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| Travel Guide for Iowa Nicknamed the Hawkeye State as a tribute to Native American leader Chief Black Hawk, Iowa's fields of corn and soy bean extending as far as the eye can see are more of a convincing suggestion that you call it the Tall Corn State. Ranking approximately just moderate in size, population, average per capita income, and quality of life, but rather high in frequency and severity of floods and tornadoes, with miraculous natural wonders dotting few and far between, Iowa has managed to receive top-rankings for hosting business, neighborhood safety, and agribusiness efficiency and exports, a salute to Iowans' pride in their friendly and resilient temperament, and a genuine passion for their fertile soil and agricultural tradition. Today, visitors can reap the generous benefits of this piece of gently undulating land, enjoying the lush greenery, picturesque scenery, rural serenity, rich cultural and historical heritage, year-round recreation on the rivers, by the lakes, along the hiking and biking trails, or in state parks and recreation areas, as well as the more contemporary diversions in bustling metro areas, such as Des Moines, the state capital and Insurance Capital of the US, and the culturally rich Cedar Rapids, and burgeoning college towns like Iowa City, home of the University of Iowa, Ames, site of Iowa State University, and Cedar Falls, location of the University of Northern Iowa. With its geographical and cultural identity decidedly defined by two of the country's greatest rivers, the Mississippi and the Missouri, Iowa is not all about the agricultural and rural life, but rather a hidden gem of rich history and cultural diversity. Features born to characterize the legendary rivers are the soulful rhythms of jazz and blues, diner cruises and excursions, riverboat casinos, scenic drives with beautiful vistas, quaint towns with charming Iowa bed and breakfasts overlooking the rivers, historic sites related to Native American tribes, early French explorers, the Underground Railroad, and unlimited opportunities for boating, canoeing, fishing, sailing and more. To best enjoy the sights and sounds along the rivers, take the Iowa Great River Road National Scenic Byway on the western state border along the Mississippi River, linking 11 interpretive centers from Harpers Ferry's Effigy Mounds National Monument in the north and Keokuk's George M. Verity Riverboat Museum in the south, or the Loess Hills National Scenic Byway on the eastern border along the Missouri River, with Sioux City and Council Bluffs the major hubs for tourists. Detailed manifestation of the culture and significance of the rivers, as well as the local history and lifestyle, can also be found in National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium in Dubuque, and the State Historical Museum and Archives in Des Moines. Although unappreciated by most of today's thrill-seeking vacationers, some illustrious figures, including artists, composers, entertainers, politicians and writers, such as Grant Wood, John Wayne, Glenn Miller, Meredith Willson, as well as Herbert Hoover, the 31st President of the United States, have received their share of inspirations in Iowa. Such relevant attractions in Iowa, such as the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library-Museum and National Historic Site in West Branch, Figge Art Museum in Davenport, with a great selection of Grant Wood pieces with the exception of his masterpiece American Gothic which is exhibited at The Art Institute of Chicago, John Wayne Birthplace in Winterset, Glenn Miller Birthplace Society in Clarinda, and Meredith Willson's boyhood home in Mason City. Iowa has a few of the more fascinating sites that has been popularized by movies, such as the original locations of the Field of Dreams in Dubuque and The Bridges of Madison County in Winterset, whose covered bridges have become popular wedding sites ever since the filming of Robert James Waller's namesake novel. Add the more classic historic attractions, like the Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail, Mormon Pioneer National Historic Trail, Living History Farms in Urbandale, Fenelon Place Elevator, a historic cable-car ride in Dubuque which claiming to be the shortest and steepest railroad in the world, Boone and Scenic Valley Railroad, a Union Pacific Railroad legacy, Sergeant Floyd Monument of the Lewis and Clark Expedition in Sioux City, Western Historic Trails Center in Council Bluffs, Iowa certainly can capture interests of the curious and history buffs for quite a while. A versatile destination for fun family vacation and lucrative business trips, Des Moines is the showcase city for Iowa's prominent past, prosperous present and promising future. Each and every signature attractions in Des Moines, including the Blank Park Zoo, Des Moines Art Center, Des Moines Botanical Center, Better Homes and Gardens Test Garden, the Iowa State Fairgrounds where one of the country's oldest and most celebrated state fair is held, as well as a series of kids' delights, such as the Science Center of Iowa and Adventureland Amusement Park, is of world-class quality. The greater Des Moines area also offers the most noteworthy of Iowa hotels and motels no matter what your choice of destination or budget. Your very special lodging needs and requirements are bound to be met, in one of the grand downtown Des Moines hotels such as Embassy Suites Hotel Des Moines-On The River, or budget-friendly Des Moines hotels near the airport, like the Radisson Hotel Des Moines Airport, in the noteworthy Suites of 800 Locust Hotel and Spa, one of the most beautiful boutique hotels in Iowa, or in the Butler House on Grand, one of the loveliest Iowa bed and breakfasts. Cedar Rapids, the other significant cultural center of the state, further grace Iowa's historic and cultural tourist offerings with the Ushers Ferry Historic Village, Brucemore mansion, National Czech & Slovan Museum and Library, Cedar Rapids Museum of Art, Indian Creek Nature Center, Cornell College, The History Center, African American Historical Museum and Cultural Center of Iowa, and the Science Station and McLeod/Busse IMAX Dome Theatre. A journey into Iowa's many ethnic communities, such as the Germanic enclave of the Amana County, the Dutch community of Pella, and the Amish settlement of Kalona, can add some more fun and new perspective of your Iowa vacation. Remember to taste the authentic home-cooked fare in local eateries, and take home with some handmade needlework or woodwork. If you plan to indulge yourself in the ultimate pampering or romance, resort to casino hotels in Iowa, such as the Harrah's and the Ameristar Hotel Casino in Council Bluffs, the Isle Of Capri Casinos and Hotels in Bettendorf and Marquette, and the Meskwaki Bingo-Casino-Hotel in Tama, or Iowa bed and breakfasts in historic towns and lively college towns, including Brown Street Inn and A Bella Vista Bed and Breakfast in Iowa City, and Hancock House and Redstone Inn & Suites in Dubuque, the oldest city in Iowa. Iowa travel guide is copyrighted. It cannot be copied. |
| Travel Links for Iowa |
| Add Your Iowa related site gere We welcome the Iowa travel related web site to be added here! Please add our site at your page and send email to us: webmaster Details of our site is as following: URL:http://www.hotelsvalued.com Title: Hotelsvalued Cheap Hotels & Budget Accomodations Description: Hotelsvalued.com presents online hotel reservations for cheap hotels and discount hotels worldwide. |
| 1 Iowa Hotels: Heartland Inns Iowa, lodging Accommodations in Des Moines, Dubuque... @ www.heartlandinns.com - Heartland Inns, Iowa's best hotels providing lodging in Des Moines, Dubuque, Cedar Rapids, Waterloo, Altoona and more. (http://www.heartlandinns.com/links.php) |
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