Iowa Culture App

Iowa Culture is a mobile app that is a fun and interactive way to discover arts, history and cultural destinations in Iowa. Explore places by category and location, browse featured tours and save favorites to create your own Iowa Culture adventure. The possibilities are endless with mapping tools to direct you to more than 3,500 sites across 99 counties covering 56,272 square miles.

Download the free mobile app from Apple or Google Play stores or launch the desktop version.

Featured Tours

The Featured Tours found within the Iowa Culture mobile app and online version are a great way to discover new ways to explore Iowa's arts, history and culture.

Current Featured Tours

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes this app unique?

The Iowa Culture mobile app is the largest, most comprehensive, statewide inventory of cultural experiences in the state of Iowa. You will find more than 3,500 cultural sites in Iowa – with sites in every county – and it continues to grow as new locations are discovered. Whether you are ready to take a road trip or want to rediscover your local community – arts, history and culture are closer than you think.

Do I have to buy the app?

The app is free. Search “Iowa Culture” in the Apple or Google Play store and download it to your compatible device or launch the website version.

What types of places are included in the app?

The Iowa Culture mobile app includes more than 3,500 (and counting) historic sites, arts experiences and cultural destinations across Iowa. You’ll find:

Art Centers
Art Museums
Cemeteries
Historic Ballrooms
Historic Barns & Farmsteads
Historic Bridges
Historic Districts
Historic Hotels
Historic Markers
Historic Schools
Historic Theaters
Historical Societies
History Museums
Iowa Governor Gravesites
Military History
National Heritage Areas
National Historic Landmarks
National Register of Historic Places
Notable Iowan Sites
Monuments and Memorials
Performing Arts Centers
Public Art
State Historic Sites
Television and Movie Sites
Underground Railroad Sites
Uniquely Iowa Sites

Why was this mobile app created?

Iowans recognized the need for a comprehensive inventory of arts, history and cultural sites across the state. The State Historical Society of Iowa along with the Iowa Arts Council traveled across the state talking to Iowans about cultural vitality and how state government can support Iowans interested in arts, history, historic preservation and other cultural initiatives. We heard that Iowans want Iowa’s identity promoted as a progressive, innovative and culturally healthy state that has a lot to offer. In addition, we heard that communities want assistance in marketing and creating access to resources to ensure the sustainability of Iowa’s arts, history and cultural assets. Based on feedback during these community conversations, the Iowa Culture app was refined to include additional functionality and 3,000 sites were added to the initial 600. This new tool for discovery is a powerful marketing platform, full of Iowa’s hidden gems – all at your fingertips.

How do I suggest a place for inclusion in the app?

The Iowa Culture app continues to grow as more points of pride are discovered. You are invited to suggest new places and photos to include in the app. You may Suggest a Place online – or, while using the mobile app, select the “Search” menu and then choose “Suggest a Place.” Submissions are reviewed and added to the app if the place meets established criteria for inclusion.

How do I submit a photo of a place for inclusion in the app?

Photos may be submitted via email or when using the mobile app, go to the individual detail screen for the location for which you would like to submit a photo and select “Submit Photo.” Then choose to access your library of photos or access the camera on your phone.

How do I add or edit information for a location already listed in the app?

If you have additional information about a location listed in the app or would like to suggest an edit to the description, address, phone number, website or social media channels, please contact us.

Are privately owned properties included in the app?

Some privately owned properties listed on the National Register of Historic Places are included in the app. Private properties listed on the app must be visible from a public area. These properties have a notice to app users that states, “This property is privately owned and not open to the public. Please respect the privacy of owners if you visit.” If you are the owner of a private property, you may request it be removed from the app by contacting us.

What is the difference between a mobile app and a mobile website?

Iowa Culture is a mobile application (app) available in Apple and Google Play stores and is also available in a mobile website (desktop) version. A mobile app is downloaded and installed directly on your mobile device, rather than being viewed in a web browser using the internet. Apps are downloaded from device-specific stores – the Apple Store (iPhone, iPod, iPad) and Google Play Store (Android Phones). The Iowa Culture app can be accessed and used without an internet connection (if you have an internet or cellular connection when you open the app, it will download updated content automatically). An Internet or cellular connection may also be required to install updated software versions of the app and to use certain features such as navigation/driving directions, social media sharing, suggesting a place, submitting photos or visiting individual location websites. The mobile website version of Iowa Culture is similar to any other website you use. It is accessible on a desktop computer or laptop with an internet connection. The main difference between a mobile website and a regular website is that the mobile website is designed to be viewed on small device screens in addition to a computer monitor.