A sunny beach probably doesn’t come to mind when you envision Iowa, but the Hawkeye State is full of surprises. The spring-fed Clear Lake on our cover is just one of many water-based adventures and “Unexpected Iowa” attractions we highlight in our 2017 Iowa Tour Guide.
The state is more than its stunning prairie vistas and vibrant cities; it’s also filled with museums and marvels off the beaten path. In “Unexpected Iowa,” you can learn about the Traer Salt and Pepper Shaker Gallery, which boasts over 16,000 matching sets, and Snake Alley, declared the “Crookedest Street in the World” by Ripley’s Believe it or Not. You can also “have a catch” at the Field of Dreams Movie Site, the location of the 1989 Kevin Costner classic. Clear Lake is far from the only aquatic attraction in Iowa; you can learn about everything from riverboat cruises to lakeshore retreats in our “Making a Splash” feature. Dubuque’s American Lady Yacht Cruise down the Mississippi River, the Maiden Voyage Tours in McGregor and the kayaking opportunities at Honey Creek Resort State Park and more are all profiled.
In addition to our feature coverage, we’ve provided “Iowa Without a Passport”—a comprehensive preview of the Iowa Group Travel Association’s 2017 FAM tour. Highlights of this year’s itinerary include the recreational trails of Marshalltown, the masterpieces at the Clarinda Carnegie Art Museum and a traditional Dutch meal in Pella.
We hope you enjoy the issue, and know that the IGTA is committed to creating an authentic and comprehensive Iowa group tour experience.