Top 5 Iowa Private Sightseeing Tours: Reviews & Recommendations

So, when people picture Iowa, they might immediately think of cornfields, but honestly, this state actually has so very much more to show, you know? Beyond those fields, there’s a fascinating history, spots for nature adventures, plus some unique cities just asking to be looked at a bit closer, that is true. To really experience it, going with a private tour seems like it could be the best move, like your own little adventure tailored exactly the way you would like, apparently. These tours are a good idea for those who would prefer a custom journey, not just hitting up your normal tourist stops, at the end of the day.

1. Des Moines History & Architecture Tour

You, you might not guess it, but Des Moines has got an awesome selection of cool architecture and stories tied to its history, honestly. This tour tends to bring you up close to landmarks like the Iowa State Capitol, which looks super impressive, so too it’s almost like going back in time when you see its golden dome sparkling, at the end of the day. Then there is the Pappajohn Sculpture Park, with all its super cool modern art, which basically shows just how vibrant the city can be, definitely. And you can often arrange to get picked up right from where you’re staying, meaning less planning and more enjoying, that is the life! The tour could also make some stops based on what you really love, for example local art, or even hitting a restaurant to chow down on local fare, as I was saying.

2. Bridges of Madison County Tour

Made famous by that movie (and the book, of course), Madison County’s covered bridges do have some serious charm that is kind of hard to resist, right? A private tour very often means going at your speed and hitting all those charming spots you have probably dreamt about checking out in person, too it’s almost magical. The Roseman and Holliwell Bridges usually rank pretty high on “must-sees”, and the stories these guides tell about how they came to be or any local tales they know usually adds a whole extra layer to things, naturally. It might also bring a tear or two if you really got into the film, honestly. Plus, depending on when you book it, that picture-perfect Iowa countryside surrounding those bridges is probably gonna be totally worth capturing. The location basically does an amazing job bringing everything to life.

3. Iowa Great Lakes Adventure

If you enjoy nature and chilling by the water, the Iowa Great Lakes might be just the escape, that is true. This tour would give you the flexibility to experience spots like West Okoboji Lake, which seems to be amazing for just lounging, and then Spirit Lake which probably offers a slightly quieter vibe, just a little. Often these sightseeing options are not only about enjoying the waters but about all sorts of things you find around, say some interesting stops where you can try sailing, visit parks loaded with trails or taste some delicious treats only locals seem to be clued into, naturally. Getting away from those everyday noises sounds just like what the doctor ordered, really, especially.

4. Amana Colonies Cultural Exploration

Now, something pretty different is the Amana Colonies: founded way back when by some German immigrants, they have got a super distinct culture still sticking around, and some fun traditional crafts, very. These kinds of tours tend to wander all through those seven villages, stopping here and there so you get your fair share of both history and what it is like today, at the end of the day. Think seeing some historic spots and trying tasty foods plus, the unique handmade items for sale in some stores – it could all turn into a special kind of memory-making event, at the end of the day. You get some insight from people who really know a bunch, plus could discover things off the main track a traveler wouldn’t spot easily solo, basically. Getting immersed with that group’s culture is likely one of the things you will treasure for long after.

5. Dubuque’s Mississippi River Views and History

Perched right upon the Mississippi, Dubuque boasts super awesome river panoramas matched by a story going back quite a ways, honestly. A personal Dubuque excursion often blends pretty vantage points from places with the stuff they learned across all these generations here. Imagine scoping out the Fenelon Place Elevator (one super short but amazingly steep railway) plus taking some downtime at the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium, that tends to keep travelers happy, usually. Then depending on what kicks you choose, they might adjust stops to take you to some super neat neighborhoods or grab you a glass at a popular hangout you probably wouldn’t see anywhere else but here, anyway.