iowa weekend Archives

Iowa

The Top Things to Do in Franklin County

May 11, 2023May 11, 2023 — Katy FlintLeave a comment

Situated in the middle of North Central Iowa is Franklin County. This rural community with a population of about 10,000 may not be your first choice of places to spend a weekend, but we think they offer some great things! Slow down and enjoy a day or weekend here. Check out what we think the top things to do in Franklin County area!

Beeds Lake State Park

Franklin County is home to one of the most photographed dams in Iowa and maybe the Midwest. Beeds Lake is not only home to this spillway, but also offers a campground, great fishing spots, hiking trails, and more! My personal favorite thing to do at the lake is to walk the trail around the lake and across the causeway! It’s a great spot to spend some time!

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Iowa

10 Things to do in Decorah, Iowa (and Surrounding Area)

March 26, 2023March 25, 2023 — Katy Flint2 Comments

The northeast area of Iowa is known as the Driftless area due to its terrain that was caused by it not being glaciated and now it offers beautiful landscape of bluffs and valleys. Nestled in the center of this area is the community of Decorah, Iowa. From the great outdoors to delicious food, breweries, and much more there are many things to do in Decorah and we’re highlighting our favorites!

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Iowa

Book a Funky Staycation at the Highlander Hotel in Iowa City, IA

January 26, 2022January 26, 2022 — Katy FlintLeave a comment

We are all about staycations, especially in the winter because you never know what the weather is going to do here in the Midwest!! Thankfully, Iowa is full of great staycation destinations including the Highlander Hotel in Iowa City. And with it’s modern funky vibe, it’s extra special!

A special thanks to the Highlander Hotel for hosting us on our staycation. All thoughts & opinions are 100% authentic and my own! For full details, please see the Disclosure Tab.

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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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Girl's Trips

Grab Your Girlfriends & Visit Pella, IA: 5 Ways to Have a Great Trip

November 21, 2019September 21, 2021 — Katy Flint13 Comments

Nothing benefits a woman’s mental health like a good girlfriends trip! Because of this having a girlfriends trip to Pella, Iowa, should be at the top of your list! A Visit to Pella, Iowa is proof that you don’t have to head to the big city to have lots of options for things to do! They have a vibrant downtown area and boast loads of locally owned businesses serving up the very best food, merchandise, and service!

While portions of our trip were hosted by Visit Pella, Iowa and other establishments, all thoughts and opinions of this post are 100% accurate and my own. For more information, please see the Disclosure Tab.

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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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