Discover the best self-guided tours in Iowa - from sightseeing tours and cultural experiences to adventure activities and day trips with top-rated local guides.
Self-guided Tours in Iowa
Discover Iowa at your own pace with our carefully designed self-guided tours.
Whether you are a history enthusiast, a lover of architecture, or someone who enjoys
wandering through hidden streets and local markets, our self-guided itineraries provide
the perfect blend of flexibility and discovery. Unlike traditional guided tours,
self-guided experiences allow you to explore without time restrictions, pause for a
coffee, or spend extra time at the places that capture your interest most. Each route
is curated to showcase the cultural, historical, and scenic highlights of Iowa,
while also introducing you to unique, off-the-beaten-path gems that most visitors miss.
With digital maps, audio guides, and insider tips included, you’ll feel like you have
a knowledgeable local by your side, but with the freedom to design your own schedule.
From iconic landmarks to hidden alleys, from bustling neighborhoods to tranquil spots,
our self-guided tours in Iowa make it easy to create an experience that is truly
personal. Enjoy the freedom of exploration while still ensuring that you see the very
best that Iowa has to offer.
240 Acres of Clear, Spring-Fed Water
Established in Quarry Springs Park in 2017 to provide exciting and fun paddlesport recreation to the central Iowa area. Quarry Springs Outfitters offers Single and Multi-Passenger Kayaks with Paddles and PFD's included.
Book Now
You'll be redirected to Viator to finish your booking.
Our very unique, immersive adventures are the only ones of their kind. We, unlike other companies, provide your very own remote, interactive, live host to assist and encourage you along through your phone. We are an Austin, TX-based global custom event design company offering scavenger hunts and other events in 300+ cities in North America and beyond. Our specially hand-crafted adventures are equal parts tour, creative challenge, detective hunt, and social experiment!
Guests get to discover in an alternate reality our favorite hidden gems off the beaten trail and creatively interpret fun art, history, and culture clues - for points! They get to enjoy fame and glory while appearing on our website’s international leaderboard, no matter what their score. They get to essentially race other teams in other cities, even if they don’t have competitors who have signed up in their city that day. Get ready to discover unusual oddities, laugh out loud, and make the experience your own!
Book Now
You'll be redirected to Viator to finish your booking.
Zombie Scavengers takes you on an adventure in Des Moines to survive the zombie apocalypse! Use our app and some strategy to find a list of items needed to survive, in any order you'd prefer, around the city. Find the survival items to get points and do fun zombie themed challenges for points as well. Contrive a plan to get your survival team the most points in order to survive the apocalypse! Your remote host will follow along virtually and provide support if you need it. Can you survive the apocalypse in Des Moines?
Book Now
You'll be redirected to Viator to finish your booking.
Our self-guided tours in Iowa are perfect for travelers who want freedom without
missing out on the highlights. With carefully curated routes, insider tips, and easy-to-use
digital tools, you can explore at your own pace while still enjoying the benefits of a
thoughtfully planned itinerary. Whether you’re short on time or seeking hidden gems,
these tours provide the flexibility and depth that make your trip unforgettable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Each tour includes a digital map, clear directions, and audio or written commentary.
You’ll also receive local tips to make exploring Iowa smooth and enjoyable.
Most tours can be downloaded in advance, so you don’t need constant internet access.
We recommend saving maps and content before starting your journey.
On average, tours take between 2–4 hours. However, since you control the pace, you
can make the experience shorter or longer based on your preferences.
Absolutely! Self-guided tours are family-friendly, giving you the freedom to stop
whenever needed and adjust the pace for kids or older family members.
We use cookies to improve your browsing experience.
See our Privacy Policy.