Location: Dubuquem, Iowa Years Active: 2003 – Active Ready to dive into the mysteries of the Mississippi? The National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium isn’t your average attraction. This place is a true gem, but don’t let the polished exhibits fool you – this museum’s got secrets. You’re wandering the aquarium halls, giant catfish swirling…
Location: Cambridge, Iowa Years Active: 1994 – Active Okay, Center Grove Orchard is basically The place for all your basic fall needs. Apple picking? Check. Overpriced cider donuts that are secretly worth it? Check. A corn maze big enough to seriously lose your annoying younger sibling? You bet. Don’t wear your good shoes. Things get…
Location: Des Moines, Iowa Years Active: 1970 – Active Forget stuffy museums! The Science Center of Iowa is all about getting your hands dirty and igniting your inner scientist. This place has been a Des Moines staple since 1970 – if those walls could talk, they’d spill secrets of generations past. The Blank IMAX Dome…
Location: Des Moines, Iowa Years Active: 1854 – Active The Iowa State Fairgrounds aren’t fancy. But they’re a slice of real Americana, a whirlwind of farm life, fried food, and small-town vibes. This place has a heart and soul you won’t find at some corporate theme park. It all goes down in August. Get ready…
Location: Waterloo, Iowa Years Active: 2001 – Active Lost Island Themepark… it’s not Disneyland, but it’ll get you soaked. This Iowa gem is the perfect escape for families who crave water-filled fun. Forget the fancy themes – it’s about the slides! Lost Souls Falls, a near-vertical drop, is the real deal. If you just want…
Location: Lafayette, Indiana Years Active: 1908 – Active Columbian Park Zoo isn’t just another zoo. It’s been around since 1908 – they know their stuff! You won’t find massive crowds, making it perfect for those who want a more intimate animal experience. Find it tucked inside the bigger Columbian Park – perfect for a picnic…
Location: Evansville, Indiana Years Active: 1928 – Active Mesker Park Zoo & Botanic Garden isn’t your standard zoo. It’s been around since 1928, so it has a really old-timey feel that some folks love. Others find it a bit outdated. But hey, that means smaller crowds if you go on a weekday! The real star…
Location: South Bend, Indiana Years Active: 1921 – Active The Potawatomi Zoo…it’s the place locals have mixed feelings about. Been around forever, and it’s definitely not some massive, fancy place. But that’s kind of the fun of it, right? It’s like a blast from the past, those old school exhibits, a little worn but full…
Location: Crown Point, Indiana Years Active: 1995 – Active Deep River Waterpark – it’s been a Crown Point staple since 1995. Locals love it, but if you’re a thrill junkie, be warned it’s mostly geared toward families and younger kids. The slides are fun, but don’t expect anything record-breaking. The real draw is the lazy…
Location: Fort Wayne, Indiana Years Active: 1965 – Active Forget those picture-perfect zoo brochures. The Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo is a wild ride from start to finish. It’s been around forever – since 1965! – but this place never gets boring. Get ready for animals from every corner of the globe. Lions roar on the…
