Where do you head to experience great food, shopping, outdoor recreation, and more?! I make a plan to visit Northwest Iowa! Whether you stop in Fort Dodge, Okoboji, or Estherville (and a few in between), you’ll enjoy your adventures in this part of the state!
Fort Dodge
Fort Dodge has a lot to offer those who love the arts & the outdoors plus history!
Things to Do:
- Visit the Painted Silos – People drive from hours around to view these stunning hand-painted silos, so you don’t want to miss them!
- Create at Studio Fusion – Head to Studio Fusion to paint ceramics or fuse glass.
- Explore The Fort Museum – Learn about the original Fort Dodge and the role it played in the Civil War along with history of Iowa and the area!
- Venture out to Veterans Memorial Park & the Children’s Forest – Located north of Fort Dodge a few miles is a beautiful park dedicated to honoring the Veterans and giving kids a place to explore!
Places to Eat & Drink
- Ice Cream from the Dariette is a must with its flavored soft-serve as well as custom creations!
- Pizza & Beer from Shiny Top Brewery is another must stop! Best pizza crust ever!
Clear Lake
A lot of people are familiar with Clear Lake for the obvious reason, the lake, but there is really so much more to do and enjoy!
Things to Do
- Play at City Beach – enjoy the lake for the water by enjoying the expansive City Beach
- Tap your Toes to the Music at the Surf Ballroom- The legendary and historic Surf Ballroom was the last place that Buddy Holly, Richie Valens, and the Big Bopper played and is full of musical history, take a tour!
- Play Mini Golf at Pla-Mor Golf – this old school miniature golf course is affordable, run by friendly people, and good clean family fun.
- Shop Downtown – Downtown Clear Lake is thriving with lots of little shops to visit! Larsen’s Mercantile is a MUST!
Places to Eat & Drink
- You can’t go wrong with cookies, ice cream, and donuts, right?! Cookies Etc, South Shore Donut Co, and South Shore Sweet Spot are our favorite spots to grab a snack!
- For lunch, head to Starboard Market for a large variety of homemade sandwiches, salads, and the most delicious desserts (including gluten-free ones)!
- Grab lunch at KB Emporium or supper from Anna’s Ballroom! Personally, we love building our own sandwiches (gluten free options too) and grabbing a fresh baked macaron for a treat!
Lakeside Inn & 10 Great Things to Do in Clear Lake
Okoboji
Known as Iowa’s Great Lakes, the Okoboji area has lots to offer on and off the lakes!
Things to Do:
- Cruise the Lake – Whether you own a boat or rent a boat, it’s a great way to see the entire area. My personal favorite is to rent a kayak (or bring your own) and kayak the canals of West Okoboji!
- Shop the Shops – Head downtown Spirit Lake with their numerous locally owned shops or visit the infamous Emporium or check out the shops in Arnold’s Park. No matter where you pick, you’ll enjoy browsing the shops!
- Go Golfing – There are several options for golf or mini golf in the Okoboji Area, but we strongly recommend Emerald Hills Golf Club. The folks are super friendly, the course is a beautiful rolling green area, and the golf is good (we are not, but we know it is a good course!)
- Be a Kid at Arnold’s Park – No matter if you like amusement park rides or shopping and people watching, Arnold’s Park is a great spot to spend time! Personally, we think you need to head to the Maritime Museum, pay the $1 to go down the large wooden slide, and try out the vintage pinball games!
Places to Eat & Drink
- Relax with patio seating or inside the clubhouse at Pub 19. Located on Okoboji View Golf Course, you’ll find delicious pizza, burgers, and delicious sweet potato fries!
- Enjoy the lake views from Waters Edge Grill! Located directly on Lake Okoboji, you’ll find this restaurant connected to a hotel & resort, but it’s open to anyone! And the gluten-free pizza….DELICIOUS!
- Check out a classic Iowa supper club at Yesterday’s! Not only is the vibe fun & vintage, but the food is delicious, and the staff top notch!
Estherville
You may be surprised at all that this some Northwestern town has to offer! Plan to spend a day or two in the area!
Things to Do
- Spend Time Downtown – Downtown Estherville is THRIVING! They offer many great locally owned shops, a delicious coffee shop, and a beautiful Carnegie library, all situated around a square! It is definitely worth spending some time browsing and enjoying the area!
- Go For A Hike – Fort Defiance State Park is situated just outside Estherville and is a great place to explore, hike, and spend time outdoors! (They also offer camping if you love doing that!)
- Explore the River – Estherville has a beautiful Riverwalk area that travels parallel to the Des Moines River! Start at one end of the extra wide paved trail and enjoy a walk, the historic swinging bridge, the parks, and more! You can also kayak or canoe the river with several different access points!
Places to Eat & Drink
- Woody’s Pizza – known around the entire region for their pizza, Woody’s won’t disappoint for a classic slice of pie!
- Coffee & Treats at Central Perk is a great spot to grab breakfast, lunch, a coffee, or a snack! With their fresh baked goods, hot (and cold) brews, fresh lunches, and more, your tummy will be happy!
- Who doesn’t love Iowa wine & live music? That’s exactly what you’ll find outside Estherville at Little Swan Lake Winery! They have created delicious wines and a great atmosphere we know you’ll enjoy!
Storm Lake
Storm Lake is home of Buena Vista University and a smaller community but a great place to slow down!
Things to Do
- Spend time at AWAYSIS Park! This extensive park is situated along the lake as well and includes a large playground, beach for swimming, a lighthouse, and picnic area!
- Stroll Mainstreet – Mainstreet Storm Lake is thriving full of locally owned businesses that are great for browsing!
- Spend time on the Lake – Of course, any lake town is great for enjoying the lake! Try fishing from one of the many docks or from the shore. You can rent a boat too!
- Check out King’s Pointe – Not only is King’s Pointe a beautiful hotel with stunning views of the lake, but it also contains an indoor & outdoor water park, restaurant, 9-hole golf course, and mini golf course.
Places to Eat & Drink
- Storm Lake Bakery – You can’t visit Storm Lake without a stop at their bakery which is baking up fresh donuts, bread, cookies, and more each day!
- La Juanita’s – No visit to Storm Lake is complete without a visit to La Juanita’s for some of the very best authentic Mexican.
- Boat House – If you’re looking for a great steak sandwich, pasta, or seafood then Boat House is the stop for you!
West Bend
There’s one major stop in West Bend that needs to be on your “must visit” list and that is The Grotto of Redemption! This free attraction has been open for more than 50 years and is a great place to spend a couple hours exploring! Once you’re done, head to The Wagon Wheel for pizza and ice cream or a delicious sandwich.
O’Brien County
It’s an unsuspecting destination, but once you visit, we think you’ll understand why we recommend a stop!
Things to Do
- Pick Strawberries – Pick fresh strawberries at Getting’s Garden while enjoying all sorts of strawberry treats. Top it off with the kiddos enjoying their play area!
- Bike & Kayak – Head to Paullina to Paullina Hardware and rent kayaks or e-bikes to enjoy at Mill Creek State Park.
- Find Pumpkins – Solsma’s Punkin Patch is a free patch (no admission) and features a large variety of pumpkins, a gift shop, some activities for the kiddos, and a corn maze.
Places to Eat & Drink
- Crazy Bob’s – This local joint in Hartley is a great place to grab a steak, sandwich, or drink! We recommend the Chislic and hand-cut fries!
- Dairy Dandy – While grabbing ice cream from the Dairy Dandy in Sheldon seems obvious, don’t overlook their roasted chicken and waffle fries, YUM!
- The Cobblestone Bar – For an after dinner cocktail, head to The Cobblestone Bar in Primghar and ask for the Smoked Old Fashioned. You’re welcome!
- Breu House Coffee & Brewery – In the morning, hit this local joint for a warm coffee and then circle back later in the day to enjoy one of their home brewed beers.
- Langer’s Bar & Grill – If you’re ready for the best fries in your life, head to Langer’s Bar & Grill in Sheldon. Burgers, fish, pasta, and more is what you’ll find at this local joint and don’t forget to add the Snickers Cheesecake on to your order!
Where to Stay
There are a couple options in O’Brien County, but to us, the best option is Bill’s Cabin in Primghar. This grain bin turned cabin with modern amenities is in a peaceful location that you won’t want to leave!
Plan a Fun Filled Weekend in O’Brien County
Sioux City
Sioux City is one of the most western communities in Northwest Iowa and has several things to offer.
Things to Do:
- Flight 232 Memorial – Experience the memorial to United Flight 232 which crashed near Sioux City in July of 1989.
- Jolly Time Koated Kernels Popcorn Shoppe and Museum – Check out the museum chronicling the years that Jolly Time has been producing popcorn from the old fashioned ways to microwave and more. Plus, you can snag several different flavors of popcorn that aren’t available anywhere else!
- Palmer’s Old Thyme Candy Shop – Did you know that the Twin Bing originated in Iowa?! That’s right, at Palmer’s Candy in Sioux City. The Old Thyme Candy Shop is a fun stop to grab all sorts of different chocolates and sweets in an old fashioned setting.
- Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center & Betty Stronger Encounter Setting – This stop is a great place to learn about Lewis & Clark’s adventures across Iowa with hands on exhibits, programs, and activities.
Places to Eat & Drink
- CRAVE Restaurant – Connected to the Hilton Garden Inn along the Missouri River and features a wide variety of menu options, but what makes them unique is their wide sushi menu featuring fresh ingredients and patio seating.
- La Juanita – With a sister restaurant in Storm Lake, La Juanita offers delicious authentic Mexican food that is fresh. It’s nothing fancy, but you won’t regret a stop.
Where to Stay
Of course, a community like Sioux City offers lots of different places to stay, but we recommend two different ones. For a room with a view, we recommend the Hilton Garden Inn which is located along the banks of the Missouri River. For something unique and historic, check out The Warrior. This is a beautifully renovated hotel featuring a bar, restaurant, and bowling alley!
Freedom Rocks
If you want to extend your visit to Northwest Iowa, stop at several of the Freedom Rocks. We recommend Kossuth County, Hancock County, O’Brien, and Humboldt County for sure!
Time to Visit Northwest Iowa
Northwest Iowa has lots to offer it’s visitors with free attractions, delicious eats, outdoor adventures and more. Are you ready to visit Northwest Iowa?! Where will you visit first?
Although *everywhere* is technically on my travel list, I have to admit Iowa isn’t in one of the top spots. Reading this post definitely nudged it a little higher on my list – thank you for sharing!
A lot of people overlook Iowa, but we really have so much to offer! Thanks for stopping by!