When we think of Iowa, beautiful open prairie land and corn may come to mind.
But the Hawkeye state is much more than that.
Even though it’s known as the food capital of the United States. (This is because of its massive production of produce and bacon).
It has many other attractions and claims to fame.
For instance, it’s the birthplace of the first sliced bread machine.
The blockbuster movie, Field of Dreams was filmed in Iowa.
People come from all over to attend the largest state fair in the country, Iowa.
The Midwestern state has also given us presidents Herbert Hoover, Ashton Kutcher, and Johnny Carson.
Iowa is also the only state that is bordered by two navigable rivers. The Mississippi to the east and Missouri to the west.
Although it’s near the top of the states with the most open land, the people in Iowa have more than enough activities to keep them entertained.
Some of those involve visiting wildlife.
Whether it’s a zoo or aquarium, Iowa has some great spots to commune with nature.
Read on for the best 5 zoos and aquariums in Iowa.
Contents
The 5 Best Zoos And Aquariums In Iowa
1. Blank Park Zoo (DeMoines, Iowa)
Blank Park is the last remaining zoo in Iowa that is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
The 49-acre zoo is open all year round, with the exception of major holidays and inclement weather.
Opened in 1966, the zoo’s mission is to “inspire an appreciation of the natural world through education and entertainment.”
Visitors to the park can feed the parakeets and giraffes with food provided by the zoo staff.
When guests first enter the complex, they will go through the discovery center.
Here, they will view a variety of plants and animals, including red pandas.
Directly after the Discovery center, is the cave exhibit where the nocturnal animals are housed.
Hissing cockroaches, scorpions, and fruit bats await you.
There’s an aquarium area with a large variety of tropical fish.
An aviary with several species of birds is one of the zoo’s highlights.
An African boardwalk is where zebras, giraffes, rhinos, ostriches, and other animals from the continent are a delight to behold.
Along the way, visitors can see big cats, penguins, sea lions, seals, turtles, and various reptiles.
For the children, there’s Kids Kingdom, with a large playground, a fossil dig, and animals that can be gently touched.
Other attractions are the train that runs through the zoo, a carousel, a gift shop, and a restaurant.
Picnic areas are available for those guests who bring their lunch.
Set aside at least two hours to see all the exhibits.
2. National Mississippi River Museum And Aquarium
Named the 2022 Outstanding Attraction of the Year (Travel Iowa), this aquarium also has a museum and a science center.
Set on the banks of the Mississippi, there is a pier where guests can board decommissioned steamboats and view some wrecks.
There’s also an area to just sit and watch the boats go by.
It’s the perfect way for all ages to learn about the history and wildlife of Iowa and the Mississippi River.
Guests can also go out to the pier.
Visitors that want the full experience should set aside at least 4 hours.
In the aquarium, some of the wildlife includes alligators, otters, giant catfish, an ancient sturgeon from the Mississippi River, eels, turtles, snakes, and stingrays that can be touched and fed.
There is a river center where guests can learn about river routes, and what it was like to work and live on the Mississippi River.
The science center offers numerous hands-on learning activities for all ages.
Then there’s the museum that has a ton of exhibits and artifacts depicting life on the river and its surrounding states.
The complex has a fun 4D theater, a cafe, and a gift shop.
3. Sunrise Children’s Zoo (Waterloo, Iowa)
This adorable zoo is located on the National Cattle Congress Grounds, with land donated by a local farmer.
Open from May to September, admission is free.
Feed for the animals can be purchased for a nominal fee.
Run entirely by volunteers, visitors cannot help but smile at how healthy and happy these animals are.
Some of the cuddly creatures that guests will see are goats, donkeys, chickens, ducks, cows, pigs, peacocks, donkeys, deer, dogs, and cats.
At the end of the season, the dogs and cats (that were previously homeless) are put up for adoption.
There is a picnic area and plenty of open space for kids to run around.
The zoo also offers its facilities for birthday parties.
4. Storybook Hill Children’s Zoo (Dubuque, Iowa)
Established in 1976 by the Optimists Club of Dubuque, the purpose was to increase knowledge of common animals.
The zoo is a copy of a typical Iowa farm from the 1940s.
Among the adorable animal’s visitors will see are rabbits, cats, peacocks, chickens, ducks, pigs, calves, llamas, and sheep.
There is a pond, a playground area, and beautiful green space.
It’s a great place for a picnic after you’ve visited the animals.
The zoo is open from May to Labor Day and admission is free.
5. Barn Stahl Children’s Zoo And Farm (Wellsburg, Iowa)
Stahl farm has been family owned and operated for over 40 years.
In 2007, after a particularly wet season, the family decided to open a corn maze to make some extra money.
When the Stahls saw that the children were more interested in the farm animals than the maze, it came as a surprise.
The family realized that even in a rural state like Iowa, there was a need for children to be better acquainted and educated about wildlife.
So they opened a children’s zoo on the property.
Today, guests can view over 100 animals including, horses, llamas, zebras, bison, cows, chickens, porcupines, and even a camel and mini highlander.
There are plenty of other activities to enjoy as well, from a giant jumper pad and play area to wagon rides and a corn box (the farm’s version of a sandbox).
In the fall, kids and adults alike can go pumpkin picking after visiting the animals.
For an extra fee, there is the “Up Close” program where kids can hold and feed a select group of animals.
5 Best Zoos and Aquariums in Iowa – Summary Table
| Zoos and Aquariums | Address |
|---|---|
| Blank Park Zoo | 7401 SW 9th St, Des Moines, IA 50315, USA |
| National Mississippi River Museum And Aquarium | 350 E 3rd St, Dubuque, IA 52001, USA |
| Sunrise Children's Zoo | 250 Ansborough Ave #2134, Waterloo, IA 50701, USA |
| Storybook Hill Children's Zoo | 12201 N Cascade Rd, Dubuque, IA 52003, United States |
| Barn Stahl Children's Zoo And Farm | 16519 185th St, Wellsburg, IA 50680, United States |
Iowa Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Iowa Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: LOW
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM
- MUGGING RISK: LOW
- TERRORISM RISK: LOW
- SCAMS RISK: LOW
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are the children's zoos not open year-round?
The weather conditions require many of the animals to be relocated to other areas.
Do the children's zoos have places to buy food?
No.
However, guests are invited to bring their own lunch.
How are some of the zoos able to offer free admission?
Many of the zoos are run completely by volunteers.
Money for animal food and supplies is raised by fundraisers and generous donations.
Are service animals allowed in private zoos in Iowa?
Certified service dogs are allowed.
Emotional support animals are not permitted.
