8 Things That Belong On Everyone’s Iowa Bucket List

I would be lying if I said summer was my favorite season - it's just a bit too hot for me, and I'll always be partial to the cooling breezes and delicious cider crawls of fall. But that doesn't mean that when August rolls around, I don't get a little wistful. The end of summer always brings the desire to pack a little more fun into those last weeks, and here at Only In Your State, we want to help with this Iowa summer bucket list. There are still a few weeks left in summer this year, and what better way to spend them than by sampling the best the Hawkeye State has to offer? This might be enjoying some delicious outdoor dining, visiting a nostalgic ice cream spot, going for a thrilling ride on a roller coaster, or even taking a memorable river cruise. Whatever your perfect end-of-summer adventure is, we have you covered with these eight items.

1. Float The Day Away On A Lazy River

There's nothing like a day floating on one of Iowa's beautiful rivers. While many theme parks and water parks have lazy rivers, we're partial to the natural ones - and there's a stunner on the grounds of Chimney Rock Campground in Cresco. This rural campground - which offers everything from primitive camping to fully-furnished cabins - has access to the Upper Iowa River, which offers gentle currents perfect for kayaking or simply floating in an inner tube.

2. Visit A Nostalgic Ice Cream Spot

It wouldn't be summer without some ice cream, and while there are plenty of acclaimed ice cream parlors in the big cities, we're always nostalgic for those old-school small-town institutions in towns like Winterset. Frostee's has been in business for half a century, and they still do things mostly the same way - you can get a soft-serve cone piled high with your choice of toppings. But there have been some changes made - a full shake menu is available, including a popular coffee shake. But Frostee's is good for so much more than just ice cream - it serves a full fast-food menu, including an amazing pork tenderloin sandwich.

3. Beat The Heat At Malibu Jack's

Even if you love the summer, there are some days that get to be a bit...much. That's why it's great to have top indoor attractions nearby - and Bettendorf just got a whopper of one in the first Malibu Jack's in Iowa. This popular indoor amusement park is an all-in-one destination for fun, including arcade games, go-karts, mini-golf - and something you never thought you'd see inside a building: a spinning roller coaster!

4. Enjoy A Classic Iowa Patio Dinner

Summer is the perfect time for patio dining, and there are plenty of great spots around the state where you can dine with a view of the water. If one area is the capital of outdoor dining in the Hawkeye State, it has to be the Iowa Great Lakes. Arnolds Park is where you'll find The Ritz, a long-time family-friendly institution with an extensive menu ranging from casual fare like nacho fries to delicious steak dinners. The biggest attraction is the massive patio with a gorgeous view of the nearby lake.

5. Visit An Epic Iowa Amusement Park

Iowa's amusement parks are fantastic - but they're also seasonal. All three close for the season not long after school is back in session, so the time is now to get some thrills in. Arnolds Park and Lost Island are both fantastic, but if there's one you should visit this year, it's the biggest - Adventureland in Altoona. The park has completely retooled its signature attraction, The Underground, giving it a fresh coat of paint and some upgraded effects, making this unique indoor roller coater more thrilling than ever.

6. Attend A Concert At The Surf Ballroom

If there's one small town to visit before summer is up, it's Clear Lake. This beautiful lakeside town is full of great summer activities like freshwater beaches and farmers' markets, as well as a great dining scene. Its signature attraction is the Surf Ballroom, a historic music venue that holds concerts most weeks during the summer. There is no better way to feel like you're being transported back to the heyday of rock and roll - some of August's acts include The Schmidt Brothers and Drop Dead Dangerous.

7. Enjoy A Sunset Dinner Cruise

There is no better view in Iowa than the Mighty Mississippi, and no better way to see it than with a ride on the Riverboat Twilight, leaving from Le Claire. The sunset dinner cruise on this riverboat is excellent, offering hearty plated dinners like pot roast and barbecue chicken and ending with dessert and sweet tea before you head out to watch the sunset on the deck. Longer two-day cruises are available if you've fallen in love with this boat.

8. Wave Goodbye To Summer With A Cider Festival

We all need a festival to kiss summer goodbye, and one of the best is coming up at Jasper Winery in Des Moines. This new cider festival is only in its second year, but it's impressed everyone who attended with its diverse mix of hard ciders, delicious treats like apple cider donuts, and live entertainment. It's taking place on August 24th this year, and we can't wait!

What's on your personal Iowa summer bucket list? What were your favorite adventures this summer? Let us know in the comments section! If you're looking for some more outdoor adventures while the weather is warm, consider visiting some of the best waterfalls in Iowa. And wherever you go, make sure you bring your sunscreen!