15 of the Best Places Along the Mississippi River

15 of the Best Places Along the Mississippi River

Road trips are one of our favorite things and road trips along scenic drive make them even better! So, of course we know some of the Best Places along the Mississippi River to stop at! You can imagine how much we love traveling along the Great River Road which traverses Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, and more along the Mississippi River! Check out these stops for an epic road trip!

Eagle Park – Clinton, Iowa

1. Maiden Rock Apples, Winery, & Cidery – Stockholm, Wisconsin

This unassuming cidery is a great place to spend some time! Get to know the owners, learn their story, and taste their ciders & wines. Plus, stroll through their gift shop and we’re sure you’ll find some extra special treats.

Cider tasting at Maiden Rock Apples, Winery, & Cidery
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The Best Winter Weekend Getaways in Iowa

The Best Winter Weekend Getaways in Iowa

Winter in Iowa can be so long! Thankfully, Iowa is also full of great destinations to help you escape. Historic hotels, delicious eats, unique art, and museums can all be found while visiting this great destinations. It’s time to schedule one of these great winter weekend getaways in Iowa!

winter weekend getaways in Iowa

Charles City

Carrie Chapman Catt Childhood Home – Charles City, IA

Whether you love food, shopping, history, art, or just relaxing, Charles City is the spot for you to spend a weekend getaway in Iowa.

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Oh My Osage, Iowa! 10 Reasons to Visit

Oh My Osage, Iowa! 10 Reasons to Visit

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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21 Places to Visit in Iowa in 2021

21 Places to Visit in Iowa in 2021

I can’t believe we’re already at the end of 2020, but that’s ok! We’re all ready to leave this year in our rearview mirror and move on to 2021. I’m also already planning where I want to visit, so I thought I’d share these 21 places to visit in Iowa with you, so you can make your plans too! I’ve included food, places to stay, outdoor activity, and indoor, so there is something for everyone!

1. Visit the Blue Bunny Ice Cream Parlor

I love all things ice cream! The Blue Bunny Ice Cream Parlor is not only an ice cream parlor for experiencing the delicious treat, but also has an interactive experience to learn about ice cream and Blue Bunny!

2. Explore the Bridges of Madison County

Madison County is home to the iconic covered bridges which were featured in the Hollywood film “Bridges of Madison County”. Plus there is so much more to see!

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Spend the Weekend In Vacation Okoboji!

Spend the Weekend In Vacation Okoboji!

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!

Vacation Okoboji
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Unique Midwest Hotels, Lodges, and Bed & Breakfasts

Unique Midwest Hotels, Lodges, and Bed & Breakfasts

While many people consider the Midwest to be fly-over country, the Midwest Travel Bloggers can prove you differently. Midwest hotels, lodges, and bed and breakfasts are some of the most unique in the country. Several bloggers have joined me to put the best of the most unique into one post for your reference! Enjoy reading about these stays that have been organized by state for your convenience.

Turn your stay at a unique hotel by making it a Weekend Getaway in the Midwest! Snag our guide HERE!

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Plan a Day Trip to Fort Dodge, Iowa

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!   

Fort Dodge

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!

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