Home to several world record-breakers – such as largest strawberry, most crooked street and largest cereal company, Quaker Oats – Iowa packs a mighty punch. These accolades are just a few things that Iowa has to offer. The state is flowing with many gems you cannot find anywhere else.
With a Best Western Hotels & Resorts to call home base, here are several must-sees in Iowa to add to your itinerary:
The fastest-growing city in the Midwest, Des Moines, prides itself in offering all the appealing elements of a major U.S. city without the downsides. Bye, bye traffic. Visit some of the delicious eateries that have made their national television debut – Fong’s Pizza to Crème Cupcake + Dessert – or hit up colorful and eccentric art installations throughout the city, such as Art Route and city murals.
Called the ‘Athens of the Midwest’ for its appreciation for learning and passion for creativity, Iowa City says, “it’s a community where librarians are treated like rock stars” – that alone has our attention. Young or old, solo traveler or family clan, we found the city’s offerings to be endless, from a literature walking tour, the University of Iowa’s Athletics Hall of Fame to escaping into the beauty and history of the region at the Museum of Natural History.
The first state park for Iowa, Backbone State Park consists of 2,000 acres. Paddle, canoe or kayak Backbone Lake when temperatures are warm or hike the parks trail system, which includes 21 miles of hiking trails that take guests inside the wooded and whimsical terrain. Visit “Devils Backbone” overlook, wander inside a cave or walk along a flowing stream.
Effigy Mounds National Monument
This sacred space homes more than 200 American Indian mounds, creating a beautiful and picturesque area of the Upper Mississippi River Valley. Reflect on the meaning of the mounds and the people who built them so many years ago.
What once was the prospering town of Preparation is now an explorer’s paradise filled with picnic areas and hiking trails in the Loess Hills.
Hit the Road with Best Western and travel with ease as our hotels are putting guest’s safety first with the implementation of our We Care Clean program. Book your next stay direct at bestwestern.com to get our lowest rates guaranteed.
