I have ALWAYS wanted to plan my perfect trip across the state! It’s got so much to offer, especially in the summertime! So here is my curated road trip guide, state line to state line!

Disclaimer** I am very much directionally challenged so these may not be listed in the absolute exact order you should travel to them in but I did my best!!

Okay, we’re starting out, literally outside of Iowa. But it’s really close!!

Belvedere Mansion

A historic mansion filed with eclectic, if not historic items! YES!

Galena Day Spa

Starting off this trip with a relaxing massage and facial at the day spa is just what I need!

There are so many different food and restaurants in Galena. How does one chose?! This way we get a little sampling of 5 different food & drink locations! Galena Bakehouse, Galena Roasters Coffee Shop, Galena Cellars Winery, The Galena Brewing Company, Galena Taphouse

National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium

I use to go here when I was in elementry school for field trips. It was always so fun! I can’t wait to see the sea otters!

Fenelon Place Elevator Co.

A historic cable car. The shortest and steepest railcar!

Crystal Lake Cave

3/4 quarters of a mile of cave and cave crystals! Seriously, how can I get in here sooner!!

Stone Cliff Winery

No description necessary. There really isn’t a winery I wouldn’t be interested in seeing.

Charlotte’s Coffee House

This brunch looks amazing!! I CANNOT wait to stop here!

McGregor

*Pikes Peak State Park*
*Spoke Cave*
*By the Spoonful*

Spook Cave & Campground

Explore a natural cave via a boat ride! Plus maybe it is haunted!? Wouldn’t that be fun!!!

By the Spoonful

Got to know where I will get that next caffeine hit!

Pikes Peak State Park

I mean look at those views?! Right here in Iowa!! How could I not put McGregor on the road trip map!

O So Good Winery

Again, no explaination needed, we might as well call this the coffee & wine tour of Iowa...

Field of Dreams

Probably the most famous movie to EVER be filmed in Iowa. Did anyone see the first MLB game played here in 2021 a s a 30 year tribute to the movie. The players walking out of the corn like the movie, a goosebumps and tears kind of moment. Watch it here.

“Is this heaven? No, it’s Iowa.”

This place holds special memories for me. My grandma took my sister and I when we were little. I didn’t realize at the time what a special place it was. It holds a lot more meaning to me as an adult.

And Kevin Costner, may I just say, he aged really well…Yellow Stone anybody? (really more of a Rip fan though really but I digress)

Island City Harbor

The only island in Iowa!! Obviously a must see on the road-trip-of-all-road-trips of Iowa guide!

Maquoketa Caves

Who knew Iowa had so many beautiful natural formations! Especially caves, I guess never associated Iowa with caves, but I can’t wait to see them!

Iowa Grape Vines Winery

The 4th stop on our wine tour of Iowa!!

Amana Colonies

*Ackerman Wineries*
*Amana Artists Guild*

Ackerman Winery

Wine stop #5!

Amana Artist’s Guild

A beautiful artist collective featuring many different mediums and types of art from all over the state!

Museum of Natural History

I am literally graduating from here in 2 weeks and had NO idea they had a natural history museum! Look at that little otter’s face!!

Wake Up Iowa! Coffee

Again, got to know where I can get some coffee on the road.

Pedestrian Mall

A little outside shopping? Sign me up!

Czech Village

They have re-vamped this area so much since I lived in town. So many cute little shops, restaurants and coffee shops! My favorite coffee shop is Brewhemia!

National Czech & Slovak Museum

We get special blown glass ornaments from here every Christmas! I have also been here multiple times. I love the rotating exhibits.

PS I know it’s way too early to even thing about this but they have the most gorgeous glass ornaments for Christmas. You must check them out!!

Brucemore

I grew up here and have been to Brucemore MULTIPLE times. It never gets boring. Titanic connections. Pet lions. On site cemetery. I can’t get here fast enough!

Lost Island Waterpark

I have been to both Disney waterparks and Lost Island beats both of them hands down! A fun day in the sun to break up the Iowa History.

Timbukbru

What a fun name for a brewery in the middle of nowhere!

Scenic City Empress Cruise

A beautiful boat cruise showcasing the limestone bluffs, man-made waterfall, wildlife, the historic swinging bridge, and more, all pointed out by the Captain’s historic narrative!

The Cellar Peanut Pub

Even though I don’t eat meat I love a good pub-style restaurant! They always have the best french fries!

The Tulip Festival (Spring Time Only)

Gorgeous fields FULL of tulips! I am so excited to see them this year!!

Historical Village, Vermeer Windmill & Scholte House

A city made of beautiful and rich Dutch history. Maybe a stop at the local bakery for a Dutch letter too! :)

The Brew Coffee House

Coffee is 75% of my blood!

Scenic Valley Railroad

They have a variety of different experiences. Dinner train ride, open motor car rides, and the Fraser train that takes you to a coal mining village.

Boone Valley Brewing Company

They have a beer called the semi-crazy blonde and I think I just must try it!

Seven Oaks Recreation Center

Canoeing, kayaking, tubing, paint ball! Really any outdoor activity you would be looking for all in one location!

Ledges State Park

Another beautiful way to see Iowa’s outdoors! Gorgeous views for your hike.

Snus Hill Vineyard & Winery

Winery stop #6!!

Ax Murder House

I can’t wait to see this site! It is the site of a 1912 unsolved murder that has been featured on so MANY of my favorite Podcasts! Obviously I would never stay the night here but it is an option for those a bit more adventurous. I will just be taking the quick daylight tour, really don’t want to be haunted for the rest of my life.

Blue Bunny Ice Cream

Dubbed the “Ice Cream Capital of the World” how could you pass this up?

Grotto of the Redemption

A gorgeous grotto made of precious stones and rocks that depict the life of Jesus. Designed by the parish priest in 1898. All the stones were gathered by hand.

Spirit Lake

A quick dip in the lake to cool down this summer sounds like a perfect afternoon!

Remember to shop local!! <3

Summer 2023 Iowa Road Trip Guide

I have ALWAYS wanted to plan my perfect trip across the state! It’s got so much to offer, especially in the summertime! So here is my curated road trip guide, state line to state line!

Galena, Illinois

Dubuque

McGregor

Dyersville

“Is this heaven? No, it’s Iowa.”

Sabula

Maquoketa

Amana Colonies

Iowa City

Pedestrian Mall

Cedar Rapids

Iowa Falls

Pella

Boone

Madrid

Villisca

Le Mars

West Bend

Spirit Lake

Spirit Lake

Okoboji

How I Train for a Half Marathon By a Non-Runner

Small Business Summer Must Haves - 2023