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Explore Iowa
EXPLORE IOWA
WHERE WILL YOUR JOURNEY TAKE YOU?
Rural Iowa is full of places waiting to be discovered — from charming small towns small towns and local businesses to scenic backroads and experiences you won’t find anywhere else. Whether you’re planning a day trip or a weekend getaway, every route holds something new to explore.
From hidden gems to hometown favorites, Evolution of the Heartland helps you navigate it all. Explore the map below to start building your journey and uncover the stories, stops, and communities that make the Heartland unforgettable.
PLAn YOUR TRIP
Place Categories: Autumn, Blooms & Botanicals, Capital Country, Shop Local, Spring, Summer, and Winter
travel journals
Track Your Trek!
Grab your crayons and your sense of wonder! Our downloadable travel journals turn every cornfield, river town, and roadside giant into a page in your very own adventure book. Document your discoveries across Iowa or the U.S.
Featured Explorer
Annie Greve
Annie brings the heart of rural Iowa to life through family, agriculture, and tradition. As a farm mom raising show-cattle kids while working full-time, she shares an authentic look at daily life – from mornings in the barn to long days at the fairgrounds – offering a genuine window into Iowa’s rural communities.
Through Evolution of the Heartland, Annie helps families and first-time visitors navigate county fairs, youth agriculture, and rural travel with confidence. Her itineraries, seasonal guides, and stories make these experiences easy to understand, meaningful to explore, and worth the journey.
itineraries
plan your adventure
From day trips to weekend getaways, find itineraries that make exploring rural Iowa simple and memorable.
Exploring Calhoun County’s Parks, Lakes & Outdoor Adventures
From peaceful campgrounds and scenic hiking trails to fishing, paddling, and wildlife watching, Calhoun County...
A Golfer’s Weekend in Calhoun County
Discover one of Iowa’s hidden golf destinations with a weekend getaway featuring three unique 9-hole courses, scenic Twin Lakes views...
A Family Weekend in Iowa Falls, Iowa
Water fun, nature trails, river views, and classic small-town memories…
Iowa Falls is the kind of place that makes summer weekends with the family feel easy. Known as the Scenic City, Iowa Falls...
Weekend Getaway in Johnson County
Discover Agri-tourism in Johnson County Escape to the scenic countryside of Johnson County, Iowa, where orchards, lavender fields, wineries, local farms, and handcrafted experiences create the perfect rural getaway. This...
Two-Day Getaway in Calhoun County
County Calhoun County is a relaxed summer destination centered around Twin Lakes and the welcoming town…
Spend 48 Hours in Stanton, Iowa
Swedish roots, lakeside recreation, and small-town charm Stanton is a destination that invites travelers to slow down. With its painted-white homes, strong Swedish heritage, and easy access to Viking Lake...
Family Weekend in Dyersville
Stay & Explore Dyersville Dyersville is a dream destination for families. With world-famous attractions, interactive museums, and wide-open spaces, it’s a place where kids can
Spend 48 Hours in Perry, Iowa
Art-filled streets, trail connections, and a boutique hotel experience Perry blends historic character with creative energy. From its walkable downtown and public art to trail
Spend 48 Hours in Pella, Iowa
Dutch heritage, charming canals, and small-town elegance Pella feels like stepping into another country without leaving Iowa. With storybook architecture, deep-rooted Dutch traditions, incredible food,
Spend 48 Hours in Boone, Iowa
Historic railroads, outdoor adventure, and local flavor Boone is a destination where nostalgia meets adventure. From scenic train rides and rich railroad history to river