Visiting Iowa

This summer, make your way into Iowa – the Hawkeye State. Enjoy the rolling hills and charming, midwestern hospitality that make Iowa cities shine. Cities like Cedar Rapids, Altoona, and Davenport virtually come to life with summertime activity. Head to Cedar Rapids and check out the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art, or visit Altoona and cool off during the summer at the Adventureland Amusement Park – new for 2012 is Adventure Bay Breaker Beach, the largest wave pool in Iowa. Davenport, a fine border city set near Illinois, offers excellent summertime views at the Vander Veen Botanical Park.

Council Bluffs, set in Iowa’s southwestern corner, was known as Kanesville until 1852. While traveling through Council Bluffs, plan a visit to the Historic General Dodge House, or enjoy the summer with a hike around Lake Manawa State Park. May 11, plan for the Grand Reopening of the Union Pacific Railroad Museum. Looking to shoot a round of 18? Check out the Fox Run Golf Course, not far from downtown Council Bluffs.

North of the state capital Des Moines is Ames, home to the Iowa State University Cyclones. Make a trip to the Southwest Athletic Complex on May 11 and watch as the ISU Cyclones softball team battles the University of Oklahoma Sooners, in the last series of the regular season.

Since you’ll be close to the ISU campus, explore the Reiman Gardens. With 11 unique and satisfying gardens to view, Reiman Gardens is a delight during the spring and summer. Let the kids have a ball at the Story City Antique Carousel. After a few spins on the carousel, head to the Brunnier Art Museum – free and open to the public. April 15, don’t miss out on Movement, Music, and Art, a fine event held at the Brunnier Art Museum. Ames hosts comedian Red Green at the Stephens Auditorium on May 2 – check it out if you’re in the mood for a laugh.

Cedar Rapids, intersected by the Cedar River, is home to the Ushers Ferry Historic Village. Many guests of the Best Western Cedar Rapids hotel enjoy a visit to the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art. Don’t miss a fun and charitable night at the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art on April 28, when they host the Martini Madness Mad Men Mash-Up – a trendy event, featuring cocktails, appetizers, and live music from the Fred Gazzo Band, a local favorite.

One of the major draws for Iowa is the University of Iowa. With their many sports programs, many guests travel from across the country to watch their favorite schools battle the Hawkeyes. Head to Coralville, just minutes from Iowa City, where the Uof I is located, and you’re in prime position to catch the Hawkeyes baseball team take on the Purdue Boilermakers on May 17, live at Duane Banks Field.

Iowa Hotel Map