Destination overview

America's Heartland

History and monuments are as much a part of the Iowa landscape as its golden farmlands. The towering bluffs on the Mississippi River and the soaring Loess Hills lining the Missouri River bookend the state of Iowa, making it the only US state with eastern and western borders formed entirely by rivers. In-between you'll find the writers' town of Iowa City, the commune-dwellers of the Amana Colonies and lots of little towns full of unexpected highlights. From world-class arenas and zoos, to historic theatres and thrill rides, Iowa holds many surprises.

Often referred to as the “American Heartland", Iowa is bordered by Wisconsin and Illinois to the east, Missouri to the south, Nebraska and South Dakota to the west and Minnesota to the north.

Iowa is home to a spectacular range of national treasures including the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum which includes Hoover’s birthplace cottage and final resting place as well as a replica of the Oval Office. The Effigy Mounds, which is a National Monument, is a group of prehistoric American Indian burial and ceremonial mounds located near Marquette in northeast Iowa. The mounds form the sacred centrepiece of a 2,526-acre forest along the Mississippi River bluffs with natural resources including 11 miles of hiking trails, tallgrass prairie and wetlands.

Iowa’s capital, Des Moines, is a diverse city where you will find plenty of great attractions. Whether it’s Friday night at a Broadway show, Saturday morning at the Farmers’ Market, a night out at a world-class restaurant, or enjoying one of the many laid-back music venues, Des Moines has something for everyone. From shopping in an East Village boutique to an inspiring trip through a downtown sculpture park, you’ll also find a beautiful scenic lake nestled beneath the magnificent skyline view.