Fill your summer with 113 things to do in Iowa, from RAGBRAI and fair concerts to festivals

The Des Moines Register has gathered some of the best 2024 vacation ideas, free activities, things to see and fun things to do in Des Moines and around Iowa this summer.

There are plenty of fun things to do with the family from Adventureland to the Iowa Children’s Museum. Or you could have some fun discovering the outdoors with beautiful parks to see, stunning gardens, bridges to cross, cool caves and ways to cool off in the water. Already on a road trip? Stop by these novelty things to see on your way.

If you're looking for something less nature-involved, there's food and drinks to be had all around Iowa, not to mention some good shopping. There's tons of festivals, concerts, and ways to get connected with arts, culture and even history. We didn't forget about our sports fanatics, either, with baseball games galore and the 51st annual RAGBRAI.

Take a look:

Caves to explore

1. Maquoketa Caves State Park

Along six miles of trails see Dancehall Cave, Shinbone Cave and Hernando’s Hideaway. Stop at the interpretive center to learn about the history of the park and geology of cave formations.

2. Wapsipinicon State Park

Located on the edge of Anamosa, take a hike on the multi-use trails and explore Ice Cave and the bowl-shaped Horse Thief Cave.

Cool bridges to cross

3. Swinging Bridge Park

Take a walk across this swinging bridge known as Lover’s Leap in Columbus Junction. The bridge crosses over a large ravine and spans 262 feet.

4. High Trestle Trail Bridge

Enjoy the sculpture on the bridge as well as the views of the Des Moines River valley as you bike or walk the half-mile of trail that is 13 stories high. Located west of Madrid, this bridge is a beauty by day or at night, when it is lit a bright neon blue.

5. Covered Bridges of Madison County

Take a drive through Madison County to find all six covered bridges in the area. For a fee, you can take a personal guided tour to learn more about the history of the bridges.

Stunning gardens

6. Dubuque Arboretum & Botanical Gardens

Open from 7 a.m. to dusk 365 days a year, the Dubuque Arboretum & Botanical Garden offers something to see in every season. Explore the conifer and deciduous tree collections or one of the many gardens. Enjoy Music In the Gardens on Sunday nights throughout the summer.

7. Central Gardens of North Iowa

More than 20 themed gardens make up the Central Gardens of North Iowa, located in Clear Lake. Introduce kids to a variety of gardening experiences on Fridays throughout the summer in the Bee Happy Discovery Garden. The gardens are open from May 31 to Oct. 31.

8. Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden

Full of natural beauty, enjoy the plants both inside the conservatory and in the outdoor gardens. Grab a bite to eat at Trellis Cafe after strolling the grounds.

Discover Iowa's great outdoors

9. Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge

Located outside of Prairie City, the wildlife refuge has walking and biking trails winding through the natural Iowa habitat and a driving tour where you may spot bison and elk.

10. Sleep Under the Stars at Chimney Rock Campground

Go camping and explore the Upper Iowa River by canoe or kayak to experience the beauty of the bluffs, cliffs, eagles and other wildlife near Cresco.

11. Visit the highest spot in Iowa

Hawkeye Point in Osceola County is Iowa’s highest point at 1,670 feet above sea level. Take in the views from the observation deck or wander through the historical farming displays.

12. Decorah’s Trout Run Trail

Bike, walk or run along the 12 miles of paved Trout Run Trail to see the sights in Decorah. Stop by the Decorah Fish Hatchery and enjoy the art along the trail.

13. Mines of Spain

This recreation center south of Dubuque is made up of 1,437 acres of wooded and prairie land. Before heading out for a hike, stop to visit the exhibits at the EB Lyons Interpretive Center.

14. Wildcat Den State Park

Sandstone bluffs and natural formations like “Steamboat Rock” and the “Devil’s Punch Bowl” can be seen along the hiking trails at Wildcat Den State Park.

15. Wander Women Midwest

Meet new people while heading out together during one of Wander Women Midwest’s many events. Sign up for a camping 101 class, backpacking adventure or a trip to a national park.

16. Effigy Mounds National Monument

Located in Harpers Ferry, Effigy Mounds National Monument features more than 200 known prehistoric mounds. Take a guided tour with a park ranger to learn more about these Native American-made mounds.

Pretty parks

17. Bellevue State Park

See spectacular views of the Mississippi River, enjoy the butterfly garden and look for bald eagles while you enjoy one of the park’s trails in Bellevue.

18. Jester Park Nature Center

Learn about wetlands, prairies, woodlands and the habitat of Iowa in the interactive exhibits. Make sure to drive by the Elk and Bison Educational Plaza during your visit to Granger.

19. Nathaniel Hamlin Museum & Park

Hike or view the elk year-round at this park in Audubon County. From Memorial Day through September you can also visit the museum buildings to learn about the settlement of the area.

20. Springbrook State Park

Fish, swim or kayak at the 14-acre lake at Springbrook State Park. There are also 12 miles of trails to explore the timber and prairies.

21. Whiterock Conservancy

Night owls can bring a telescope and enjoy the night sky at Whiterock Conservancy. You’ll find some of the darkest skies in Iowa — many nights the Milky Way can be seen with the naked eye.

22. Kenue Park

Play disc golf, explore the Pollinator Paradise or the Dickenson County Nature Center while visiting this park in Okoboji.

Fun on the water

23. Gray’s Lake Park

Go for a leisurely walk around the lake, rent a canoe or kayak, or take a swim at the beach at this park located just south of downtown Des Moines.

24. Elkader Whitewater Park

Go whitewater kayaking, boogie boarding or tubing in Elkader. The course consists of three water features including the Gobbler Wave. The river access includes a handicap accessible walking path to the river’s edge.

25. Ski Bellevue Water Ski Show

See the only water-ski show team in Iowa that performs on the Mississippi River. Shows are free, family-friendly and are held on varying dates from June through August in Bellevue.

26. Go sailing

Rent a pontoon boat on one of Iowa’s 34 natural lakes and enjoy a day on the water. Fish, relax and take in the scenery and don’t forget your sunscreen.

27. Splash at a water park

Many towns in Iowa have their own outdoor aquatic parks with waterslides, lazy rivers and more. In the Des Moines area, try out the aquatic parks in Altoona, Ankeny, Clive or West Des Moines.

28. Tour the Mississippi River by boat

Take a day trip on the largest non-gaming riverboat and enjoy the sights along the Mississippi River with Celebration River Cruises.

29. Make it a weekend in Okoboji

The Iowa Great Lakes provide entertainment for everyone. Spend time on the water boating, parasailing, water skiing or fishing. If you prefer to stay on land, you can enjoy the shopping, golf and museums in the area.

30. Float down the Iowa River

Go tubing down the Iowa River (most floats last three to five hours) at Iowa Rock-n-Row Adventures, then relax at the campsite for the night in Eldora.

31. Go fishing

Get your fishing license and relax along the shores of an Iowa lake or pond. Try Rock Creek State Park in Kellogg, Lake Anita State Park in Anita or Lake Macbride State Park in Solon.

32. Splash and play at Raccoon River Park

Enjoy the beach, playground or go fishing off the pier at this West Des Moines park.

Family fun

33. Ride the Legend at Arnolds Park

Enjoy the beauty of the Lake Okoboji and the thrills of the amusement park rides at Arnolds Park. Take a ride on the Legend Roller Coaster, the nation’s 13th-oldest wooden coaster.

34. Find fun and games at Smash Park

Eat, drink and play at Smash Park in West Des Moines. Enjoy the arcade or play some pickleball, bocce ball or shuffleboard on the patio.

35. See some wildlife at Blank Park Zoo

See giraffes, rhinoceros, lions, tigers and more at Des Moines' zoo. For a more in-depth visit, schedule a behind the scenes tour with zoo staff.

36. See Iowa by train

Choose from a variety of tours in Boone via Scenic Valley Railroad, which offers a basic excursion, dinner, lunch or picnic train. Enjoy the scenery while you take a ride on the rails.

37. Go gaming

One Sunday a month Up-Down opens its doors to families from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Enjoy Skee-Ball, pinball and more than 60 arcade games.

38. See movies outdoors

Take in a double features at the Voy 61 Drive In Theatre located south of Maquoketa. Before the movie, kids can play on the swing set, take a train ride or play some tetherball.

39. Let’s all go to Adventureland

Adventureland is celebrating 50 years in business this year. Take a ride on the refurbished Underground, the world’s only indoor wooden roller coaster.

40. Iowa Children’s Museum

Located in Coral Ridge Mall in Coralville, the Iowa Children’s Museum is a place for kids to play and learn at the same time. Each exhibit relates to at least one of their five educational initiatives: arts & culture, financial literacy, healthy kids, school readiness and STEM.

41. Feel the need for speed at the Hamilton County Speedway

Spend a Friday night enjoying dirt track racing at one of the oldest dirt tracks in the United States, located in Webster City.

42. Get interactive at LaunchPAD Museum

Located in Sioux City, children can learn about agriculture, explore different careers or create their own puppet show in the performing arts area.

43. Take a ride on the Heritage Carousel of Des Moines

Opening on May 25 for the 2024 season, take a ride on the Heritage Carousel of Des Moines. After your ride, visit the Union Park playground.

History buffs

44. Buddy Holly crash site and Surf Ballroom and Museum

Get a music history lesson at the Surf Ballroom and Museum in Clear Lake, then make the short drive north of town to the farm field where Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, J.P. “the Big Bopper” Richardson and pilot Roger Peterson were killed in a plane crash in 1959.

45. National Hobo Museum

Open for the season after Memorial Day, the National Hobo Museum in Britt features a collection of American hobo artifacts, photographs paintings and more. Visit Aug. 8-10 to experience the Britt Hobo Days celebrations.

46. Living History Farms

Learn what life was like on a 1700 Ioway American Indian farm, 1850 pioneer farm and 1900 horse-powered farm. Walk through the town of Walnut Hill (set in 1876) and visit the general store, blacksmith and the milliner. Find it in Urbandale.

47. Iowa Aviation Museum

Located in Greenfield, the museum showcases the history of flight in Iowa and visitors can enjoy looking at the vintage aircraft on display.

48. National Farm Toy Museum

See how farming has changed through the years and learn about the history of tractors. The museum features toys, exhibits and displays and is located in Dyersville.

49. Jesse James Historical Site

Drive just west of Adair and take your picture in front of a locomotive wheel that marks the site where Jesse James staged his first robbery of a moving train in 1873.

50. Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum

Learn about the life and legacy of the only president from Iowa while you tour the museum. Hoover’s birthplace cottage and grave are also located on the grounds in West Branch. New for 2024 is a temporary exhibit commemorating what would be the 150th birthdays of both Herbert and Lou Henry Hoover.

51. The Shrine of the Grotto of the Redemption

Located in West Bend, nine separate grottos each depict a scene from the life of Christ. The grotto contains one of the largest collections of precious gems and gemstones found anywhere in one location.

52. Villages of Van Buren

Visitors can enjoy southern Iowa hospitality in the 12 villages that make up the Villages of Van Buren. While you’re there, check out the Bentonsport Historic Bridge, Douds Depot in Douds, or one of the antique and specialty shops in the area.

53. The Ice House Museum

Cool off from the summer heat with a visit to the Ice House Museum in Cedar Falls. The museum shares the story of ice harvesting and is located in an original ice house.

54. Union Pacific Railroad Museum

This free museum in Council Bluffs is full of interactive exhibits for all ages. Learn how the transcontinental railroad was built and all about rail travel in the United States.

55. Forest Park Museum and Arboretum

Learn about the history of Dallas County, check out the log cabin and one-room schoolhouse on the grounds or enjoy a stroll through the Forest Park Museum and Arboretum in Perry.

56. Bily Clocks Museum and Antonin Dvorak Exhibit

Head to Spillville to admire the hand-carved clocks made by the Bily brothers. Visit the Antonin Dvorak exhibit on the second floor of the building where the Czech composer spent the summer of 1893 with his family.

57. Pioneer Heritage Museum

This museum located in Marengo is a half block of structures including a log cabin built in 1856, an 1890s farmhouse and a 1938 fire truck.

58. Brucemore Mansion

Built in 1886, Brucemore Mansion in Cedar Rapids is part of a 26-acre estate. Tour the mansion and learn about the Brucemore family before exploring the gardens.

59. Stockman House

Fans of architect Frank Lloyd Wright can admire his work by visiting the Stockman House in Mason City. Admission is $10 and tours can be scheduled online.

60. Laura Ingalls Wilder Park and Museum

When Laura Ingalls was 9 years old, her family moved to Burr Oak to manage the Masters Hotel. Take a guided tour of the hotel to learn about Wilder’s life there and then wander along the banks of the Silver Creek. Enjoy the Lara Days Celebration, including a parade and live entertainment June 21-23.

Arts and culture opportunities

61. Shakespeare on the Lawn

Bring a blanket and picnic and enjoy an outdoor performance of Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream" July 17-21 at the Salisbury House in Des Moines.

62. 'American Gothic' house

Take your picture in front of the house that inspired Grant Wood’s iconic painting. While there, stop at the visitor center to learn more about the artist in Eldon.

63. Iowa Quilt Museum

Open year-round in Winterset, the Iowa Quilt Museum features new exhibits four times a year. From June 18 to Sept. 15 you can enjoy the 51 fiber art pieces that encompass the exhibit "Threads of Life: Portraits and Pets Woven in Fabric."

64. Meskwaki Annual Powwow

Experience Native arts and crafts, traditional dancing and singing and more at the Meskwaki Annual Powwow Aug. 8-11 held on the only Indian Settlement in Iowa.

65. Des Moines Arts Festival

From June 28-30 in Western Gateway Park in Des Moines, find the next piece of art for your home. Spend time enjoying the performance art, interactive art, music, food and other activities the festival has to offer. Headliners St. Paul & The Broken Bones, The Marshall Tucker Band, Sunny War, and The Deslondes perform.

66. National Mississippi River Museum

Learn about America’s waterways in this museum located on Dubuque’s Riverwalk. See what kind of animals live in the Mississippi River and take part in the interactive exhibits. The exhibit River of Innovation features a 19th-century belt-driven machine shop.

67. Des Moines Storytellers Project

Listen as Iowans tell true, first-person stories centered around a common theme. The theme is “Travel” on June 18 at Hoyt Sherman Place in Des Moines.

68. Pappajohn Sculpture Park

Bring a picnic and enjoy the art spread across 4.4 acres in downtown Des Moines. If you want to learn more about the art, guided tours are available by request online.

69. National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library

View 75 works by Alphonse Mucha in the Petrik Gallery of the museum until Sept. 1. Mucha is a Czech painter, illustrator and graphic artist known for his influence during the Art Nouveau period.

70. Iowa Arts Festival

Located in downtown Iowa City, the Iowa Arts Festival features more than 100 local and national artists, food vendors and activities for kids. It will be held June 7-9.

The wild world of sports

71. Take in a baseball game

Enjoy a day (or night) at the ballpark at any one of Iowa’s professional baseball teams. Watch the Clinton LumberKings, the Cedar Rapids Kernels, the Burlington Bees, the Sioux City Explorers, the Quad Cities River Bandits in Davenport or the Iowa Cubs in Des Moines.

72. Go ziplining

Sky Tours at YMCA Union Park Camp in Dubuque offers nine ziplines on a two-hour guided tour of Union Park. Book a tour online.

73. RAGBRAI

Enjoy biking across Iowa during the 51st annual RAGBRAI. From July 20-27, bicyclists will ride 424 miles from Glenwood to Burlington during the Register’s Annual Great Bike Ride Across Iowa.

74. ’Field of Dreams’ in Dyersville

Open year-round, the “Field of Dreams” movie site gives fans a chance to walk around the field or get tickets for a tour of the house in Dyersville.

75. Hit the links

At the Airport National Golf Course in Cedar Rapids you can play a full round of golf, practice at the driving range or work on your putting at the Waterfall National miniature golf course.

76. Climb Iowa

Located in Grimes and the East Village in Des Moines, Climb Iowa offers indoor climbing experiences for everyone. It’s the perfect activity for a rainy summer day in Iowa.

77. All Iowa Lawn Tennis Club

Play tennis on a lawn tennis court that was built on a family farm outside Charles City in 2003. Reservations are required.

78. Join a team

Check with your city's parks and recreation department to see what sports are offered. Many cities offer slow-pitch softball, sand volleyball and kickball leagues.

Festivals for everyone

79. National Balloon Classic

From July 26 to Aug. 3, the sky will be filled with balloons in Indianola. Enjoy morning and evening flights, the Nite Glow, live music and more.

80. Adel Sweet Corn Festival

The 45th annual Sweet Corn Festival in Adel takes place on Aug. 10. There is a 5K run, parade, vendors and free sweet corn.

81. Sturgis Falls Celebration

Enjoy children’s activities, live music, a parade and more in Cedar Falls during the annual Sturgis Falls Celebration June 28-30.

82. Iowa’s Championship Rodeo

From July 30 to Aug. 3, head to Sidney for PRCA saddlebronc riding, steer wrestling and mutton busting.

83. Vinton Boomtown

Don’t miss the fireworks put on by the Iowa Pyrotechnic Association at the Benton County Fairgrounds on Aug. 24.

84. Nordic Fest

Head to Decorah July 25-27 for Nordic Fest to celebrate Scandinavian culture and food. Enjoy the parade, arts and crafts center and fireworks.

85. Cajun Fest Boil & Brew

Enjoy southern food and entertainment at the Cajun Fest Boil & Brew June 22 at Cowles Commons in Des Moines. General admission tickets include all-you-can-eat crawfish.

Music and festivals

86. Entertainment at the Iowa State Fair

Celebrate the best Iowa has to offer at the Iowa State Fair Aug. 8-18 in Des Moines. This year’s grandstand entertainment includes Motley Crue, The Avett Brothers, Ne-Yo, Jelly Roll, Greta Van Fleet, Thomas Rhett, Brett Young, and more.

87. Backbone Bluegrass Festival

Enjoy a weekend of bluegrass music in Strawberry Point July 26-28. This year’s musicians include Blue Grass Express, The Kenastons and the Mark Hembree Band.

88. Saturday in the Park

Enjoy a day of free music July 1 in Sioux City. The 2024 lineup includes Nikki Lane, Del Water Gap and Bleachers.

89. The Ruckus

This country music festival moves from Guthrie Center to Adventureland Park in Altoona for 2024. Enjoy two days of music from Chris Young, Jake Owen and more on June 7-8. Tickets include admission to Adventureland theme park and Adventure Bay water park.

90. 80/35 Music Festival

Killer Mike and OK Go are the 2024 headliners for 80/35. This year the two-day event will be held at Water Works Park in Des Moines and camping will be allowed for the first time.

91. Lauridsen Amphitheater

Listen to live music throughout the summer with the Field Daze Music Series at Lauridsen Amphitheater in Des Moines’ Water Works Park. Robert Plant and Alison Krauss play June 11, REO Speedwagon with Night Ranger take the stage June 21, and Brantley Gilbert will be there July 11, among others.

92. Hinterland Music Festival

Head to the Avenue of the Saints Amphitheater in St. Charles for three days of music, Aug. 2-4. The lineup includes more than 20 artists. Headliners for 2024 are Hozier, Vampire Weekend and Noah Kahan.

93. Des Moines Metro Opera

Enjoy performances of “The Barber of Seville," "Salome," “American Apollo" and more during the Des Moines Metro Opera’s summer festival season in Indianola.

94. Iowa City Jazz Festival

July 5 through 7 head to downtown Iowa City for a weekend of jazz music, art, food and fireworks.

95. Tunes In Town

Head to Lincoln Park in DeWitt on Tuesday nights from June through August for live music and food vendors.

Eat and drink your way through Iowa

96. Enjoy a craft beer

Across Iowa you can find numerous craft breweries. Try a flight of local beers at Toppling Goliath in Decorah, Big Grove Brewery in Solon, Iowa City, Cedar Rapids and Des Moines or Confluence Brewing Co. in Des Moines.

97. Satisfy your sweet tooth

Snookies Malt Shop is a favorite summertime stop for people in the Beaverdale neighborhood in Des Moines. Get a cone, float, or shake and treat your furry friend to a puppy cone while you’re there.

98. World Food & Music Festival

Head to the Western Gateway Park in Des Moines Aug. 23-25 to try food from around the world, wine and craft beers. Stay for the cooking demonstrations and live music.

99. Wells Visitor Center and Ice Cream Parlor

Located in Le Mars, the Wells Visitor Center gives fans of ice cream a chance to learn about how the sweet treat gets from the farm to your spoon with the virtual production line. After that, make sure to grab a sweet snack at the Ice Cream Parlor.

100. Pick your own berries

Spend a morning or afternoon picking strawberries, raspberries or blackberries. Days and times vary depending on the weather each year, and it’s best to call ahead. A list of U-Pick farms in Iowa is online at visitiowafarms.org.

101. Farmers markets

Support local farmers, producers and artists at your local farmers’ market. In central Iowa visit Valley Junction Farmers’ Market in West Des Moines on Thursday evenings or the Downtown Des Moines Farmers’ Market on Saturday mornings.

Shopping extravaganza

102. Shop ’til you drop

Spend a day at the Outlets of Des Moines in Altoona and shop at some of your favorite brand name stores such as the Coach Outlet, Express Factory, J.Crew Factory, Nike Factory Store and Vera Bradley.

103.Iowa’s Antique City

Head to Walnut for some shopping at antique stores and specialty shops. The Barn Mall, constructed in 1894, features more than 30 vendors with an entire floor filled with vintage chairs. The Granary Antique Mall has two levels of treasures that range from furniture to pottery.

104. A Very Vintage Market

Downtown Burlington hosts A Very Vintage Market on July 20. Find antique and vintage items, architectural salvage and handcrafted goods.

105. Do some picking in LeClaire

Antique Archeology, the shop made famous on “American Pickers,” gives fans a look at some of the treasures Mike Wolfe picked across America.

106. Historic Valley Junction

Find specialty shops, boutiques, art galleries and antique shops in this West Des Moines shopping area centered in an historic railroad district.

107. Village of East Davenport

This historic Mississippi River neighborhood in Davenport is brimming with shopping, art and cafés, such as Lagomarcino’s, a family owned chocolate shop since 1908.

Novelty, the largest and shortest things

108. World’s Largest Truck Stop

When you’re traveling along Interstate 80 in eastern Iowa, stop for gas at the World’s Largest Truck Stop in Walcott. Shop, eat and stretch your legs before you hop back in the car.

109. World’s Largest Popcorn Ball

Find out what a 9,370-pound popcorn ball looks like in Sac City. While you’re there, visit the Sac County Freedom Rock on East Main Street.

110. Fenelon Place Elevator

Ride what is described as the world’s shortest, steepest scenic railway. It takes visitors from Fourth Street in Dubuque up 189 feet to Fenelon Place and affords views of three states and the Mississippi River.

111. Matchstick Marvels

Thousands of matchsticks make up models, including the Mars 2020 Rover Perseverance, Notre Dame Cathedral, the U.S. Capitol and a display based on the movie "Back to the Future." The museum is located in Gladbrook and is open from 1 to 5 p.m. daily through Nov. 30.

112. White Pole Road

Take a 26-mile drive between Adair and Dexter along White Pole Road. There are more than 500 painted white poles along the route that was once known as the Great White Way.

113. Snake Alley

Located in Burlington, Snake Alley has been designated “Unbelievably Crooked” by Ripley’s Believe It or Not. Visit on Father’s Day from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and enjoy art, music and food during the Snake Alley Art Fair.

Heather Torpy is a freelance writer in Des Moines.

This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: 113 things to do in Iowa this summer: Your 2024 vacation guide