Our Picks For The 15 Best Tours & Things To Do In Iowa

Iowa might be known for its sprawling cornfields and simple charm, but it’s also a surprisingly diverse place for tours and activities. Whether you’re into historic architecture, outdoor adventures, or urban exploration, Iowa offers something for all.

We especially love the Personal Guided Tour of the Covered Bridges of Madison County because it combines storytelling, history, and cinematic nostalgia in a way that makes the landscape come alive.

Plus, if you’re a fan of the classic film, walking across the Roseman or Cutler-Donahoe Bridges is like stepping into the movie’s scenes.

For outdoor lovers, the Kayak Rentals at Quarry Springs Outfitters offer a peaceful paddle on a spring-fed lake, perfect for families and beginners.

And if urban adventures are more your style, the Des Moines Scavenger Hunts provide a fun, interactive way to explore the city.

Iowa’s variety of guided tours, scavenger hunts, and outdoor activities ensures you can tailor your trip to fit your interests, budget, and pace. Above all, many of these experiences are highly rated for their local insights and fun, making Iowa a surprisingly lively and engaging destination.

1. Personal Guided Tour of the Covered Bridges of Madison County

At number 1 on our list, the Personal Guided Tour of the Covered Bridges of Madison County is a must for anyone interested in Iowa’s most iconic sights. This private tour, rated 4.5/5 from 51 reviews, lasts about 2 hours and is customizable to your interests.

It begins at the Madison County Chamber of Commerce in Winterset, where your guide shares insights into the bridges’ history and their place in film history.

You’ll visit several National Register of Historic Places covered bridges, including the famous Roseman Bridge from the movie “The Bridges of Madison County.” The guide can take you off the beaten path to explore scenic spots and film sets, making it a personalized experience. The tour’s value lies in its flexibility and depth—perfect for history buffs or film fans.

Bottom Line: If you’re in Iowa and want a hands-on, intimate look at these historic bridges—and maybe pretend you’re in a Hollywood movie—this private tour offers a rich experience for just over $30. It’s especially great if you want a relaxed, tailored visit.

2. Kayak Rentals at Quarry Springs Outfitters

For a change of pace, number 2 is the Kayak Rentals at Quarry Springs Outfitters. This rated 5.0/5 from 6 reviews offers a peaceful paddle on a 240-acre spring-fed lake just east of Des Moines. The waters are gentle, making it an ideal choice for families, beginners, or anyone looking to enjoy nature without rough rapids.

You can rent a single or multi-passenger kayak for up to 4 hours and explore the quiet, scenic surroundings. The location is perfect for escaping the city buzz and enjoying Iowa’s natural beauty.

Rental prices are very reasonable at just over $15 per person, and the experience is straightforward—just show up, rent your gear, and start paddling.

Bottom Line: If you want a low-key, scenic water adventure in central Iowa, Quarry Springs offers excellent value and a serene environment for a half-day outing.

3. Adventurous Scavenger Hunt in Des Moines by Zombie Scavengers

Number 3 on our list is the Adventurous Scavenger Hunt in Des Moines by Zombie Scavengers, rated 5.0/5 from a single review.

This one-hour game turns the city into an apocalyptic scenario, where your team uses your smartphone to “survive” by completing challenges and collecting items—think zombie-themed adventures with a fun twist. The game is flexible—you can start and stop as needed—and includes a remote guide offering hints.

It’s perfect for groups looking for a lively, interactive activity that combines sightseeing with a playful storyline. The immersion makes it a great option for families or friends who enjoy puzzles, humor, and a bit of role-playing.

Bottom Line: This quick, fun, and uniquely themed tour is ideal for those who want a memorable, humorous way to see Des Moines and test their teamwork.

4. Des Moines Dash Scavenger Hunt

Number 4, the Des Moines Dash Scavenger Hunt, offers a 2-hour private adventure rated 4.5/5. Using your smartphone, your group will solve clues and complete challenges while exploring the city’s hidden corners.

The game is designed to be flexible—players can explore indoor and outdoor spots, talk to locals, and document their findings along the way. Your remote guide will keep you on track, making this a well-organized yet highly customizable experience.

It’s a good choice for travelers who enjoy puzzles, local interaction, and a competitive edge, with a focus on discovering lesser-known sites.

Bottom Line: For those who prefer a mix of sightseeing and brain-teasing fun, this private scavenger hunt provides a dynamic way to experience downtown Des Moines.

5. Murder Mystery Detective Experience in Ames IA

Number 5 is the Murder Mystery Detective Experience in Ames IA, rated 4.0/5 from one review. Over 2.5 hours, you’ll become a detective solving a staged murder, visiting 10 mapped locations across Ames. You can explore downtown via a Walking Map or take a Driving Map for out-of-town sites, adding flexibility to the adventure.

This audio-based experience involves listening to clues and piecing together the story, making it engaging and interactive.

It’s great for crime lovers or those who enjoy a theatrical challenge, especially since it can be customized to your preferred pace.

Bottom Line: If a murder mystery with a local twist sounds appealing, this experience offers a fun, immersive way to spend an evening in Ames.

6. Participate in a Fun Scavenger Hunt in Davenport by Zombie Scavengers

Number 6 is the Zombie Scavengers in Davenport, rated 3.5/5. This one-hour team game challenges you to find items needed to survive the zombie apocalypse using your smartphone. Complete fun challenges and find items in any order, earning points for a spot on the leaderboard. The remote host offers chat support, making it accessible and social.

It’s ideal for groups seeking a quick, lively activity that mixes problem-solving with a bit of role-play, all set against Davenport’s urban backdrop.

Bottom Line: If you’re after a fast-paced, zombie-themed challenge that sparks teamwork, this scavenger hunt is a good, affordable choice.

7. Explore Des Moines with a Unique Scavenger Hunt by Operation City Quest

Number 7, the Operation City Quest in Des Moines, is a budget-friendly option rated 1.0/5 from one recent review. Using an app, you’ll find objects around the city, take photos, and complete challenges for points. It’s a self-paced activity that works well for small groups or families wanting to explore at their leisure, with a remote host available for hints.

Bottom Line: For a low-cost way to see Des Moines while solving riddles, this scavenger hunt offers fun, though recent reviews suggest it might not be for everyone.

8. Des Moines City Scavenger Hunt by 3Quest Challenge

Next, the Des Moines City Scavenger Hunt by 3Quest Challenge, costs only $10 per person, but has no reviews yet. It involves solving riddles and completing photo challenges across three quests, making it a good choice for puzzle-solvers who want a structured experience over 2 hours. You can set your own pace and cherish the fun of discovering city landmarks in a game format.

Bottom Line: A straightforward, affordable option for players who enjoy riddles and photo challenges—it’s flexible and easy to organize.

9. Adventurous Scavenger Hunt in Davenport by 3Quest Challenge

Number 9 features the Davenport 3Quest Challenge, which costs $10 per person. Like its sister in Des Moines, it involves collecting items and completing challenges over three quests, with the option to set a time limit. It’s perfect for competitive groups or families wanting an active, engaging way to explore Davenport.

Bottom Line: This game provides a fun, interactive way to learn about Davenport while competing with friends—good value for the price.

10. Cedar Rapids Scavenger Hunt by Operation City Quest

At number 10, the Cedar Rapids Scavenger Hunt is a fun, affordable activity rated 0/5 so far. It challenges you to find 60 objects across the downtown area using a smartphone. You’ll earn points by sending photos and completing challenges, with a remote guide assisting along the way. It’s a flexible way to see Cedar Rapids and get some exercise while solving riddles and performing fun tasks.

Bottom Line: If you’re in Cedar Rapids and enjoy scavenger hunts, this activity offers a straightforward, engaging way to explore the city.

11. Creative Cedar Rapids Scavenger Hunt

Next is the Creative Cedar Rapids Scavenger Hunt, rated 0/5. This bespoke experience involves a live, remote host guiding you through a creative, interactive adventure. It combines elements of tour, challenge, and social experiment, giving participants a chance to discover the city in a more personalized way. It’s ideal if you’re looking for something unique and highly tailored.

Bottom Line: Best suited for those seeking a custom, interactive experience that goes beyond typical scavenger hunts.

12. Des Moines Art Walk Experience

Number 12 is the Des Moines Art Walk Experience, rated 0/5 from one review. This 1.5-hour app-led adventure guides you through the city’s art and cultural sites, with trivia and puzzles along the way. It’s perfect for art lovers or those wanting a relaxed but engaging way to see local galleries, murals, and landmarks.

Bottom Line: If your idea of fun includes discovering local art and architecture, this lightweight, self-paced tour is a good choice.

13. Dubuques Historic Downtown GPS Self Guided Walking Tour

In 13th place is the Dubuque Historic Downtown GPS Self-Guided Tour. Starting at Saint Raphael’s Cathedral, this tour lets you explore the city’s historic sites at your own pace. It covers notable landmarks like the Julien Dubuque Monument and the town clock, sharing stories along the way. It’s an excellent budget option for those who prefer flexibility and self-direction.

Bottom Line: For history and architecture enthusiasts who like to set their own pace, this self-guided walk offers a rundown of Dubuque’s core.

14. Holiday Scavenger Hunt in Des Moines by Holly Jolly Hunt

Number 14, the Holiday Scavenger Hunt in Des Moines, is perfect for seasonal fun, rated 0/5. Using an app, families and friends can hunt for holiday-themed items around the city, earning points for each find. This one-hour activity is designed for the holiday season, making it ideal for festive gatherings and creating lasting memories during December.

Bottom Line: If you’re visiting during the holidays, this scavenger hunt adds a fun, themed activity to your itinerary.

15. Murder Mystery Detective Experience in Sioux City IA

Rounding out the list, the Murder Mystery Detective Experience in Sioux City, shares similar features with the Ames version. Over 2.5 hours, you visit 10 sites with an audio story that challenges you to solve a staged murder.

You can choose walking or driving routes, making it adaptable to your preferred style of exploration. It’s great for crime buffs or groups wanting to add a theatrical twist to their Sioux City visit.

Bottom Line: For a fun, interactive murder mystery with flexible logistics, this experience delivers a memorable evening.

How to Choose the Right Tour in Iowa

Choosing among Iowa’s diverse tours depends on your interests and travel style. For history lovers and film fans, the Covered Bridges of Madison County tour offers an authentic experience steeped in local lore.

Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate kayaking at Quarry Springs or the seasonal Holly Jolly Hunt. If you prefer city exploration, scavenger hunts like the ones in Des Moines or Cedar Rapids combine fun with discovery.

For those seeking a more immersive, personalized experience, the guided private tour provides detailed insights into Iowa’s most famous landmarks.

Think about your budget, time constraints, and whether you prefer self-guided, group, or private adventures, then book early—these experiences fill up quickly!

Iowa offers a wide range of tours and activities that showcase its historic sites, natural beauty, and lively urban scenes. Whether you’re wandering through covered bridges, paddling across peaceful lakes, or solving puzzles in city scavenger hunts, there’s something for every traveler.

If your schedule allows, consider combining a few options—for example, pairing a guided historic tour with an adventurous outdoor activity—to make the most of your trip.

Don’t forget to check availability and book in advance, especially for popular experiences like the private Madison County tour or the seasonal hunts.

In summary, Iowa’s charm isn’t just in its landscape but in its ability to surprise visitors with engaging, authentic activities. From cultural explorations in Dubuque to outdoor adventures near Des Moines, planning ahead will help you find the perfect fit.

So, whether you want a relaxing day touring historic bridges or a lively scavenger hunt with friends, Iowa’s tour options are ready to deliver memorable moments—just don’t wait too long to reserve your spot!