2025 Iowa City Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in May)

Of unique places to go in Iowa, the Fenelon Place Elevator ranks pretty high. Located in Dubuque, IA, this interesting attraction is a three-foot-wide funicular railway that is said to be both the shortest and steepest elevator in the world. Listed on the National Register of Historic Landmarks, the Fenelon Place Elevator is 296 feet in length and lifts passengers from Fourth Street to Fenelon Place. From Fenelon Place, passengers are treated to a majestic view of downtown Dubuque, the Mississippi River, and three surrounding states. Of note, the elevator ascends and descends the bluff by way of a railway track pulled by counterbalanced cables to and from. Open daily from early April through November, the Fenelon Place Elevator is a neat historical attraction that families can do on a budget. Significantly, round-trip tickets aboard the elevator are only four dollars per adult while children under five ride for free. If you’re looking for neat Iowa attractions to visit today or this weekend, the Fenelon Place Elevator is a good way to see the city. Address: 512 Fenelon Pl, Dubuque, IA 52001, United States

#100WaysOfTravel

A cute and cozy hotel with Iowa theme running throughout. The rooms are comfortable and quiet! Windows have dark curtains when closed so you can sleep comfortably without light waking you up! Pull the curtains for a nice view of walking square and quaint boutique shops and restaurants! Parking is the only negative as you have to pay for the parking ramp next door but the facility does get a discount! Staff was friendly and helpful, although when decided to extend stay by a day was repeatedly placed on hold for 15 minutes before someone could assist me! Overall I recommend staying here in Iowa City, Iowa! So close to University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics and the Stadium

This frightening swinging bridge, located in Iowa Mill, is one of many awesome sights to see in Iowa. Nicknamed the Lover’s Leap Bridge, the bridge was built in 1886 and reconstructed again in 1904. In 1922, the bridge collapsed on two lovers and was rebuilt again. Since that time, the bridge has become a much-loved, daring attraction. Of note, the bridge is 262 feet long and suspended between two trees in the woods of Columbus Junction. The site of the bridge is home to many local legends including that the area is haunted by ghosts, a lovesick Native American woman once threw herself from the bridge, and many others. Even if you visit the bridge unaware of its history and the legends, the bridge is frightening in and of itself. The bridge has been repeatedly condemned for safety reasons and the magnitude of its height is enough to scare off even the local ghosts. If you’re looking for unusual places to visit in Iowa, be sure to check out The Columbus Junction Bridge. Address: 303 Oak St, Columbus Junction, IA 52738, United States