Winter is knocking at our doorstep here in the Midwest! This also means people traditionally think of this as the time to go away to a warmer place! We are lucky because we have so many options for great Winter Weekend Getaways here in Iowa and other Midwest states!
While the Midwest may not be the ideal vacation spot in the middle of winter for everyone, they do offer several spots that offer great accommodations, things to do, and awesome places to grab a bite to eat!
Check out the Best Winter Weekend Getaways in Iowa!
Iowa
Looking for a fun weekend getaways in Iowa?! We’ve got several for you to enjoy even during the winter months!
Charles City, Iowa
Located in Northeast Iowa is the community of Charles City with lots of offer, even on a snowy weekend!
Where to Stay: Hunker down during a winter weekend at the Sherman House Bed & Breakfast. Cozy bedrooms, delicious breakfasts, and popcorn and tea provided for all guests will give you a warm and wonderful getaway.
Book a Stay at Sherman House Bed & Breakfast
Where to Eat: Charles City offers several great option for good eats! Pizza from Cedar River Pizza Company, sweet potato tots and award winning tenderloins from The Pub on the Cedar, & hot coffee from Aroma’s are just a few great stops!
What to Do: If you do feel like leaving the lodge, make sure to check out the Charles City Art Center, catch a movie at the Charles Theatre, browse the downtown shops, or go for a game at the Comet Bowl.
Charles City, IA: Restaurants, Shopping, & Culture
Audubon, Iowa
Audubon may be the most unexpected destination on my list, but has so much to offer it’s visitors!
Where to Stay: Audubon offers two amazing options for a stay! If you’re traveling with a group of people, make sure to reserve the whole place at Taylor Hill Lodge! If you’re traveling with littles or just you and someone special, book a room at the newly built Blue Grass Inn & Suites.
Where to Eat: Fresh baked goods and hot coffee from The Bakery on Broadway is a great way to start your day. Delicious pasta and Mexican from Adobe Mexican Restaurant is just one of many options for dinner!
What to Do: If you want to get out and explore the area, head to the Audubon Rec Center to burn off some energy, get outdoors at Littlefield Recreation nearby in Exira. Finally, make sure to head nearby Elk Horn and learn all about the Danish culture and heritage.
5 Reasons You Need to Visit Audubon County, Iowa
Pella, Iowa
With its rich Dutch history, Pella is a great place to explore and spend time! The amount of shopping and wine stops make it a great girls trip destination too!
Where to Stay: Pella has several options for lodging, but our personal recommendation is the Royal Amsterdam. Not only is it a gorgeous updated hotel, the location downtown means everything is in walking distance!
5 Ways to Have a Great Trip to Pella, IA
What to Eat: Pella offers a plethora of coffee shops, locally owned restaurants, and more! My personal favorite is the gyro platter from George’s Pizza downtown! Of course, you have to grab some baked goods from one of the two bakeries! Also, stop by The Wijn House to try one of their wine slushies…AMAZING!
What to Do: Downtown Pella is jam packed with locally owned shops from clothing stores to gift shops, home decor, and more! Make sure to stop at Van Veens Chocolates for the best there is! While shopping, drinking wine, and eating is great, we also recommend stopping by the Vermeer Windmill & Pella Historical Society! It’s quite fascinating!
Sedalia, Missouri
Sedalia has an incredibly rich history in American politics and the railroad which means it has lots of beautiful architecture to see!
Where to Stay: Sedalia offers several hotel options, but in my mind the only place to stay is the Hotel Bothwell in historic downtown! This renovated hotel is simply stunning with it’s historic features and modern amenities! You’ll never want to leave!
Where to Eat: Sedalia has several options for delicious food! Ozark Coffee Company is a MUST regardless of when or why you visit. For an upscale menu and experience, Ivory Grille located in the Hotel Bothwell is a definite must! If you want a fun experience and a more relaxed atmosphere, Kehde’s BBQ is the place to head! Make sure to eat in the train car!
3 Reasons (and more) to Visit Sedalia, MO
What to Do:
We highly recommend visiting the Daum Museum of Contemporary Art and make sure to catch the Chihuly chandelier! We also think it would be great to arrange a private tour of the Heard Mansion! Finally, spend time walking in historic downtown Sedalia, shopping in the stores and enjoying the architecture!
Hermann, Missouri
Situated on the Missouri River is Hermann, Missouri. This historic town has lots to offer it’s visitors! Thanks to Hodge Podge Hippie for sharing about this great spot!
Where to Stay: If you’re looking for one of the best places in Missouri to stay, The Cottage in Hermann is one of the best. Nestled high in the treetops but surrounded by modern conveniences, a stay here is perfect for families, a romantic getaway, or a fun girls weekend trip to get away from it all. Pack up a deck of cards, some hiking boots, and grab a bottle of the delicious Herman wine and get ready to fall in love with your stay here.
What to Eat: Hermann offers a large variety of options for eats including Mexican at Dos Primos Mexican Restaurant, Pizza from 4th Street Pizza, local coffee shops & more!
What to Do: Hermann is a big part of the Missouri Wine Country, so take some time and explore the wineries in the area! There are several historic sites to explore, local shops to support, and much more!
The Cottage in Hermann – A Perfect Romantic Getaway in Missouri
Branson, Missouri
We know what you’re thinking…Branson is for old people! Ha! That is the Branson of yesterday. Today Branson is for everyone! Whether you want to go for a week or a weekend, we know you’ll have plenty to do and have a great time!
Where to Stay: Branson has endless options of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals.
Branson for Families: 6 Reasons It’s Perfect
What to Eat: The amount of places to eat is endless in Branson! Fresh fish, ethnic food, BBQ, and more is what you’ll find there! Our favorites are Danna’s BBQ & Burger Shop, White River Fish House, & Poncho Villa!
What to Do: There’s so much to do in Branson that you would never be bored! Our “musts” when we visit this Missouri entertainment hub is the Titanic Museum, ride the Branson Ferris Wheel, and spend time down at The Landing! Please note that there are several portions of Branson that close down for a couple months during the winter, but there is still lots to do, just make sure to check hours before traveling!
Quad Cities
If you are from the Iowa area, you know the Quad Cities, but for those of you that don’t….Davenport & Bettendorf, Iowa; and Rock Island and Moline, Illinois make up the quad cities! And, they are home to your next winter weekend getaway!
Where To Stay: While the Quad Cities offers LOTS of places to stay, our recommendation is Hotel Blackhawk located in downtown Davenport! This historic hotel has been a part of the community for over 100 years! It has been renovated in the last 10 years and is beyond gorgeous! The amenities are high end and the service by its employees top notch!
Where To Eat: Just like places to stay, the Quad Cities offers endless delicious places to eat! We have a few recommendations for you though like Bayside Bistro, Lemongrass Thai Café, and even the Bix Bistro inside the Hotel Blackhawk. Our “don’t miss” top is Twin Span Brewery! Grab a flight to try several brews and make sure to get the loaded fries or fish tacos!
Warm Up with a Winter Weekend in the Quad Cities
What To Do: There is lots to do in the Quad Cities and they fit for both families and couples, so it makes a great destination no matter who you are traveling with! We loved visiting the Putnam Museum, the American-German Heritage Center & Museum, and the Quad City Botanical Center. During the holiday season they feature Winter Nights, Winter Lights with beautiful Christmas light displays. Finally, make sure to visit the Rock Island Arsenal, which is a functioning Army base but also has a museum, historic home, and Mississippi River Visitor’s Center where you can get an up-close look at Lock & Dam #15.
Great Winter Weekend Getaways in the Midwest
The Midwest is full of great winter getaways! The Midwest is busting with options, but above are just some of my favorite winter weekend getaways! Which destination are you putting on your trip plan first?
Looking for more Weekend Getaways in the Midwest?! We’ve got the Ultimate Guide for you….Click HERE!
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