Iowa is such a great place for day trips. Not too big, not too small, with an abundance of fun in each and every corner of the state! From historic sites and charming small towns to beautiful natural areas and must-visit attractions, there's no shortage of fun to be had in Hawkeye State. Fill up the car, load up some snacks, and get ready to embark on these 10 amazing day trips in Iowa!

1. Hike the Backbone and then cool off in Iowa's own spring-fed pool.

Pumping more than 2,000 gallons of crystal clear water into this gorgeous spring every minute, Richmond Spring in Backbone State Park is the perfect spot to relax this summer -- but the park is wonderful to visit any time of year!

One of the best things to do in Iowa in enjoying our natural areas. Backbone State Park is definitely a cool place to explore. Check it out on this video form Josh in Iowa:

2. Spend a day exploring the delightful small town of Eldora.

Many of the buildings in this charming town are on the National Historic Register. See the Hardin County Farm Museum, Pine Lake State Park, and enjoy lunch at Ahoy Fountain. There's so much to see and do in this charming small town in Iowa!

3. Head to Pammel State Park to see Harmon Tunnel.

Hike the park, and be sure to stop by for an up-close look at Iowa's only ​​highway tunnel. It dates back to 1858, when William Harmon and his sons created it to carry water from Middle River to a saw mill. Did you have any idea about this cool hidden gem in Iowa?

4. This epic flea market in the little town of What Cheer is held three times each year.

With over 350 vendor spaces and thousands of visitors, this is one of Iowa's biggest flea markets. This market only happens a few times each year, so you'll want to follow them on Facebook to stay up-to-date on future events.

5. Enjoy a guided zipline tour of historic Union Park.

This two-hour zipline adventure is appropriate for adults and kids over the age of 10 that weigh over 70 pounds and people with average stamina and strength. Trained and certified guides are experts at making first-time zipliners comfortable. This is one of the most

thrilling adventures you can have in the Hawkeye State!

A super fun experience in Dubuque is a zipline tour through the forest. If you enjoy a unique adventure, cinch up your harness and add this to your day trips in Iowa itinerary:

6. Take in some of the most amazing views of the Mississippi River from Pikes Peak State Park.

Hiking Pikes Peak is the perfect way to spend a beautiful Iowa day. Enjoy a picnic and incredible views of the mighty Mississippi from this 500-foot bluff at Pikes Peak State Park.

7. Visit the Largest Truck Stop in the world right here in Iowa.

On the eastern edge of Iowa right near the small town of Walcott, The World’s Largest Truck Stop offers all of the sights, sounds, and entertainment you’d expect from such a place. Some people call it, "A Trucker’s Disneyland." The World’s Largest Truck Stop hasn’t closed its doors, even for a minute, since it opened in 1964. It’s a small city, and you’ll definitely want to visit.

8. See Iowa's gorgeous sapphire lake.

Lake Okoboji has more than enough entertainment and beauty to keep you busy for the day. Kayak, sail, or paddle-boat through these clear and bright blue waters at this sapphire blue lake in Iowa.

9. Take "going for ice cream" to a whole new level.

Our Iowa ice cream trail starts in Des Moines and lands in the ice cream capital of the world, at Wells Visitor Center & Ice Cream Parlor in Le Mars. With five places to stop for a sweet treat along the way, this will be a truly memorable (and delicious) day trip in Iowa!

10. Go Glamping at this amazing campground.

Are there any other wonderful day trips in Iowa that we should know about? Tell us all about your favorite day trip destinations in the Hawkeye State in the comments!

If you are looking for affordable ways to enjoy an Iowa vacation, here are a few fun and free things to do in Iowa.