Did you know that today is National Plan for Vacation Day?! According to a research project by Project: Time Off, more than 53% of Iowans left vacation days left unused! I don’t know about you, but I make sure to use all those suckers up! Throughout the year I work hard and want to have the time to relax, enjoy my family, and do things other than work! Because I have roughly 25 years left to work, I’m going to make sure to use my time off now!
In an effort to help you plan your vacation time, I thought I would do a quick roundup post with our favorite vacation spots and places we recommend, both near and far!
Iowa Vacation Spots & Day Trips
- We love the Amana Colonies whether it be for a day or a long weekend!
My Chicken Schnitzel & Spatzel from the Ox Yolk Inn in the Amana Colonies - Of course, we always recommend the Iowa State Fair:
- We recommend spending at least one day a summer in Clear Lake, oh heck, who are we kidding, you’ll need at least a weekend! We’re not the only one that loves it! Val of Corn, Beans, Pigs, & Kids enjoys staying with her family too!
In the fall, take a day trip to Sheffield and visit Enchanted Acres and their pumpkin patch!
- Head to Knoxville and enjoy the Sprint Car races during Nationals weekend or any other time of the summer!
- Learn about farming and the history of agriculture and innovator, Emil Tyde, at Tyden Farm No. 6
- Take the bicycles and head to the High Trestle Trail!
- High Trestle Trail & Trail Etiquette
High Trestle Trail Bridge
- High Trestle Trail & Trail Etiquette
- Head to Waterloo on a Friday night! Take in the Waterhawks Ski Show & stay at the Lost Island KOA
- We love Dubuque and T even said the other day, “I can’t wait till we can go back to Dubuque this summer!” We enjoy it for both day trips and weekend getaways!
- We’re always looking for great, local places to eat and Gusto Pizza in Des Moines is the best place to start before heading to an iCubs game!!
- Don’t write-off Audubon County just because it’s not a booming metropolis! It’s a great place to spend a weekend!
- While you’re in Western Iowa, we highly recommend paying a visit to our friends in Elk Horn. This strong Danish community is warm and welcoming and rich in history!
Midwest Trips
- We have spent several long weekends in the St. Louis area and enjoyed each of them because of the endless family friendly things to do!
- We love Roseville, MN because of the proximity it offers for so many things in the Twin Cities! While you’re there, make sure to plan around the Minnesota State Fair! Grab a bucket of Sweet Martha’s chocolate chip cookies along with a glass of ice cold milk!
- Roseville, MN: Perfectly Positioned
- Courtyard by Marriott – Roseville
Sweet Martha’s at the Minnesota State Fair! - The Minnesota State Fair: A Must
- Eating & Drinking in the Twin Cities
- Mid-Winter, we love taking the boys to the Mall of America for a weekend! It’s a great indoor getaway that combines family and fun with shopping!
- Omaha is on our list for long weekends this summer and Val of Corn, Beans, Pigs, & Kids thinks it’s a great place to take the family!
- T and I headed to New Ulm, MN for a weekend and what a great time we had! There is so much history, great food, and fun there that we highly recommend it! (And want to go back soon!)
- We took the boys to Mankato, MN recently and think it’s a great destination for families as well! There is so much to do that you definitely won’t be bored during a weekend visit!
- Kenosha, Wisconsin, is a great place to head as a couple or a family for a long weekend or longer! Great food, lots to do, and Lake Michigan keep the options endless.
- If you and your family are outdoor people, then head to Sedalia, Missouri. Complete with a beautiful state park and historic home, the stunning Hotel Bothwell, and the Katy Bike Trail, you won’t be bored!
Family Vacation Hot Spots
- We had a great time in South Dakota and never lacked for things to do probably because we love exploring new areas!
- We like Branson, MO so much that we visited three times in one year and we think your family will enjoy it just as much because there is such a variety of activities!
- Sara of Travel with Sara loves heading to the Alabama beaches when she needs to unwind and relax! We also found great food there!
- We also have had the opportunity to travel to Turks & Caicos and if you’re looking for warmth in the winter, we highly recommend this island destination!
- We have a few more options for you if you haven’t ground quite the right trip yet!
If you’re at a loss at where to use your vacation days, we have you covered! Whether you’re looking for a local day-trip or a big family vacation, we have you covered! Happy Vacationing!
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Dreaming and planning about vacations is so much fun. We’ve thought about so many destinations-close and far away- we may not get to them all, but in some ways we have!
That’s awesome! It’s always good to dream! What’s been your favorite so far?!
Now I’m thinking of all the places we should visit this year and how I should start planning out big summer vacation. Thanks for including a couple of my posts!
I can’t wait to see where you end up! Thanks for contributing!!!
My philosophy is to use all of my vacation each year (saving a small amount of an emergency). One long weekend per month sounds like a great plan!
We decided to that this year to spread it out and give us something to look forward to each month!! Love that you’re going to use all your vacation.
Planning ahead is always great. We go to Amana Colonies most Christmas holidays I’ve never been to some of the other places thanks for sharing.
Amanda at Christmas is actually one time I’ve never been there! I’d love to though!
I didn’t know this was a day, but now that I know about it, it’s one of my favorite holidays! 🙂
I didn’t know it until this year either, but I agree, it’s fantastic!!!
One of my favorite parts of vacation is actually planning the vacation! You’ve got some great destinations in here that I need to add to my list!
Thank you Theresa! And yes, I agree..the planning is a big chunk of the fun!!
What’s better than Christmas? Planning for vacation!!! Thanks for the inspiration!
Sage Scott, the Everyday Wanderer
Heck yes!!!