Iowa Tourism
Iowa is not always the first place people think of when they are deciding where to spend their tourist dollars. But the truth is, Iowa has a lot to offer tourists, and Iowa tourism is on the rise. Perhaps it has to do with the fact that Iowa has tourist activities for each season, and there is always something to do no matter what time of year you are investigating Iowa tourism options.
Facts About Iowa
The many sites available for Iowa tourism have lots to offer. These tourism sites are also happy to give some facts about Iowa for tourists to note. For instance, the capitol of Iowa is Des Moines, which is located in the middle of the state and has a population of over 198,000. The state flower is the wild rose, the state tree is an oak, and chances are pretty good that in the spring and summer you may catch a glimpse of the state bird, the eastern goldfinch. Iowa is named for the Ioway Indians that used to live in that region.
Romantic Destinations in Iowa
When you first think of romance, Iowa might not come to mind. In truth, romantic destinations in Iowa are excellent and show you a beautiful hidden side of this underappreciated state.
The Hawkeye State, Iowa, holds much more beauty than a lot of travelers give it credit for. There are ten different travel areas for tourists to explore when they come to this state, from the Northwest area (where you can follow the path of historic explorers Louis and Clark) to the Southeast area that boasts of containing the world’s “crookedest” street. Lovers will also find much to do here, such as solitary hiking and just holing up in a room and enjoying each other’s company – romantic destinations in Iowa are enjoyable for everyone!
Pines on the Prairie Bed and Breakfast is located in Wilton, Iowa, just 30 or so minutes from Davenport and Iowa City, Iowa. This bed and breakfast offers all of the hospitality of a Midwest inn, with the Mississippi River just a small ways outside your door! Located in eastern Iowa, the Pines on the Prairie Bed and Breakfast is convenient to both the Wildcat Den and Palisades Kepler State Parks, which makes it an ideal spot to stay for your outdoor themed trip. This 1910 home, decorated in the “Arts and Crafts” style, is great for seclusion – you are never forced to spend time around other guests unless you want to.
Vacation in Iowa
Winter is a part of life in Iowa and they feature a variety of outdoor and indoor events to suit your travel and sightseeing needs. From winter sports to indoor pursuits there are a wide variety of things to see and do in February. The month kicks off with Bald Eagle Appreciation Day in Prairie du Chien. Bald Eagle Appreciation Day offers outdoor viewing of the bald eagles through scopes as well as bald eagle programs, eagle and raptor exhibits, children’s activities, eagle nest replicas and eagle artwork by local children and artists.
There are also birding experts available to answer any and all questions. Prairie du Chien is located along the banks of the Upper Mississippi River. The area is home to the largest concentration of wintering bald eagles in the lower 48 states. They are believed to host more bald eagles than any other refuge in the states, except Alaska. There are 100 active bald eagle nests with approximately 79 eaglets were produced. This is a huge difference from years past as in 1972 there was only one known eagle nest in the whole Upper Mississippi River Refuge.
The birthplace of John Wayne is located in Winterset, Iowa in Madison County. Stay warm while visiting this cute little home and learning about one of America’s favorite movie stars. John Wayne was a legendary actor and just the mention of his name brings to mind an old cowboy with courage and, of course, True Grit. The home is a modest four-bedroom home that has been restored to its original 1907 appearance. There are hundreds of rare photographs as well as personal letters on display from Lucille Ball, Maureen O’Hara, Kirk Douglas, Bob Hope, Gene Autry, Ronald Reagan and George Burns. You can also see movie artifacts such as the eye patch he wore in True Grit, the hat worn in Rio Lobo and the suitcase used in Stagecoach. Ronald Reagan noted that the birthplace was a tribute to a good friend and great American. The home is open seven days a week except on holidays. Guided tours are also available.