The history of Iowa: From Native Lands to statehood
What we know as Iowa was once home to several Native American tribes. Here’s how the state got its name and when it joined the union.
Whether you’re looking to explore Iowa’s rich history, explore some art or enjoy a little culture, you’ll find plenty of things to do this summer.
Here are a few recommendations:
Visit the National Hobo Museum
Open from around Memorial Day until early August, the National Hobo Museum in Britt was created by three lifelong migratory workers. It features an archive of written documents and recordings, documentaries to be viewed, plenty of artifacts, and, of course, a hobo gift shop.
Visit Aug. 7-9 for the annual Britt Hobo Days celebration for free entertainment and to see the King and Queen of the Hobos.
Explore past versions of Iowa at Living History Farms
Visit a 1700 Ioway farm, a 1850 pioneer farm, a 1900 horse-powered farm or even the 1876 town of Walnut Hill at Living History Farms in Urbandale.
From May 1 to Oct. 31, it is open Tuesday to Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Head to Sioux City to see the first-ever National Historic Landmark
The first registered National Historic Landmark in the U.S., the Sergeant Floyd Monument in Sioux City, stands at 100 feet tall. The white stone marks the burial place of Sgt. Charles Floyd, the only fatality of the Lewis and Clark expedition in 1804.
Go shopping or grab a bite to eat at the Amana Colonies
These seven historic villages were founded by German immigrants. Located in Amana, the famous travel attraction preserves crafts and culture while offering plenty of interactive experiences to learn from.
Relive ‘the day the music died’ at the Buddy Holly crash site
The Surf Ballroom and Museum in Clear Lake offers music lessons, and then a short drive away, you can find the farm field where Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, J.P. “the Big Bopper” Richardson and pilot Roger Peterson were killed in a plane crash in 1959.
Reflect at the Shrine of The Grotto of the Redemption
Referred to as the “eighth wonder of the world,” the Shrine of the Grotto of the Redemption in West Bend is a composite of nine grottos, each displaying a scene in the life of Jesus.
Explore the Iowa Aviation Museum
Found in Greenfield, the Iowa Aviation Museum showcases the history of air flight in Iowa. Visitors can enjoy seeing the vintage aircraft on display, including plans from the 1920s.
See John Wayne’s Iowa birthplace
The John Wayne Birthplace and Museum offers a huge collection of artifacts and memorabilia from actor John Wayne’s life and career. Of course, there’s a movie theatre too.
Visit the Villages of Van Buren
Enjoy southern Iowa hospitality in these 12 villages that are the Villages of Van Buren. Check out the Bentonsport Historic Bridge, Douds Depot in Douds, or one of the many antique shops in the area.
Cool down at The Ice House Museum
Many Iowans choose to cool off from the summer heat with a visit to the Ice House Museum in Cedar Falls, a museum that shares the story of ice harvesting. It’s even located in an original ice house.
Take a picture at the ‘American Gothic’ house
We all know the painting. Did you know you can take a picture in front of the house that inspired Grant Wood’s iconic work? You can also stop by the visitor center to learn more about the artist in Eldon.
See a new exhibit at the Iowa Quilt Museum
Located in Winterset and open year-round, the Iowa Quilt Museum features new exhibits four times a year. Enjoy “Tiny Pieces Vast Visions” from April 22 through Aug. 3, 2025.
Take a tour at Des Moines’ Pappajohn Sculpture Park
Enjoy the outside art spread across 4.4 acres in downtown Des Moines’s Pappajohn Sculpture Park. If you want to learn more about the art, guided tours are available by request online.
Meet a new favorite artist at the Des Moines Arts Festival
From June 27-29, Western Gateway Park in Des Moines will be lined with art. Visitors to the Des Moines Arts Festival can spend time enjoying performance art, interactive art, music, food and other activities. The USA TODAY 10BEST Readers’ Choice Awards ranks the festival among the top 10 in the country.
Try a workshop at Mainframe Studios
Open to the public year-round, these artists at Mainframe Studios offer classes, events and plenty of art for sale. You can explore the building any time, book a guided tour, or schedule a workshop.
Or stop by on the first Friday of each month for an evening of live music, food and special exhibits.
Save some money and visit the free Des Moines Art Center
With rotating exhibits year-round, the Des Moines Art Center is sure to have a piece that will catch your eye. Plus, entry is free!
Watch Shakespeare on the Lawn
Bring a blanket and enjoy an outdoor performance of Shakespeare’s “The Comedy of Errors” July 16-20 at the Salisbury House in Des Moines.
Enjoy the Hinterland Music Festival
The Hinterland Music Festival returns to St. Charles for its 10th edition Aug. 1-3 with some big changes. Headliners include Tyler, The Creator, Kacey Musgraves and Lana Del Ray.
Fans will find bigger festival grounds, more shade and a new weather guarantee allowing refunds if temperatures exceed 90 degrees.
Experience world-class opera
Head to Indianola for the Des Moines Metro Opera’s 2025 season. Shows include “The Flying Dutchman,” “The Cunning Little Vixen,” “The Rake’s Progress,” “Goodbye, Mr. Chips” and “Stars of Tomorrow.”
Take in a Broadway show
Blockbuster musical “Hamilton” returns to the Des Moines Civic Center June 3-15. “Parade” runs July 29-Aug. 3. In eastern Iowa, “Tina: The Tina Turner Musical” plays Hancher Auditorium May 30-June 1.
Victoria Reyna-Rodriguez is a general assignment reporter for the Register. Reach her at [email protected] or follow her on Twitter @VictoriaReynaR.