If you like spending your vacations away from crowds or exploring beautiful, perfect natural landscapes, Iowa might be just what you're looking for. Author Lauren Rice traveled throughout her home state to find the best it has to offer. Everywhere she went she learned something new--a fascinating bit of local history, a little restaurant serving great homemade food, some terrific tucked-away place to visit--and there are countless other treasures just waiting to be discovered.

As with all Explorer's Guides, handy icons point out places of extra value, kid-friendly sites and activities, and lodgings that accept pets. Detailed maps and an alphabetical "What's Where" section help you plan your trip. With this book in hand, travelers will get off the beaten path and into the heart of an authentic, unspoiled place.