— By Tracy Ellen Beard —
While you least count on it, the heartland wraps its arms round you. I by no means imagined Iowa would make my record of must-see American locations, however generally, household steers you towards one of the best discoveries. When my son’s future in-laws prolonged an invite, I charted a two-week street journey via Iowa. Whether or not you might be road-tripping solo like I did or on the lookout for household enjoyable at each flip, Iowa has surprises tucked into each bend of its byways.
An Surprising Journey Via Iowa
I’m a loop traveler at coronary heart. Whether or not I’m lacing up mountaineering boots, pedaling alongside a again street, or steering a rental automotive, 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 automotive. 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 street — particularly when you’ve got the Midwest’s countless skies stretching out earlier than you and a map stuffed with potentialities. Though my latest Iowa street 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 might flip any journey right into a cherished reminiscence, irrespective of who’s driving shotgun. My route really started in Orange Metropolis, the place my son’s future in-laws reside, and I proceeded to traverse via charming cities, historic websites, nature escapes, and quirky Americana.
Orange Metropolis: Dutch Appeal in Full Bloom
Okoboji: Winter Wonders and Summer season Splash in Iowa
Okoboji Winter Olympics Polar Plunge / Photograph courtesy of Visionary Drone, Cheerleaders, Dave Petrick, and the Iowa Nice Lakes Space Chamber
Mason Metropolis: Structure Meets American Music
Decorah: Outside Escapes and Cultural Gems
Dunning Springs / Photograph 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 appeal advised tales all its personal.
McGregor: Mississippi River Time Journey
Chimney Stacks close to McGregor / Photograph by Tracy Ellen Beard
On my technique to McGregor, I loved driving via the countryside and bare cornfields. I made a facet journey to see the formations known as Chimney Stacks, operating alongside the Higher Iowa River. They’re greatest seen from the seat of a kayak. Nevertheless, when it’s too chilly to navigate the river, drive to the tiny city of Bluffton and look at them from the bridge. The Higher Iowa River is acknowledged as probably the most stunning locations to kayak in Iowa and america as an entire. I drove the again roads, having fun with the countryside and bare cornfields on my technique to McGregor.
The street unwinds alongside the Nice River Street 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 appeal.
The Indie outlets and galleries scattered alongside Primary Avenue proved irresistible, providing native crafts, classic books, and artisan meals to fill my picnic basket for the following day’s adventures on the street.
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 observe 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 provide a wonderful excuse for younger explorers to burn off street journey power.
Backwoods in McGregor / Photograph 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 really perfect multi-day cease on any household itinerary.
Cedar Rapids: Arts, Tradition, and Open Areas
Cedar Rapids Museum of Artwork / Photograph courtesy of Liz Zabel and GO Cedar Rapids)
Bever Park, one other native gem, presents every little thing from skating and swimming to cattle, good for vacationers with little ones seeking to stretch their legs. The Cedar Valley Nature Path invitations cyclists, joggers, and strollers alike to absorb Iowa’s scenic countryside. I spent hour on the path on the lookout for wildlife and stopping to hearken to the stream rush by.
Pella: A Candy Iowa Farewell
Jaarsben Bakery / Photograph by Tracy Ellen Beard
Why Iowa?
My solo journey via Iowa was a deep dive into America’s cultural quilt, stitched collectively by welcoming communities, wealthy historical past, and playful stops that attraction to each lone wanderers and households. Whether or not you might be 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 good for each season and each traveler.
If you’re planning your individual 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.
