Nestled smack dab in the center of the Midwest where two of the longest interstates in America meet sits Des Moines. Iowa’s capital city offers a small town feel with big city fun, with a great food scene, local breweries that welcome your four-legged friends, miles of bike trails with beautiful scenery, and tons of art and history. 100 Things to Do in Des Moines Before You Die will help guide you to all the fun places to play, explore, learn, and eat in this community-driven city. Skate around at the largest open skatepark in the nation. Take a tour of the only five-domed capitol in the United States. Feast on steak at a Des Moines chophouse, but don’t forget to kick off your day with a hearty breakfast, where you might just run into Aquaman. Find the best view of the city or navigate miles of the city through temperature-controlled skywalks. Pet an alpaca, then challenge yourself at the state’s largest indoor climbing facility. Des Moines–raised writer Erin Huiatt shares incredible places to explore in 100 Things to Do in Des Moines Before You Die. Pick an itinerary or create your own using this book full of fun ways to entertain yourself, friends, and families.

Iowa is home to rolling hills, beautiful state parks, lush cornfields, and architecture that is unique to the state. With Iowa’s dozen-plus scenic highways and byways, and with 100 Things to Do in Iowa Before You Die as your guide, your next road trip will be an epic one for the record books. Did you know that you can stay in the last-known hotel in the world designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, in Mason City? Hop on the Historic Hills Scenic Byway in southeast Iowa and enjoy glassblowing at Bloom & Bark, LLC. Visit Effigy Mounds National Monument and view more than 200 prehistoric mounds built by Native Americans. Check out Pella, home to all things Dutch, including a windmill, museums, and unique shops. A visit to northeast Iowa would not be complete without a stop in Horsfall’s, a variety store that attracts visitors from hundreds of miles around; or in Decorah, home to Nordic Fest and all things Scandinavian. Join author and Iowa native Sara Broers and experience Iowa in a day, week, month, a lifetime. You will be greeted by friendly people and will find a new experience around every corner.

The Quad Cities—three hours from both Des Moines and Chicago—is a unique metropolitan area along the mighty Mississippi River, growing in both size and nationwide reputation. This region of 400,000-plus people has all the friendliness, affordability, and short, headache-free commutes of many small towns, but also a staggering variety and quality of things to do. 100 Things to Do in the Quad Cities is an invaluable source to help you track down some of the top places, events, and organizations that make the area pulse and thrive. Take a tour of the creative, intoxicating QC Ale Trail including Bent River and Front Street breweries. Taste some terrifically varied restaurants like Me & Billy, Tantra, and Food Affair Bistro or enjoy live entertainment at Circa '21 or the Adler Theatre. Abounding museums and art galleries like the Figge and Putnam make the QC a genuinely special, entertaining place. Veteran local journalist Jonathan Turner is your knowledgeable, friendly guide to all that is great about the QC and how to make the most of your visit—whether you’re here for a busy, rich weekend, or a satisfying lifetime. You’ll want to check all 100 things off your list and then come back around the River Bend for more!

Perfect for Iowa State fans who think they already know everything Most Iowa State fans have taken in a game at Jack Trice Stadium or the Hilton Coliseum and have seen highlights of Troy Davis and Fred Hoiberg. But only real fans know the original team name, the location and story behind the victory bell, or were there when the basketball team made an Elite Eight run in 2000. 100 Things Iowa State Fans Should Know & Do Before They Die is the ultimate resource guide for true fans of Iowa State athletics. Whether they are die-hard boosters from the days of Earle Bruce on the gridiron or new supporters of Fred Hoiberg and ISU hoops, fans will value these essential pieces of Cyclones football and basketball knowledge and trivia—and all of the must-do activities in their lifetime.

Come discover Siouxland, where Iowa, Nebraska, and South Dakota converge in a rich, vibrant, and sometimes surprising fusion of fun, food, history, and adventure! In 100 Things to Do in Sioux City and Siouxland Before You Die, take a guided tour of all that this wonderful corner of the world has to offer. Cruise the navigational headwaters of America’s longer river, the mighty Missouri. Hike the glacier-made Loess Hills, geologically unique in the world. Party like a 1920s gangster from the days when Sioux City was known as “Little Chicago.” Experience the corn mazes and the county fairs, the shopping and the shows, the architecture and the art by modern master Grant Wood. And since Siouxland is home to the richest, most productive farmland in the world, be sure to save room for farm-fresh meat and produce, served at authentic local eateries of all kinds! Take advantage of local author Lindsay Hindman’s expertise as she takes readers on a tour of her Sioux City community. Whether you’re a life-long resident or a first-time visitor, 100 Things to Do in Sioux City and Siouxland is your insider guide to a great time in Siouxland!

Omaha is often called the best-kept secret in the United States. Once they've been there, visitors tend to fall in love with the city and its people. Omaha is famous for its great steaks and being the home of Warren Buffett, the billionaire "Oracle of Omaha." Referred to as the Gateway to the West, Omaha has so much to offer, from history, hiking, and an exciting local beer scene to great food. We take you on a tour of the city's unique and interesting sites and include some fun facts and helpful tips. During our travels, we'll share where to take on the challenge of eating a six-patty burger with all the toppings, where to find the home of blown glass art, and where to see some of the fastest planes in the world. 100 Things to Do in Omaha Before You Die travels around Omaha to reveal the beauty and diversity of a growing city. Whether you grew up in Omaha, call yourself an Omahan now, or are just passing through, this book will make you stop and say, "I didn't realize that was in Omaha."

Cedar Rapids is the second largest city in the state of Iowa and has long been known as the City of Five Seasons . . . a place where you can experience spring, summer, fall, and winter and take the time—the fifth season—to enjoy them all. Consider 100 Things to Do in Cedar Rapids Before You Die to be your guide to soaking up all this Midwestern gem of a city has to offer any time of year. Hike to the top of Mount Trashmore to take in the best view in the city. Shop and eat your way through the NewBo City Market and the surrounding neighborhood. Immerse yourself in Czech and Slovak culture in the Czech Village. Dive into the local arts and culture scene, walking in the footsteps of famed artist Grant Wood who called Cedar Rapids home. Enjoy an outdoor concert on the banks of the Cedar River. Each item you explore on this Cedar Rapids to-do list offers a unique perspective on the city. Local writer Katie Mills Giorgio is your host for making the most of your time in Cedar Rapids, whether you are looking for tasty eats, rich creative experiences, or an opportunity to get in touch with nature. This book is filled with insider tips and more than 100 ideas to enjoy all that Cedar Rapids and the surrounding area has to offer.