Weekend Getaway

26 May 2026Updated last time

10 Best Places for Weekend Getaway Iowa

Iowa Weekend Getaway Overview

This Iowa weekend getaway is designed to combine city energy, riverfront scenery, historic charm, and relaxed small-town stops into one memorable trip. Start in Des Moines for modern attractions, food, and nightlife, then head east to Dubuque and Cedar Rapids for culture, museums, and scenic Mississippi River views. From there, continue through lively college-town favorites like Ames and Iowa City, where you can enjoy local dining, arts, and a welcoming atmosphere. The route also includes Davenport, Waterloo, Sioux City, Council Bluffs, and Bettendorf, each adding its own mix of history, outdoor recreation, and local personality. Whether you want to stroll through downtown districts, visit art centers, explore museums, or simply enjoy a slower pace, this itinerary offers a balanced introduction to some of the best weekend destinations in Iowa.

Along the way, you can plan your stops around great food, unique stays, and scenic drives, making the trip feel flexible and easy to enjoy. It is a great option for travelers looking to experience both well-known highlights and underrated local gems in one trip.

Recommended Activities

1
Des Moines
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Des Moines, the capital city of Iowa, offers a vibrant downtown area filled with restaurants, breweries, and art galleries. It also hosts various cultural events and festivals throughout the year.
2
Dubuque
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Dubuque is a charming city situated on the Mississippi River. It features historical sites, such as the Fenelon Place Elevator and the Dubuque Museum of Art. The city also offers breathtaking views and outdoor activities like hiking and boating.
3
Cedar Rapids
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Cedar Rapids is known for its thriving arts and culture scene. It is home to the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art and the Paramount Theatre, which hosts various performances. The city also has beautiful parks and trails for outdoor enthusiasts.
4
Ames
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Ames is a lively college town, home to Iowa State University. It offers a vibrant atmosphere, with numerous restaurants, bars, and shops. Ames is also known for its beautiful parks and outdoor recreational activities, such as hiking, biking, and golfing.
5
Iowa City
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Iowa City is a cultural hub, famous for being home to the University of Iowa. It has a vibrant arts and music scene, with many galleries, theaters, and live music venues. Iowa City also boasts a charming downtown area filled with unique shops and eateries.
6
Davenport
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Davenport is a city located on the Mississippi River, known for its rich history and beautiful riverfront. It offers a range of attractions, including historical sites like the Figge Art Museum and the historic Village of East Davenport. Davenport is also a great destination for outdoor activities, with bike paths, parks, and river cruises.
7
Waterloo
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Waterloo is a city known for its rich industrial history and cultural attractions. It is home to the Grout Museum District, which includes the Sullivan Brothers Iowa Veterans Museum and the Bluedorn Science Imaginarium. Waterloo also offers outdoor activities like fishing and boating on the Cedar River.
8
Sioux City
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Sioux City is a vibrant city located on the Missouri River. It offers a variety of attractions, including the Sioux City Art Center, the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center, and the Sergeant Floyd Monument. The city also hosts numerous events and festivals throughout the year.
9
Council Bluffs
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Council Bluffs is a city with a rich history and stunning natural beauty. It is home to attractions like the Union Pacific Railroad Museum and the Historic General Dodge House. Council Bluffs is also a gateway to the outdoors, with nearby opportunities for hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing.
10
Bettendorf
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Bettendorf is a charming city located on the Mississippi River. It offers a blend of outdoor beauty and urban amenities. Bettendorf boasts scenic riverfront parks, golf courses, and biking trails. The city also has a thriving arts scene, with galleries and theaters. Additionally, Bettendorf is known for its lively festivals and events throughout the year.

Restaurants

Fireside Tavern
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4.2
Trending now
Fireside Tavern
A newly reopened downtown Cedar Rapids spot that is drawing early buzz for its Pan-African and American soul food menu, plus a full sports-bar vibe that feels distinct in the local scene. It reopened on January 31, 2026, which makes it a strong fresh-open candidate rather than an established classic.
4.2
Roasters
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4.8
Trending now
Roasters
This Cedar Rapids NewBo coffee-and-food destination is getting attention because it just moved into a new location and immediately reopened, which has kept it in the local conversation. The move to a fresh space in early 2026 adds to the early-buzz appeal for weekend travelers looking for a newly active stop.
4.8

Mars Cafe
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Mars Cafe
A quirky cafe with a space theme, offering delicious coffee and a unique atmosphere.
The Machine Shed
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The Machine Shed
A farm-themed restaurant serving hearty Midwestern comfort food, with an ambiance that transports you to a rural setting.
The IowaStater Restaurant
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The IowaStater Restaurant
Located in the Iowa State University Alumni Center, this restaurant offers gourmet dining and displays artifacts showcasing the university's history.
Whitey's Ice Cream
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Whitey's Ice Cream
A beloved local ice cream parlor known for its delicious homemade flavors, a must-visit for dessert lovers.
Zombie Burger + Shake Lab
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Zombie Burger + Shake Lab
A horror-themed burger joint offering creative and monstrous burgers alongside tasty milkshakes, perfect for those seeking an out-of-the-ordinary dining experience.
The Breakfast Club
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The Breakfast Club
A retro-themed diner serving classic breakfast dishes with a nostalgic atmosphere that takes you back in time.
The Lost Cuban
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The Lost Cuban
A hidden gem offering authentic Cuban cuisine in a unique underground setting.
Taste of India
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Taste of India
A vibrant Indian restaurant offering a wide range of flavorful dishes, allowing you to indulge in exotic flavors and spices.

Hotels

Hotel Pattee
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Hotel Pattee
A boutique hotel with each room uniquely themed, showcasing different cultures and historical eras.
The Montrose
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The Montrose
A charming bed and breakfast housed in a historic mansion, offering elegant rooms and a peaceful atmosphere.
Blackhawk Hotel
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4.5
Blackhawk Hotel
A historic landmark hotel that captures the essence of classic elegance, providing a luxurious and memorable stay.
4.5
Hotel Julien Dubuque
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Hotel Julien Dubuque
A beautifully restored hotel with a blend of modern amenities and historic charm, offering breathtaking views of the Mississippi River.
The DeSoto House Hotel
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The DeSoto House Hotel
One of the oldest operating hotels in Illinois, located near the Iowa-Illinois border, offering a blend of historic charm and modern comforts.
The Merrill Hotel
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The Merrill Hotel
A luxury hotel overlooking the Mississippi River, featuring stylish rooms, a rooftop bar, and upscale dining options.

Local Events & Happenings

Stayin Alive: One Night Of The Bee Gees
Stayin Alive: One Night Of The Bee Gees
The event will take place at Stephens Auditorium in Ames.
Stephens Auditorium in Ames (49.74 mi)
19 Oct 2024
Visit Website
Barenaked Ladies In Flight
Barenaked Ladies In Flight
The event will take place at Stephens Auditorium in Ames.
Stephens Auditorium in Ames (49.74 mi)
30 Oct 2024
Visit Website

The Flaming Lips
The Flaming Lips
The event will take place at McGrath Amphitheatre in Cedar Rapids.
McGrath Amphitheatre in Cedar Rapids (51.81 mi)
26 Jun 2024
Visit Website
The Beach Boys
The Beach Boys
The event will take place at McGrath Amphitheatre in Cedar Rapids.
McGrath Amphitheatre in Cedar Rapids (51.81 mi)
13 Jul 2024
Visit Website
An Evening With Larry The Cable Guy
An Evening With Larry The Cable Guy
The event will take place at McGrath Amphitheatre in Cedar Rapids.
McGrath Amphitheatre in Cedar Rapids (51.81 mi)
27 Jul 2024
Visit Website
PRIMUS and COHEED AND CAMBRIA
PRIMUS and COHEED AND CAMBRIA
The event will take place at McGrath Amphitheatre in Cedar Rapids.
McGrath Amphitheatre in Cedar Rapids (51.81 mi)
27 Jul 2024
Visit Website
Clint Black: 35th Anniversary Of Killin' Time Tour
Clint Black: 35th Anniversary Of Killin' Time Tour
The event will take place at McGrath Amphitheatre in Cedar Rapids.
McGrath Amphitheatre in Cedar Rapids (51.81 mi)
2 Aug 2024
Visit Website

Travel Gems from Reddit

43 votes, 48 comments. Not sure this is the best place to ask, but here it goes. What are the best places to vacation for a long weekend in and
Vacation in and around Iowa
43 votes, 48 comments. Not sure this is the best place to ask, but here it goes. What are the best places to vacation for a long weekend in and
/r/Iowa
View on Reddit
Sorry if this is the wrong sub, let me know if i should post elsewhere. We live in northwestern Iowa, we're planning on doing a few 3 or 4 day long
Looking for weekend vacation spots around NW Iowa...
Sorry if this is the wrong sub, let me know if i should post elsewhere. We live in northwestern Iowa, we're planning on doing a few 3 or 4 day long
/r/Iowa
View on Reddit

Posted by u/dragonxbiscuits - 26 votes and 45 comments
Looking for a weekend getaway
Posted by u/dragonxbiscuits - 26 votes and 45 comments
/r/IowaCity
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15 votes, 34 comments. What are some of your favorite long weekend getaways that are nearby? Wife and I would like to take a quick trip. Up for
Weekend getaway
15 votes, 34 comments. What are some of your favorite long weekend getaways that are nearby? Wife and I would like to take a quick trip. Up for
/r/desmoines
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Hiking and alcohol, have to go with Decorah. Pulpit rock and Toppling have some of the best beer in the state and they have great hiking for Iowas standards. ... Take the 1200...
Weekend trip!
Hiking and alcohol, have to go with Decorah. Pulpit rock and Toppling have some of the best beer in the state and they have great hiking for Iowas standards. ... Take the 1200...
/r/Iowa
View on Reddit
13 votes, 28 comments. Friends and I want to book a quick weekend getaway. We are in central Iowa so don't really care which part of the state
Ideas for quaint Iowa weekend girls trip?
13 votes, 28 comments. Friends and I want to book a quick weekend getaway. We are in central Iowa so don't really care which part of the state
/r/Iowa
View on Reddit
Lot's to do in S Falls. More in Omaha, best zoo in US + zoo auto tour of open range big animals out West. More shopping availability. Children's Museum. Joslyn art ,...
Long Weekend trip ideas
Lot's to do in S Falls. More in Omaha, best zoo in US + zoo auto tour of open range big animals out West. More shopping availability. Children's Museum. Joslyn art ,...
/r/Iowa
View on Reddit
Dubuque also has the Fenlon Place Elevator. ... Maquoketa Caves is a fantastic park. I hiked it last fall, and it was beautiful. Palisades-Kepler state park is also nice, alth...
Looking for vacation things here
Dubuque also has the Fenlon Place Elevator. ... Maquoketa Caves is a fantastic park. I hiked it last fall, and it was beautiful. Palisades-Kepler state park is also nice, alth...
/r/Iowa
View on Reddit
Hey Iowa, I'm thinking about doing a long weekend there the weekend before Thanksgiving. I think I'd fly into Des Moines, rent a car, and do a loop
Must-See Attractions for Long Weekend?
Hey Iowa, I'm thinking about doing a long weekend there the weekend before Thanksgiving. I think I'd fly into Des Moines, rent a car, and do a loop
/r/Iowa
View on Reddit
29 votes, 37 comments. Looking for nice places that aren't kid-themed for two adults to get away to for a weekend in the Iowa area or even slightly
Nice, adult-focused resorts/getaways in Iowa?
29 votes, 37 comments. Looking for nice places that aren't kid-themed for two adults to get away to for a weekend in the Iowa area or even slightly
/r/Iowa
View on Reddit
Best hotel suites r/IowaCity upvotes comments Nice, adult-focused resorts/getaways in Iowa? r/Iowa upvotes comments The 20 Best Romantic Getaways in Iowa r/Iowa midwestliving ...
8 Historic Iowa Hotels Worth Planning A Weekend Getaway To Visit
Best hotel suites r/IowaCity upvotes comments Nice, adult-focused resorts/getaways in Iowa? r/Iowa upvotes comments The 20 Best Romantic Getaways in Iowa r/Iowa midwestliving ...
/r/Iowa
View on Reddit
I also try to not leave the house during that weekend because the place becomes a zoo during that time. ... If you want taco pizza, you should really try to find a Happy Joe&#...
In-state vacation spots
I also try to not leave the house during that weekend because the place becomes a zoo during that time. ... If you want taco pizza, you should really try to find a Happy Joe&#...
/r/Iowa
View on Reddit
It sounds like Im getting clear recommendations to vacation in the northern part of the state, specifically Dubuque and Decorah. The little shops in McGregor and Marquette sou...
Reddit - The heart of the internet
It sounds like Im getting clear recommendations to vacation in the northern part of the state, specifically Dubuque and Decorah. The little shops in McGregor and Marquette sou...
/r/Iowa
View on Reddit
The official English language subreddit for Poland and Polish news. Questions get answered, recommendations get recommended, and</str...
: Things do to in Iowa
The official English language subreddit for Poland and Polish news. Questions get answered, recommendations get recommended, and</str...
/r/Iowa
View on Reddit
4M subscribers in the roadtrip community. /r/roadtrip is your source for everything road trip related. Whether you enjoy traveling by motorcycle
: Weekend roadtrip, any recommendations when in Iowa?
4M subscribers in the roadtrip community. /r/roadtrip is your source for everything road trip related. Whether you enjoy traveling by motorcycle
/r/roadtrip
View on Reddit

10 Best Places for Weekend Getaway Iowa

Iowa Weekend Getaway Overview

Recommended Activities

Des Moines

Dubuque

Cedar Rapids

Ames

Iowa City

Davenport

Waterloo

Sioux City

Council Bluffs

Bettendorf

Restaurants

Fireside Tavern

Fireside Tavern

Roasters

Roasters

Mars Cafe

Mars Cafe

The Machine Shed

The Machine Shed

The IowaStater Restaurant

The IowaStater Restaurant

Whitey's Ice Cream

Whitey's Ice Cream

Zombie Burger + Shake Lab

Zombie Burger + Shake Lab

The Breakfast Club

The Breakfast Club

The Lost Cuban

The Lost Cuban

Taste of India

Taste of India

Hotels

Hotel Pattee

Hotel Pattee

The Montrose

The Montrose

Blackhawk Hotel

Blackhawk Hotel

Hotel Julien Dubuque

Hotel Julien Dubuque

The DeSoto House Hotel

The DeSoto House Hotel

The Merrill Hotel

The Merrill Hotel

Local Events & Happenings

Stayin Alive: One Night Of The Bee Gees

Stayin Alive: One Night Of The Bee Gees

Barenaked Ladies In Flight

Barenaked Ladies In Flight

The Flaming Lips

The Flaming Lips

The Beach Boys

The Beach Boys

An Evening With Larry The Cable Guy

An Evening With Larry The Cable Guy

PRIMUS and COHEED AND CAMBRIA

PRIMUS and COHEED AND CAMBRIA

Clint Black: 35th Anniversary Of Killin' Time Tour

Clint Black: 35th Anniversary Of Killin' Time Tour

Travel Gems from Reddit

Vacation in and around Iowa

Looking for weekend vacation spots around NW Iowa...

Looking for a weekend getaway

Weekend getaway

Weekend trip!

Ideas for quaint Iowa weekend girls trip?

Long Weekend trip ideas

Looking for vacation things here

Must-See Attractions for Long Weekend?

Nice, adult-focused resorts/getaways in Iowa?

8 Historic Iowa Hotels Worth Planning A Weekend Getaway To Visit

In-state vacation spots

Reddit - The heart of the internet

: Things do to in Iowa

: Weekend roadtrip, any recommendations when in Iowa?