The Scenic City Getaway

Day 1

Discover the Scenic City

Morning 

• Start your day with coffee and breakfast at The Coffee Attic & Book Cellar in downtown Iowa Falls.
• Browse books, gifts, and local treasures while enjoying a relaxed start to your getaway.

The welcoming atmosphere and historic downtown location make it the perfect place to begin your Scenic City adventure.

Lunch

Enjoy lunch at one of Iowa Falls’s locally-owned restaurants downtown.

• The Princess Grille & Pizzeria
• The Flour Shop Bakery
• The 502 Grill House
• Chuong Garden
• Pizza Ranch
• Red’s Smokehouse
• The River Tap
• The Red Rooster

Take your time exploring the historic business district and discover the unique character that makes Iowa Falls special.

Afternoon

• Visit the iconic Swinging Bridge, one of Iowa Falls’ most recognizable landmarks.
• Stroll across the bridge and take in beautiful views of the Iowa River below.
• Experience Assembly Park. The park is  nestled along the Iowa River and offers a playground area, shelter houses, a walking trail, picnic areas with grills, tennis courts, pickleball courts, and a basketball court.

• Afterward, head to Calkins Nature Area and explore miles of wooded trails, scenic overlooks, and peaceful natural spaces. Calkins Nature Area is also home to live animals on exhibit that include deer, reptiles, birds of prey, and foxes. The American Indian artifacts exhibit in the nature center and museum are also more than worth the drive.

  Whether you’re an avid hiker or simply enjoy a leisurely walk, Calkins offers some of the most beautiful outdoor scenery in central Iowa.

Evening

• Board the Scenic City Empress for a relaxing river cruise. One of Iowa Falls’ signature experiences, the Empress allows visitors to enjoy the beauty of the Iowa River from a unique perspective. As the boat glides through the water, you’ll experience the Scenic City exactly as it was meant to be enjoyed: slowly. Scenic City Empress public cruises are each Saturday and Sunday at 2pm, weather permitting. These cruises last approximately 75 minutes. Reservations are not required for their weekend public cruises, but are encouraged if you are coming in from out of town. Ticket sales begin thirty minutes prior to any cruise. Check their Facebook page and website for special events, including brunch cruises, lunch cruises, and catered concert cruises. The combination of river views, wildlife sightings, and peaceful surroundings makes this a memorable highlight of the trip.

Explorer Tip: If you are visiting on a Wednesday evening during the summer, don’t miss the Iowa Falls Popcorn Stand in Estes Park. Serving fresh popcorn since 1948, it’s one of those simple small-town traditions that instantly feels nostalgic and fun. Wednesdays in June also hosts Lawn Chair Nights, with music in the park starting at 6:30.

Stay

Choose the lodging style that fits your needs best:

• Cabin Cove by the River
  A relaxing riverside stay with outdoor space and peaceful views.
• Swinging Bridge Cottage
  A cozy option close to many Iowa Falls attractions.
• River View #1 and River View #2 Airbnb
  Great for families wanting extra room to spread out.
• AmericInn by Wyndham
  An easy and convenient hotel option for travelers
• Albright’s Bluff Airbnb
  River view located downtown.
• Super 8 Motel
  A convenient hotel option for those traveling.
• River Retreat Airbnb
  A river retreat home in a park setting.
• Studio #4 Airbnb
  Located near downtown with access to many local amenities.

After dinner, enjoy an evening stroll through downtown or relax by the river before turning in for the night.