2 Days · Active Retirees
Pikes Peak State Park (IA), Iowa
Bluff Light and River Towns: Two Easy Days at Pikes Peak State Park
4 stops
3 Days · Solo
Pikes Peak State Park (IA), Iowa
Bluff Light & River Towns: 3 Days at Pikes Peak State Park
8 stops
3 Days · Active Retirees
Pikes Peak State Park (IA), Iowa
Bluff Light & River Towns: Three Slow Days Above the Mississippi
6 stops
2 Days · Young Families
Pikes Peak State Park (IA), Iowa
Bluffs, Bratz, and Barges: A Family Weekend at Pikes Peak State Park
4 stops
3 Days · Couples
Pikes Peak State Park (IA), Iowa
Bluff Light & River Time: 3 Days at Pikes Peak State Park
6 stops
2 Days · Solo
Des Moines River Valley, Iowa
River Light & Sandstone Silence: Two Days in the Des Moines Valley
4 stops
2 Days · Teen Families
Des Moines River Valley, Iowa
River Bluffs & Botanical Light: A Des Moines Valley Weekend
3 stops
2 Days · Teen Families
Okoboji Lakes (Iowa Great Lakes), Iowa
Sun, Sand & Second Chances: Two Days on West Okoboji
6 stops
2 Days · Teen Families
Pikes Peak State Park (IA), Iowa
Bluffs, Barges, and Small-Town Light: 2 Days at Pikes Peak State Park
6 stops
2 Days · Solo
Okoboji Lakes (Iowa Great Lakes), Iowa
Glacial Water, Golden Hours: A Solo Weekend at Okoboji
4 stops
2 Days · Solo
Pikes Peak State Park (IA), Iowa
Bluff Light & River Towns: Two Days at Pikes Peak State Park
5 stops
2 Days · Couples
Pikes Peak State Park (IA), Iowa
Bluff Light & River Time: Two Days Above the Mississippi
5 stops
3 Days · Young Families
Sioux City, Iowa, Iowa
Riverbend Wonder: A Family Summer in Sioux City
6 stops
4 Days · Young Families
Des Moines River Valley, Iowa
River Bends & Sandstone Bluffs: 4 Days in the Des Moines River Valley with Little Ones
6 stops
3 Days · Couples
Okoboji Lakes (Iowa Great Lakes), Iowa
Glacial Blue & Golden Hours: 3 Days at Okoboji
6 stops
3 Days · Young Families
Pikes Peak State Park (IA), Iowa
Bluffs, Bratz, and Little Legs: 3 Days at Pikes Peak with Kids
6 stops
4 Days · Young Families
Okoboji Lakes (Iowa Great Lakes), Iowa
Sand Between Toes, Sunset on the Water: 4 Days at Okoboji with Little Ones
7 stops
3 Days · Teen Families
Pikes Peak State Park (IA), Iowa
Bluffs, Barges & Bratz: 3 Days at Pikes Peak State Park
8 stops
3 Days · Couples
Des Moines River Valley, Iowa
Sandstone & Slow Water: A Des Moines River Valley Escape
5 stops
Iowa's summer landscape offers families and travelers a diverse range of destinations and experiences. This guide showcases four premier locations—Sioux City, the Des Moines River Valley, Okoboji Lakes, and Pikes Peak State Park—each offering its own natural attractions and charm. Explore seven carefully curated itineraries ranging from three to four days, designed to help visitors discover the best of Iowa's rivers, bluffs, lakes, and scenic beauty during the warmest months. Whether seeking riverfront adventures, glacial lake experiences, or dramatic sandstone formations, these itineraries provide structured paths to summer exploration across the state.
Frequently Asked Questions
What destinations are covered in this summer travel guide?⌄
The guide features four key Iowa destinations: Sioux City, Des Moines River Valley, Okoboji Lakes (also known as Iowa Great Lakes), and Pikes Peak State Park.
How many itineraries are available for summer trips in Iowa?⌄
Seven itineraries are presented, ranging from three to four days in length. They include family-focused trips as well as escapes designed for various interests and travel styles.
Are there itineraries specifically designed for traveling with children?⌄
Yes, several itineraries are tailored for families with children, including options at Sioux City, Des Moines River Valley, Okoboji Lakes, and Pikes Peak State Park.
What types of activities are featured in these Iowa summer itineraries?⌄
The itineraries emphasize natural attractions including river experiences, bluffs and sandstone formations, glacial lakes, and scenic water-based activities.
More Collections
Or see Summer Trips nationwide or browse every Iowa destination.