Orient Iowa
ATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Orient, Iowa.
1. Big Creek State Park
LAKE ESCAPE | POLK CITY IA
Big Creek State Park boasts an 814-acre lake surrounded by lush greenery, offering year-round outdoor recreation. Visitors can enjoy fishing for species like walleye and muskie, boating on six ramps, or picnicking in scenic spots. The park also features designated hunting areas for wildlife enthusiasts and tranquil trails for hiking or biking. Its serene environment makes it an ideal destination for nature lovers seeking relaxation or adventure.
2. 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.
3. Copper Creek Lake Park
NATURE & PLAY | PLEASANT HILL IA
Copper Creek Lake Park features a serene pond surrounded by paved trails ideal for walking or biking amidst diverse flora. Families can enjoy shaded playgrounds and short nature trails behind them while spotting geese near the water's edge. Additional amenities include soccer fields, reservable shelters, and bridges crossing scenic areas of the park. This peaceful retreat caters to both leisure seekers and active visitors looking to connect with nature.
4. Lake Ahquabi State Park
OUTDOOR ESCAPE | INDIANOLA IA
Lake Ahquabi State Park provides 770 acres of serene outdoor adventures with activities like hiking, biking, fishing, swimming, and boating around its 117-acre man-made lake. Visitors can relax on sandy beaches or explore historic picnic shelters built during the Great Depression. The park's trails offer scenic views year-round, while its campgrounds provide modern amenities for overnight stays under the stars. It's a peaceful retreat perfect for nature lovers seeking relaxation or recreation.
5. 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.
6. Jester Park
NATURE & WILDLIFE | GRANGER IA
Jester Park offers 1,675 acres of diverse outdoor experiences along Saylorville Lake's west shore. Visitors can enjoy hiking trails, observe migrating pelicans, or explore the park's bison and elk enclosure for a glimpse into Iowa's natural heritage. The Jester Park Nature Center serves as an educational hub, connecting guests to restored woodlands and interactive exhibits. With options for archery, bouldering, and equipment rentals, this park is perfect for adventurers seeking recreation or tranquility.
7. Devonian Fossil Gorge
ANCIENT GEOLOGICAL TREASURES | IOWA CITY IA
The Devonian Fossil Gorge in Iowa City showcases rock formations dating back over 375 million years, offering visitors a glimpse into ancient marine life. Well-marked trails guide guests through this unique geological site filled with fossils embedded in limestone. Perfect for families and geology enthusiasts alike, the gorge combines educational opportunities with scenic hiking paths surrounded by lush greenery. A picnic amidst this fascinating natural wonder makes for an unforgettable day outdoors.
8. Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail
EXPLORATION LEGACY | WESTERN IOWA
The Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail traces the expedition's journey along Iowa's Missouri River corridor with interpretive signage marking key points of interest. Scenic drives along Interstate 29 reveal landscapes reminiscent of what explorers encountered over 200 years ago. This paved trail invites travelers to reflect on America's early exploration history while enjoying panoramic views of river valleys and grasslands.
9. 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.
10. Winterset City Park
HISTORIC CHARM | WINTERSET IA
Winterset City Park spans 76 acres of historical landmarks and recreational amenities. Highlights include the Cutler-Donahoe Covered Bridge, a hedge maze, Clark Tower with panoramic views, and picnic areas surrounded by natural beauty. The park's rich history earned it a spot on the National Register of Historic Places in 2021. Whether exploring its trails or relaxing at its shelters, visitors will find plenty to admire in this charming setting.
11. Historic Cutler-Donahoe Covered Bridge
ARCHITECTURAL GEM | WINTERSET IA
The Cutler-Donahoe Covered Bridge is a charming relic from 1870 that spans Middle River in Winterset's City Park. As one of Madison County's famous covered bridges, it offers picturesque views of surrounding landscapes, especially during autumn foliage. The bridge is surrounded by park trails and picnic areas that invite visitors to relax or explore further. Its historical significance and timeless beauty make it an essential stop for photographers and history enthusiasts.
12. Cowles Commons
URBAN CULTURAL PARK | DES MOINES IA
Cowles Commons in Downtown Des Moines is a vibrant urban park that blends art, nature, and community events in a stunning outdoor setting. The park features striking sculptures, lush gardens, and expansive green spaces ideal for relaxation or picnics. Throughout the year, Cowles Commons hosts concerts, festivals, and other cultural events that draw locals and tourists alike. Its proximity to other landmarks makes it an excellent starting point for exploring Des Moines' rich artistic scene.
13. Grant Wood Scenic Byway
ARTISTIC LANDSCAPES | EASTERN IOWA
The Grant Wood Scenic Byway immerses travelers in the rolling hills and pastoral beauty that inspired the iconic works of artist Grant Wood. Spanning 80 miles through Jones and Jackson counties, the route showcases charming farm towns, historic limestone buildings, and natural wonders like Maquoketa Caves State Park. Visitors can explore cultural landmarks such as Stone City Art Colony and the Hurstville Lime Kilns while enjoying the authentic rural charm of Iowa. This byway offers a blend of art, history, and nature that captures the essence of the Midwest.
14. 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.
15. 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.