A good getaway fits in a 48-hour window without a flight. These five Iowa trips work for couples or families, and each comes with a quick itinerary to start from.
1. Dubuque
The vibe: historic, scenic, cozy.
Dubuque sits on the bluffs where Iowa meets Illinois and Wisconsin. Ride the Fenelon Place Elevator, billed as the world's steepest and shortest scenic railway, for a three-state view. Spend an afternoon at the National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium, a Smithsonian affiliate, then stay at a boutique hotel or bed and breakfast and end the night with local wine above the river.
2. The Quad Cities
The vibe: interactive, family-friendly.
The Quad Cities straddle the Mississippi across Iowa and Illinois. Visit the hands-on exhibits at the Family Museum in Bettendorf, take a riverboat cruise, and finish with a thick shake from Whitey's Ice Cream, a local chain since 1933. It is enough to fill a weekend with kids.
3. Okoboji
The vibe: nostalgic, summer.
The Iowa Great Lakes around Okoboji are the state's main lake destination. Ride the Legend, a historic wooden roller coaster at Arnold's Park amusement park, rent a boat on West Okoboji, one of the clearest natural lakes in the region, and catch live music at a waterfront bar at sunset.
4. Iowa City
The vibe: literary, artistic.
Iowa City is a UNESCO City of Literature and home to the University of Iowa. Browse Prairie Lights bookstore, walk the downtown pedestrian mall, catch a show at the historic Englert Theatre, and eat at one of the bistros that keep the food scene strong. It works for a couples or solo weekend.
5. Decorah and the Driftless
The vibe: scenic, active.
Decorah, in the northeast Driftless region, suits couples or families who want fresh air. Hike to Dunning's Spring waterfall, paddle the Upper Iowa River, sample beer at Toppling Goliath, and walk a downtown surrounded by bluffs and trout streams.
The Trip Is Close
The best of these sit an hour or two down the road. Want more Iowa weekend trip ideas like these? Sign up for the free Get Iowa newsletter.
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