Visiting the Amana Colonies is undoubtedly one of the top things to do in the Midwest, and one of Iowa must see sights. The Amana Colonies are over 100 years old and boast beautifully preserved German traditional houses made out of wood and stone. There are seven villages in total that form the Amana Colonies which you can explore on walking and van tours.
If you love shopping, the Colonies also boast all kinds of cute boutique shops such as chocolate, wine and gift stores. There are also lots of fun programs on offer at the Colonies such as nature walks, and annual events such as Oktoberfest.
Iowa State Capitol
The Iowa State Capitol in Des Moines is one of the most stunning landmarks in the state and another of Iowa must see sights to add to your itinerary. The Iowa State Capitol is one of the most beautiful capitols you can visit in the United States because of its stunning solid gold dome and lovely mahogany and marble interior.
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| Places to Visit in Des Moines |
Grotto of the Redemption
The Grotto of the Redemption is definitely one of the most beautiful places to visit in Iowa and one of Iowa must see sights. The Grotto of the Redemption is located in West Bend and it’s one of the most amazing manmade landmarks in the world being built single handedly by one man using minerals, rocks and shells.
The grotto has a religious theme but even if you’re not religious you’ll find fascinating touring the grotto and learn how Father Paul Dobberstein accomplished building this unique grotto.
National Mississippi River Museum
The National Mississippi River Museum is located in Dubuque and it’s one of Iowa must see sights for families. The kids will love spending time at the National Mississippi River Museum as it boasts educational movies and interesting exhibits such as a dredger, pioneer and Native American dwellings, and a huge steam boat paddle wheel. There is also a neat aquarium with petting tanks, an IMAX Theater, and a fun children water play area.
Historic Fort Atkinson
If you’re a history buff and are planning to visit the state in the last week of September, you’ll want to add Fort Atkinson on your list of Iowa must see sights. Around the 24th of September each year Fort Atkinson is home to the Rendezvous Days event where people dress in period clothes and celebrates life of the frontier days through cool reenactments.
Fort Atkinson is also home a state preserve where you can see the ruins and restored buildings of Fort Atkinson such as the powder magazine, and the north barracks.
Davenport Skybridge
Herbert Hoover National Historic Site
Herbert Hoover National Historic Site is without a doubt one of the most popular destinations in the state for history buffs wishing to learn about America’s 31st President. The Site features Hoover’s birthplace home, gravesite and a library where you can see interesting photos of Mr Hoover himself.
Hoover’s site also boasts a museum with interesting dioramas depicting the life of Mr Hoover and American life during the Great Depression.
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Upper Midwest Tourist Attractions
