Raymond Goldfield is a life-long New Jersey resident and an avid traveler and foodie who can be usually found on the Jersey Shore during the offseason or checking out the latest seasonal flavors at The Bent Spoon in Princeton. He has been working for Only In Your State for since early 2022, where he writes for New Jersey and Iowa and edits the Mid-Atlantic region. He can also be found writing about pop culture for GeekDad. When at home, he enjoys reading comic books and is part of The Rabbitt Stew podcast team. While New Jersey is his home base, he travels regularly and has visited Virginia, Florida, Maine, Minnesota, and Canada as well as all of NJ's border states. Ultimate travel goal? Visit all the best buffets in the United States.
People on the outside might think Iowa is a pretty sleepy place – but Hawkeye State residents know better, and that’s never more true than when summer rolls around. The entire state sometimes feels like a big party during June, July, and August. The state’s parks and lakes are at their most beautiful, making this an ideal time for camping, fishing, and boating. The cities are full of exciting – and often free – cultural activities and festivals. And of course, we can’t ignore the deep-fried elephant in the room – that’s right, it’s almost time for the state fair known around the world. There are so many great things to do in Iowa in the summer that we just had to narrow it down to 15. We think whatever you love to do during the warm season, a combo of these activities and destinations will make this a summer to remember.
Summer is an amazing time for vacation, and any of these three vacation destinations in Iowa will keep the whole family happy. We’ve got two incredible theme parks – one a thrill-packed heaven for coaster lovers, and the other an immersive trip into a fantasy world. They both have attached waterparks – as does our third pick, a beautiful resort and dining destination in the middle of Iowa’s most beautiful lakes.
1. Adventureland
Adventureland Park, 305 34th Ave NW, Altoona, IA 50009, USA
Popularity: Very popular - this is Iowa’s top amusement park and is crowded through the summer.
Need To Know: With over 90 rides and the attached Adventure Bay waterpark, expect to spend a full day here. Any-day tickets are around $70 and include admission to both parks.
Adventureland is the premiere theme park destination in Iowa, with seven roller coasters including the unique indoor themed dark coaster The Underground, which is recently reopened with improvements. The park is also home to dozens of flat rides and family-friendly experiences. The attached Adventure Bay waterpark is home to some of Iowa’s most thrilling waterslides. This is a great all-ages experience, with no shortage of games, stores, and restaurants to keep everyone happy while they move from ride to ride.
2. Lost Island Themepark and Waterpark
Lost Island Themepark, 2600 E Shaulis Rd, Waterloo, IA 50701, USA
Popularity: Moderately popular - this new theme park is building in popularity with every summer.
Need To Know: This amusement park is part of the larger Lost Island complex, which includes a waterpark and campground. Tickets are around $43 for the theme park and $32 for the waterpark, with additional charges for Adventure Golf and Go-Karts.
Iowa’s newest amusement park, Lost Island has a lush theme of a fantasy kingdom with five lands divided between the elements. An elaborate mythology awaits as you enter each land, and the park is home to two thrill coasters and over twenty other rides including a new water flume. The headliner attraction is definitely Volkanu: Quest for the Golden Idol - a story-driven interactive dark ride in the Fire Realm. There are also character meet-and-greets and food in the park. If you want to visit the adjacent waterpark as well, plan on spending a full day here.
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3. Bridges Bay Resort
Bridges Bay Resort, 630 Linden Dr, Arnolds Park, IA 51331, USA
Popularity: Very popular - this is the top resort in the Iowa Great Lakes region and usually books up quickly for the summer months.
Need To Know: A room at Bridges Bay Resort typically starts in the $200 range per day and includes access to all on-site activities including the waterpark, but food is not included.
Bridges Bay Resort is the perfect destination in the Iowa Great Lakes for those who want to stay in the lap of luxury. This charming complex is known for its outdoor pool and massive indoor waterpark, but it’s also an elite dining destination that adults will love. Some of the highlights include Bracco, a casual outdoor patio restaurant, and the Waterfront Grille - a high-end Italian-accented restaurant. You’ll also find casual dining at the waterpark and around the resort. There’s truly something for everyone here.
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Best Beaches, Lakes, And Rivers To Visit In Iowa This Summer
There are so many incredible waterfronts in Iowa that it’s hard to pick just three, but we have a little something for everyone. Do you want to be in the middle of the top water recreation spot in Iowa? Or would you rather a quiet small-town fishing lake where you can while away a warm summer day? We’ve got you covered, and we couldn’t leave without mentioning the body of water that defined Iowa in many ways.
Location: Surrounding towns include Okoboji and Arnolds Park.
Popularity: Very popular - while it’s out of the way from the rest of the state, this is the premiere summer vacation region in Iowa.
Need To Know: Hotels and cabins abound in the area, and rates will vary wildly depending on proximity to the water and attractions. This is also a great place to stay if you’d prefer to get an Airbnb.
A tropical paradise in the rural north of Iowa? Believe it - the Iowa Great Lakes are an incredible vacation destination. Divided between West Okoboji Lake, East Okoboji Lake, and Big Spirit Lake, these are amazing spots for fishing and boating, with plenty of tourist attractions around the rim. The highlight has to be in the vacation town of Arnolds Park, where you’ll find Arnolds Park Amusement Park - a vintage amusement park with Iowa’s oldest roller coaster and a small maritime museum just minutes from the gates.
5. Clear Lake
City Beach Park, S Lakeview Dr, Clear Lake, IA 50428, USA
Popularity: Popular - this small town brings a crowd in during the summer, but it won’t be as mobbed as some locations. Crowds will go up whenever a show or event is taking place.
Need To Know: This is a laid-back small town, but there should be plenty of moderately-priced hotels and vacation rentals around.
Clear Lake is the best summer town in Iowa, in our opinion, and it’s largely due to the massive lake of the same name it borders. This is probably the best urban beach in Iowa, with City Beach Park being home to an amazing sandy beach complete with a boat ramp and a splash pad for the kids. That’s just the beginning of why you should visit this charming town, though - it’s also home to one of Iowa’s best farmers markets and the Surf Ballroom & Museum, one of the most historic music venues in Iowa.
6. Mississippi River
Eagle Point Park, G9P2+HF, 2601 Shiras Ave, Dubuque, IA 52001, USA
Location: All along Iowa’s Eastern border - Dubuque, Davenport, and Lansing are some of the most popular towns on the riverfront.
Popularity: Varies depending on the town, but it shouldn’t be hard to find a more quiet spot.
Need To Know: Following the Great River Road’s Iowa portion will give you amazing views of the Mississippi and take you through some of the area’s best small towns.
What is there to say about the mighty Mississippi that hasn’t been said already? Overlooking the glorious river bluffs that separate Iowa from Illinois is one of the most majestic things you can do in the state. There are many great spots to do this, and what works best for you will depend on where you are. However, if there’s one spot that provides the absolute best view, it has to be Eagle Point Park in Dubuque. The overlook here is truly magnificent on a clear day. Of course, if you have the time, why not take the Great River Road up or down the state and see if you find a new favorite spot?
Best Parks To Visit In Iowa This Summer
Iowa’s state parks are incredible – but they’re also jammed this time of year! We wanted to spotlight some of Iowa’s top under-the-radar parks and gardens, including a quiet county park in rural Jones County, the park known for some of the most beautiful lakes in the state, and the amazing arboretum that just added the most innovative and inclusive playground in the Hawkeye State.
7. Central Park
Central Park, 12515 Central Park Rd, Center Junction, IA 52212, USA
Popularity: Not popular - this is a rural country park filled with natural attractions, and there should be plenty of room for relaxing.
Need To Know: Like all county parks, admission is free - including to the attached nature center and museum. Camping is allowed on the grounds.
Located in rural Jones County, Central Park is a true hidden gem. This charming country park - a world apart from the famous Central Park in New York - is a great place to visit when you want a quiet day of recreation. Central Park Lake is stocked with fish, and attracts local fishermen, but the lake is rarely too crowded. The same goes for the campground, as well as the Nature Center - which hosts educational programs and even has a small zoo on site featuring some of the animals that call the region home.
Popularity: Moderately popular - this state park is located in a small town far from any major city, but does attract a good number of nature-lovers during the summer.
Need To Know: Like all Iowa state parks, admission is free. Camping and fishing are allowed on the grounds.
One of the more isolated state parks in Iowa, Beeds Lake State Park deserves a spot on your bucket list for its beautiful collection of lakes, waterfronts, and waterfalls. This park is home to trails that take you right up to the water, and the lake of the same name features some amazing sandy beaches. The highlight of the park is definitely its dramatic spillway leading to a man-made waterfall, which might be one of the most photographed cascades in Iowa. The sunset here is definitely worth waiting around for.
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9. Iowa Arboreteum & Gardens
Iowa Arboretum & Gardens, 1875 Peach Ave, Madrid, IA 50156, USA
Popularity: Popular - while this isn’t one of the most well-known botanical gardens in Iowa, it recently added a new feature that will draw crowds in the summer.
Need To Know: Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for kids 3-12, and free for members of the Arboretum.
The Iowa Arboretum & Gardens is one of the most beautiful arboretums in Iowa, filled with charming small paths that host hundreds of species of flowers and trees. It’s a beautiful destination that’s only gotten more so with the addition of Treehouse Village, a new attraction that has put it on the map for families with kids. This accessible treehouse playground is quickly becoming one of the best playgrounds in Iowa, and kids who climb to the top of the wood-and-rope structure will be greeted with an amazing view.
Best Free Summer Activities
We know summer can break the bank, especially with the kids out of school! Fortunately, not all great things to do in Iowa in summer come with a hefty price tag. Some amazing attractions are completely free, including a world-famous sculpture park, a beautiful garden in one of the state’s best small towns, and a unique shrine that combines human creation with natural beauty.
10. Pappajohn Sculpture Park
Pappajohn Sculpture Park, 1330 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA
Popularity: Very popular - this is one of the top attractions in Des Moines, and one of the best spots in Iowa for picnicking. However, the wide-open space is rarely too crowded to be enjoyable.
Need To Know: This free sculpture park is located in Western Gateway Park and is run by the non-profit Des Moines Art Center.
Pappajohn Sculpture Park might be the most spectacular collection of sights anywhere in Iowa, and it’s completely free to walk through without any gates to stop you. This magnificent sculpture park was designed by Mary and John Pappajohn and began with 24 sculptures, but has expanded massively to include countless local and global artists. The most impressive sculpture is likely The Nomads, a 30-foot-tall hollow human made up entirely of letters forming the shape of a person.
11. Central Gardens of North Iowa
Central Gardens of North Iowa, 800 2nd Ave N, Clear Lake, IA 50428, USA
Popularity: Moderately popular - while summer is definitely their most crowded season, this laid-back free garden in Iowa is not one of Clear Lake’s busiest spots.
Need To Know: Admission is always free at the garden, but some events may have things for sale!
The most relaxing garden in Iowa, Central Gardens of North Iowa is a charming Clear Lake destination featuring 2.75 acres of flowers and trails. Amazingly, there are over 20 unique themed gardens - including a butterfly garden, a wildflower garden, and gardens themed to unique flora from around the world. There are small fountains around the park, and even a tiny waterfall near the patio at the visitor’s center. If you’re lucky, you might be here when a community celebration is going on!
12. Grotto of the Redemption
Shrine of the Grotto of the Redemption, 208 1st Ave NW, West Bend, IA 50597, USA
Popularity: Popular - while West Bend is a tiny town in north-central Iowa, large pilgrimages and tours of this unique site are common.
Need To Know: While touring the shrine is free, a low-cost campground on site is available to rent for $20 per camper and $10 per tent a night.
The Shrine of the Grotto of the Redemption is one of the most bizarre and fascinating exhibits in Iowa - a massive religious shrine depicting scenes from the New Testament made primarily out of minerals and petrifications, many from the sea. This is a unique fusion of religious iconography with natural beauty, and it often draws religious pilgrims from around the country. Because of the remote location in West Bend, most of the guests are tourists. While admission to the shrine is free, donations are encouraged.
Best Summer Events And Festivals In Iowa
It wouldn’t be summer without festivals and fairs! Of course, everyone from states around knows one of the events we’re talking about, but that’s just the beginning. We’ve also got the best Irish festival in the midwest, plus the latest festival from a beautiful Iowa farm that always goes all out to celebrate the bounty of the season. These are only around for a limited time this summer, so don’t miss them!
13. Iowa State Fair
Iowa State Fairgrounds, 3000 E Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50317, USA
Popularity: Extremely popular - this is the biggest summer event in Iowa, and you can expect every day of the fair to be packed both with locals and visitors from around the country.
Need To Know: Daily admission to the fair starts at $11, with advance tickets available. Food and certain experiences like tractor pulls and animal encounters are extra. This year’s event takes place from August 8th through 18th.
Is there anyone around who hasn’t heard stories of the Iowa State Fair? This massive eleven-day event is one of the oldest state fairs in the country and used to an agricultural exposition. While there are still displays of farm animals and equipment, today the emphasis is on the thrills! Massive carnival rides tower over the fair, hundreds of food stands deep-fry anything they can get their hands on, and days of entertainment including live music, tractor pulls, acrobatic shows, and animal meet-and-greets await guests from around the country who have been waiting all year for this.
Popularity: Very popular - this is essentially a town-wide party that brings people from all around Iowa to Waterloo.
Need To Know: Tickets are $35 for admission to all days of the event. Volunteers get in for free. This year’s event takes place from August 2nd through 4th.
Iowa Irish Fest is the biggest Irish festival in Iowa, and fills the streets of Waterloo with music, fun, and food. There are plenty of kid-friendly attractions like bounce houses and carnival rides, authentic Irish products for sale. And yes, there will be plenty of beer! A bike rally is on hand for those who want to test their fortitude, but the highlight of the event is definitely the exciting collection of live music on the main stage every night. Waterloo has plenty of great restaurants, so expect special Irish items on many of the menus.
15. Wine and Flower Fest
Bloomsbury Farm, 3260 69th St, Atkins, IA 52206, USA
Popularity: Very popular - whenever Bloomsbury Farm has an event, this charming rural farm becomes a hub of tourists.
Need To Know: Farm pass tickets were $20 at the gate and $16 in advance in 2023, with rates expected to be similar for 2024. Certain activities like photoshoots will be extra. The event takes place Friday through Sunday July 19th through August 4th.
Bloomsbury Farm is the best farm in Iowa, and they always seem to have an amazing festival going on. During summer, that’s the Wine & Flower Fest, which takes place in July and August. The sunflowers and zinnias are in full bloom, making for incredible photo opportunities. Adults will love tasting wines and sipping frozen cocktails on a hot day, while kids will love games like barnyard croquet and gem mining. Live music will keep things lively, and the seasonal concessions will keep everyone full and happy through the whole day.
Which of these things to do in Iowa in summer are you most excited about? Do you have any Hawkeye State summer traditions to tell us about? Let us know in the comments section! If you want to spend most of the season out in nature, check out our list of the best waterfalls in Iowa. And if you’re planning to do a lot of hiking this season, you might want to subscribe to AllTrails + – this is the best way to ensure you can stay connected even when you’re in remote areas without cell service, with downloadable step-by-step trail maps.
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