With the holiday season upon us, in addition to the extra family time and all of the fun traditions that go along with it, there can be added strain on our pocketbooks. With less extra money and more free time, what’s a family to do? Well, don’t fear… There are plenty of legitimately fun things to do in Iowa that won’t cost you a dime.
- Explore the Grotto of the Redemption.
Flickr/Laura Bernhardt The Grotto is an amazing sight to behold. It’s called the “Eighth Wonder of the World,” and it is believed to be the largest grotto in the world. Located at 300 N Broadway Ave., West Bend, IA.
- Tour the Iowa State Capitol Building.
Flickr/Jason Mrachina The Iowa State Capitol Building is a beautiful and educational stop where you can marvel at the architecture and learn more about Iowa. Guided tours are available for interested visitors. 1007 E Grand Ave., Des Moines, IA.
- Visit the University of Iowa Museum of Natural History.
Flickr/Susan Groppi This fascinating place is the oldest university museum west of the Mississippi. You can spend hours wandering through all of the exhibits, ranging from Mammal Hall to the Hall of Birds to the giant sloth exhibit. 17 N Clinton St., Iowa City, IA.
- Browse through antique stores.
Flickr/Orignaux Moose Iowa is full of amazing antique stores, so you can be sure that no matter where you live, there’s at least one good one nearby. Antique stores are so full of interesting things, it can be just as fun to explore all of the interesting objects as it is to buy them.
- Check out the American Gothic House.
Flickr/Joanna Poe This gothic revival house was made famous by Grant Wood’s “American Gothic” painting in 1930. You can visit the house and take an “American Gothic” photo of your own. 301 American Gothic St., Eldon, IA.
- Go to the Farmhouse Museum.
Wikipedia/The Farm House Museum This house and museum was built in 1860 and was the home of the first two presidents of Iowa State University. It was also the first house on the campus. Iowa State University, 601 Farm House Ln., Ames, IA.
- Go for a hike.
Flickr/Tony Webster Iowa’s trail system is second to none. Wherever you are in the state, you’ll be sure to find a trail close to you that will allow you to get outdoors and spend some time with mother nature.
- Visit the Des Moines Art Center.
Flickr/TumblingRun This amazing art center houses exhibits of 20th and 21st century modern and contemporary art. When you’re done looking through the exhibits, make sure to check out the Pappajohn Sculpture Park outside. 4700 Grand Ave., Des Moines, IA.
- Visit the Union Pacific Railroad Museum.
Flickr/America’s Power At this interesting museum, you can explore the history of the railroad with a variety of exhibits and activities. 200 Pearl St., Council Bluffs, IA.
- Go sledding.
Flickr/Phil Roeder If there’s snow on the ground, it’s always fun to let out your inner kid and spend an afternoon sledding. Sledding is usually available in local parks and best of all, it’s fun and absolutely free!
- Go to the Sanford Museum & Planetarium.
Facebook/Sanford Museum & Planetarium The Sanford Museum & Planetarium is a fun and educational place with absolutely free admission. They offer many different kinds of exhibits, including art, Cherokee history, artifacts and more. Their public planetarium show is given on the last Sunday of each month at 2pm. 117 E Willow St., Cherokee, IA.
Did we miss any? Please let us know in the comments. For more affordable and fun Iowa activities, Here Are 10 Awesome Things To Do In Iowa For $10 or Less.
Flickr/Laura Bernhardt
The Grotto is an amazing sight to behold. It’s called the “Eighth Wonder of the World,” and it is believed to be the largest grotto in the world. Located at 300 N Broadway Ave., West Bend, IA.
Flickr/Jason Mrachina
The Iowa State Capitol Building is a beautiful and educational stop where you can marvel at the architecture and learn more about Iowa. Guided tours are available for interested visitors. 1007 E Grand Ave., Des Moines, IA.
Flickr/Susan Groppi
This fascinating place is the oldest university museum west of the Mississippi. You can spend hours wandering through all of the exhibits, ranging from Mammal Hall to the Hall of Birds to the giant sloth exhibit. 17 N Clinton St., Iowa City, IA.
Flickr/Orignaux Moose
Iowa is full of amazing antique stores, so you can be sure that no matter where you live, there’s at least one good one nearby. Antique stores are so full of interesting things, it can be just as fun to explore all of the interesting objects as it is to buy them.
Flickr/Joanna Poe
This gothic revival house was made famous by Grant Wood’s “American Gothic” painting in 1930. You can visit the house and take an “American Gothic” photo of your own. 301 American Gothic St., Eldon, IA.
Wikipedia/The Farm House Museum
This house and museum was built in 1860 and was the home of the first two presidents of Iowa State University. It was also the first house on the campus. Iowa State University, 601 Farm House Ln., Ames, IA.
Flickr/Tony Webster
Iowa’s trail system is second to none. Wherever you are in the state, you’ll be sure to find a trail close to you that will allow you to get outdoors and spend some time with mother nature.
Flickr/TumblingRun
This amazing art center houses exhibits of 20th and 21st century modern and contemporary art. When you’re done looking through the exhibits, make sure to check out the Pappajohn Sculpture Park outside. 4700 Grand Ave., Des Moines, IA.
Flickr/America’s Power
At this interesting museum, you can explore the history of the railroad with a variety of exhibits and activities. 200 Pearl St., Council Bluffs, IA.
Flickr/Phil Roeder
If there’s snow on the ground, it’s always fun to let out your inner kid and spend an afternoon sledding. Sledding is usually available in local parks and best of all, it’s fun and absolutely free!
Facebook/Sanford Museum & Planetarium
The Sanford Museum & Planetarium is a fun and educational place with absolutely free admission. They offer many different kinds of exhibits, including art, Cherokee history, artifacts and more. Their public planetarium show is given on the last Sunday of each month at 2pm. 117 E Willow St., Cherokee, IA.
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