• placement: fullWidthHero
  • path: destinations/hero
  • containerId: gpt-ad-467902685409
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [320, 50], [1, 1],
  • targeting: 
    {
  "url": "usa/iowa",
  "destination": "Iowa",
  "title": "iowa",
  "type": "Region",
  "region": "Americas",
  "country": "USA",
  "continent": "North-America",
  "refresh": 30,
  "refresh_limit": 3
}

Iowa

The towering bluffs on the Mississippi River and the soaring Loess Hills lining the Missouri River bookend the rolling farmland of this bucolic state. In the middle you'll find the writers' town of Iowa City, the commune dwellers of the Amana Colonies, and plenty of picture-perfect rural towns, including those amid the covered bridges of Madison County.

Book
App
Lonely Planet App on a phone
Brand New!

Get the Lonely Planet App

World Nomads travel insurance
Trusted Partner

Dreaming of Iowa? Protect your trip

Travel with confidence. Protect your trip and your wallet.

We don’t represent World Nomads, we receive a fee from quotes using this link. This is not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.

Take your United States (USA) trip with Lonely Planet Journeys

Time to book that trip to USA

Lonely Planet Journeys takes you there with fully customizable trips to top destinations – all crafted by our local experts.

start planning learn more
  • placement: fullWidth
  • path: destinations/top
  • containerId: gpt-ad-888730649740
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [300, 250], [320, 50], [1, 1],
  • targeting: 
    {
  "url": "usa/iowa",
  "destination": "Iowa",
  "title": "iowa",
  "type": "Region",
  "region": "Americas",
  "country": "USA",
  "continent": "North-America",
  "refresh": 30,
  "refresh_limit": 3
}

Get a book. Get inspired. Get exploring.

Explore all books

in partnership with getyourguide

Book popular activities in Iowa

Lonely Planet may earn a commission from affiliate links on our site. All recommendations and reviews reflect our own independent opinions.

  • placement: fullWidth
  • path: destinations/bottom
  • containerId: gpt-ad-274114468323
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [300, 250], [320, 50], [1, 1],
  • targeting: 
    {
  "url": "usa/iowa",
  "destination": "Iowa",
  "title": "iowa",
  "type": "Region",
  "region": "Americas",
  "country": "USA",
  "continent": "North-America",
  "refresh": 30,
  "refresh_limit": 3
}