With a warmer-than-usual spring predicted for Iowa, it’s no surprise that residents and visitors alike are dying to embrace the season and make good use of any sunshine and blue skies that come their way. Since winter is typically cold and snowy, it feels like the world begins again when spring blossoms and heralds the warmer, more endearing seasons. There’s a lot to see and do in Iowa as spring makes itself known across the state, but there are a few things that no visit to Iowa would be complete without! These are your “must-do” and “must-see” events, locations, and experiences for your spring trip to Iowa.

Travel in Iowa

Getting from place to place in comfort, style, and most importantly, safety is easy in Iowa, even if snow does persist into the beginning of spring. The roads are plowed and maintained regularly with the exception of private and farm roads, which may be a little more touch-and-go. If you’re traveling in rural areas, it’s advisable to go four-wheel drive, and wherever you are driving, ensure that snow chains or tires are available if needed.

The main airports in Iowa (Des Moines International Airport (DSM), Eastern Iowa Airport (CID), and Dubuque Regional Airport (DBQ)) all accommodate charter flights, so don’t be concerned if you usually book a private jet when you travel.

Things to See and Do

Des Moines

You should begin your day with a hearty breakfast or brunch at a local gem like St Kilda Collective in Valley Junction. This historic area is peppered with architectural gems, and St Kilda Collective itself is housed in a 106-year-old brick building that was once home to the iconic Valley Auto Ford (you’ll see the sign is still painted onto the bricks). It’s a comfortable, enchanting spot that is part bakery, part cafe, and part farm-to-table restaurant that serves ingredients sourced from local farms.

Since you’re already in Valley Junction, you’ll want to wrap up warmly and take a stroll around the historic district. It’s an artsy part of town, and you’ll find vintage shops, clothing boutiques, and art galleries rubbing shoulders with eclectic bars and cafes. Once the shopping is done, head over to the Des Moines Art Center, which can be found reclining against the rolling hills (hopefully featuring a few green spots of grass) of Greenwood Park. The gallery features many 19th- and 20th-century artists, including Edward Hopper and Georgia O’Keeffe, and has an interesting rotation of other exhibits totaling more than 5,000 works of art.

Cedar Rapids

Beautiful Cedar Rapids really begins to come back to life when spring comes around, so it’s the perfect time of year to visit. If you’re the outdoorsy type, consider taking some time to reconnect with nature after a long and cold winter by visiting Indian Creek Nature Center and taking a hike along one of the lovely trails through the woods. Be aware that animals like snakes will be coming out of hibernation and dress accordingly.

If it’s too cold for outdoor activities, that’s no problem. Book a visit to Brucemore, a historic and still living landmark set on a 26-acre estate. The 21-room mansion, not to mention the gardens that surround it, is open to visitors and hosts experiences like holiday celebrations, festivals, and more. If you’re more into art than architecture, stop off at the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art and spend a happy morning perusing the 2,000-plus pieces of art that reside there.

Dubuque

Embrace the joy of a new season with a stroll through the Dubuque Arboretum & Botanical Garden. Linger by the crystal clear pond or explore the sprawling estate that contains more than 60 different kinds of gardens. This ode to nature has been part of the Dubuque community since 1980 and its 56-acre space is maintained all year by local volunteers. Crystal Lake Cave, though not technically outdoors, is another way to explore the city’s natural surroundings. It only opens in May, but if you’re visiting after that, you can visit from 9am to 6pm every day. Bring warm clothes as the cave is entirely underground.

If walking experiences sound like a little too much effort on your vacation, why not visit a winery instead? Stone Cliff Winery is an institution in Dubuque and has been since 2007, when it was relocated to the Star Brewery building that overlooks the Mississippi River. If you’re more into beer, that’s ok too, as the tasting room has local wines as well as draft and bottled beer. The Diamond Jo casino is ready to welcome you if you’re feeling lucky after your wine tasting. It’s a state-of-the-art location with slots and table games and delicious meals and drinks to boot. Who knows, maybe Lady Luck will be on your side!

Davenport

If Davenport is your destination, there’s a lot to entertain you while you’re in town. Take it easy and enjoy a stroll (and purchase something delicious, of course!) around the Freight House Farmers Market for a chance to really get to know the community and what it’s about. The market operates year-round and is rich in history: it got its name from the fact that farmers have always brought their produce to the market by rail. There are over 150 vendors that sell baked goods, local meat and produce, seafood, cheese, and more.

While you’re out and about, take a detour and walk through the 120-acre historic district that is the Village of East Davenport. This area is home to a collection of unique and eclectic stores, bars and restaurants, live music, and festival events.

Explore Iowa This Spring

The wealth of culture, art, history, and exciting experiences that await you in Iowa is different from any other you’ve ever seen before. Iowa is waiting to welcome you and share in the joy of spring with anyone who visits.