While traveling through Nebraska, one may find it worthwhile to explore the neighboring state of Iowa, particularly its craft breweries. Iowa, though not as well-known as some of its contemporaries in the craft beer scene, has been rapidly growing in recent years. Eastern Iowa is home to the state's largest city by population, Des Moines, but other smaller towns are also worth visiting for beer enthusiasts.

Among Iowa's most prominent craft breweries, one would be remiss to overlook Big Grove Brewery, with operations located in Solon and Iowa City. Big Grove has expanded from a humble beginning as a small-town Iowa brewpub to now partnering with several larger companies, producing their beers on a far larger scale. Their success story highlights the fact that Iowa breweries are indeed making names for themselves.

Further west lies the city of Ames, home to many Iowa State universities students, but also local favorite Alluvial Brewing Company. Named after the local geography of the area, the tasting room has several beers that feature a local twist or represent Iowa's rural legacy.

Cedar Rapids, Iowa is home to a new wave of craft breweries and has taken significant steps in the past few years. One of these, Uptown Brewing Company, includes an expanded beer list, offering about 24 different beers to patrons. At any given time Uptown Brewery tap list you might find just over 40 beers on tap, consisting primarily of seasonal offerings that locals tend to flock to.

Single-speed Brewing Company of Cedar Rapids Iowa, takes the uncharted road with collaborations involving whiskey barrel and Iowa made wine based beers. Located in the former train station turned brewhouse is indeed an essential stop.

Another particular craft brewery within the state of Iowa is that of Firetrucker Brewery located in Ankeny and also in Bondurant, Iowa. Among the best-reviewed brews is Firetrucker and many patrons appreciate this on the site brewed delicacy.

A list of brewery locations statewide, which travel guides can use to plan itineraries around specific types and availability of beers, and also keep in mind any local activities sponsored by many to organize visits.

Clearly, those interested in Iowa will agree that visiting small towns proves worthwhile for beer enthusiasts. Travel guides listing visit information for rural town breweries may lead to travelers seeking out specific visits based upon particular activities and travel goals. Many towns also welcome out of town guests via unique hospitality styles. No visit is complete without noting particularly long standing support patronage and service experience if felt by guests

While local craft beer can become an enduring sense of identity tied to geographic areas and the love embedded in those respective beers can start many travelers becoming well acquainted with regional beers of the craft type.