I’ve fallen in love with West Central Iowa! It holds some of the very best gems in Iowa. From wineries, rich Danish culture, good eats, and more you’ll be ready to plan a visit to West Central Iowa! And with this 3 day itinerary, it’s easier than ever! Ready to pack and get going? (Make sure to download the checklist at the end!)
Day 1: Elk Horn
On Day 1, start your visit to West Central Iowa in Elk Horn. This Danish community has so much to offer! Of course, the focus and center point of this community is their authentic and historic Windmill, but that is just the beginning!
Things to Do & See:
- Danish Windmill, Viking Hejm, & Gift Shop – located along Highway 173 through Elk Horn, you’ll find this iconic landmark. Make sure to take the tour to the top of the windmill and learn all about its history and functions. Make sure to grab some Danish goods! My personal favorite is Rodkal, Danish Red Cabbage.
- Museum of Danish America – learn all about the Danish people in Iowa & America, their culture and more at the Museum of Danish America. You’ll learn all about the things we use daily which have Danish roots plus enjoy the interactive displays! The beautiful building is just a plus! Make sure to take in the beautiful grounds surrounding the museum too!
- Danish Countryside Vines & Winery – head outside of Elk Horn to this beautiful winery. Taste test their wines, take a tour of their production and learn about the passion that Loren, the owner, has for not only the wine, but for the Elk Horn area and his patrons! Make sure to take a bottle or two home.
Where to Eat
Elk Horn features 3 great places to eat! Grab lunch the Norse Horse for a local brew, sandwich or salad! Make sure to order the skillet cookie too! For supper, you have two choices! Head to Grace on Main for pizza and pasta delights or Larsen’s Pub for one of Iowa’s winning tenderloins and more! You can’t go wrong with either!
Where to Stay
When it’s time to turn in for the night, head to one of two places! Blue Grass Inn & Suites in Audubon is a great, newer, modern hotel complete with an indoor pool, hardwood floors in the room, and quality amenities. If you’re looking for something more unique, book a room (or the entire place) at Taylor Hill Lodge outside Audubon. This Century Farm turned beautiful lodge is great for the entire family, a girls getaway, or a special stay! Enjoy the country views, and history of the lodge! You’ll be able to get good rest at either of these places so you’re ready for Day 2!
Day 2
Audubon, Iowa, is population 1100 in the town proper, but the entire county offers lots of great things to do and you won’t have to fight the crowds of the bigger cities!
Things to Do & See
- Shop the great downtown shops like Present Company & Rustic Touch, plus Molly’s outside of town! While you’re there, make sure to enjoy their beautiful city park with it’s John J. Audubon sculpture and mosaic tiles in the sidewalk!
- Head to Littlefield Recreation Area near Exira to enjoy time outdoors! They offer hiking, camping, a beach, canoeing, and more! It’s a great way to burn off some energy!
- Take a bike ride on the T-Bone Trail!
- Stop and smell the flowers at the Heritage Rose Garden in Gray
- Try your hand at bowling at the Audubon Rec Center (and enjoy the arcade)!
Where to Eat:
Starting your day with breakfast and coffee at The Bakery on Broadway is a must! For lunch, head to Hamlin and enjoy an award winning tenderloin and delicious salad bar at Darrel’s Place! For supper we insist you head to El Adobe for amazing Mexican food and even better pasta! Trust us on this one…get the pasta!
Spend another night in Audubon and get read for a road-trip and adventure tomorrow!
Day 3
Grab a coffee and get on the road early for Day 3 of your adventures in West Central Iowa! From here, you have two options: head to Ames or to ride the High Trestle Trail Bridge.
Option 1: Ames
Ames, Iowa, is home to Iowa State University, but this college town has lots to do as well as many great places to eat!
Things to Do & See:
- Prairie Moon Winery – located on the outskirts of Ames, this unique winery frequently offers painting classes and other events, but the trip is worth it to taste test and enjoy a vino!
- Reiman Gardens – plan to spend several hours roaming the gardens and Butterfly house in this unique botanical center! Maintained by Iowa State, but open to the public, these grounds not only offer beautiful flowers and fauna, but also unique and ever-changing displays and don’t miss the world’s largest gnome!
- Ciccotti Art Glass – Check out this glass custom glass creator and demonstrations!
- Explore Downtown – downtown Ames is a thriving district with lots of locally owned shops and you can take advantage of the many different Cy’s (the Iowa State Mascot) for photo ops around town
Where to Eat:
As a metropolitan area and college town, Ames offers a plethora of places to eat including many chain restaurants, but they do offer some of the very best locally owned eats around. Hickory Park is a classic when in Ames for the best BBQ! For a more unique and elegant option, head to Aunt Maude’s for a delicious meal. If pizza is your thing, a stop at Great Plains Sauce & Dough Co is a must! A favorite is the wheat crust with honey drizzle! For a delicious burger, head to Brick City Grill!
Where to Stay:
At this point, you can head home or if you’re too tired, we recommend resting your head at the Gateway Hotel & Conference Center. I love the tower feel, indoor pool, gym, onsite restaurant, and quality amenities of this local hotel!
Option 2: Ride the High Trestle Trail
If you’d rather get outside, head to Slater or Madrid and jump on the High Trestle Bike Trail. This cement and asphalt trail winds through many communities that offer trail side restaurants and cold drinks. Plus, the High Trestle Bridge and it’s view over the Des Moines River and it’s beautiful valley.
Visit West Central Iowa
There is no time like the present to plan a visit to West Central Iowa! From Danish culture, delicious food, great outdoor attractions, and more you will see why we fell in love with this region! Plus, the people will make you feel so welcome you won’t want to leave!
Make sure to download the checklist to use on your trip before you take off!
