Western Iowa often gets ignored, and it’s easy to see why. With bustling cities like Des Moines, Dubuque, and the Quad Cities far away from the Missouri River, and, well, Nebraska on the other side, plenty of people stay in Iowa’s bigger population centers. However, if you’re looking for an adventure, make it a goal to get to know your state this year, and make a trip to any of these unique spots on the left side of the state.
- Ida Grove
Flickr / Nels Olsen Ida Grove is a charming Iowa town that’s full of castles! One business owner decided to make a lasting impact on the town by turning into a sort of fairytale. Read more about this quirky town here
- Walnut
Wikimedia Commons Walnut is one of the best antiquing cities in the world. Visit to see hundreds of antique dealers in dozens of shops and enormous antique malls. You’re sure to find something unique! Read more about this perfect shopping city here.
- Storm Lake
Flickr / Laura Berndhart Storm Lake is a great town for anyone who wants to truly get away. You’ll find plenty of quaint places to stay, family-owned restaurants, and the little-known Little Storm Lake Trail. Read more about the most beautiful trail in the area here.
- Tobey Jack’s Mineola Steakhouse
Google Local / Tobey Jack’s Mineola Steakhouse Tobey Jack’s is a great choice if you’re in the area, but to truly experience the restaurant, join a Wabash Trace Taco Ride. Bring your bike along, or rent one for the day, and join a group of rowdy cyclists as they make their way out for taco night - with a stop at Margaritaville on the way! Read more about the weekly Taco Ride to the restaurant here.
- Loess Hills Lavender Farm
Facebook / Loess Hills Lavender Farm The Loess Hills Lavender Farm is one of Iowa’s most relaxing destinations. Stroll through fields of aromatic lavender and shop for locally made soaps and lotions to really treat yourself. Treat yourself to a relaxing escape - learn more here.
- Le Mars
Facebook / Le Mars Chamber of Commerce Le Mars, Iowa is the Ice Cream Capital of the world - but that’s not all it is hiding! Visit for a sweet treat, but not until you dine at one of America’s best steakhouses. You read that right - a James Beard award-winning steakhouse is located in this little town. Read more about this amazing foodie destination here.
- Waubonsie State Park
Flickr / Vincent Parsons Waubonsie State Park is located on an impressive ridge along the Loess Hills. Take a hike here to see the unique geographic features that define Western Iowa. Check out the views here.
- Wabash Trace Nature Trail
Facebook / Wabash Nature Trail Marathon The Wabash Trace Nature Trail is so much more than the “Taco Ride Route”, and it’s worth taking a full day to explore this seemingly endless path. You’ll find evidence of the former railway and get to see Iowa history up close. See why this historic rail trail is one of the most popular in the state here.
What’s your favorite destination in Western Iowa? Tell us in the comments below!
Flickr / Nels Olsen
Ida Grove is a charming Iowa town that’s full of castles! One business owner decided to make a lasting impact on the town by turning into a sort of fairytale. Read more about this quirky town here
Wikimedia Commons
Walnut is one of the best antiquing cities in the world. Visit to see hundreds of antique dealers in dozens of shops and enormous antique malls. You’re sure to find something unique! Read more about this perfect shopping city here.
Flickr / Laura Berndhart
Storm Lake is a great town for anyone who wants to truly get away. You’ll find plenty of quaint places to stay, family-owned restaurants, and the little-known Little Storm Lake Trail. Read more about the most beautiful trail in the area here.
Google Local / Tobey Jack’s Mineola Steakhouse
Tobey Jack’s is a great choice if you’re in the area, but to truly experience the restaurant, join a Wabash Trace Taco Ride. Bring your bike along, or rent one for the day, and join a group of rowdy cyclists as they make their way out for taco night - with a stop at Margaritaville on the way! Read more about the weekly Taco Ride to the restaurant here.
Facebook / Loess Hills Lavender Farm
The Loess Hills Lavender Farm is one of Iowa’s most relaxing destinations. Stroll through fields of aromatic lavender and shop for locally made soaps and lotions to really treat yourself. Treat yourself to a relaxing escape - learn more here.
Facebook / Le Mars Chamber of Commerce
Le Mars, Iowa is the Ice Cream Capital of the world - but that’s not all it is hiding! Visit for a sweet treat, but not until you dine at one of America’s best steakhouses. You read that right - a James Beard award-winning steakhouse is located in this little town. Read more about this amazing foodie destination here.
Flickr / Vincent Parsons
Waubonsie State Park is located on an impressive ridge along the Loess Hills. Take a hike here to see the unique geographic features that define Western Iowa. Check out the views here.
Facebook / Wabash Nature Trail Marathon
The Wabash Trace Nature Trail is so much more than the “Taco Ride Route”, and it’s worth taking a full day to explore this seemingly endless path. You’ll find evidence of the former railway and get to see Iowa history up close. See why this historic rail trail is one of the most popular in the state here.
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