— By Tracy Ellen Beard —
Whenever you least count on it, the heartland wraps its arms round you. I by no means imagined Iowa would make my listing of must-see American locations, however generally, household steers you towards the very best discoveries. When my son’s future in-laws prolonged an invite, I charted a two-week highway journey by way of Iowa. Whether or not you’re road-tripping solo like I did or in search of household enjoyable at each flip, Iowa has surprises tucked into each bend of its byways.
An Sudden Journey By way of Iowa
I’m a loop traveler at coronary heart. Whether or not I’m lacing up climbing boots, pedaling alongside a again highway, or steering a rental automobile, the satisfaction of circling again to the start with new recollections brings me inspiration. My loop started after I flew into Sioux Metropolis and picked up my rental automobile. I began by driving throughout the northern portion of the state, then again throughout the middle, stopping in distinctive cities with timeless traditions.
There’s a sure magic to the open highway — particularly when you may have the Midwest’s limitless skies stretching out earlier than you and a map filled with prospects. Though my current Iowa highway journey began as a solo journey, I found alongside the way in which that this state is brimming with family-friendly detours, kid-approved adventures, and moments that would flip any journey right into a cherished reminiscence, irrespective of who’s using shotgun. My route actually started in Orange Metropolis, the place my son’s future in-laws reside, and I proceeded to traverse by way of charming cities, historic websites, nature escapes, and quirky Americana.
Orange Metropolis: Dutch Attraction in Full Bloom
Okoboji: Winter Wonders and Summer season Splash in Iowa
Okoboji Winter Olympics Polar Plunge / Picture courtesy of Visionary Drone, Cheerleaders, Dave Petrick, and the Iowa Nice Lakes Space Chamber
Mason Metropolis: Structure Meets American Track
Decorah: Outside Escapes and Cultural Gems
Dunning Springs / Picture by Tracy Ellen Beard
Decorah’s B&Bs and Victorian houses take guests again in time. I completely loved my keep on the B&B on Broadway. Constructed by Norwegian immigrants in 1910, the house’s lovingly restored attraction advised tales all its personal.
McGregor: Mississippi River Time Journey
Chimney Stacks close to McGregor / Picture by Tracy Ellen Beard
On my solution to McGregor, I loved driving by way of the countryside and bare cornfields. I made a facet journey to see the formations known as Chimney Stacks, working alongside the Higher Iowa River. They’re finest seen from the seat of a kayak. Nonetheless, when it’s too chilly to navigate the river, drive to the tiny city of Bluffton and consider them from the bridge. The Higher Iowa River is acknowledged as one of the crucial lovely locations to kayak in Iowa and the USA as a complete. I drove the again roads, having fun with the countryside and bare cornfields on my solution to McGregor.
The highway unwinds alongside the Nice River Highway towards McGregor, the place the Mississippi River whispers tales of steamboat cities and frontier life. The city’s historical past museum and quirky outlets add layers of attraction.
The Indie outlets and galleries scattered alongside Foremost Road proved irresistible, providing native crafts, classic books, and artisan meals to fill my picnic basket for the following day’s adventures on the highway.
McGregor’s streets could also be quiet in winter, however come summer time, the Driftless Area’s dramatic landscapes beckon out of doors fanatics to Pikes Peak State Park. There, households can hike to a 500-foot bluff as I did to look at the Mississippi and Wisconsin Rivers collide. Right here, I discovered myself imagining Huck Finn and Tom Sawyer as I explored Pikes Peak State Park’s panoramic overlooks. The native trails supply a wonderful excuse for younger explorers to burn off highway journey vitality.
Backwoods in McGregor / Picture by Tracy Ellen Beard
Dubuque: River Discovery and Aquarium Wonders
Dubuque additionally presents riverboat cruises, bluff-side hikes, and loads of kid-friendly eating and leisure, making it a super multi-day cease on any household itinerary.
Cedar Rapids: Arts, Tradition, and Open Areas
Cedar Rapids Museum of Artwork / Picture courtesy of Liz Zabel and GO Cedar Rapids)
Bever Park, one other native gem, presents every part from skating and swimming to cattle, excellent for vacationers with little ones trying to stretch their legs. The Cedar Valley Nature Path invitations cyclists, joggers, and strollers alike to take in Iowa’s scenic countryside. I spent an excellent hour on the path in search of wildlife and stopping to take heed to the stream rush by.
Pella: A Candy Iowa Farewell
Jaarsben Bakery / Picture by Tracy Ellen Beard
Why Iowa?
My solo journey by way of Iowa was a deep dive into America’s cultural quilt, stitched collectively by welcoming communities, wealthy historical past, and playful stops that enchantment to each lone wanderers and households. Whether or not you’re chasing waterfalls in Decorah, digging into Dutch pastries in Pella, or watching the solar set over the Mississippi in McGregor, Iowa presents a slice of Americana excellent for each season and each traveler.
In case you are planning your personal journey, map your route loosely, depart room for detours, and savor the little surprises alongside the way in which. Whether or not you’re exploring solo or surrounded by children within the again seat, the center of Iowa will at all times make room for extra vacationers.
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Discover extra from Tracy on her web site.
