(Courtesy: Des Moines Register)
100+
THINGS TO DO IN IOWA
1. RAGBRAI
Enjoy 411 miles of northern Iowa during the 45th RAGBRAI. July 23 to
July 29, bicyclists will take part in the third-easiest ride in terms of
climb and miles. Coming through North Iowa again this summer!
2. Maquoketa Caves State Park
Go for a hike and explore the caves at this unique state park. Wander
through Dancehall Cave or get dirty as you crawl through Hernando’s
Hideaway.
3. Buddy Holly Crash Site and Surf Ballroom and Museum
Get a music history lesson at the Surf Ballroom and Museum in Clear
Lake, then make the short drive north of town to the farm field where
Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, J.P. “the Big Bopper” Richardson and pilot
Roger Peterson were all killed in a plane crash in 1959.
4. High Trestle Trail Bridge
Enjoy the sculpture on the bridge as well as the views of the Des
Moines River valley as you bike or walk the half-mile of trail that is
13 stories high.
Located west of Madrid, this bridge is a beauty day or night when it is lit a bright neon blue.
5. Shakespeare on the Lawn
The Repertory Theater of Iowa presents Taming of the Shrew June 15 to
June 18 in the English gardens at the Salisbury House. Tickets are $25.
6. Arnolds Park
Enjoy the beauty of the Lake Okoboji and the thrills of the amusement
park rides at Arnolds Park. Take a ride on the Legend Roller Coaster,
the nation’s seventh-oldest coaster.
7. Honey Creek Resort
Located on Rathbun Lake, stay in a cottage or at the hotel while you
enjoy golfing, the indoor water park, hiking, boating or fishing during
your visit.
8. Jazz in July
The Metro Arts Alliance is celebrating the 35th year of Jazz in July.
Enjoy family-friendly jazz concerts all month long at a variety of
venues throughout the Greater Des Moines area.
9. Reiman Gardens
Visit this 17-acre garden in Ames to explore indoor and outdoor gardens
as well as a butterfly wing where you can see up to 800 butterflies.
10. Take in a baseball game
Enjoy a day (or night) at the ballpark at any one of Iowa’s professional baseball teams.
Watch the Clinton Lumberkings, the Cedar Rapids Kernels, the Burlington Bees, the Sioux City Explorers, the Quad Cities River Bandits in Davenport or the Iowa Cubs in Des Moines.
Wide mouth cave at the Maquoketa Caves State Park Wednesday, Aug. 31, 2016.
