**Top 5 Cities to Film in Iowa**
Iowa may be known for its rolling farmlands and peaceful small towns, but it’s also a great place for filmmakers. The state offers a variety of locations that bring different moods and styles to the screen. Whether you need a charming rural setting, a lively small town, or a city backdrop, Iowa has something for everyone. It’s a state full of welcoming communities and beautiful landscapes, making it an ideal filming destination. Movieinsure.com is a proud provider of short term film production insurance and annual film production insurance for the state of Iowa. Let’s take a look at the top five cities to film in Iowa.
1. **Des Moines**
Des Moines, the capital and largest city in Iowa, is a great choice for filmmakers. It has a lively downtown area, beautiful parks, and unique buildings that give it a modern, urban feel. But at the same time, Des Moines maintains its Midwestern charm, which makes it appealing for many different types of films.
One of the best spots for filming in Des Moines is the Iowa State Capitol. This stunning building, with its gold dome and grand architecture, brings a sense of history and elegance to any film. Filmmakers often use it for scenes that require a stately, important backdrop.
Another popular location is the Pappajohn Sculpture Park. The park is full of interesting and modern sculptures, adding an artistic touch to films. It’s perfect for scenes that need a creative or futuristic feel. Additionally, Des Moines’ downtown area is full of vibrant streets, cafes, and shops that make it easy to film urban scenes.
For filmmakers who want a more natural setting, Des Moines has plenty of parks, trails, and rivers that provide scenic outdoor locations. Gray’s Lake Park, with its lakeside views and walking paths, is a peaceful place for outdoor scenes.
2. **Dubuque**
Dubuque is located along the Mississippi River and is one of the oldest cities in Iowa. Its location along the river gives it a beautiful, scenic backdrop that’s perfect for filming. The city is known for its stunning views, historic architecture, and peaceful atmosphere.
One of the most popular filming spots in Dubuque is the Fenelon Place Elevator. This historic cable car offers amazing views of the city and the river below. Filmmakers often use this location for scenic shots that showcase the beauty of Dubuque. The Mississippi River itself also provides stunning riverfront views, making it a great choice for outdoor or nature scenes.
Dubuque’s downtown area is full of historic buildings that give films a timeless feel. The city’s architecture, with its brick streets and old-world charm, makes it ideal for period films or movies set in the past.
Another unique location is the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium. This spot is not only interesting but also educational, and it can provide a unique setting for films that explore history, science, or nature.
3. **Cedar Rapids**
Cedar Rapids is the second-largest city in Iowa and is known for its friendly community and strong sense of culture. The city offers a mix of modern urban locations and scenic natural settings, making it a versatile place for filmmakers.
The Paramount Theatre in Cedar Rapids is one of the city’s gems. This beautiful, historic theater has an elegant interior that’s perfect for films needing a touch of class or nostalgia. Filmmakers who want to capture live performances or scenes in a theater setting will find the Paramount Theatre to be an excellent choice.
For those looking for outdoor scenes, Cedar Rapids has many parks and trails that offer scenic views. The Cedar River flows through the city, providing a peaceful and picturesque backdrop for films. Parks like Bever Park and Noelridge Park are great spots for shooting outdoor scenes that need a quiet, natural setting.
The NewBo District, a vibrant part of Cedar Rapids, offers filmmakers a more modern, artistic feel. With local shops, cafes, and murals, this area is perfect for films that need a lively and creative urban setting.
4. **Iowa City**
Iowa City is a college town and home to the University of Iowa. The city has a youthful and energetic atmosphere, thanks to the large student population. It’s also known for its literary and artistic community, which brings a unique, creative vibe to the city.
The University of Iowa campus is one of the top filming locations in Iowa City. With its historic buildings, green spaces, and tree-lined walkways, the campus offers a perfect setting for films about college life or academic stories. The Old Capitol Building, located in the heart of campus, is a beautiful and historic location that adds elegance to any film.
Iowa City’s downtown area is also great for filmmakers. The Pedestrian Mall, or “Ped Mall,” is a lively spot full of shops, restaurants, and public art. It’s perfect for urban scenes with a youthful and energetic feel.
For filmmakers looking for a quieter, more natural setting, Hickory Hill Park offers peaceful wooded areas and trails. It’s a great spot for nature scenes or films that need a calm, outdoor backdrop.
5. **Council Bluffs**
Council Bluffs, located on the western side of Iowa along the Missouri River, is a city with rich history and beautiful landscapes. Its close proximity to Omaha, Nebraska, also makes it a convenient filming location for filmmakers who want access to two cities.
One of the most striking locations in Council Bluffs is the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge. This modern bridge spans the Missouri River and connects Council Bluffs to Omaha. The bridge provides stunning views of the river and the skyline, making it a popular spot for filmmakers.
Council Bluffs also has a rich railroad history, and the Union Pacific Railroad Museum is a great place for films that explore transportation or history. The city’s connection to the railroad gives it a sense of history and importance that can add depth to any film.
The Loess Hills, located near Council Bluffs, offer filmmakers a chance to capture unique and breathtaking landscapes. These rolling hills and valleys provide a beautiful natural setting that’s perfect for outdoor films or scenes that need a dramatic, scenic backdrop.
In conclusion, Iowa offers filmmakers a wide range of settings, from the modern urban feel of Des Moines to the historic charm of Dubuque. Each city has its own unique character, providing filmmakers with plenty of options for capturing different moods and styles.
Des Moines, with its mix of urban and natural locations, is a great choice for films that need variety. Dubuque’s scenic riverfront and historic buildings provide a timeless, peaceful setting. Cedar Rapids offers a blend of culture, history, and nature, while Iowa City’s vibrant college atmosphere adds a creative, youthful energy. Finally, Council Bluffs, with its connection to the Missouri River and stunning landscapes, offers filmmakers both history and beauty.
Whether you’re filming an action-packed drama, a peaceful nature documentary, or a heartfelt story set in a small town, Iowa’s top cities offer everything you need to bring your vision to life. The state’s combination of natural beauty, rich history, and welcoming communities makes it an ideal destination for filmmakers looking for unique and inspiring locations.
