5 days in Northeast Iowa Itinerary

Start off your visit on the 10th (Wed): see the interesting displays at Heartland Acres Agribition Center, delve into the lush surroundings at Hartman Reserve Nature Center, and then explore the landscape on two wheels at Cedar Valley Nature Trail. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: shop like a local with Waterloo Center for the Arts, take in the exciting artwork at Phelps Youth Pavilion, then examine the collection at National Wrestling Hall of Fame - Dan Gable Museum, and finally admire the natural beauty at Cedar Valley Arboretum & Botanic Gardens.

To find traveler tips, where to stay, ratings, and more tourist information, refer to the Waterloo online itinerary planner.

Des Moines to Waterloo is an approximately 2.5-hour car ride. Traveling from Des Moines in August, expect a bit cooler with lows of 60°F in Waterloo. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 11th (Thu) to allow time to drive to Decorah.

Museum-lovers will appreciate Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum and Porter House Museum. Eschew the tourist crowds and head to Yellow River State Forest and Saint Wenceslaus Catholic Church. Venture out of the city with trips to Montauk Historical Site (in Clermont) and Froelich Foundation Museum (in McGregor).

To see maps, where to stay, and other tourist information, refer to the Decorah day trip planning app.

Traveling by car from Waterloo to Decorah takes 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive. In August, plan for daily highs up to 77°F, and evening lows to 60°F. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 14th (Sun) so you can go by car back home.