Iowa
Photo of AI-VascoDaGama
AI-VascoDaGama
16 Mar 2025Updated last time
ShareShare
Edit Trip Edit
Bookmark TripSave

10 best places for Mother Daughter Weekend Getaways in Iowa

Discover the Perfect Mother-Daughter Weekend Getaways in Iowa

Iowa may be known for its rolling farmlands, but it also offers a wealth of charming destinations perfect for a memorable mother-daughter weekend getaway. Whether youโ€™re looking to explore scenic river towns, dive into rich cultural heritage, or enjoy outdoor adventures, Iowa has something for every duo. Stroll through historic streets, savor delicious local cuisine, and engage in unique activities that will strengthen your bond and create lasting memories. From the vibrant arts scene in Des Moines to the serene beauty of Spirit Lake, each location promises a special experience filled with joy, relaxation, and discovery. So pack your bags and get ready to explore some of Iowa's best-kept secrets with your mom or daughter. Your unforgettable journey awaits!

Recommended Explorations

  • Trip Point Pin1

    Dubuque

    Dubuque offers scenic views of the Mississippi River, a rich history, and attractions like the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium and the historic Cable Car Square.
    Dubuque
    Dubuque
    Play tiktok videoVideo source - tiktok
    Dubuque
    Play youtube videoVideo source - youtube
    Dubuque
    Play youtube videoVideo source - youtube
    Dubuque
    Play youtube videoVideo source - youtube
    Open Google Maps Button
  • Trip Point Pin2

    Amana Colonies

    The Amana Colonies provide a unique cultural experience with their preserved German heritage, artisan shops, craft breweries, and delicious local cuisine.
    Amana Colonies
    Amana Colonies
    Play tiktok videoVideo source - tiktok
    Amana Colonies
    Play tiktok videoVideo source - tiktok
    Amana Colonies
    Play tiktok videoVideo source - tiktok
    Amana Colonies
    Play tiktok videoVideo source - tiktok
    Amana Colonies
    Play youtube videoVideo source - youtube
    Amana Colonies
    Play youtube videoVideo source - youtube
    Amana Colonies
    Play youtube videoVideo source - youtube
    Open Google Maps Button
  • Trip Point Pin3

    Des Moines

    Des Moines, the capital city, features a vibrant arts scene, great shopping, diverse dining options, and attractions like the Pappajohn Sculpture Park and the Iowa State Capitol.
    Des Moines
    Des Moines
    Play tiktok videoVideo source - tiktok
    Des Moines
    Play tiktok videoVideo source - tiktok
    Des Moines
    Play tiktok videoVideo source - tiktok
    Des Moines
    Play tiktok videoVideo source - tiktok
    Des Moines
    Play youtube videoVideo source - youtube
    Des Moines
    Play youtube videoVideo source - youtube
    Des Moines
    Play youtube videoVideo source - youtube
    Open Google Maps Button
  • Trip Point Pin4

    Okoboji

    Okoboji is famous for its beautiful lakes, water sports, and summer activities. It's a great destination for relaxation and outdoor fun with its beaches, boating, and family-friendly attractions.
    Okoboji
    Okoboji
    Play tiktok videoVideo source - tiktok
    Okoboji
    Play tiktok videoVideo source - tiktok
    Okoboji
    Play tiktok videoVideo source - tiktok
    Okoboji
    Play tiktok videoVideo source - tiktok
    Okoboji
    Play youtube videoVideo source - youtube
    Okoboji
    Play youtube videoVideo source - youtube
    Okoboji
    Play youtube videoVideo source - youtube
    Open Google Maps Button
  • Trip Point Pin5

    Cedar Rapids

    Cedar Rapids offers a blend of outdoor and cultural experiences with attractions like the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art, Indian Creek Nature Center, and Brucemore, a historic estate.
    Cedar Rapids
    Cedar Rapids
    Play tiktok videoVideo source - tiktok
    Cedar Rapids
    Play youtube videoVideo source - youtube
    Cedar Rapids
    Play youtube videoVideo source - youtube
    Cedar Rapids
    Play youtube videoVideo source - youtube
    Open Google Maps Button
  • Trip Point Pin6

    Pella

    Pella is renowned for its Dutch heritage, charming architecture, and vibrant festivals, such as Tulip Time, where you can experience traditional Dutch cuisine, crafts, and performances.
    Pella
    Pella
    Play tiktok videoVideo source - tiktok
    Pella
    Play tiktok videoVideo source - tiktok
    Pella
    Play tiktok videoVideo source - tiktok
    Pella
    Play tiktok videoVideo source - tiktok
    Pella
    Play youtube videoVideo source - youtube
    Pella
    Play youtube videoVideo source - youtube
    Pella
    Play youtube videoVideo source - youtube
    Open Google Maps Button
  • Trip Point Pin7

    Decorah

    Decorah is known for its stunning natural beauty and outdoor recreation. It offers great opportunities for hiking and biking, especially in the Ice Cave Hill Park. Additionally, the area's Norwegian heritage is celebrated at the Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum.
    Decorah
    Decorah
    Play tiktok videoVideo source - tiktok
    Decorah
    Play tiktok videoVideo source - tiktok
    Decorah
    Play tiktok videoVideo source - tiktok
    Decorah
    Play tiktok videoVideo source - tiktok
    Decorah
    Play youtube videoVideo source - youtube
    Decorah
    Play youtube videoVideo source - youtube
    Decorah
    Play youtube videoVideo source - youtube
    Open Google Maps Button
  • Trip Point Pin8

    Galena

    Galena is a historic town with well-preserved 19th-century architecture. Visitors can enjoy charming boutiques, antique shops, and wineries. The town also boasts the Ulysses S. Grant Home State Historic Site, offering a glimpse into American history.
    Galena
    Galena
    Play tiktok videoVideo source - tiktok
    Galena
    Play tiktok videoVideo source - tiktok
    Galena
    Play tiktok videoVideo source - tiktok
    Galena
    Play tiktok videoVideo source - tiktok
    Galena
    Play youtube videoVideo source - youtube
    Galena
    Play youtube videoVideo source - youtube
    Galena
    Play youtube videoVideo source - youtube
    Open Google Maps Button
  • Trip Point Pin9

    Spirit Lake

    Spirit Lake is part of the Iowa Great Lakes and is a haven for water enthusiasts. The area provides ample opportunities for fishing, boating, and beach activities. Nearby parks and trails also make it a great spot for hiking and nature exploration.
    Spirit Lake
    Spirit Lake
    Play tiktok videoVideo source - tiktok
    Spirit Lake
    Play tiktok videoVideo source - tiktok
    Spirit Lake
    Play tiktok videoVideo source - tiktok
    Spirit Lake
    Play tiktok videoVideo source - tiktok
    Spirit Lake
    Play youtube videoVideo source - youtube
    Spirit Lake
    Play youtube videoVideo source - youtube
    Spirit Lake
    Play youtube videoVideo source - youtube
    Open Google Maps Button
  • Trip Point Pin10

    Le Claire

    Le Claire is a charming riverside town known for its antique shops, riverboat cruises, and being the birthplace of Buffalo Bill. The town offers scenic views of the Mississippi River and hosts the popular 'American Pickers' store, Antique Archaeology.
    Le Claire
    Le Claire
    Play tiktok videoVideo source - tiktok
    Le Claire
    Play tiktok videoVideo source - tiktok
    Le Claire
    Play tiktok videoVideo source - tiktok
    Le Claire
    Play tiktok videoVideo source - tiktok
    Le Claire
    Play youtube videoVideo source - youtube
    Le Claire
    Play youtube videoVideo source - youtube
    Le Claire
    Play youtube videoVideo source - youtube
    Open Google Maps Button

Travel Gems from Reddit

Local Events & Happenings

  • Event Icon

    The Awakening Tour

    The Awakening Tour

    *Artist Line Up Subject to Change
    Map IconAlliant Energy PowerHouse in Cedar Rapids (43.27 mi)
    Calendar Icon21 Oct 2024
    Website IconVisit Website
    Picture for The Awakening Tour
  • Event Icon

    Gabriel Iglesias: Don't Worry Be Fluffy

    Gabriel Iglesias: Don't Worry Be Fluffy

    The event will take place at Alliant Energy PowerHouse in Cedar Rapids.
    Map IconAlliant Energy PowerHouse in Cedar Rapids (43.27 mi)
    Calendar Icon26 Oct 2024
    Website IconVisit Website
    Picture for Gabriel Iglesias: Don't Worry Be Fluffy
  • Event Icon

    Brad Williams: Tour '24

    Brad Williams: Tour '24

    The event will take place at Paramount Theatre in Cedar Rapids.
    Map IconParamount Theatre in Cedar Rapids (43.42 mi)
    Calendar Icon12 Oct 2024
    Website IconVisit Website
    Picture for Brad Williams: Tour '24
  • Event Icon

    Nurse Blake: Shock Advised Tour

    Nurse Blake: Shock Advised Tour

    The event will take place at Paramount Theatre in Cedar Rapids.
    Map IconParamount Theatre in Cedar Rapids (43.42 mi)
    Calendar Icon8 Nov 2024
    Website IconVisit Website
    Picture for Nurse Blake: Shock Advised Tour
  • Event Icon

    The Black Jacket Symphony: Elton John's 'Madman Across the Water'

    The Black Jacket Symphony: Elton John's 'Madman Across the Water'

    The event will take place at Paramount Theatre in Cedar Rapids.
    Map IconParamount Theatre in Cedar Rapids (43.42 mi)
    Calendar Icon14 Nov 2024
    Website IconVisit Website
    Picture for The Black Jacket Symphony: Elton John's 'Madman Across the Water'
  • Event Icon

    The Flaming Lips

    The Flaming Lips

    The event will take place at McGrath Amphitheatre in Cedar Rapids.
    Map IconMcGrath Amphitheatre in Cedar Rapids (43.46 mi)
    Calendar Icon26 Jun 2024
    Website IconVisit Website
    Picture for The Flaming Lips
  • Event Icon

    The Beach Boys

    The Beach Boys

    The event will take place at McGrath Amphitheatre in Cedar Rapids.
    Map IconMcGrath Amphitheatre in Cedar Rapids (43.46 mi)
    Calendar Icon13 Jul 2024
    Website IconVisit Website
    Picture for The Beach Boys

Music for Your Journey

    Tasty Picks

    • Restaurant Icon

      Ladora Bank Bistro

      4.8
      $$$$

      Ladora Bank Bistro

      Housed in a restored 1920s bank, this unique dining spot offers a charming atmosphere with delicious farm-to-table cuisine.
      4.8
      $$$$
      Picture for Ladora Bank Bistro
    • Restaurant Icon

      The Hall

      4.4
      $$$$

      The Hall

      Located in a historic railway roundhouse, The Hall serves up a variety of beers and street food in a casual, industrial-chic setting.
      4.4
      $$$$
      Picture for The Hall
    • Restaurant Icon

      Zombie Burger + Drink Lab - Des Moines, IA

      4.5
      $$$$

      Zombie Burger + Drink Lab - Des Moines, IA

      Known for its quirky zombie-themed decor and creative burger combinations, this place offers a fun and unique dining experience.
      4.5
      $$$$
      Picture for Zombie Burger + Drink Lab - Des Moines, IA
    • Restaurant Icon

      Northside Cafรฉ

      4.3
      $$$$

      Northside Cafรฉ

      This historic cafรฉ in Winterset, featured in 'The Bridges of Madison County,' offers a nostalgic dining experience with classic American fare.
      4.3
      $$$$
      Picture for Northside Cafรฉ
    • Restaurant Icon

      Hickory Park

      4.6
      $$$$

      Hickory Park

      This iconic Ames restaurant is famous for its extensive menu of BBQ dishes and homemade ice cream, served in a rustic, family-friendly setting.
      4.6
      $$$$
      Picture for Hickory Park

    Stay Recommendations

    • Hotel Icon

      Hotel Pattee (Perry, IA)

      Hotel Pattee (Perry, IA)

      This historic hotel features themed rooms, each uniquely decorated to reflect the history and culture of the region. It's a true gem for those who appreciate a blend of luxury and nostalgia.
      Picture for Hotel Pattee (Perry, IA)
    • Hotel Icon

      The Black Hawk Hotel

      4.5

      The Black Hawk Hotel

      As one of the oldest continuously operating hotels in the U.S., this charming boutique hotel offers a mix of vintage elegance and modern amenities.
      4.5
      Picture for The Black Hawk Hotel
    • Hotel Icon

      The Hotel at Kirkwood Center

      4.6

      The Hotel at Kirkwood Center

      Operated by Kirkwood Community College, this unique hotel offers upscale accommodations while providing students with hands-on hospitality experience. Its innovative design and excellent service make it a standout.
      4.6
      Picture for The Hotel at Kirkwood Center
    • Hotel Icon

      The Redstone Inn & Suites

      4.1

      The Redstone Inn & Suites

      Located in Dubuque, this historic inn offers Victorian-style rooms and period decor, presenting a romantic and timeless atmosphere.
      4.1
      Picture for The Redstone Inn & Suites
    • Hotel Icon

      The Belmond House

      4.6

      The Belmond House

      This quaint bed-and-breakfast combines cozy, homelike accommodations with personalized service, set in a charming small town, perfect for a relaxing getaway.
      4.6
      Picture for The Belmond House