If you’re like me, maybe you don’t have the money to go on a luxurious spring break trip (or the time). Maybe you don’t want to risk your health and want to stay proactive. Maybe all your plans have been cancelled, and you need something else to do. So, you’re stuck in Iowa for a whole week. Let’s be real, Iowa doesn’t have a lot going on that most of us haven’t already seen. If you don’t have any big plans or can only afford to miss one day of work, here are a few local ideas that won’t break your budget. All you need is a car and maybe a friend or two to accompany you.
If you like outdoorsy activities, Iowa’s probably got some of the best options. Want to spend a day hiking or biking? Some of the best parks include Maquoketa Caves State Park, Ledges State Park, Dubuque Arboretum and Botanical Gardens, and Iowa’s National Parks (Effigy Mounds and Herbert Hoover Historical Site), but Iowa has plenty more if these don’t do it for you.
If you prefer indoor activities, museums are always a great way to spend a day. Some local museums include: Cedar Rapids Museum of Art, National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium, and the Science Center of Iowa (not a museum, but still just as fun!).
Des Moines probably has the most to do, so if you want to spend a day in the capitol, here is a list of sites to see and things to do: Gray’s Lake, Pappajohn Sculpture Park, Botanical Gardens, the Des Moines Art Center, and Jordan Creek Mall.
If you want more than just a day trip, take some friends and spend a couple days in Chicago or Minneapolis. Both offer a lot to do: Navy Pier, Millennium Park, Mall of America, museums, parks, and shopping centers.
While it’s not an exhaustive list, hopefully you find a couple ideas interesting and spend some time off campus. The Midwest has plenty of excitement and adventure to offer – if you know where to find it!