National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium
The Mississippi River separates the border of Iowa with Wisconsin and Illinois, so it makes perfect sense that the river is culturally and historically significant in and around the state of Iowa. The National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium is part zoo, part museum, and part science center, featuring exhibits, live animals, and an incredible 4D immersive theater, among several other attractions highlighting the importance of the river to the enviroment and the people. The museum/aquarium offers fun educational opportunities for people of all ages. The Aquarium is located at 350 East 3rd Street, Port of Dubuque, Iowa. For more information, click here.
Blank Park Zoo
Blank Park Zoo is home to over 1,500 animals and over 100 different species. The 49 acre park is located in Des Moines and aims to inspire and educate. The zoo offers a wide variety of fun family experiences, guests can feed giraffes or watch lion cubs play. Other highlights include the red panda, and the cave, which houses fruit bats, and dwarf caimans, hissing cockroaches, and boa constrictors. Another popular feature within the park is the free range aviary, its home to a variety of forest-dwelling birds. There is also an aquarium that features several environments including coral reefs, rivers, and waterfalls. The Zoo is located at 7401 SW 9th St, Des Moines, Iowa. For more information, click here.
Adventure Land Resort
Adventureland Resort is the largest amusement park in Iowa, and is located just outside Des Moines. There are more than 100 rides, shows, and attractions featured at this family-owned resort. The park has opportunities the whole family can enjoy, from kitty rides, to massive roller-coasters, water-rides, to Ferris wheels. If that wasn’t enough, there is also an impressive water-park, known as Adventure Bay and it has a wide variety of water based fun activities. There are multiple swimming pools, a wave park, a relaxing lazy river, splash pads, and incredible water-slides. Adventureland Park also hosts several shows and other entertainment from live music, puppet shows, and stand-up comedy throughout the week, has plenty of concession stands selling a range of food and drinks, and modern restrooms. The park is located at 305 34th Ave NW Altoona Iowa. For more information, click here.
Arnold’s Park
Located in the town of Arnold’s Park in the heart of Iowa’s Great Lakes region, is Arnold’s Park the amusement park. The park features more than 30 rides, shows, and attractions, and provides a fun filled atmosphere for guests of all ages. The park has several rides of notoriety, however the Legend roller coaster and the 65 foot Ferris wheel really stand out and offer incredible views over West Lake Okoboji. The Queen ll offers a different type of ride experience. This riverboat is a beautiful old steamer that provides cruises on the lake. Live music, shows, and other acts, entertain guests at the Majestic Pavilion. Arnold’s Park also offers world-class shopping, casual dining at several restaurants and bars, and a beautiful beach and lakeside boardwalk. Arnold’s is located at 37 Lake St in Arnold’s Park Iowa. For more information, click here.
Crystal Lake Cave
The cave system has been described as an underground labyrinth of wondrous mineral formations. With every step you take through the cave you will see a wide range of pristine stalagmites, helictites, and rare anthodites. Crystal Lake Cave offers two amazing tours, through this underground wonderland. The tour is well lit, and is ran by friendly, expert guides. The Crystal Lake Caves gift shop is packed with all kinds of mineral-related keepsakes, and the kids will love the Mining Sluice, where they can uncover precious gemstones, fossils, and other hidden treasures using water and a sifter. The cave is located at 6684 Crystal Lake Cave Rd Dubuque, IA. For more information, click here.