If you and your loved one need a chance to regroup and reconnect before the baby arrives, take a relaxing babymoon in Iowa. Browse the colorful artwork at galleries and local shops in Des Moines, or dine on comfort food in Keokuk. Book a stay at incredible Iowa vacation rentals in cities that offer lakefront views, or dive into the Dutch heritage of Pella. No matter what season you’re taking your babymoon getaway, these cities and towns in Iowa are perfect for fun in the sun, as well as wintry adventures.

1. Spirit Lake

Make Spirit Lake your babymoon vacation destination, and spend your days bonding with your loved one in a lakeside vacation rental. Spirit Lake offers abundant water attractions when the weather cooperates, such as a boat ride on the Queen II Excursion or the sandy beach at Pike’s Point State Park, ideal for wading. Drop in your line while fishing on the docks of the state park, or get in some exercise with a hike throughout the Kettleson Hogsback Wildlife Area. If you’re into golfing and feeling well enough to swing a club, head over to Okoboji View Golf Course for 18 holes with your mate. Satisfy those cravings with some comfort food at Remington’s Restaurant or Italian cuisine at the Pizza Ranch.

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2. Boone

Couples who need some alone time exploring nature before the baby arrives love to explore Ledges State Park in Boone. Take a photo together on the sandstone cliffs, or dip your feet in Pease Creek. The Seven Oaks Recreation area is the ideal place to watch the winter skiers head down the slopes, while the creeks along Canyon Road are popular in the summer months. If history is your thing, head over to the Mamie Doud Eisenhower Birthplace home, or take a romantic drive along the Scenic Valley Railroad to see the antique trains. After an active day, treat yourselves to some Midwest barbecue at Jimmie’s Barbecue Pit, or dive into the American cuisine at the Saints Avenue Cafe.

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3. Dubuque

When you want to head to the big city for your babymoon in Iowa, Dubuque is the obvious choice. This bustling city features attractions for you and your sweetheart to enjoy viewing the underwater creatures at the National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium or romantic walks along the banks of the Mississippi River. Dine your way through Dubuque with American fare at Caroline’s Restaurant for lunch one day and bar bites at the L. May Eatery for dinner. Get active with a walk together on the trails of the Mines of Spain State Recreation area that is home to roaming wildlife. If you time your babymoon for spring or summer, breathe in the intoxicating aroma of the fresh blooming flowers at the Dubuque Arboretum and Botanical Gardens.

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4. Pella

Immerse yourselves in the small-town charm and Dutch Heritage of Pella on your babymoon. Plan your first stop at the Pella Historical Village, a unique area of Pella that is home to more than 20 historical buildings you can tour, then travel to the tallest working windmill in the city. When you want a date night on the town, opt for a Mediterranean dinner at Kaldera before an entertaining evening at the Pella Opera House. Pella also hosts a variety of restaurants to indulge those cravings, such as Breadeaux Pizza, El Charro Mexican Grill, and the Yamato Steak House of Japan.

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5. Des Moines

Des Moines is a mecca for cultural activities to entertain you and your loved one on a babymoon. The Des Moines Art Center is a popular attraction for the art enthusiasts, while the state’s capitol building offers informational tours for the history buffs. If you’re a big sports fan, catch a professional baseball game with your mate at Principal Park, or indulge your love for nature with a trip to the Blank Park Zoo. When you need to get in some exercise, browse the work from local artists with a walk through the Pappajohn Sculpture Park. You can also eat your way through the big city with stops at Centro for Italian fare and Jethro’s BBQ for some comfort food.

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6. Keokuk

Head to southern Iowa for your babymoon when making Keokuk your vacation destination. This small town offers scrumptious eats at Shooter’s Lounge and the C.A.RS Pit Stop, as well as river explorations at the George M. Verity Riverboat Museum. Take in the history of the city and state with a tour of the Keokuk National Cemetery before hiking the trails at Rand Park, hand-in-hand with your partner. If you’re a bird watcher, make your way to the Bridge Observation Deck to see the eagles soaring above. Put your feet up and enjoy some live music in the evenings at Keokuk Labor Temple Breakroom Lounge before retreating to your vacation rental.

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