- Older Iowans’ Day at Iowa State Fair, Des Moines, IA. While seniors are more than welcome for any one of the 11 days of the Iowa State Fair, there is always one specific “Older Iowans’ Day” that allows for special admission for senior visitors. With the money saved with the $9 entrance fee, seniors are encouraged to spend their time visiting the Iowa State Fair’s many attractions including a world-famous Agriculture Building, livestock stables and all the rides including the tilt-a-whirl.
- Senior Daily Specials at Catfish Charlie’s, Dubuque, IA. Seafood is the specialty for the good people over at Catfish Charlie’s in Dubuque. Serving as the No. 1 waterfront, seafood restaurant on the Mississippi, Catfish Charlie’s caters towards all sorts of crowds, including the seniors. All patrons 55 and older and Catfish Charlie’s receives special privy to the Senior Menu from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., which includes such staples as hamburger steak with fried onions, chicken alfredo and of course, catfish.
- Lake Red Rock, Marion County, IA. Serving as the largest reservoir in the state of Iowa, Lake Red Rock in Marion County is a popular place to go for all ages, and for the senior visitors, a majority of the campgrounds that surround this massive reservoir provide senior discounts on staying the night. If you are of the right age, and looking for a scenic spot to park the RV, consider Lake Red Rock as your first place to consider.
- Senior Breakfast at Riverside Casino and Resort, Riverside, IA. If you are over the age of 50 and looking for a great breakfast value, then the Riverside Casino & Golf Resort is right for you. Featuring an award-winning breakfast buffet for only $5, Riverside Casino & Golf Resort invites all seniors to eat a great meal for next to free. With available Senior Rewards on the gaming floor coinciding with the breakfast buffet, there are always options for entertainment after your meal at Riverside Casino.
Iowa is known for its rolling hills, lush green pastures, and picturesque farms. It is also home to many seniors who have lived in the area for decades and are now looking for ways to save money. One of the most popular methods is through senior discounts. In this blog post, we’ll look at what types of senior discounts are available in Iowa so that you can make the most of your hard-earned dollars! So, what kind of discounts are available?
Transportation
Public transportation systems in Iowa offer senior discounts, typically ranging from 25-100% off fares. This is a great way to save money if you rely on public transportation to get around. These discounts are provided by the Iowa Department of Transportation and vary depending on where you live.
Private transportation options, such as rideshares and taxi services, also provide discounts for seniors. For instance, Lyft offers discounted car rides for seniors in Iowa. Other taxis and ridesharing companies may offer similar programs as well, so do your research to find out which ones are available in your area.
If you drive your own car, you could benefit from a senior discount on auto insurance. Many major insurance companies, such as GEICO, offer discounts for seniors who have clean driving records and meet certain criteria.
If you want to rent a car, some car rental companies offer discounts of up to 15% for seniors. Most deals are available for seniors with AARP membership, so ask about that when you book your rental.
Dining Out
Many restaurants in Iowa offer senior discounts. For instance, Olive Garden offers 10% off meals for seniors who are over the age of 55. Other popular chains, such as Denny’s and Applebee’s, also offer 10-20% discounts for seniors.
While many of the chain restaurants may not have a written policy on discounts, it doesn’t hurt to ask when you go out to eat. Many managers will be happy to provide a senior discount if you ask.
Some restaurants also provide senior menus or specials instead of a flat percentage. These meals are typically smaller portion sizes and have lower prices, so it pays to ask about them if you are looking for meal deals.
For instance, Catfish Charlie’s in Dubuque offers a special senior menu for those aged 55 and over. It includes steak, seafood, and other selections at a discounted price. Similarly, IHOP offers a special senior menu with a selection of breakfast and lunch items at discounted prices for seniors aged 55 and over.
So, wherever you go out to eat in Iowa, make sure to ask about any senior discounts available!
Entertainment
Having fun doesn’t have to be expensive for seniors in Iowa.
Many cinemas across the state offer discounts on movie tickets, ranging from 5-25%. You can usually find these discounts at most major chain theaters, such as AMC and Regal. So if you love going to the movies, this could be a great way to save money.
Similarly, many museums offer discounts for seniors. For instance, the Science Center of Iowa in Des Moines offers a 10% discount on admission tickets for seniors aged 70 and over. In turn, Figge Art Museum in Davenport offers 40% off the general admission price for seniors. Similarly, Herbert Hoover Presidential Library & Museum allows seniors to enter for half the price.
Zoo lovers will also be glad to know that many zoos in Iowa offer discounted admission for seniors. For example, Blank Park Zoo in Des Moines offers a $2 discount on admission prices for seniors aged 65 and over. In addition, seniors aged 65 and over can get a discounted ticket at the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium in Dubuque.
Accommodation
If you are looking for discounted lodging in Iowa, there are several options available. Many hotels throughout the state offer discounts for seniors who book directly through their website. For instance, big hotel chains such as Marriott and Best Western offer special senior rates of up to 15% off the best available rates for seniors aged 62 and over.
In addition to hotels, there are other options available for seniors who need accommodations in Iowa. For instance, you can browse through Airbnb listings to find discounted offers for seniors. Individual hosts may offer discounts of up to 15% off the regular rate for seniors who meet certain criteria. So, it’s always best to ask about any discounts available before you book your room.
Finally, Iowa is a great place for seniors to save money. From discounts on car rental and movie tickets to reduced admission prices at museums and zoos, there are plenty of ways for seniors in Iowa to stretch their budget while still enjoying all the state has to offer. Therefore, make sure you ask about any available discounts before making your purchase so that you can get the most bang for your buck!
Morgan Elfman is a compassionate writer, dedicated caregiver, and passionate advocate for senior well-being. Born and raised with a deep sense of empathy and a natural inclination towards service, Morgan has devoted her life to making a positive impact on the lives of seniors.
As a writer for www.choiceseniorlife.com, Morgan utilizes his skills to create insightful and informative content that addresses the unique needs and challenges faced by seniors and their families. Her articles not only provide valuable information on health, lifestyle, and care options but also strive to inspire and empower seniors to lead fulfilling lives.