Blogger Bill

HOME
featured image

IOWA TRAVEL

Ainsworth Iowa
ATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO


Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Ainsworth, Iowa.


1. Dunning's Spring Park

SCENIC WATERFALL | DECORAH IA


Dunning's Spring Park in Decorah is home to a stunning 200-foot waterfall accessible via a short hike from Ice Cave Road's parking lot. Visitors can enjoy scenic overlooks, picnic areas with grills, and additional trails leading to attractions like the Ice Cave nearby. This peaceful park is perfect for families seeking outdoor adventure or individuals looking to relax amidst nature's beauty. Its secluded waterfall makes it one of Iowa's hidden gems worth exploring.

MORE INFORMATION


2. Walnut Woods State Park

SERENE ENVIRONMENT | WEST DES MOINES IA


Walnut Woods State Park is a picturesque haven with over 400 acres of towering walnut trees, hiking trails, and picnic spots. Visitors can explore scenic paths suitable for walking, biking, or horseback riding while enjoying opportunities for birdwatching or fishing nearby. The park's serene environment makes it ideal for both leisurely strolls and adventurous hikes. Open year-round, it's a prime destination for reconnecting with nature.

MORE INFORMATION

3. Merle Hay Mall

SHOPPING & ENTERTAINMENT | DES MOINES IA


Merle Hay Mall combines shopping, dining, and entertainment in one convenient location, making it a family-friendly destination in Des Moines. With over 60 stores and restaurants, visitors can shop at popular retailers like Old Navy and Target or enjoy unique experiences like SmashRoom Iowa and RockTop Boxing. The mall is undergoing redevelopment to include attractions such as CombatLive! Laser Tag and the Des Moines Buccaneers Arena. Dining options range from fast food to sit-down restaurants, ensuring something for every taste while exploring this historic shopping center.

MORE INFORMATION

4. Reiman Gardens

HORTICULTURAL WONDERLAND | AMES IA


Located at Iowa State University, Reiman Gardens showcases stunning themed gardens like the Rose Garden and Hillside Water-wise Garden. Visitors can explore interactive exhibits in the Children's Garden or observe plant experiments in the Trial Garden. Lake Helen adds tranquility with its water lilies and aquatic wildlife. Open year-round with guided tours available, Reiman Gardens combines beauty with educational opportunities in horticulture.

MORE INFORMATION

5. Blank Park Zoo

EXOTIC ANIMALS | DES MOINES IA


Blank Park Zoo is Iowa's only accredited zoo, home to over 800 exotic creatures from around the world. Visitors can explore diverse exhibits like the Discovery Center with birds and marine life or outdoor habitats featuring African wildlife and Australian species. The zoo's mission focuses on conservation and education while providing an engaging experience for families. Its blend of interactive displays and natural settings ensures memorable encounters with wildlife.

MORE INFORMATION


6. Mormon Pioneer National Historic Trail

HISTORIC JOURNEY | SOUTHERN IOWA


The Mormon Pioneer National Historic Trail commemorates the epic migration of over 70,000 Mormons from Nauvoo, Illinois, to Utah between 1846 and 1869. Spanning 1,300 miles across various states, including Iowa, the trail offers opportunities for auto-touring, hiking, and visiting interpretive sites that highlight this monumental journey. Key landmarks along the Iowa section include river crossings and historical markers that tell stories of perseverance and community. Visitors can immerse themselves in history through museums and centers dedicated to preserving the legacy of this westward migration.

MORE INFORMATION

7. Pappajohn Sculpture Park

ART IN THE CITY | DES MOINES IA


The Pappajohn Sculpture Park transforms downtown Des Moines into an artistic oasis with its collection of sculptures by renowned artists from around the world. Spanning 4.4 acres in Western Gateway Park, it offers visitors an accessible space to admire contemporary art against a backdrop of urban landscapes. Guided tours provide deeper insights into each artwork's significance while allowing guests to appreciate the park's thoughtful design. Open daily until midnight, it's an ideal spot for picnics or leisurely strolls amidst inspiring creativity.

MORE INFORMATION

8. Walker Johnston Park

FAMILY-FRIENDLY ESCAPE | URBANDALE IA


Walker Johnston Park is a versatile outdoor space featuring playgrounds, sports fields, scenic trails, and a tranquil fishing pond. Families can enjoy picnics under shaded areas or let kids explore the engaging play equipment. Sports enthusiasts will appreciate the well-maintained facilities for baseball, tennis, and skateboarding. With its blend of recreational activities and natural beauty, this park offers something for everyone.

MORE INFORMATION

9. Driftless Area Scenic Byway

NATURAL BEAUTY | NORTHEASTERN IA


The Driftless Area Scenic Byway winds through northeastern Iowa's rugged terrain untouched by glaciers, showcasing limestone bluffs, forested valleys, and winding rivers carved by nature's forces. Outdoor enthusiasts can hike forest trails, fish in cold-water streams, or explore rivers by boat while enjoying panoramic vistas of this distinctive landscape. The byway also features historic sites like Effigy Mounds National Monument and charming towns offering local cuisine and cultural experiences. Fall foliage adds extra charm to this already breathtaking drive.

MORE INFORMATION

10. The Iowa Children's Museum

HANDS-ON LEARNING | CORALVILLE IA


The Iowa Children's Museum provides an interactive experience designed to spark creativity and learning in children aged 0-12. Spanning 28,000 square feet, the museum features exhibits that encourage exploration, problem-solving, and discovery through play. Parents and caregivers can join in the fun while fostering their children's developmental growth. With rotating exhibits and special events, every visit offers something new for families to enjoy.

MORE INFORMATION


11. Iowa State Capitol

ARCHITECTURAL GEM | DES MOINES IA


The Iowa State Capitol stands as a magnificent symbol of history and governance with its iconic golden dome visible from miles away. Visitors can explore its ornate interiors, including the grand staircase, law library, and legislative chambers, either through self-guided or docent-led tours. The building's intricate design and historical significance make it a captivating destination for architecture lovers and history buffs. Its central location in Des Moines ensures easy access to nearby attractions and amenities.

MORE INFORMATION

12. Jordan Creek Town Center

SHOPPING DESTINATION | WEST DES MOINES IA


Jordan Creek Town Center is Iowa's largest shopping mall, offering over 150 stores alongside dining options ranging from casual eateries to upscale restaurants with lakefront views. The mall features attractions like a Cinemark movie theater and seasonal events such as fireworks and holiday celebrations. Its spacious layout and vibrant atmosphere make it ideal for shopping enthusiasts or families looking for entertainment in Des Moines' bustling district.

MORE INFORMATION

13. National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium

RIVERFRONT DISCOVERY | DUBUQUE IA


Located on Dubuque's riverfront, the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium offers an immersive experience into the history and wildlife of America's rivers. The museum features over a dozen aquariums showcasing species like river otters and stingrays alongside exhibits on steamboats and wetland ecosystems. Visitors can explore outdoor attractions such as raptor aviaries and historic artifacts like the William M. Black steamboat. With interactive displays and a 3D/4D theater, this Smithsonian-affiliated institution is perfect for families and history buffs alike.

MORE INFORMATION

14. Buddy Holly Crash Site

MUSICAL MEMORIAL | CLEAR LAKE IA


The Buddy Holly Crash Site honors the tragic loss of rock-and-roll legends Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and J.P. Richardson in 1959. Located in a quiet cornfield near Clear Lake, visitors can pay tribute at this solemn site marked by simple memorials. Nearby attractions include the Surf Ballroom where Holly performed his final show before the crash. This historical landmark offers fans a reflective journey into music history.

MORE INFORMATION

15. Great River Road National Scenic Byway

MISSISSIPPI VISTAS | EASTERN IOWA


The Great River Road National Scenic Byway follows the Mississippi River through Iowa's picturesque landscapes, offering stunning views of limestone bluffs and charming river towns. Stretching 328 miles within Iowa, this segment is part of a larger 3,000-mile route along the river from Minnesota to Louisiana. Travelers can explore interpretive centers, historical landmarks, and parks like Pikes Peak State Park while learning about the cultural significance of the river. This scenic drive is perfect for those seeking a mix of natural beauty and historical exploration.

MORE INFORMATION