's spectacular natural surroundings. Begin at the Decorah Fish Hatchery before following the trails through Dunning's Spring Park, where waterfalls, wooded paths and peaceful streams provide one of the area's most picturesque settings. If you're looking for a longer walk, tackle part of the Trout Run Trail or hike to the unique Ice Cave, while Sugar Creek Park offers another peaceful spot to enjoy river views and abundant wildlife.

Before continuing your Iowa adventure, take time to enjoy a leisurely drive through the surrounding countryside. Rolling hills, historic covered bridges and quiet country roads showcase some of the state's most beautiful scenery and provide a fitting finale to your stay in one of Iowa's most distinctive communities.

This morning, leave Decorah behind and make the drive west to Mason City for a two-night stay. The journey offers a chance to experience more of Iowa's peaceful countryside, passing rolling farmland, charming rural communities and scenic landscapes that capture the essence of the American Midwest. If time allows, consider a stop in Charles City, a welcoming riverside town with attractive walking trails and local cafés, before continuing to Mason City. On arrival, you may wish to stay or simply visit the historic Park Inn Hotel, the last remaining hotel in the world designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, making it one of the city's most remarkable architectural landmarks.

After arriving, begin exploring the city's remarkable architectural heritage with a visit to the Frank Lloyd Wright Stockman House, one of the celebrated architect's finest Prairie School homes. Continue to the Rock Crest–Rock Glen Historic District, the largest collection of Prairie School architecture in a natural setting, where beautifully preserved homes and landscaped streets showcase one of America's most significant architectural neighbourhoods. End the afternoon with a relaxing stroll through one of Mason City's parks or along the Winnebago River trails before enjoying dinner in the revitalised downtown district.

The following day offers the opportunity to discover more of Mason City's rich culture and history. Visit the Charles H. MacNider Art Museum, home to an impressive collection of American art and the country's only public collection of Bil Baird puppets, before exploring The Music Man Square, which celebrates Mason City native Meredith Willson and the beloved Broadway musical The Music Man. If you'd prefer more time outdoors, enjoy the riverside trails, browse the city's independent shops and cafés or simply soak up the relaxed atmosphere before continuing your journey through Iowa.

Today, enjoy a leisurely drive back to Cedar Rapids, bringing your unforgettable Iowa road trip to a close. Depending on your flight time, you may wish to enjoy one final breakfast, pick up some locally made souvenirs or take a last stroll through the city's vibrant downtown before returning your hire car and heading to the airport for your journey home.

If you're not quite ready for your adventure to end, there are plenty of ways to extend your holiday. Continue exploring Iowa with extra time in the Amana Colonies, where German heritage, artisan workshops and traditional restaurants offer a fascinating glimpse into the state's cultural history, or head west to Des Moines to discover its thriving culinary scene, world-class attractions, public art and vibrant East Village.

For those looking to turn their holiday into a wider Midwest adventure, Iowa combines perfectly with neighbouring states. Drive east to Chicago and experience one of America's great cities, renowned for its iconic skyline, lakefront parks, world-class museums and exceptional dining. Alternatively, continue north into Minnesota to explore Minneapolis and Saint Paul, head south to St. Louis, Missouri to discover the Gateway Arch and vibrant music scene, or venture into Wisconsin for scenic countryside, charming small towns and the beautiful shores of Lake Michigan. With its central location, Iowa is the ideal starting point for discovering even more of America's Heartland.