Iowa is so full of great attractions that it's easy to just fall into doing the same thing year after year - but not in 2024! There are so many great hidden gems in Iowa that it can be hard to know where to start. Why not discover new Iowa hidden gems every month of the year? These twelve day trips are perfectly designed to give you a year of adventure - from restaurants that perfectly fit the season, to natural wonders when the weather is nice, to holiday adventures that will end the year with a bang. There is no better way to celebrate 2024 than with 12 of the best hidden gems in Iowa awaiting you throughout the state.

Donna Reed, one of Iowa's most famous residents, had her birthday in January. What better way to celebrate than by visiting the museum and opera house bearing her name? It's a great way to start a year of exploring hidden gems in Iowa. Get an in-depth look at Donna Reed’s legacy:

Valentine's Day is right around the corner, and this French bistro in Coralville is often called the most romantic restaurant in all of Iowa. You'll dine on fine cuisine in a peaceful, intimate environment.

When St. Patrick's Day rolls around, everyone is feeling Irish! This old-school pub not only has great décor and beer, it has top-quality Corned Beef and Cabbage as well.

If you're one of the many Iowans observing Lent, this fish market and fried fish stand is a Godsend. If not, the crispy fried fish is still a delicious treat!

May is when Strawberry season starts, and there is no better way to celebrate than by visiting a pick-your-own farm for the pick of the season's crop. Get a closer look at The Berry Patch Farm:

The "Little Luxembourg" of Iowa only has just over a hundred full-time residents, but its architecture and delicious Kalmes Restaurant are well worth a visit - especially on June 23rd, Luxembourg Independence Day.

There is no better way to see a movie in the summer than at a drive-in, and this old-school institution plays both classic and modern films in the open air.

As the end of summer rolls around, a peaceful lakeside retreat is just the ticket. Not only will this beautiful lakeside be crowd-free, but the nearby Legacy Learning Boone River Valley Center teaches intriguing craft classes.

September is fall foliage time, and this massive state forest is full of colorful trees. With countless trails to explore, it's a great way to experience nature without the crowds. Come along on a hike through this beautiful forest:

Built into one of the last family-owned supermarkets in Des Moines, this old-school haunted house will scare guests of all ages silly without being as extreme as some of the bigger haunted houses.

Where to get the best Thanksgiving dinner in Iowa? Head to Amana, where this popular family-style restaurant dishes out the state's best turkey dinner - and it's all-you-can-eat!

Far away from the massive holiday lights events, this charming suburban light display is put on entirely by volunteers and is free to see. All you have to do is walk down the street to discover what Waverly has created this year.

Which of these hidden gems in Iowa have you visited? Do you have any other favorite things to do in Iowa? Let us know about your travel plans in the comments section! If you're looking for a place to stay during your travels, make sure to check out our listing of the best stays in Iowa for 2024.