Iowa has been in the spotlight of the national news media for the ongoing attempts at manipulation of the legal definition of marriage by the Iowa judicial system.
Ever the merchants, local civic officials are now bracing for the anticipated rise in “tourism” – when I see that, I read “Gay people visiting Iowa solely for the marriage certificate”. Eyeballs in the state, yes, but tourism? Not so much.
In case the bullhorns of the national media have drowned out the many legitimate reasons to visit the great state of Iowa, I just wanted to remind everyone that Iowa does indeed provide excellent real tourist attractions for everyone – regardless of your sexual preferences.
Here are five to get you started. Remember, though, some of the most enjoyable experiences you’ll have in Iowa are the ones you discover yourself – so start here, but then explore on your own. I think you’ll be back!
1. See The Law of the Land Being Made. It seems fitting to start the list with the epicenter of the current “shockwaves”, as one radio outlet refers to the gay marriage legal acrobatics. The Capitol Building in Des Moines is a beautiful building, built in the late 1800s in Des Moines, Iowa. You can take a virtual tour here. The capitol is full of architectural and historical curiosities, as well as some magnificent art commemorating various people and events in the state’s history. One of my favorite displays growing up was a collection of figurines depicting all of the “first ladies” in Iowa (governors’ wives). The state government of Iowa is comprised of an executive branch (Governor’s Office), a legislative branch (two chambers, the House and the Senate) and a judicial branch (culminating with the state Supreme Court). All three branches have their offices here in the capitol.
2. Take Me Out to the Ballgame. The Iowa Cubs are the AAA farm team for the Chicago Cubs, and they play ball at Principal Park in downtown Des Moines, Iowa. Known by the locals as the “I-Cubs”, this is one family-friendly and affordable way to spend a warm summer’s evening in Des Moines. The ball club belongs to the Pacific Coast League and the park is one of the best places in town to see and to be seen, so check out the schedule and go to a game.
3. “A Place For All Seasons, But Most Fun in the Summertime.” The Iowa Great Lakes are located in the northwestern corner of the state, near the Minnesota and South Dakota state lines. West Lake Okoboji, East Lake Okoboji, and Spirit Lake make up the principal lakes of the Iowa Great Lakes and the surrounding area in Dickinson County. The region is a favorite vacation and resort spot for both locals and people from around the country. With numerous fine dining opportunities, fishing and recreational boating, camping, and dozens of opportunities for kids, Okoboji and the Iowa Great Lakes will become a favorite spot for you, calling you back year after year. A usual stop for me is the Maritime Museum. Their web site is still under construction, but they are in the resort town of Arnold’s Park. And while you’re in Arnold’s Park, don’t neglect the obvious (visit the beach, hit the dining spots, enjoy some “night life”, etc.).
4. “Recently Recognized by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.” Not everyone can say that about their neighborhood, but we rock in Iowa. Nowhere more so than at the Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake, in northern Iowa. Of course, the momentous airplane crash of fifty years ago – “The Day the Music died” – is what many will remember about Clear Lake, Iowa, and the Surf Ballroom. And the Surf remembers, too, but the venue has also moved forward – playing host to musical acts from around the country and from around the world. From ballrooom dancing and Big Band music, to swing, to jazz, to country, today’s Surf Ballroom serves up something for all musical tastes. The upcoming Leisure Suit Party is sure to become a regional favorite. Be sure to make room in your schedule for a stop at this Iowa landmark!
5. “Four Times the City, Four Times the Fun!” This was heard uttered by a musician in the band “Semisonic”, performing at a rock and roll show I attended in the “quad-Cities”, the name given to the metro area made up of Davenport and Bettendorf in Iowa, and Rock Island and Moline in Illinois. More evidence that Iowa rocks: the “Quads”, as the region is locally known, are home to lots of great music, and a great place to learn more is the River Music Experience. Davenport is a stop on “Iowa’s River Road”, an effort to celebrate the cities of the Mississippi River. Stop and stay a while – lots of great surprises await you around each corner.
Well, there you have it – five great Iowa destinations for tourists of every stripe – not just rainbow striped (*rimshot*). Don’t feel like you need to bring your unicorn – just come on out (*buhdum BUM*). Sorry – poor attempts at cheap humor 
.
Anyway, I could easily expand this to twenty-five or thirty attractions you don’t want to miss, but I won’t. Because you will disover them for yourself once you arrive. All are affordable and accessible, and you’ll find that the people here are super accommodating when you need something.
Here’s a favor I’m going to ask of you: respond in the comments with your own list of great things to see and do in Iowa! Doesn’t matter if you’re a visitor or a native, just tell us!
