Iowa destinations, parks and attractions
Are you going on a road trip to Iowa, looking for tips about the destinations so you and your party can enjoy it, be comfortable and not spend a fortune?
Here are some of the top destinations in Iowa and tips about visiting them
National parks and monuments in Iowa
- Effigy Mounds National Monument,
Harpers Ferry, IA.
The mounds preserved here are considered sacred by many Americans, especially the Monument's 20 culturally associated American Indian tribes. A visit offers opportunities to contemplate the meanings of the mounds and the people who built them. The 200 plus American Indian mounds are located in one of the most picturesque sections of the Upper Mississippi River Valley.
- Herbert Hoover National Historical Site:,
West Branch, IA.
Orphaned at age nine, Herbert Hoover left West Branch never to live here again. In later years, he returned to his humble birthplace to celebrate his long career of public service. A memorial landscape remains to tell his story: how community, hard work, honesty, and usefulness to others opened a world of opportunity- and the presidency of the United States- to a child of simple beginnings.
- Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail,
Sixteen States: IA,ID,IL,IN,KS,KY,MO,MT,NE,ND,OH,OR,PA,SD,WA,WV.
The Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail is approximately 4,900 miles long, extending from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to the mouth of the Columbia River, near present day Astoria, Oregon. It follows the historic outbound and inbound routes of the Lewis and Clark Expedition as well as the preparatory section from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to Wood River, Illinois.
- Mormon Pioneer National Historic Trail,
Various States IL,IA,NE,UT,WY.
Explore the Mormon Pioneer National Historic Trail across five states to see the 1,300-mile route traveled by Mormons who fled Nauvoo, Illinois, to the Great Salt Lake Valley in 1846-1847.
Iowa State parks and historic sites
-
Iowa's State Parks and Forests
Iowa Seasons, bugs, topography and climate
Iowa has 4 distinct seasons:. Winters are cold, with January temperatures averaging about 14 °F (−10 °C) in the northwestern section of the state and in the low 20s F (about −6 °C) in the southeast.
Bugs are thankfully few!
Iowa Camping tips
State park camping is available year-round in most places depending upon weather conditions. Heavy snowfalls may prevent access to the campground as not all roads are routinely maintained. Modern conveniences such as water, flush toilets and shower buildings are closed during the winter months. It is recommended that campers may want to call ahead and check the weather and road conditions before heading out to camp.
Camping Guidelines
Camping is permitted only in designated areas.
Camping is restricted to one basic unit per site except that a tent may be placed on the site with the basic unit. The area occupied by the small tent
shall be no more than 8 feet by 10 feet and the tent shall hold no more than four people.
- FAQs: State Park Reservations
- FAQs: Visiting State Parks
There are both state parks and private campgrounds in Iowa.