If you want to escape your day-to-day life, there’s nothing better than a good day trip. Whether nature is your thing, or you enjoy a good roller coaster, or you like to explore the charming small towns of Central Iowa, you’re sure to find something that suits your particular fancy. Here are eight of the most unique and interesting day trips in Iowa that everyone must take. Let’s take a look at these fun and possible day trips from Des Moines, Iowa. 

1. Take a scenic train ride in Boone - Boone
Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad & James H. Andrew Railroad Museum, 225 10th St, Boone, IA 50036, USA
Flickr/Jerry Huddleston
Take in the rolling countryside with a train ride on the Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad. You can even take a dinner ride and enjoy food, dessert and wine while you ride. This is definitely one of the most unique things to do around Des Moines.
2. Explore Pella’s Dutch heritage - Pella
Vermeer Mill, 714 E 1st St, Pella, IA 50219, USA
Flickr/Dave
Founded in 1847 by a group of Dutch immigrants, Pella’s charming architecture and town square reflect that unique heritage. Go shopping downtown and walk around Molengracht Canal, visit Vermeer Mill and enjoy the multitude of tulips if the season is right.
3. Go to a drive-in movie - Newton
Valle Drive In, 4074 Hwy F48 W, Newton, IA 50208, USA
Facebook/Valle Drive-In
When searching for "getaway spots near me," you should really consider The Valle Drive-In. Recognized as Iowa’s oldest drive-in theater, it is full of history. Here, while you watch movies from the comfort of your own car, you can enjoy concessions for sale at their concession stand.
4. See the covered bridges of Madison County - Madison County
Madison County, IA, USA
Flickr/Andy Langager
The Bridges of Madison County are so lovely they had a successful book and movie surrounding them. Spend a day driving around to admire the bridges and then stop in Winterset for dinner.
5. Go wine tasting on the Heart of Iowa Wine Trail - central Iowa
Indianola, IA 50125, USA
Flickr/Phil Roeder
Vineyard visits and wine tasting are definitely among the best day trips in Iowa. Heart of Iowa Wine Trail stretches along much of Central Iowa, so you can take your time exploring local wineries, wandering vineyards and tasting the wine, of course.
6. Pay a visit to Adventureland USA - Altoona
Adventureland Drive, Adventureland Dr, Altoona, IA 50009, USA
Flickr/Joe Penniston
Adventureland has been an Iowa institution for a long time. You can spend the day going on rides, playing games, eating plenty of junk food, and trying out the newest roller coaster, The Monster.
7. Hike or bike the High Trestle Trail Bridge - Madrid
High Trestle Trail Bridge, 2335 Qf Ln, Madrid, IA 50156, USA
Flickr/Jason Mrachina
The High Trestle Trail Bridge stretches across the Des Moines River and is one of the largest trail bridges in the world. Along with the unique and beautiful bridge, there’s a 25-mile trail that passes through Ankeny, Sheldahl, Slater, Madrid and Woodward.
8. Visit Saylorville Lake - Polk City
Saylorville Lake, Iowa, USA
Flickr/Tyler S. Miller
About ten miles away from Des Moines, Saylorville Lake is a reservoir of the Des Moines River. Here, you can enjoy nature as you partake in all sorts of water recreation activities, like boating, swimming and fishing.

What are your favorite day trips in Iowa? Let us know below in the comments section. For more ideas to get away from it all, take a road trip through the most charming small towns in Iowa.

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Best Day Trips in Des Moines

Lysa Allman-Baldwin | June 13, 2023

What are some unique things to do around Des Moines?

A unique adventure offering fun for the entire family can be enjoyed at Uncle Buck's Fish Bowl & Grill. Located inside of a Bass Pro Shop, Uncle Buck’s has a bowling alley and restaurant inside. Be sure to look overhead at all the fish-themed artifacts hanging from the ceiling. For the adults in your group, there’s a whimsical island-themed bar as well. 

I’m looking for some relaxing getaway spots near me in Iowa.

If you’re looking for weekend escapes, Iowa has loads of them! And each has its own unique attractions, dining, recreation, shopping, and accommodation options. For example, in Winterset, Iowa they have the John Wayne Museum. The town of Bellevue, Iowa is where you’ll find beautiful Bellevue State Park. And Pella, Iowa is a historic Dutch town where folks flock from all over the country each year to experience the tulips in bloom, as well as the historic mill and windmill rising high above the village.

I’ve heard a lot about the High Trestle Trail Bridge.  Where is it?

You’ve heard a lot about it for good reason. The High Trestle Trail Bridge is a totally cool, half-mile-long biking or walking bridge about a 30-minute drive north and a little bit west of Des Moines. It crosses over the Des Moines River and features the original piers (the locals call them “Iowa's Stonehenge”) that were constructed when the bridge first opened in 1913. The views from the bridge are awe-inspiring so you may want to cross it more than once!

Are there any public gardens in the Des Moines area?

Yes, The Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden is one of them and because of its size and all it has to offer, it is considered by some to be one of the best day trips in Des Moines. Inside the conservatory, you will find a forest peppered with over 1,200 different plant species. The Botanical Garden also hosts special concert series in season where you an enjoy al fresco entertainment while gazing at the picturesque grounds surrounding you.

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