Hop on a riverboat in the Quad Cities and learn all about the mighty river at the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium. Explore unique Iowa gems like the Field of Dreams Movie Site, Cedar Rapids' NewBo City Market and Maquoketa Caves State Park, and end with the delights of Frank Lloyd Wright in Mason City before heading north toward Minnesota.
Day 1: Chicago to Davenport, Iowa
Drive from Chicago O’Hare Airport to Davenport Iowa (2.5 hours, 165 miles)
As you make your way west from Chicago, you'll hit the Great River Road as soon as you drive over the Mississippi River into Iowa. The Great River Road National Scenic Byway runs all along Iowa's eastern border and offers world class vistas, charming river towns, magnificent limestone bluffs and much more.
Arrive in Davenport, Iowa
Davenport is part of the Quad Cities which encompasses four cities spanning Iowa and Illinois. Stay in Downtown Davenport to enjoy views of the Mississippi River and all it offers.
Mississippi River Visitor Center – Arsenal Island
The Mississippi River Visitor Center is located on Arsenal Island at Lock & Dam 15 on the Mississippi River. Visit from January to March to watch the bald eagles flock to the area to feed. From April through mid-December, the river is open to commercial navigation, and you can watch as boats pass through the locks. Lock & Dam tours are available during the summer.
Lunch: Celebration River Cruises – from Moline, Illinois (15 minute, 7 mile drive)
Celebration River Cruises offers specialty themed lunch cruises, dinner and sightseeing cruises. The two-hour Captain’s Narrated Lunch Cruise features a hot lunch buffet, prepared fresh right onboard. The excursion passes the Quad Cities' many historic sites, including the Rock Island Arsenal, located on a 946-acre, federal-owned island, and Lock and Dam #15, the largest roller dam in the world.
Drive to Maquoketa Caves State Park (1 hour, 47 miles)
Most of Iowa’s parks offer hiking, but not many offer hiking underground! At Maquoketa Caves State Park, you’ll encounter wooded areas and caves that are several feet tall. Some of the caves may require you to crawl at times to navigate them.
Drive to Dubuque (35 minutes, 32 miles)
Dinner: Brazen Open Kitchen & Bar
Brazen Open Kitchen & Bar in Dubuque offers farm to table dining focused on transforming Iowa’s highest quality ingredients into elevated and innovative cuisine.
Overnight: The Key Hotel
The Key Hotel is part of the Tapestry Collection by Hilton – a portfolio that offers guests unique style and vibrant personality. The hotel offers beautiful views of the Mississippi River and elegant furnishings in addition to its rooftop restaurant and a coffee bar that transitions into a cocktail bar.
Day 2: Dubuque to Cedar Rapids
National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium
Located in the Port of Dubuque along the Mississippi River, the National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium offers a closer look at the history of the mighty river along with animal encounters including otters, turtles, American alligators and bald eagles. Visitors can explore 12 indoor aquariums and tour docked river boats.
Drive to Dyersville (40 minutes, 30 miles)
Lunch and tour: Field of Dreams Movie Site
Visit the site of the iconic film Field of Dreams. Bat balls, play catch, or run the bases. The field hosts special Ghost Player games and movie viewings throughout the summer. Tours of the farmhouse are available, and the site also features The Dugout pub, concessions, retail shops and ice cream.
Drive to Cedar Rapids (1 hour, 20 minutes, 70 miles)
Czech Village and New Bohemia District
The Czech Village and New Bohemia District in Cedar Rapids features two historic neighborhoods along the Cedar River offering dining, shopping, music and art. Visit NewBo City Market, tour the National Czech and Slovak Museum or the African American Museum of Iowa. Enjoy a local brew at Lion Bridge Brewing Company, explore the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art, or tour Brucemore.
Dinner: NewBo City Market
NewBo City Market is a vibrant public space featuring food vendors, retail start-ups, artisan markets and frequent community events.
Overnight: Hotel Kirkwood
The Hotel at Kirkwood Center offers contemporary elegance, award-winning facilities and exceptional service just minutes from The Eastern Iowa Airport. The hotel showcases over 100 pieces of local art throughout the property.
Day 3: Cedar Rapids to Mason City
Drive to Mason City (2 hours, 20 minutes, 140 miles)
Arrive in downtown Mason City to begin exploring Frank Lloyd Wright architecture. Book a tour at The Historic Park Inn or explore on a self-guided adventure.
The Rock Crest–Rock Glen Historic District features homes built between 1910 and 1917 by Walter Burley Griffin and other Prairie School architects. Originally planned as a 26-home community, eight homes were completed before Griffin departed for another project. Visitors can admire the neighborhood on a scenic walk.
Lunch: The Quarry Restaurant
Dine at the Quarry and Tapas Bar, known for gourmet cuisine, refined appetizers, desserts and a curated menu of wines and spirits.
Stockman House
The Stockman House is the only Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Prairie School house in Iowa open to the public. Built in 1908, it underwent an authentic restoration in 1992 and now serves as a museum highlighting Wright’s Prairie School period.
Dinner: Leadlight
Inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright and the Historic Park Inn Hotel, Leadlight offers refined Midwest cuisine in an elegant setting with attentive table service.
Overnight: Historic Park Inn Hotel
The Historic Park Inn Hotel is the last remaining Frank Lloyd Wright-designed and built hotel in the world. Opened in 1910, it remains one of the finest examples of Wright’s Prairie Style architecture.
Continue north on Interstate 35 toward the Minnesota border and Minneapolis–Saint Paul Airport (2 hours, 5 minutes, 135 miles).
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