Iowa, the Hawkeye State, has a history steeped in Native American Culture. Traces of its Native American history can be found throughout the State and most prominently in the mounds, which are ancient burial grounds. History-tourists can visit the Toolesboro Mounds National Historic Landmark and Effigy Mounds National Monument. Native American relics are on display at the Black Hawk State Historic site near the Quad Cities, and descendents of the Sac and Fox own and govern land around Tama.

When thinking of European settlers in Iowa, visitors to Iowa often forget that the French Voyageurs found Dubuque, the city on the bluffs above the Mississippi River where geo-tourists can explore Crystal Lake Cave and glimpse at the "cave flowers," which are rare anthodites and aragonite crystals. Gaming is available at the Port of Dubuque on the Diamond Jo Casino that departs every two hours seven days a week. Following the Interstate highways or local roads west of Dubuque toward Waterloo and Fort Dodge, auto-tourists can see the rich farmlands that made Iowa famous.

Visitors to Iowa can find something interesting to do year-round because Iowa is squeezed between two major rivers: Mississippi and Missouri. Historically, the rivers are known for trade and commerce, but today the rivers are a "water lovers paradise" for jet skiing and cruising. For water adventurers, who prefer the silent sports, they can canoe and kayak the Inkpaduta Canoe Trail along the Little Sioux River or paddle beneath the cliffs of the Iowa River. Iowa has reservoirs and clear lakes that include Spirit Lake for sailing and West Okoboji for swimming. Iowa has 55 campgrounds for camping and hiking as well as some offering boarding for horses and equestrian trails. Skiers can get good workouts cross-country skiing at Puddle Jumper Trail near Orange City and downhill skiing at Sundown Mountain near Dubuque. Fun Valley Ski Area in Montezuma allows snow tubing and snow boarding. Fishing in the 200 man-made lakes, and 19,000 miles of streams is popular as well as pheasant hunting. For visitors, who would rather watch wildlife eagles, Canadian geese, and whitetail deer can be spotted around Rathbun Lake.

Iowa has four historic trails for motorists, bicyclists, and hikers. The trails include the Great River Road along the Mississippi, the Lewis and Clark Trail, Mormon Pioneer Trail, and the Dragoon Trail, which runs along the Boone, Raccoon, and Des Moines Rivers. The trails are marked with interpretive signage.

The largest population on the Mississippi River between Minneapolis and St. Louis is in the Quad Cities, which include Bettendorf and Davenport, Iowa and Moline and Rock Island, Illinois. Native Americans built mounds in this area about 200 BC, and in the 1700s it was one of the largest Indian settlement in North America. Visitors to the Quad Cities can take the Channel Cat Water Taxi, which is an open-air pontoon boat that explores the river, landing on both sides. The Channel Cat Water Taxi carries bicycles to ensure that the visitors can enjoy the many trails along the Mississippi and explore the historic cities. There also are narrated trolley tours of the historic cities. Gaming also is available in Bettendorf, Davenport, and Rock Island. The Quad Cities is another weekend destination for the auto-tourists.

Some visitors to Iowa access the State by cruising the Mississippi River while traveling from points north like Minneapolis or points east like Chicago. Sailors and boaters will find adequate moorings at the historic cities along the Mississippi River bank. The cities have interesting restaurants, lodging, and galleries, like in Burlington, named after Burlington, Vermont. Burlington has a farmers market and, according to Ripley's Believe it or Not, it also has the crookedest street in the world. Fort Madison has a busy commercial waterfront. Mark Twain briefly lived in Keokuk where there is a dam across the Mississippi River. Until building of the dam, which provides power to the region, all passengers and commerce had to be unloaded from boats. Now, Keokuk has bridges across the dam and locks. Visitors to Keokuk enjoy watching the boats got through the locks on the Mississippi River.

Other side trips:

• Visitors to Dubuque can drive 20 minutes east to tour historic Galena, Illinois. Galena welcomes visitor to tour President Grant's home as well as the many tasteful restaurants and shops. Much of the architecture in the commercial center of Galena reminds visits of colonial Maryland.
• From Keokuk, auto-tourist, boaters, and sailors can follow the Mississippi River to Port Girardeau and hike the "Trail of Tears" or visit the historic homes in Cape Girardeau.
• Interstate 35 goes from Des Moines to Minneapolis passed Clear Lake, Iowa. Once in Minneapolis, visitor can shop at the Mall of America.
• At Council Bluffs head west across the Missouri River to Omaha, Nebraska to camp along the Missouri or at the many lakes in southeastern Missouri.