Across Iowa’s rolling landscapes, beyond the miles of corn and beans, sits the occasional roadside chapel. Found in mostly rural locations, the tiniest of the roadside chapels are sometimes in a cemetery, near a church, or sometimes out in the middle of nowhere. Regardless of who built them and where they are located, they provide…
When is the next Orange City Tulip Festival? It’s scheduled for May 15th thru 17th of 2025. Visit their website for details and schedules: https://www.octulipfestival.com/ Why I recommend reserved seating My first advice: arrive between 11:00 am to 11:30 am and head to Windmill Park. Find the windmill that serves as the tourism info booth…
In order to get a nap, he had to create the shortest, steepest railway in the world. Yes, that’s correct. The story of the Fenelon Place Elevator, the world’s shortest and steepest railway was created because of the desire to take a 30-minute nap. Location: 512 Fenelon Place, Dubuque, Iowa 52001 History of the Fenelon…
Public art has exploded in many Iowa towns. For some locations, it takes the form of building murals. In Mason City, Iowa it mostly takes the form of sculptures. They have some building murals too, but their strength is in their public sculptures. Not only is there a large number of sculptures, but each one…
As the temperatures rise and landscapes start to bloom, be sure to add a road trip to Burlington, Iowa to your list. Burlington has two gems that you’ll want to visit during the spring bloom. Snake Alley The star attraction in Burlington, Iowa is Snake Alley. It’s a one-way brick-paved alley that descends to their…
NOTE: Red Haw State Park is open again after damage from the March 5th, 2022 tornado. There was extensive damage to the park and especially the campgrounds, however, the park has reopened and the red bud trees are blooming again this spring! Location: 24550 Highway 34, Chariton, Iowa 50049 Is it Red Haw or Red…
It’s likely that you’ve never heard the name Frank Gotch. That’s ok, you’re not the only one. But it’s time to get acquainted because every Iowan knows that wrestling is big deal in Iowa. And we have Frank Gotch to thank for putting wrestling into the spotlight for Iowa. The Frank Gotch Statue It’s located…
Is it a suspension bridge or a swing bridge? or both? I think it’s both. And I think it’s fun. Kids (and some adults like me) really love pedestrian swing bridges where the deck moves or swings as you cross. I’ve started charting the swing bridges across the state and this just happens to be…
My nephew had a photography assignment that was due for school. I offered to take him out for various landscape and possibly wildlife photos and for our destination, I choose Jester Park in Polk County. His younger brother also wanted to tag along for the trip. He was at the age when he wore his…
The bottom of the menu at the Dinky Diner reads “Serving 300… 35 at a time”. And 35 would be a completely packed house. Of course, the last time I drove by the Dinky Diner, they were closed – but I still stopped to peek through the windows. I’m intrigued by almost everything… the name…