If you are considering spending your romantic honeymoon in the Midwest, think about Iowa. From its vibrant capital, Des Moines, to quaint idyllic villages, Iowa is your best getaway. Spend the warm summertime lazing by a refreshing lake, play a game of golf, or go snowmobiling in the winter. Visit a romantic drive-in theater in the fall. You won’t run out of fun activities during your Iowa honeymoon.
In Des Moines, the Prairie Meadows Casino Racetrack and Hotel has everything you want, from a saltwater pool to a state-of-the-art fitness center. Their AJ’s Steakhouse prides itself in serving juicy steaks and signature drinks. At the casino, you will find 85,000 square feet of slots and other games – the most exciting gaming outside of Las Vegas. The casino also broadcasts live horse racing every weekend.
Explore our guide to the best honeymoon destinations in the USA.
If you are in Sioux City, you will encounter both art and history. It is the ideal small midwestern town for picnics and exploring. And there is a lot to see. The Grotto of Redemption in the West Bend district is considered by many as the Eighth Wonder of the World. It is the essence of tranquility. The Grotto is the work of a German seminarian, Father Dobberstein, who became seriously ill. He prayed that if he was healed, he would build a shrine to the Virgin Mary.
When Dobberstein recovered, he went, of all unlikely places, across the Atlantic to Sioux City, Iowa. He stockpiled building material for almost 15 years by traveling hundreds of miles. Rocks were shipped to Sioux City by railroad. Then he began digging and building. The construction took him 42 years of sheer muscle power. His miracle sparkling grotto spans a city block, built largely from colorful quartz, topaz, and other beautiful stones. As a honeymoon destination, there is a lot of glitter in Iowa.
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Table of Contents
Best Hotels for Your Iowa Honeymoon 🏨
About Iowa 📖
Best Time to Visit Iowa 📅
Top Things to do in Iowa 👫
Weather in Iowa ☀️
Surety Hotel
Located at the historic building in Des Moines, Surety hotel is now a top-rated hotel in Iowa. This hotel is famous amongst travelers as it offers many facilities and services.
They provide many property amenities, including meeting rooms, a banquet room, outdoor dining, gym, bar, etc. The unique design of the building and the modern features of the rooms create a space in travelers’ hearts. Besides, rooms are spacious, comfortable, and decorated with lots of features.
They serve healthy and amazing meals. Drinks from their bar are also excellent. Have your complimentary coffee and enjoy yourself.
Moreover, many attractions and restaurants are within walking distance. Visit them in your free time. If you’re a pet lover and want to travel with your pet, remember Surety hotel is pet-friendly.
Surety hotel is romantic, secluded, and secured. This hotel can be a great choice for honeymoons, getaways, and other vacation destinations. Try Surety hotel and experience luxury.
More Information on Surety Hotel
Average Price Range: $205 to $262
All Inclusive: No
Adults Only: No
Villas Available: No
Number of Rooms: 137
AmericInn by Wyndham Fairfield
AmericInn is a top-rated luxurious hotel. Standing in Iowa, AmericInn offers many facilities and services to its guests.
They provide facilities including meeting rooms, pool, hot tub, bar, gym, etc. Parking is free for guests. Besides, rooms are spacious, comfortable, and decorated with modern features. You can enjoy a stress-free, relaxing vacation and enjoy yourself in AmericInn.
AmericInn serves healthy and delicious meals. Have your complimentary breakfast, and you can also try a buffet breakfast. The drinks they serve from their bar are excellent.
In addition, You can enjoy many activities like swimming, golf, walking around, and others. The hotel staffs are amicable and helpful. They will guide you with everything you need. Moreover, you can explore the city and city attractions and restaurants as they are within walking distance.
AmericInn offers a romantic, luxurious environment and secluded area for honeymooners, newlyweds, and couples. Try AmericInn and have a great vacation.
More Information on AmericInn by Wyndham Fairfield
Average Price Range: $114 to $162
All Inclusive: No
Adults Only: No
Villas Available: No
Number of Rooms: 63
Cobblestone Inn & Suites
Nestled near Denison, Cobblestone welcomes guests cordially. Offering many helpful facilities, Cobblestone is one of the finest hotels in Iowa.
They provide facilities including, meeting room, banquet room, outdoor fireplace, gym, wifi, etc. Parking is free for the guests. Besides, rooms are spacious, comfortable, and decorated with lots of furniture. You can have a relaxing amazing vacation trip in Cobblestone.
Cobblestone serves healthy, delicious meals and excellent drinks. Try their buffet breakfast and enjoy your morning.
In addition, you can enjoy the water park and golf in Cobblestone. Also, if you want to explore the city, ask the hotel staff. They are helpful, friendly, and they will guide you with everything you need. Many attractions and restaurants are within walking distance. Visit them in your free time.
Cobblestone offers a romantic environment, secluded area, and luxurious facilities to newlyweds, honeymooners. This hotel can make your vacation great and memorable.
More Information on Cobblestone Inn & Suites
Average Price Range: $132 to $143
All Inclusive: No
Adults Only: No
Villas Available: No
Number of Rooms: 32
Historic Park Inn
Historic park hotel is famous for its unique design and is one of the top-rated hotels in Iowa.
They offer many facilities, including airport transportation, meeting rooms, banquet room, gym, etc. Rooms are spacious, comfortable, and decorated with modern features.
In addition, they serve mesmerizing healthy meals, and drinks from their bar are excellent. The hotel staffs are amicable, helpful, and they will guide you. Their warm hospitality and service will please you. They keep the hotel neat and clean, and sanitized.
Moreover, you can enjoy many activities during your stay. Many restaurants and attractions are within walking distance. Visit them in your free time. Besides, explore and experience the lifestyle of locals.
Historic Park Inn offers a secluded area, romantic environment, and private space for newlyweds and couples. This hotel can be a great destination for honeymoons, getaways, and other vacation destinations. Experience a great vacation in Historic Park Inn.
More Information on Historic Park Inn
Average Price Range: $107 to $166
All Inclusive: No
Adults Only: No
Villas Available: No
Number of Rooms: 27
The Hotel at Kirkwood Center
Presenting the beauty of Iowa and top-rated The Hotel at Kirkwood Center. This hotel offers many facilities and services to its guests.
They provide facilities including airport transportation, taxi service, meeting rooms, banquet room, picnic area, gym, etc. Besides, the unique design and the modern features attract guests the most. Rooms are spacious, comfortable, and decorated with many furniture.
Have your complimentary tea and instant coffee. They serve healthy, delicious meals, and drinks from their bar are excellent. If you’re on a diet, try meals from special diet menus.
In addition, you can enjoy many activities here. Rent a bicycle from them and explore the city. Besides, many attractions and restaurants are nearby. Visit them in your free time.
The Hotel at Kirkwood Center can make a great destination for honeymoons, romantic getaways, and other vacation trips. Experience luxury, romantic, and friendly environment in The Hotel at Kirkwood Center.
More Information on The Hotel at Kirkwood Center
Average Price Range: $170 to $215
All Inclusive: No
Adults Only: No
Villas Available: No
Number of Rooms: 71
About Iowa
Iowa, known as the Hawkeye State, is filled with history. It was included in President Jefferson’s Louisiana Purchase, which transferred ownership of a great deal of land from France to the United States. Lewis and Clark were some of the first explorers of the territory. They traveled the Missouri River, with stopovers in Council Bluffs, Sioux City, and Onawa, Iowa. For history lovers, their trail can be recreated today. In Onawa, the annual Lewis and Clark Festival in June includes a boat ride and re-enactment of the explorers’ visit. The Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center in Sioux City is a monument to the pair’s stay in the city, including another re-enactment.
More Iowa history can be found in West Branch, President Herbert Hoover’s birthplace and the site of the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum.
One of Iowa’s favorite events for almost two hundred years is the Iowa State Fair, which takes place in mid-August in Des Moines. Millions of visitors flock here every year. There are the traditional carnival rides and food. Fancy a fried Oreo, or are you more into the huge butter sculptures made to represent John Deere tractors or the Da Vinci’s Last Supper? These are sights you will find nowhere else.
The painting, American Gothic, may be the most quintessential American piece of art. See a replica of this artwork fill up the side of a barn in Mt. Vernon, near Cedar Rapids. This barn is hidden along Rt. 30 without any signs. This rendition, which stays true to its original, was painted by a local art teacher. To see the original house in the painting, visit the American Gothic House in the city of Eldon. Change into a farm costume, grab a pitchfork, and have your own American Gothic picture taken. You’ll have Iowa honeymoon stories to tell the grandkids.
If you are a country music fan, you will find singer Buddy Holly’s airplane crash site near Clear Lake. Thousands of fans come to visit. The site is not easy to find, and you may need to ask for directions. Drive five minutes off I-35, until you arrive at Buddy’s sign depicting his trademark glasses. Walk a quarter of a mile until you reach the memorial for those that passed away on what is known as The Night that Music Died.
Beach living is rarely associated with Iowa. However, one of Iowa’s most gorgeous attractions is the chain of lakes on the Minnesota border. These pure, crystal lakes are the result of melted glaciers. Two of the loveliest lakes are Okoboji Lake and Spirit Lake. Enjoy watersports, swimming, sunbathing, great dining, and shopping. For a romantic stay, try the adult-only (no noisy children!) Oakwood Inn, with its peaceful garden and ponds.
Best Time to Visit Iowa
Iowa’s many festivals attract a throng of visitors each year. There is no boring time in Iowa.
Nordic Fest
This is mid-America embracing its diverse heritage. During the last week in July, the Nordic Fest in Decorah brings Viking history to life. There are Norwegian arts and crafts, Norwegian food, folk dancing, and fireworks.
Pella Tulip Time
Moving on from the Vikings, Iowans celebrate everything Dutch at the Pella Tulip Time in Pella. During the first week in May, Pella is alive for three days with traditional Dutch costumes, marching bands, parades, food, dancing, and, of course, beautiful tulips. It’s like going back in time to a Dutch village.
Des Moines Arts Festival
The three-day Des Moines Arts Festival is one of Iowa’s most anticipated events, with 200,000 visitors attending during the last week in June. It brings together music, paintings, and film as 150 artists display their handiwork. Food and drinks are available for a hungry crowd. The festival is free. However, a special $80 package will provide you with entrée to the hospitality suite and air-conditioned restrooms, in addition to free refreshments. There will be several stages with musical acts.
Des Moines Bacon Festival
How far would you travel for a genuine bacon festival? This is an amazing event held in Des Moines at the end of February at the Iowa Events Center. And it’s all about bacon. There are eating contests, live entertainment, and a Bacon Queen. Six bars will help you wash down all the delicious bacon-inspired dishes.
Top Things to do in Iowa
Mississippi Dinner Cruises
Iowa borders the Mississippi River. Few things are as fun or spectacular as a Mississippi Dinner Cruise. And it’s perfect for an Iowa honeymoon excursion. Dinner cruises depart from Dubuque and float down the fabulous Mississippi. From lunch cruises, sightseeing tours, dinner cruises, and happy hour, choose the cruise that suits you best. The sunset dinner cruise is a perennial favorite. The food is catered by Catfish Charlie’s.
Des Moines Botanical Garden
Heat up your romantic Iowa honeymoon with a stroll through the Des Moines Botanical Garden. There are several gardens within the garden, each one offering something different. In addition to the breathtaking flowers, the Botanical Garden has several iconic sculptures to add to the beauty.
One of the gardens is the Hillside Garden, with its splendid waterfall and paths leading through spring florals. The Wells Fargo Rose Garden focuses, as the name implies, on a variety of roses developed at the Iowa State University.
The Bridges of Madison County
It was a delightful movie, and it is on most visitors’ must-see list. These lovely bridges are beloved Des Moines landmarks. Learn more about their history by taking a guided tour and see what inspired one of the most romantic movies made.
Valle Drive-In in Newton
Remember how naughty drive-ins could get? Recreate your favorite date night by spending an evening at the Valle Drive-In Theater just outside of Des Moines. Snuggle close. Whether you watch the movie is up to you.
Crystal Lake Cave
The Crystal Lake Caves in Dubuque are a secret gem not everyone knows about. This being Iowa, it’s not surprising that these caves are located beneath a cornfield. They are something remarkable to behold. Do some spelunking 50 feet below the surface of the earth and marvel at the clearest underground pool you can imagine. In the summer, the cave is a welcome relief from the heat.
You will admire the incredible stalagmites that ran throughout the cave. The lighting is fairly dim, and there is usually the quiet of trickling water. The perfect setting for some romance.
Mont Rest Inn
High above a cliff by the Mississippi River in Dubuque is one of the most fascinating – and romantic – inns you might ever encounter. This luxury bed & breakfast has 13 suites, all with Jacuzzis and fireplaces. Breakfast is included, as is concierge service.
What makes this inn so special is its dressed-up for dinner special events. All these dinners include photographic remembrances.
- Murder Mystery Dinner. You become a fully costumed character in a mysterious who-done-it. After a scrumptious meal, you will mingle with other diners until the bodies appear. It’s up to you to solve the mystery.
- A Private Dinner. A dinner just for the two of you constitutes the ideal Iowa honeymoon. You will be served either in the conservatory, library, or veranda. Dessert will include a choice of cheesecake, mousse, or tiramisu. This is as romantic as an Iowa honeymoon gets.
- Dinner on the Titanic. This dinner recreates the opulence of the Titanic’s first-class travel and its last meal. Your meal will be served on precious antique china. Like the ship’s passengers, you will have your personal steward and maid help you into fabulous evening clothes before you enjoy a spectacular meal consisting of up to 12 courses.
- The Great Gatsby Evening. This is an evening filled with great dining and hot jazz. You will be dressed in jazz-age clothes.
- Downton Abbey. Prepare to be transported into an Edwardian world of elegance and privilege. After being dressed by your personal maid or valet, enjoy a meal fit for royalty.
Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad
Enjoy a train tour gliding along the unique scenery of Ames, Iowa. Choose from dinner tours, sunset tours, or a tour to a winery.
Weather in Iowa
The state of Iowa is landlocked and bordered by six states. The Mississippi River flows through the state. Iowa is quite prone to tornados and can get up to 40 a year, mostly in the spring and summer. The summer temperatures usually remain comfortably in the 90s, which the hottest weather hitting in July. July also sees the most rain.
Winter can get cold, but the temperature rarely goes below freezing and remains in the 40s and 50s. There are about 30 days of snow. Snow fall can be extreme and snow in entire villages.
