Located in the Midwest, the US state of Iowa might seem a little boring at first glance. But far from it. Although Iowa is rural and known outside its own state borders mainly for corn cultivation and sprawling fields and landscapes, Iowa nevertheless combines some interesting to curious sights on its grounds. For example, the largest bull statue in the world and the longest double-track railway line in the world can be found there.

In addition, there are some first-class art museums to visit in Iowa, such as the Des Moines Art Center. And nature lovers will not miss out in Iowa either. With the Missouri River and the Mississippi River, there are two rivers here that can be navigated by ships. In addition, there are a large number of lakes and hiking areas. In the two major cities of the state, in Des Moines and Cedar Rapids, art and culture await visitors from all over the world.

Discover the federal capital of Des Moines

The Moines has about 215,000 inhabitants, making it the largest city in Iowa. The city was named after the river of the same name that flows through it. Des Moines is internationally known above all for the Des Moines Art Center. This world-class art museum opened in 1948 and specializes primarily in paintings and sculptures. The works of American and European artists are primarily exhibited here. There are works by Andy Warhol, Edward Hopper, Claude Monet, Gerhard Richter, Mark Rothko and Paul Gaugin to marvel at.

Architecturally impressive is the Iowa State Capitol, located in the city center, which is considered the most historic building in the entire state. It can be visited both from the inside and from the outside. Particularly popular with visitors is the somewhat enchanted-looking library of the Iowa State Capitol. Des Moines is surrounded by several parks where you can hike and enjoy nature. Recommended here are, for example, the Des Moines Water Works Park and the Walnut Woods State Park, where you can also camp. In winter, the slopes of the Sleep Hollow Sports Park are full of fans of skiing and snowboarding.

The Effigy Mounds National Monument

If you are going to visit the state of Iowa, you should not miss the Effigy Mounds National Monuments on your way. This is a nature reserve that comes close to a national park in its structure and attractiveness. The Effigy Mounds National Monument is located directly on the Yellow River, on the border with the neighboring state of Wisconsin. The nature reserve is a popular destination that invites you to go camping, among other things. Bird lovers can meet a variety of different bird species here. For example, warblers, bald eagles or wood thrushes cavort here. The Effigy Mounds National Monument Information Centre provides interesting information about the Native Americans who once lived in the area. Furthermore, several well-signposted hiking trails crisscross the Effigy Mounds National Monument. These can be discovered on your own or walked as part of a guided themed hike. The local rangers offer, for example, so-called bird migration hikes, during which information is provided about the bird species that can be seen in the park.

Sports and film fans make a pilgrimage to the Field of Dreams

There is hardly anyone who does not know the 1989 film success Field of Dreams with Kevin Costner, which was filmed in Iowa. The film, which was nominated for three Oscars at the time, is one of the most famous and at the same time one of the most emotional sports films ever made in the USA . In the film, a baseball field was built in the middle of a cornfield, on which players who had returned from the past were soon cavorting, who had been victims of a sporting bribery scandal 68 years earlier. The filming location of this cinematic worldwide success is in Dyersville.

Guided tours are offered here, which lead over the original baseball field of the film, the adjacent corn fields and through the farmhouse, which is very present in the film. If you arrive in September, you can also watch high-ranking athletes at work here. Because then a baseball tournament takes place on the Field of Dreams , where no longer active baseball stars once again grab baseball bats, baseballs and gloves.

Breathe in art and culture in Cedar Rapids

Cedar Rapids is the second largest city in Iowa with just under 140,000 inhabitants, and it has a lot to offer. And not only because a whole host of great actors were born here, of which Ashton Kutcher and Elijah Wood are only the two most popular. Cedar Rapids combines several art museums and galleries in its city area. You should definitely visit the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art. The permanent collection includes more than 7,800 works from a wide variety of eras. From Roman antiquity to the present day, everything is represented here. In addition, there are temporary exhibitions that focus primarily on North American artists. The city’s Czech Village is buzzing with life. Bars, restaurants and small shops are lined up here. In the past, a large number of Czech and Slovak immigrants lived here. Some of their descendants still reside in Cedar Rapids. The Czech heritage of the district is still recognizable and tangible in many cases today. For example, in bars that exude European flair or in bakeries that offer Czech baked goods. In the evening, the Czech Village turns into a paradise for night owls who love bar concerts, stand-up comedy and theatre.

A US contrast to sunny California and Florida awaits in New Hampshire, where the colourful autumn nature of the so-called Indian Summer in a scenery of mountains, lakes and covered bridges provides unique photo motifs. As a neighboring state of Maine and Vermont, New Hampshire spreads the typical charm of New England’s Atlantic coast. The Granite State is more than just the scenic link on Interstate 95 between Boston and Portland: from the colorful autumn worlds of the White Mountains to the picturesque Lakes Region and the white winter sports worlds of Mount Washington, a unique natural paradise unfolds here. A region that has unmistakably inspired local poets and authors such as Robert Frost, Dan Brown and John Irving.

New Hampshire’s Nature – Colorful Autumn Scenery and White Winter Sports Worlds

New Hampshire is an outdoor paradise on the Atlantic coast. The tranquil shore of the eastern US state unfolds over a length of about 29 kilometres – the shortest coastline of the US states located on the ocean. But even along these only 29 kilometers, some of the most beautiful places on the US East Coast unfold. These include Hampton Beach, which is especially worth visiting in summer, as well as beautiful beach worlds at Rye and North Hampton State Beach. Inland, however, are the real natural highlights of New Hampshire. Deep in the interior of the state, natural elevations present themselves that have always attracted the interest of nature lovers, hikers and winter sports enthusiasts. One of the most climbed mountains in the world is Mount Monadnock, which rises 965 meters in the southwest of New Hampshire. South of the White Mountains rises the mountain that once inspired Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau – and is now climbed by more than 100,000 nature lovers and hikers every year. Only well-known surveys such as Mount Fuji in Japan and the Tai Shan in China can surpass such figures.

All the allure of New Hampshire’s nature unfolds in the White Mountains, whose landscapes spread out in the White Mountain National Forest. The highest peak is the 1917-meter-high Mount Washington, which is known for its distinctive ski resorts in winter. The natural beauty of red, yellow and green in the so-called Indian Summer, the warm autumn time of the North American East Coast, unfolds visually, especially in the White Mountain National Forest, through which routes such as the scenic Kancamagus Highway lead. New Hampshire is particularly impressive at this time of year with a natural panorama including the typical covered bridges that characterize New England – whether the Albany Bridge, the Bath Covered Bridge or the Groveton Covered Bridge. Many of these bridges are located in the White Mountains, some in the Lakes Region – they provide the characteristic romantic flair of New Hampshire.

Home to a population of about 1.3 million, the Granite State owes its nickname to its many quarries, as well as the distinct rock and mineral shapes that are hidden in the midst of New Hampshire’s natural formations. In addition to the Appalachian Mountains and the White Mountains, the lakes of the Lakes Region also shape the local nature. One of the most famous is Lake Winnipesaukee, the largest of the local lakescapes. In addition, Squam Lake and Newfound Lake also make New Hampshire’s nature a multifaceted recreational region on the US East Coast.

Concord, Manchester, Portsmouth – Urban New Hampshire

New Hampshire’s historic colonial architecture gives an indication of the long history of the US state: The eastern coastal region was once one of the historic English colonies, founded in 1629 as the Province of New Hampshire. Later, it was considered the first U.S. state to present an independent government and constitution. Although New Hampshire has a much larger city in Manchester and a prominent capital in Concord, a deep historical insight can be gained especially in Portsmouth. The city on the border with Maine, located on Interstate 95 between Portland and Boston, has the historic Strawberry Banke, an open-air museum with early colonial settlements from the 17th century. The museum is one of the most famous in New Hampshire. In addition, Portsmouth offers touristically attractive urban destinations in New Hampshire’s north with its historic buildings in the city center, the historic Market Square and the tranquil Prescott Park.

The fact that New Hampshire has deep British roots is proven not only by Portsmouth but also by the name of the largest city Manchester. With the Currier Museum of Art, the city has perhaps the most important art museum in New Hampshire. The permanent collection includes works by Picasso, Monet and Matisse, as well as American art greats John Singer Sargent, Georgia O’Keeffe and Frank Lloyd Wright. Historical flair also unfolds in the centrally located capital Concord, home to about 43,000 inhabitants. Here you can discover sights such as the historic New Hampshire State House or the historic Eagle Hotel: US President Ulysses S. Grant, the famous First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt and the aviation pioneer Charles Lindbergh once stayed in the latter. Parks like Story Land near Glen and Santa’s Village near Jefferson prove that New Hampshire also has highlights for the family. In this way, New Hampshire forms a fascinating contrast to classic US travel destinations such as California or Florida. Especially when the warm autumn shows its colors in natural New Hampshire.

The state of Massachusetts with its capital Boston is the core of the so-called “New England” region of the USA. It was from here that the history of the United States began, and from here the history of the United States took its course. The green state, which, according to its own name, is located near the large hills, is known for its mild climate, for the extensive nature and, last but not least, for the many historic buildings that date back to the Wilhelminian period of the United States. A visit to Massachusetts is automatically linked to a visit to Boston . But there is also a lot to see in the state.

Cape Cod and more – Massachusetts the natural paradise

Massachusetts is one of the founding states of the USA and there is hardly any other place where this circumstance is celebrated in the same way. When the first settlers landed on the coasts, more precisely in Cape Cod, they encountered a flourishing land full of greenery and rivers. To this day, the wild nature of Massachusetts is one of the most important reasons to visit the state. Boston is one of the most interesting cities in the USA, but you should take the time to explore New England off the beaten track and just let the attitude to life here in the state work its magic on you.

The history of the state is, of course, closely linked to American history in general. It was the Boston Tea Party that gave the final trigger for the War of Independence, and it was from here that the resistance against the attackers from the English homeland was organized. Many testimonies in the state point to the first battles and the developments of those years. After the end of the Civil War, a new self-image developed in Boston and the surrounding area and the New England region was for many years the opposite of the culture in the South or the newly discovered areas in the west of the USA. Therefore, there is still a certain cultural difference between these regions today.

Discover the beautiful nature between Cape Cod and Boston

Those who embark on the natural trails of Massachusetts will usually start in Cape Cod. Here is not only the John F. Kennedy Museum, which tells the story of this most famous of all American presidents, because he is originally from this area. Above all, Cape Cod is a testament to the picturesque east coasts of the USA. Past lighthouses and restaurants, busy coastal roads and cliffs, you experience a spectacle that can only be recreated in states like Maryland . On a trip to this natural paradise, you should take your time with the rental car, get off the beaten track and sit down in one of the restaurants. If you want to experience even more of this landscape, hop on one of the ferries to Nantucket or Martha’s Vineyard.

One of the most impressive sights on the coast is certainly Plymouth. The city was founded in 1620 and is extremely important for the history of the USA. In the historic harbour lies the Mayflower, which brought the first settlers to this part of the world and which many people still refer to today, tracing their roots. Plymouth is home to the oldest evidence of the colonial settlers of the United States, and there are museums and interesting sights on every corner.

If you’ve had enough of the coast, head further west and drive along almost deserted country roads through dense forests and discover the state’s much-vaunted greenery. Here, too, small and large testimonies to the long history of the state can be found on every corner. In the end, however, all roads lead from Massachusetts to Boston – and for good reason.

The city of Boston – so much to discover and experience

The city of Boston is not only home to one of the most famous universities in the world, but also marked by historic buildings and landmarks. Hardly a step in the city center without bumping into an information board about a historical event or standing in front of a building that has played a special role in the history of the USA. At the same time, it is an American city with skyscrapers and the hustle and bustle that you know from film and television. In addition, as the heart of New England, it is also home to various culinary specialties that you should definitely have used during a visit.

In addition to various museums – for example the Museum of Fine Arts or the Museum of Science – Boston has an active nightlife to offer, which is particularly noticeable for small stages and clubs. But if you want to get a little more involved with the historical history first, you should definitely have a look at the historic State House and followed the Freedom Trail. Here you can see the most important sights from Boston’s long history, which can also be visited at reasonable prices. After a long day, it is almost mandatory to go to one of the many small snack bars. Seafood is definitely on the menu, the many sandwiches also have a good reputation and in general people in Boston and the whole state simply like to fry different things.

The northern state of Vermont shares a border with Canada and is also known as the Green Mountain State. This name alone reveals how impressive the nature in the state is and what you can expect on a trip. As part of New England, Vermont is also one of the historic founding parts of the United States of America and with its unique architectural style, which can still be seen today in many villages and towns of the state, there is as much to see for friends of architecture and history as for enthusiastic explorers of nature.

Peace and relaxation between mountains, forests and rivers

If you move through Vermont, you will probably quickly have the feeling that you have arrived in the seemingly endless expanses of the Canadian landscape rather than being in the USA . Everything is a bit quieter and smaller here. There are no metropolises with skyscrapers and impressive dynamism, but there are a large number of small cities that can usually trace their history back to the founding period of the United States. The state sinks a bit into the silence of nature when you move through the dense deciduous forests. Landscape and nature have always played an important role for people.

Vermont is known in the United States not only for its almost permanent autumn colors in the leaves, but also for its maple syrup. Here the proximity to Canada can be illustrated, which can also be felt in other corners of the state. In general, you feel a strong connection to your brother in the north and the 15 border crossings that can be found in the state invite you to take a little trip to the north. This is certainly also due to the fact that theoretically you are still in the same landscape.

Top attractions on a trip to Vermont

Vermont is a paradise for nature lovers. Countless activities can be carried out in the extensive forests. In winter, there’s also the chance to go on an adventure on one of the state’s many ski slopes and try out your own winter sports skills. The state is very diverse in this regard and offers just the right options for active vacations – from aforementioned hikes and ski trips to bike tours through the Indian Summer, the brown spectacle in the forests. The various lakes also usually offer many options for different tastes, from pedal boats to canoeing on the rivers.

The other side of the state is the historical heritage of the USA, which can probably not be experienced in any part of the country as much as it is in New England. A visit to Burlington is therefore definitely a must. The city attracts with old houses from the Wilhelminian period, which are well maintained and still offer a glimpse of how the first people organized themselves here in small towns. Nearby is Hildene in Manchester. The former summer house of Abraham Lincoln has now been converted into a museum about the famous American president and the founding period of the USA.

Lake Champlain is also located directly near Burlington. The huge lake was an important point for the first settlers and in the immediate vicinity there are a variety of museums and institutions that deal with this period. What’s more, you’ll find arguably the best restaurants in the state that tempt you with New England cuisine — typically rustic cuisine that works primarily with seafood and meat.

Top tips for traveling through Vermont

In general, a visit to Vermont is recommended, especially in autumn. When the colors of the foliage change and most of the state’s cultural festivals are just around the corner, you not only have the opportunity for long trips into the forests, for hikes and bike tours, excursions on the many lakes in the state, but also pleasant temperatures for your own activities. When booking, it should always be kept in mind that only about half a million people live in the state at all. Accordingly, the offers for overnight stays and hotels are a little limited. There are hardly any classic luxury hotels, but small guesthouses dominate here, which are usually set for a stay of one or two nights.

It should be said that the exploration works best if you have your own car at your disposal. Vermont may seem small, but in fact it takes a few hours to travel from state border to state border. If you want to explore the outdoors and mountains on your own, it’s best to opt for an SUV that can handle the local conditions and only add to the adventurous spirit of exploring Vermont. In addition, any papers for a trip to Canada should be applied for early – it is not so easy to get a tourist visa for a spontaneous visit to the northern brother state of the USA.