Family Travel

A Highway Journey By Iowa and its Surprising Pleasures

May 17, 2025
Marcy


— By Tracy Ellen Beard —

Whenever you least anticipate it, the heartland wraps its arms round you. I by no means imagined Iowa would make my listing of must-see American locations, however typically, household steers you towards the perfect discoveries. When my son’s future in-laws prolonged an invite, I charted a two-week street journey by 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 By 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 automobile, the satisfaction of circling again to the start with new reminiscences 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 street — particularly when you have got the Midwest’s infinite skies stretching out earlier than you and a map filled with potentialities. Though my current 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, regardless of who’s using shotgun. My route really started in Orange Metropolis, the place my son’s future in-laws dwell, and I proceeded to traverse by charming cities, historic websites, nature escapes, and quirky Americana.

Orange Metropolis: Dutch Allure 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 Pageant held each Might — 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 fastidiously curated rooms that walked me by the immigrant expertise, from humble kitchens and handmade garments to sports activities, music, and religion. It’s an immersive lesson in resilience that may intrigue older children and adults alike.

Okoboji: Winter Wonders and Summer time Splash in Iowa

Iowa

Okoboji Winter Olympics Polar Plunge / Picture 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 pageant.
For quieter adventures, ice fishing guides assist newcomers and children safely expertise the artwork of dropping a line by the ice. Summer time transforms the realm with warm-weather options: jet snowboarding, paddleboarding, and household picnics at Arnolds Park Amusement Park. The meals vehicles parked lakeside serve BBQ, melty grilled cheese, and different kid-approved snacks.
I stayed at The Oakwood Inn, which supplied a comfortable retreat every night with luxurious touches, a Jacuzzi tub, and breakfasts crafted with real care. In the meantime, a go to to Okoboji Traditional Vehicles was an sudden 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 resort on this planet — a surprising 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 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 provides interactive displays that little ones will love. The mix of artwork, design, and Midwest appeal made Mason Metropolis really feel like a dwelling museum tailored for households.

Decorah: Outside Escapes and Cultural Gems

Iowa

Dunning Springs / Picture by Tracy Ellen Beard

In Decorah, the contemporary air is the principle attraction. I hiked by 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 provides picnic spots, and the waterfall is a favourite for household photographs 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 provides kid-friendly actions with displays that convey 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 appeal advised tales all its personal.

McGregor: Mississippi River Time Journey

Iowa

Chimney Stacks close to McGregor / Picture by Tracy Ellen Beard

On my option to McGregor, I loved driving by 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 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 consider them from the bridge. The Higher Iowa River is acknowledged as one of the lovely locations to kayak in Iowa and the US as an entire. I drove the again roads, having fun with the countryside and bare cornfields on my option to McGregor.

The street 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 appeal.

The Previous West vibe, full with saloons-turned-inns, provides each historic attraction and hearty hospitality. The Backwoods Bar & Grill serves up pizza and BBQ. I arrived on a day when a younger girl and her pals have 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 Principal Road 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 lovers 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.

Iowa

Backwoods in McGregor / Picture 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 concerning the river’s affect on America’s progress and watching children delight within the contact tanks, the place they may pet child stingrays.

Dubuque additionally provides riverboat cruises, bluff-side hikes, and loads of kid-friendly eating and leisure, making it a perfect 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, provides the whole lot 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 a superb hour on the path on the lookout for wildlife and stopping to take heed to the stream rush by.

Pella: A Candy Iowa Farewell

Jaarsben Bakery / Picture by Tracy Ellen Beard

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

Why Iowa?

My solo journey by 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 provides a slice of Americana good for each season and each traveler.

In case you are 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 all the time make room for extra vacationers.

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Tracy Ellen BeardConcerning the Creator: Tracy Ellen Beard is a contract author, editor, and photographer. Tracy’s writing focuses on luxurious and journey journey, spas, positive eating, wine, out of doors actions, and scrumptious libations. Her favourite pastimes embody mountaineering, kayaking, assembly new individuals, and experiencing completely 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 global youngsters’s nonprofit. Her 20-plus years of expertise writing in numerous 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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