A Highway Journey By way of Iowa and its Surprising Pleasures

Family Travel

A Highway Journey By way of Iowa and its Surprising Pleasures

5월 19, 2025

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— By Tracy Ellen Beard —

Once you least anticipate it, the heartland wraps its arms round you. I by no means imagined Iowa would make my record of must-see American locations, however typically, household steers you towards the most effective 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 on the lookout for household enjoyable at each flip, Iowa has surprises tucked into each bend of its byways.

An Surprising Journey By way of Iowa

I’m a loop traveler at coronary heart. Whether or not I’m lacing up mountaineering boots, pedaling alongside a again highway, or steering a rental automobile, the satisfaction of circling again to the start with new reminiscences brings me inspiration. My loop started once 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’ve gotten the Midwest’s limitless skies stretching out earlier than you and a map stuffed with potentialities. Though my latest 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 driving shotgun. My route actually started in Orange Metropolis, the place my son’s future in-laws dwell, and I proceeded to traverse by way of charming cities, historic websites, nature escapes, and quirky Americana.

Orange Metropolis: Dutch Appeal in Full Bloom

Dutch American Heritage Museum in Orange Metropolis

Orange Metropolis felt like strolling right into a storybook. The city’s Dutch heritage spills out onto each nook, from clog-shaped indicators and windmills within the park to the annual Tulip Competition held each Could — an ideal occasion for households, particularly little ones who will love the colourful costumes and parades.

On the Dutch American Heritage Museum, I wandered by way of fastidiously curated rooms that walked me by way of the immigrant expertise, from humble kitchens and handmade garments to sports activities, music, and religion. It’s an immersive lesson in resilience that will intrigue older children and adults alike.

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

From Orange Metropolis, I veered towards Okoboji, Iowa’s quintessential lake city. Although I arrived in winter, I shortly discovered that the locals embrace all 4 seasons with aptitude. The College of Okoboji Winter Video games transforms the frozen lake right into a wonderland: broomball tournaments, snow softball, human foosball, and even the “drill or die” ice auger races. As a solo traveler, I marveled on the sheer enthusiasm, however households would discover this a can’t-miss seasonal competition.

For quieter adventures, ice fishing guides assist newcomers and youngsters safely expertise the artwork of dropping a line by way of the ice. Summer season transforms the world with warm-weather options: jet snowboarding, paddleboarding, and household picnics at Arnolds Park Amusement Park. The meals vans parked lakeside serve BBQ, melty grilled cheese, and different kid-approved snacks.

I stayed at The Oakwood Inn, which provided a comfy retreat every night with luxurious touches, a Jacuzzi tub, and breakfasts crafted with real care. In the meantime, a go to to Okoboji Traditional Automobiles was an surprising favourite, with classic vehicles nestled beneath murals that made it really feel like stepping right into a dwelling Nineteen Sixties streetscape. Though I’m not a “automobile fanatic,” the shows right here will pique everybody’s curiosity, even the children.

Mason Metropolis: Structure Meets American Track

Subsequent up: Mason Metropolis, a city the place artwork, music, and structure converge. I checked into the Historic Park Inn, the final remaining Frank Lloyd Wright lodge on this planet — a shocking piece of design historical past that appears like stepping again in time. Households touring collectively may go for a self-guided structure stroll or a go to to the Stockman Home.

Daylight introduced me to the Music Man Sq., the place Meredith Willson’s legacy invitations guests to wander by way of recreated film units, discover American music historical past, and even be a part of a barbershop quartet or two. It’s half museum, half nostalgic playground, and gives interactive displays that little ones will love. The mix of artwork, design, and Midwest allure made Mason Metropolis really feel like a dwelling museum tailored for households.

Decorah: Out of doors Escapes and Cultural Gems

Dunning Springs / Photograph by Tracy Ellen Beard

In Decorah, the recent air is the primary attraction. I hiked by way of Dunning Springs Waterfall and alongside the 11-mile Trout Run Path, however this charming city is ideal for households, too. The park at Dunning Springs gives picnic spots, and the waterfall is a favourite for household pictures and engagements alike.

Decorah’s out of doors lineup consists of kayaking the Higher Iowa River in the summertime or snowshoeing the paths at Kettleson Hogsback Wildlife Administration Space within the winter. I arrived on a cold day, so I checked out the city’s boutique-filled downtown and visited the Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum, which gives kid-friendly actions with displays that deliver immigrant tales to life in vivid, tangible methods.

Decorah’s B&Bs and Victorian houses take guests again in time. I totally loved my keep on the B&B on Broadway. Constructed by Norwegian immigrants in 1910, the house’s lovingly restored allure informed 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 by way of the countryside and bare cornfields. I made a aspect journey to see the formations known as Chimney Stacks, working 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 examine them from the bridge. The Higher Iowa River is acknowledged as one of the 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 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 retailers add layers of allure.

The Previous West vibe, full with saloons-turned-inns, gives each historic attraction and hearty hospitality. The Backwoods Bar & Grill serves up pizza and BBQ. I arrived on a day when a younger lady and her mates had been celebrating a birthday. They invited me to hitch within the enjoyable, and later, I retired to my period-decorated room upstairs on the Backwoods Mattress and Bathtub.

The Indie retailers 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 season, 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 superb excuse for younger explorers to burn off highway journey vitality.

Backwoods in McGregor / Photograph by Tracy Ellen Beard

Dubuque: River Discovery and Aquarium Wonders

In Dubuque, the Nationwide Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium is an interactive treasure trove for guests of all ages. I spent hours studying in regards to the river’s impression on America’s development and watching children delight within the contact tanks, the place they may pet child stingrays.

Dubuque additionally gives riverboat cruises, bluff-side hikes, and loads of kid-friendly eating and leisure, making it an excellent 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, gives every thing from skating and swimming to livestock, excellent for vacationers with little ones seeking to stretch their legs. The Cedar Valley Nature Path invitations cyclists, joggers, and strollers alike to take in Iowa’s scenic countryside. I spent a superb 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

My final cease on the loop earlier than returning to Sioux Metropolis to fly residence was in Pella, one other Dutch-rooted city that shines in springtime when the tulips bloom. Jaarsma Bakery alone is well worth the journey, serving legendary almond pastries generally known as “letters” — a candy sendoff.

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 attraction 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 gives 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 guts of Iowa will at all times make room for extra vacationers.

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Concerning the Creator: Tracy Ellen Beard is a contract author, editor, and photographer. Tracy’s writing focuses on luxurious and journey journey, spas, advantageous eating, wine, out of doors actions, and scrumptious libations. Her favourite pastimes embody mountaineering, kayaking, assembly new individuals, and experiencing totally different cultures worldwide. Tracy shares a singular perspective on the world from her private journeys and excursions because the founder and previous president of a world youngsters’s nonprofit. Her 20-plus years of expertise writing in varied genres, and her culinary coaching in San Francisco, California, add to her information and experience.

Discover extra from Tracy on her web site.

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