Iowa State Fair
One of America's premier state fairs, held annually in August, featuring livestock shows, food on a stick, grandstand concerts, and over a million visitors
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About Iowa
Iowa occupies the heart of the American Corn Belt, bounded by the Mississippi River to the east and the Missouri River to the west. Des Moines has emerged as one of the Midwest's most livable and culinarily adventurous cities, with a nationally recognized restaurant scene, world-class art institutions, and a walkable downtown anchored by the Principal Riverwalk. Iowa City serves as a college-town hub with Big Ten energy and a thriving literary culture as a UNESCO City of Literature. The Amana Colonies offer a rare window into 19th-century communal German pietist life, while the Madison County covered bridges, immortalized in the Robert James Waller novel, draw romantics from across the country. The Iowa State Fair in August is one of the premier state fairs in America, drawing over a million visitors annually.
- Capital
- Des Moines
- Largest city
- Des Moines
- Population
- 3.2 million
- Languages
- English
- Currency
- US Dollar
- Time zone
- Central Time (UTC-6 / UTC-5 DST)
Explore Iowa by topic
Jump straight to the experience you're planning.
Best places to visit in Iowa
The 5 destinations our editors recommend — from iconic landmarks to under-the-radar finds.
Field of Dreams Movie Site
The original 1989 film location in Dyersville with the farmhouse, cornfield, and baseball diamond still intact and open to visitors
Amana Colonies
Seven historic villages settled by German pietists in the 1850s, featuring traditional restaurants, woolen mills, and artisan shops
Madison County Covered Bridges
Six historic covered bridges in picturesque rolling countryside, immortalized in Robert James Waller's novel
Effigy Mounds National Monument
Sacred Native American burial mounds shaped as bears and birds, overlooking the Mississippi River in northeastern Iowa
Recommended itineraries
Pick a length, follow the route. Each itinerary balances headline sights with breathing room.
5-Day Iowa Explorer
- Day 1Arrive in Iowa, explore city center
- Day 2Visit top attractions and museums
- Day 3Day trip to nearby highlights
- Day 4Local markets and hidden gems
- Day 5Final sightseeing, departure
7-Day Classic Iowa
- Days 1-2Iowa city highlights
- Days 3-4Regional exploration
- Days 5-6Cultural immersion and local experiences
- Day 7Return and departure
14-Day Ultimate Iowa
- Days 1-3Iowa comprehensive city tour
- Days 4-6Northern region exploration
- Days 7-9Eastern highlights
- Days 10-12Southern attractions
- Days 13-14Return to Iowa, departure
Where to stay in Iowa
Three tiers, every traveller covered — from cost-conscious to flagship hotels.
Budget $65
Hostels, budget hotels, and guesthouses offer affordable stays without sacrificing experience.
Mid-range $175
Boutique hotels and well-located accommodations provide comfort and convenience at reasonable prices.
Luxury $420+
World-class resorts and premium hotels deliver unforgettable experiences.
Hotel Fort Des Moines
Check rates on Booking.comGraduate Iowa City
Check rates on Booking.comThe Surety Hotel
Check rates on Booking.comHotel Vetro
Check rates on Booking.comWhere to eat in Iowa
Cafés, neighbourhood gems, and tasting menus worth the table reservation.
Proof Restaurant
Zombie Burger + Drink Lab
Devotay
Centro
Django
Los Laureles
Getting around Iowa
Iowa is best explored by rental car; public transit is minimal outside Des Moines. Des Moines International Airport (DSM) is the primary gateway. I-80 and I-35 are the major interstates. Cedar Rapids/Iowa City regional airport (CID) serves eastern Iowa.
Budget breakdown
Daily spend by tier in USD, broken out by category.
| Category | Budget | Mid-range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $30 | $110 | $250 |
| Food (per day) | $20 | $45 | $100 |
| Transportation | $10 | $15 | $45 |
| Activities | $5 | $25 | $50 |
| Daily total | $65 | $175 | $420+ |
Best time to visit Iowa
Spring and fall offer the most comfortable temperatures for touring. The Iowa State Fair in August draws massive crowds. Iowa City is most vibrant during the academic year.
Essential travel tips
- Rent a car — Iowa's major attractions are spread across the state and public transit is limited outside Des Moines
- Book accommodation months in advance if visiting during the Iowa State Fair in August
- The Des Moines Farmers Market (Saturdays, April-October) is one of the best in the Midwest and a great morning stop
- Iowa City is best visited during the university academic year (September-April) for maximum energy and events
- The Amana Colonies make an excellent half-day trip from Iowa City or a full day from Des Moines
Safety information
Download the Iowa Emergency Alert app or follow @NWSDesMoines on social media for tornado watches April through June
Check Iowa DOT road conditions at 511ia.org before winter driving — black ice forms rapidly on bridges
Use standard urban precautions in downtown Des Moines and Davenport's riverfront area after midnight
Wildlife crossings are common on rural highways especially at dawn and dusk — watch for deer
Carry sufficient water when hiking in summer — Iowa humidity can cause rapid dehydration
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a visa to visit Iowa?
Entry requirements follow United States rules. Citizens from Visa Waiver Program countries may enter visa-free for up to 90 days under ESTA (apply at esta.cbp.dhs.gov, fee $21). All others require a valid US visa — contact the nearest US Embassy or consulate.
What currency is used in Iowa?
The currency is the US Dollar (USD). ATMs are available at all banks and most convenience stores. Credit cards are accepted everywhere. Farmers markets often prefer cash; bring small bills.
What language is spoken in Iowa?
English is the official language of Iowa. Spanish is spoken in communities with significant Latino populations, particularly in Storm Lake, Postville, and parts of Des Moines.
What are the top attractions in Iowa?
Top attractions include the Iowa State Fair (August), the Field of Dreams Movie Site in Dyersville, the Amana Colonies near Iowa City, the Madison County Covered Bridges in Winterset, and Effigy Mounds National Monument along the Mississippi River.