Iowa lets travelers get their feet wet with its vast network of rivers and lakes. They can enjoy everything from gliding along mighty rivers to navigating thrilling whitewater at these waterfront destinations and attractions from the Mississippi River to the Missouri River.
National Pearl Button Museum
Muscatine
In the early 1900s, Muscatine, Iowa, was the site of a Midwestern gold rush. But instead of gold, this city was rich in mother-of-pearl buttons. Thanks to a booming population of clams and mussels on the banks of the Mississippi River, Muscatine manufactured over 1.5 million buttons a year at its peak. Brave clammers, immigrant-entrepreneurs and newcomers with innovative business ideas made their way to Muscatine to work hard and carve out new lives for themselves. The National Pearl Button Museum explores that journey, spanning from Muscatine’s quiet beginnings to its rise to a prosperous cornerstone of the button industry. Interactive exhibits encourage hands-on learning. Through artifacts from pearl button manufacturing companies, photos and more, visitors will get to know the town’s past — and its connection to the mussels and the river that changed everything. Special in-depth museum tours are available for groups.
Celebration Belle
Quad Cities
The Celebration Belle in Moline is a 750-passenger paddlewheel boat that was designed especially for cruising the Mississippi River. Built in 1986, the Celebration Belle has been delighting passengers for almost four decades. The boat is the perfect backdrop for sightseeing, luncheons and dinner cruises for groups of all kinds. Low-key sightseeing cruises, half-day themed cruises and full-day river adventures are all on the menu aboard the Belle. One of its most famous cruises, the 100 Mile Day Long Cruise, takes passengers from the Quad Cities to Dubuque. The Celebration Belle has hosted guests from around the world, including the king and queen of Sweden. With great food, live music and a dance floor onboard, every moment is a blast. Celebration Belle frequently works with groups, offering on-site motorcoach parking and assistance in choosing an ideal cruise itinerary. For extra-large groups, the boat is also available for private charters.
Port of Dubuque
Dubuque
This charming section of downtown Dubuque is adjacent to mile 579.4 of the Mississippi River. This port was one of the earliest settlements in Iowa. In 1868, it further cemented itself as a center of industry with the Dubuque Railroad Bridge, which connects Iowa and Illinois. Today, the port is a charming tourism hub that continues to grow. Development is popping up left and right, with more shops, eateries and office spaces on the horizon each day. Visit the port to explore a waterpark, a winery, a casino and the National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium. Take time for a stroll along the Mississippi Riverwalk, where you’ll spot the city’s Art on the River sculpture exhibit and the last remaining shot tower west of the Mississippi River. Hop on board one of several tour boats for a one-hour tour or even a two-day cruise that departs from the port.
Charles City Whitewater Park
Charles City
Located in downtown Charles City, this three-quarter mile stretch of the Cedar River is Iowa’s first whitewater park. Tubers, kayakers, surfers, anglers and more flock to the park to spend afternoons on the water, and groups can join them for a fun-filled excursion. The park’s three whitewater features offer fun for river users from beginner to advanced paddlers. Each of the rapids also has a calmer, friendly water passage on the left side for visitors who opt to bypass the main whitewater drops. Canoes and inner tubes are available for rent near the water. The park hosts competitions, surf lessons and other aquatic activities for all skill levels. Nearby is a local brewery as well as restaurants offering riverfront dining. Adjacent to the park are several land-based adventures including a disc golf course, play areas, a trail and public art.
Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center
Sioux City
Many know the story of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, the story of a band of explorers commissioned to traverse the American West following the Louisiana Purchase. This monumental American journey is commemorated at the Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center with hands-on exhibits and programs spotlighting their time in Siouxland. Groups encounter life-sized bronze animal sculptures, the “Changing River” and photo displays showcasing Native cultures and rural themes with rotating exhibits. Free to the public, the center offers interactive displays featuring animatronics, murals, videos and stamping stations. Visitors can see animatronic versions of captains Lewis and Clark discussing the death of Sgt. Charles Floyd, the expedition’s sole casualty, who died in present-day Sioux City, Iowa. They can also learn about Pvt. Patrick Gass’s election as Floyd’s replacement and Pvt. Moses Reed’s desertion. The center immerses guests in the expedition’s narrative, honoring its significance while exploring Siouxland’s past, present and future.
