Iowa Roadtrip Archives

Iowa

Plan a Visit to Northwest Iowa: The Best Stops

March 17, 2023July 9, 2024 — Katy Flint2 Comments

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!

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Iowa

Lakeside Inn & 10 Great Things to Do in Clear Lake, Iowa

March 12, 2023March 12, 2023 — Katy FlintLeave a comment

Clear Lake, Iowa is known for being a quintessential Iowa lake town during the summer months! But, it’s not the only time to visit Clear Lake and Lakeside Inn, which is located on the south shore of Clear Lake. It is the perfect place to stay while you explore this community regardless of what time of year you visit!

Thank you to Lakeside Inn for hosting us during our stay. All thoughts and opinions are 100% authentic and our own. For more details, please see the Disclosure Tab.

Lakeside Inn – A Clear Lake Staple

The Lakeside Inn was built several decades ago and instantly became known as a staple to the Clear Lake community! For the next several decades, it saw many friends & families use this great lakeside location to make memories. But, lets be real…after more that many years and visitors, it was tired. Thankfully, the newest owners of the Lakeside Inn saw the potential and decided to give it new life!

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Iowa

The Best Fall Recipes

September 10, 2021September 6, 2021 — Katy FlintLeave a comment

Fall is my very favorite season. I love the warm days, crisp nights, and all things fall like pumpkins & more! I also love all things fall recipes. To me, nothing is better than when the air is cooler and you can have the windows open while baking and cooking with delicious smells wafting through the air! With my love for all things fall, it seemed only right that gather up all my favorite and best fall recipes into one place!

Gluten-Free Harvest Granola

Honey, maple syrup, pepitas, and dried cranberries all come together with gluten-free oatmeal to make this delicious fall flavored granola! It’s homemade so you know exactly what’s in and you can customize to your liking!

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Iowa

Oh My Osage, Iowa! 10 Reasons to Visit

August 18, 2021September 1, 2021 — Katy Flint8 Comments

Osage, Iowa, is a town around 3,500 people located in northeast Iowa. It may not be the place that you would typically seek out for your weekend getaway. But, I guarantee that there is plenty of things to do in Osage, Iowa, that will make your travels worth it!

A huge thank you to the Osage Chamber of Commerce for hosting our visit. All thoughts and opinions are 100% authentic and my own. For more details, please check out the Disclosure Policy tab!

Location

As previously mentioned, Osage is located in northeast Iowa and is situated along 2 state highways making it easily accessible. It’s also relatively close to a couple regional airports. This means you can fly in and road trip there and back, enjoying the Iowa countryside!

If you’re traveling by car…

Des Moines, IA – 148 miles – 2 hours, 10 minutes drive time
Minneapolis, MN – 134 miles – 2 hours, 12 minutes drive time
Kansas City, MO – 341 miles – 4 hours, 50 minutes drive time
Chicago, IL – 338 miles – 5 hours, 25 minutes drive time

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Iowa

5 Reasons to Visit Dyersville, Iowa

March 15, 2021October 8, 2021 — Katy Flint14 Comments

“Is this Heaven? No, it’s Iowa”. We all know that line from “Field of Drams”, right?! But, after a visit to Dyersville, Iowa. We know it’s really true! We always enjoy finding great treasures in Iowa and love sharing about them too!

Traveling doesn’t always have to be week long vacations and with our busy lives we have come to enjoy day trips and weekend getaways. Dyersville, Iowa is perfect for both of those!

*Thank you to Dyersville Area Chamber of Commerce for inviting us and hosting our visit. All thoughts and opinions are 100% authentic and my own! For more details, please see the Disclosure Tab.

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Iowa

Spend the Weekend In Vacation Okoboji!

October 8, 2020October 2, 2022 — Katy Flint2 Comments

If you’re from Iowa, you know Lake Okoboji! So, when I learned I got to spend the weekend visiting, I was super excited. Then, I learned about all the things to do in Vacation Okoboji that aren’t on the lake. So, it doesn’t matter what time of year you can travel to this lake destination, you’ll have plenty to do and stay busy. Whether you’re looking for land or water, Okoboji is a great place to spend a weekend getaway in Iowa! Plus, you’ll find amazingly delicious food, which you know is so important to me!

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Iowa

15 Iowa Day Trips to Make

May 10, 2020October 12, 2021 — Katy Flint6 Comments

Iowa is full of all sorts of great places to visit for a weekend or even just a day. I’ve put together a list of 15 Iowa Day Trips that should be on your “to do” list this summer!

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Going on Iowa Day Trips

Traveling is different for everyone. Some people consider traveling to be out of the country for a long period of time. Others consider it within the US for a week. Of course, there are those who look for weekend trips and day trips!

Iowa day trips are a great way to see the state without having to dedicate an entire weekend or week to exploring! So, here are 15 fantastic day trips that you can enjoy with your girlfriends, spouse, significant other, or the entire family. These are no particular order!

Snag the Ultimate Guide to Traveling in Iowa by clicking HERE!

Pella

A plethora of downtown shops, biking on the Volksweg Trail, or exploring one of the many nearby parks makes Pella great spot for an Iowa day trip! Make sure to check out the Vermeer Windmill and Pella Historical Society Museums!

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Iowa

4 “Must Do” Things in Dubuque, IA

February 3, 2020October 8, 2021 — Katy Flint4 Comments

Did you know that Dubuque, Iowa is “where Iowa started”? It’s true, back in 1785, Julien Dubuque landed here and established a colony. Ever since then it’s grown and bloomed into an important part of Iowa’s tourism and commerce systems. Whether you’re looking to spend a day or a weekend here, there is lots to do. To help you navigate it all, I’ve put together our 4 things that are the “must do’s” while visiting this river town!

1. Stay at the Hotel Julien Dubuque

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Iowa

Plan a Day Trip to Fort Dodge, Iowa

June 16, 2019September 20, 2021 — Katy Flint20 Comments

When you’re looking for a day trip that includes art, history, fun, and food, plan your visit to Fort Dodge, Iowa. You’ll be surprised at the great finds in this community in Central Iowa!

Thank you to the Fort Dodge Conventions & Visitors Bureau for hosting parts of our trip! Although this occurred, all thoughts and opinions are 100% authentic and our own. Please see the disclosure tab for more information!

Day Trip Plans – Getting There

When you’re ready to head to Fort Dodge, you’ll find it conveniently located in West Central Iowa! It is also easily accessible thanks to being located right off Highway 20, which is a 4-lane road that intersects both Interstate 35 and the Avenue of the Saints (US Highway 218).

If you’re traveling by car…

Des Moines, IA – 99 miles, 1 hour 30 minute drive time
- Minneapolis, MN – 219 miles, 3 hours 10 minutes drive time
  - Kansas City, MO – 266 miles, 3 hours 50 minutes drive time
    - Chicago, IL – 367 miles, 5 hours 50 minutes drive time

There are so many options of great things to do once you arrive in Fort Dodge that it might be difficult to narrow it down. For your convenience I’ve grouped our ideas into historical, creative, and foods! I’m sure you’ll find something on this list that appeases to you and your trip buddies!

Head East and Spend the Day in Dyersville, Iowa

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