Your preview for what’s new and notable in 2025 - from brand new destinations and exhibits to attraction expansions and improvements.
Surf Ballroom Music Enrichment & Immersive Center - Clear Lake
Slated to open Summer 2025, the relocated and expanded Clear Lake facility will allow for improved performances and educational experiences. An 1,800-square-foot space will use virtual projection technology (similar to Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience) to showcase the Surf Ballroom’s influence on music history and its ongoing impact on today’s musicians. The center is part of a larger project that includes gateway and streetscape enhancements around and on Buddy Holly Place as well as waterfront connections from the Surf Ballroom to the lakeshore.
River’s Edge Discovery Center - Fort Dodge
The center, opened in Summer 2024 along the Des Moines River in Fort Dodge, features interactive displays that immerse visitors in the living story of Iowa’s water and ways to protect it for the future. Additional outdoor features will be finished in 2026 including a multi-purpose pavilion with seating for 200 people, fishing jetties, in-water improvements, green space, restrooms, adventure playground, trails and native plantings.
Prairie Rock Trails Bike Park - Mason City
Located near the Lime Creek Nature Center and Conservation Area, this new bike park will link to Mason City’s new High Line Trail, riverwalk and 20 miles of existing trails. Specifically designed for off-road and mountain biking with features for all ages, the park will include single-track trails and a pump track when it opens in Fall 2025.
MidAmerican Energy Adventure Tower - Council Bluffs
Projected to open in 2025, the 138-foot-tall observation tower at River’s Edge Park will take visitors above the trees to experience panoramic views of the Missouri River. An adventure course includes an outdoor 50-foot-tall climbing wall (designed to meet the standards for a pre-Olympic speed climbing site), simulated caving experiences and two 480-foot-long roll-glide tracks.
Raccoon River Valley Trail and High Trestle Trail Connection - central Iowa
Nine miles of trail between Woodward and Perry, completed in Fall 2024, connected two of Central Iowa’s most popular trails - the Raccoon River Valley Trail and the High Trestle Trail. The connection creates a 120-mile continuous loop, making it one of the longest trails in the country. There are multiple options for giant loop routes into the greater Des Moines trail system as well.
Gateway River Park - Cedar Falls
Completed in late 2024, the $6+ million transformation of the Cedar Falls Downtown Riverfront brings a wave of new opportunities for water enthusiasts. The project features areas designed for river surfing, tubing, kayaking, paddleboarding and more, with dedicated fishing spots for anglers. Visitors can also relax on the riverbank or explore nearby dining, shopping and breweries. Designed with accessibility in mind, the trail makes it easy for everyone to get on the water and enjoy the outdoors right in the heart of downtown.
Expansions and New Exhibit at the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium - Dubuque
Ice Dinosaurs Exhibit
The National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium offers several new experiences in 2025. The first phase of the Jim & Jean Gantz Otter Habitat renovation, completed Fall 2024, expanded the otters’ living quarters from 600 square feet to a 1,600-square-foot habitat incorporating an outdoor area complete with a stream-waterslide, a small pool and walk-in and pop-up viewing opportunities for museum visitors. Renovations of the main gallery including new indoor aquariums and a trout stream will be completed in Spring 2025.
The Ice Dinosaurs: The Lost World of the Alaskan Arctic exhibit, featuring newly discovered Arctic-dwelling dinosaurs, makes its Midwest debut May 24. Built around groundbreaking discoveries expanding the traditional understanding of dinosaur physiology, provinciality and migration, Ice Dinosaurs invites visitors to learn about the unique adaptations of polar dinosaurs while interacting with real fossils and museum-grade casts. The exhibit runs until September 14.
Key Hotel - Dubuque
The new seven-story hotel in Dubuque, slated to open Fall 2025, will contain 96 guest rooms including 32 suites, as well as a rooftop restaurant, bar and event space with amazing views. The property will be part of Hilton’s “Tapestry Collection,” a portfolio of original boutique hotels that offer guests unique style and vibrant personality.
Island Social - Dubuque
Opened Winter 2024, the family entertainment center features more than 75 high-end arcade games, duckpin bowling and digital axe throwing. Enjoy an elevated Americana-inspired menu at Kitchen + Bar or book one of the two party rooms for a private gathering.
Glow Trail - Ankeny
An approximately 425-foot-long concrete glow trail will connect to the east side of the High Trestle Trail from just south of Uptown Ankeny. It is the first planned attraction in the city’s new High Trestle Trail Experience Park. The trail is slated to be completed in Spring 2025.
Southeast Iowa JBS Sports Center - Ottumwa
Opened in late 2024, the state-of-the-art facility provides three full-size basketball courts, four volleyball courts, a 9v9 turf soccer field, a softball and baseball infield, two batting cages, a turf football field, concessions, offices, and the ability to host birthdays, conferences and events in Ottumwa.
