7 days in Iowa & Nebraska Itinerary

Created using Klarna Trips United States travel route planner
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Make it your trip
Fly
1
Dubuque
— 1 day
Drive
2
Des Moines
— 2 nights
Drive
3
Omaha
— 2 nights
Drive
4
Lincoln
— 2 nights
Fly

S M T W T F S
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Dubuque — 1 day

Dubuque is the county seat of Dubuque County, Iowa, United States, located along the Mississippi River. Kick off your visit on the 1st (Sat): get up close and personal with brilliant marine life at National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium, then make a trip to Fenelon Place Elevator Co., and then appreciate the history behind Julien Dubuque Monument.

To find where to stay, more things to do, other places to visit, and more tourist information, read Dubuque holiday builder.

Boston to Dubuque is an approximately 7-hour flight. You can also drive; or do a combination of train and bus. Due to the time zone difference, you'll gain 1 hour traveling from Boston to Dubuque. Expect slightly colder evenings in Dubuque when traveling from Boston in July, with lows around 61°F. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 1st (Sat) so you can go by car to Des Moines.
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Zoos & Aquariums · Parks · Museums
Find places to stay Jul 1 — 2:

Des Moines — 2 nights

Des Moines is the capital and the most populous city in the U.S. state of Iowa. Start off your visit on the 2nd (Sun): find something for the whole family at Adventureland. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: get a sense of history and politics at Capitol Building, meet the residents at Blank Park Zoo, and then walk around Pappajohn Sculpture Park.

For reviews, other places to visit, more things to do, and tourist information, go to the Des Moines trip planner.

Traveling by car from Dubuque to Des Moines takes 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can fly; or take a bus. Prepare for a bit warmer weather when traveling from Dubuque in July: high temperatures in Des Moines hover around 86°F and lows are around 67°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 3rd (Mon) early enough to drive to Omaha.
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Theme Parks · Parks · Zoos & Aquariums
Side Trip
Find places to stay Jul 1 — 3:

Omaha — 2 nights

Gateway to the West

A major transportation hub, Omaha was once considered little more than a stopping point on a pioneer's journey west.
Start off your visit on the 4th (Tue): get engrossed in the history at The Durham Museum, get to know the resident critters at Henry Doorly Zoo, then take in nature's colorful creations at Lauritzen Gardens Omaha's Botanical Center, and finally look for gifts at Old Market Candy Shop. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: explore the world behind art at Joslyn Art Museum, snap pictures at Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge, and then shop like a local with Old Market.

To find traveler tips, other places to visit, more things to do, and more tourist information, use the Omaha online vacation planner.

Traveling by car from Des Moines to Omaha takes 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. In July, plan for daily highs up to 87°F, and evening lows to 67°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 5th (Wed) to allow enough time to drive to Lincoln.
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Parks · Museums · Shopping · Neighborhoods
Find places to stay Jul 3 — 5:

Lincoln — 2 nights

Lincoln is the capital of the U.S. state of Nebraska and the county seat of Lancaster County. Start off your visit on the 6th (Thu): ponder the world of politics at Nebraska State Capitol, then admire nature's wide array of creatures at Lincoln Children's Zoo, and then admire the natural beauty at Sunken Gardens. Keep things going the next day: have fun and explore at Lincoln Children's Museum and then see the interesting displays at Museum of American Speed.

To see reviews, where to stay, ratings, and more tourist information, read Lincoln trip maker website.

Traveling by car from Omaha to Lincoln takes an hour. Alternatively, you can take a train. July in Lincoln sees daily highs of 88°F and lows of 66°F at night. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 7th (Fri) so you can catch the flight back home.
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Parks · Museums · Zoos & Aquariums · Childrens Museums
Find places to stay Jul 5 — 7:

Iowa travel guide

4.1
The Hawkeye State
Part of the American heartland, Iowa is marked by a strong agricultural heritage, with farmland encompassing around 90 percent of the state's land. However, a holiday in Iowa offers more than corn and cows: you'll also discover charming towns, beautiful lakes, and a handful of vibrant cities. Iowa City, a university town, provides a healthy dose of culture and nightlife, with a youthful and artistic vibe fueled by a sizable student population. A trip to some of Iowa's small towns provides a true American experience. Fortunately, the welcoming residents bear very little resemblance to the dour Iowans portrayed in Grant Wood's famous painting "American Gothic."
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Nebraska travel guide

4.6
Aquariums · History Museums · Shopping
The Cornhusker State
Situated in the heartland of America, Nebraska is home to a large number of small rural communities and masses of farmland. The state's two main cities, Omaha and Lincoln, are abuzz with youthful energy and cultural delights. Your itinerary can include a trip to the cities' museums to learn about the state's past, or tours of the area's important pioneer and Native American sites. The state's central location means that it has been crossed by many trails, but it was the California Gold Rush of 1848-1855 that originally brought large numbers of non-indigenous people to the area. Scenic river valleys offer plenty of opportunities for outdoor vacation activities, while Nebraska's agricultural towns charm visitors with their all-American spirit.
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