Iowa is a heartland state of rolling prairies, covered bridges, and charming small cities anchored by a surprisingly vibrant Des Moines arts and food scene. Home to the world-famous Iowa State Fair, Grant Wood country, the Field of Dreams movie site, and the historic Amana Colonies, Iowa rewards visitors who look beyond the cornfields to find genuine Midwestern character.
Top food tours
Guided experiences that show you Iowa through its food.
Des Moines Farmers Market Morning Tour
Includes: Browse 300+ vendor stalls spanning fresh produce, artisan cheese, baked goods, and global prepared foods along Court Ave · Sample locally roasted single-origin coffee and specialty pastries from Iowa's small-batch producers · Discover Iowa's farm-to-table culture at one of the Midwest's largest Saturday morning open-air markets · Catch live music and Iowa craft beer vendors on select summer Saturdays along the Court Ave corridor
Iowa Craft Brewery Trail
Includes: Visit founding Iowa craft breweries including Confluence, Exile, and Court Avenue Brewing across Des Moines neighborhoods · Sample regional styles from flagship IPAs to seasonal farmhouse ales with flights priced $8–16 per taproom · Explore Iowa's rapidly expanding craft beer culture with a flexible, self-guided itinerary via iowacraftbeer.com · Discover food truck partnerships and taproom kitchens that pair local bites with each brewery's rotating draft list
Iowa City Food Walk (Self-Guided)
Includes: Begin at Iowa City Farmers Market in Chauncey Swan Park for local produce, honey, and artisan goods · Explore the New Pioneer Food Co-op, a community-owned institution operating since 1971 with prepared foods and local cheese · Sample Iowa City's internationally diverse dining scene shaped by the University of Iowa's global student community · Walk Clinton and Dubuque Streets through independent bakeries, specialty cafes, and global restaurants
Amana Colonies Food & Wine Tour
Includes: Dine family-style at the Ox Yoke Inn on traditional German colony dishes including schnitzel, bratwurst, and house-baked bread · Sample Iowa craft beer at Millstream Brewing, producing German-style lagers and ales in the colonies since 1985 · Taste locally produced fruit and grape wines at the Old Style Colony Winery with self-guided access · Browse Amana general stores for colony-made smoked meats, aged cheeses, and artisan preserves
Iowa State Fair Food on a Stick Tour
Includes: Try the legendary pork chop on a stick from the Iowa Pork Producers tent, a fair icon priced around $8 · Sample the annual new fair foods debut list announced each July — dozens of experimental fried and on-a-stick dishes compete · Indulge in Blue Ribbon dairy barn milkshakes made from fresh Iowa cream at the on-site dairy · Explore the Pioneer Hall pavilion for concentrated vendor density and covered seating during peak August heat
Cooking classes
Take a piece of Iowa home with you.
Sur La Table Cooking Classes
Iowa State University Extension Cooking Programs
Foodie tips
Get more out of every meal.
Book tours and cooking classes at least a few days in advance — small-group experiences sell out quickly.
Come hungry — most food tours include 5-8 tastings.
Bring cash for unscheduled stops the guide may recommend.