Attractions

Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad

The area surrounding Boone, Iowa, northwest of Des Moines, is picturesque when driving, but perhaps the best way to see the vistas of the Des Moines River Valley is with a ride on the Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad.

Whether for an afternoon excursion to see fall foliage and wildlife, a trip to see Thomas the Tank Engine with the kids, the popular Santa Express (sold out for this year), or a romantic Valentine dinner (tickets still available), the Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad is an attraction that delights people of all ages. Read More »

Dexter Sign Photo by Jody Halsted www.havekidwilltravel.com

About 30 miles west of Des Moines is the “one horse town” of Dexter.  It’s a small town, easy to bypass; if you did detour through you wouldn’t think much of it.

Which would be a shame. Within this town lies history, entertainment and some of the country’s best chocolates.  Let me show you around… Read More »

Halloween Barn at Living History Farms

By day, Living History Farms in Urbandale, Iowa, is just what its name says: a series of farms from different time periods in Iowa’s history.  The complex includes sections demonstrating the lives of the Ioway Indians in 1700, pioneers in 1850, townspeople in 1875, and a farm in 1900.

For several evenings each October, however, Living History Farms becomes a trick-or-treater’s delight.  The buildings are decked out in their Halloween finery and families follow the path through the town with treat stations set up along the way.  After the treats are gathered, there are storytellers, horse-drawn wagon rides, and fall displays.  There is nothing scary about the event, and it’s perfectly suited for little ones.  We navigated easily with a stroller and enjoyed our fall evening. Read More »

The Amana Colonies may be one of Iowa’s best kept secrets.  Founded in 1855 by the Inspirationists, the six villages positioned a mile or two apart- and no more than an hour by ox cart- would go on to become on of the longest lived and largest communal societies in America.  In 1861 the village of Homestead (known today as the place Ashton Kutcher grew up) was added to give the communities access to the railroad.

The Amana Colonies are west of Iowa City, just off Interstate 80.  For a bit of “Amana Light” stop in Little Amana, just off the interstate.  Here you will find two great German restaurants, a gift shop filled with amazing Amana wines, fresh meats, woolens, woodworks and crafts, the Wasserbahn Waterpark at the Holiday Inn and an Iowa original restaurant: Maid Rite.

But to really enjoy the community of villages plan a weekend.

You will want to begin in Amana (the other villages are Middle Amana, East Amana, West Amana, South Amana, High Amana) as the visitor’s center is located in the center of the village.  Housed in an old corn crib and refinished by the amazing artists from the Amana Furniture and Clock Shop the exterior gives no indication of the beauty inside.  Here you can rent bikes to explore the colonies, book a room at one of the many B&Bs, find out about events, get maps and information.  You won’t get out of here easily; the staff are full of information and eager to share as much information as you’re willing to receive.  Before you leave be sure to climb to the top and view the village from the cupola. Read More »

Although you may not think of Iowa as an art center, it is indeed home to one of America’s favorites, Grant Wood.  And while Grant Wood’s famous American Gothic is part of the collection at the Art Institute of Chicago, the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art holds the largest collection of Grant Wood works.  Grant Wood’s studio, located just down the street, is also run by the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art.

Grant Wood grew up in nearby Anamosa, Iowa, and was a friend of Marvin D. Cone, a Cedar Rapids native whose work is also featured at the museum.  The museum goes beyond Iowa artists, however, and has several different galleries with various types of art. Read More »

King's Pointe Waterpark on Storm Lake. Photo by minnemom on flickr.

When it comes to a water oasis, Iowa probably isn’t the first place you think of.  In fact, it’s probably not even on your list.  After all, unlike its neighbor to the north with its 10,000+ lakes, Iowa isn’t really a water wonderland.

In Storm Lake, Iowa, however, there’s a water lover’s dream.  For those who enjoy fishing, boating, and other water activites, there’s Storm Lake itself.  And for those who like to splash and slide, rain or shine, there’s King’s Pointe Waterpark Resort. Read More »

Blue Bunny Ice Cream Capital of the World

by Linda (minnemom) of Travels with Children

Did you know that more ice cream is made in LeMars, Iowa, than anywhere else in the world?  The people of LeMars do, and Blue Bunny, the manufacturer of all that ice cream, is proud of the fact.  They’ve created a museum and visitor center that tells the Blue Bunny story.

Blue Bunny Factory Simulation

At the Ice Cream Capital of the World Visitor Center, the history of the family-owned company is told through artifacts and films that tell of the beginnings of the company, how it got its name, and the history of ice cream itself.  Visitors then enter a mock-up of the factory line.  Although not an actual factory tour, the sights, sounds, and even smells give visitors a feel for the ice-cream-making process.  Then it’s on to an interactive computer area, before exiting through the gift shop to the best part of the place–the old-fashioned ice cream parlor.

Blue Bunny Ice Cream Parlor

Our kids enjoyed choosing what flavor of cone they were going to have.  Some of the concoctions on the menu were mouth-watering, but we stuck with simple on this trip.  Pictures from the old days of Blue Bunny entertained us while we waited for our ice cream to arrive.

The Ice Cream Capital of the World Visitor Center is worth a stop if you’re ever in the area of LeMars, Iowa.