Day Trips to Take This Summer
– Jacob Glandon, Black Oak Films, Webster, Iowa; Photos: Julie James
Whether it’s North, South, East, or West there are a plethora of fun day trip locations not too far from our area. Read below to learn about each of four trips you can take this summer.
East: Home to the Buffalo Bill Museum, Antique Archaeology (think American Pickers), and a beautiful downtown, Le Claire, Iowa is a wonderful day trip getaway. A little over a two hour drive from Keokuk County, the voyage to the small town isn’t a difficult one as Interstate 80 will take you straight there. Situated on the Mississippi River, Le Claire is a town that has something to offer everyone. Learning about the area is fun and easy when you take a 1.5 hour ride on the riverboat Twilight, and you can explore the shops and boutiques on Cody Road. Le Claire has several dining options that will cover your appetite. For ice cream, I suggest Happy Joes, where you won’t find friendlier service. More information can be found about Le Claire at visitleclaire.com.
South: Van Buren county, south of our area, is a county where lots of fun activities await. The drive to Van Buren County is under 90 minutes and doesn’t require any interstate highways. On your way down, stop in Eldon where you can visit and tour the American Gothic House Center, the house featured in the famed Grant Wood painting. In Douds and Leando, a train depot and a one room school house – both fully preserved – are a fun look into the past. They are separated by the Des Moines River which you’ll probably cross several times on your adventure. Next up is Yoder’s Indian Creek Furniture where you can have custom made furniture or view the in-house inventory. Further south is Dutchman’s Store, a favorite of my grandpa Leroy’s. Dutchman’s is located in Cantril and has a huge variety of things to buy from candy, bulk food, fresh produce, deli, other grocery items, lots of craft materials, and way more than I have words to write. The store is fun in itself to just explore; I’ve been there several times. Turning back north to Keosaqaua is the Pearson House Museum Complex. There you’ll learn about the history of the house including its time as a stop on the underground railroad. From Keosaqua, you’ll continue north to the Cedar Valley Winery in Batavia where your journey will end. There are many other stops you can take and for more information visit villagesofvanburen.com.
Let’s turn our direction north now. Just west of North English is Gritter Creek Country School who is celebrating 150 years this July. The school is open to the public and is amazingly preserved. While there you may be greeted by a very friendly dog who serves as the honorary watchman over the school but will leave you alone after a few well deserved head scratches. After you’ve explored the school you’ll be heading to the Amana Colonies. If you’d rather take in the sights of the colonies from the expertise of a local, you can take a van tour. These start at 10am and 2pm and begin in Amana at the Amana Heritage Society. If you want to drive the tour yourself you can follow along with my route. Instead of starting in Amana, you’ll start in South Amana at Fern Hill Gifts and Quilts. After you’ve found some keepsakes at Fern Hill, head over to the South Amana Barn Museum. It houses a miniature village that combines the colonies into one that was created in meticulous detail by Henry Moore. According to the National Park Service, it is the largest known collection of miniatures made by one man. The village is at a scale of one inch per foot and is located on the first floor. Other miniature works are located in the museum and those are on the second floor. The next stop is in High Amana at the High Amana General Store. The store feels like a time capsule with everything inside original other than the items being sold. Next you’ll head to Middle Amana to the Communal Kitchen and Cooper Shop. It’s the only surviving intact communal kitchen and while there you’ll learn how it was able to feed 40 people five times a day and other glimpses into communal life. If you are there on a Friday, stop by at 11am for a light sampling of traditional Colony foods. Next up is Amana where you’ll get lunch at the Ox Yoke Inn. After that, stop in at the Amana Heritage Society for guided tours of the various exhibits. The last stop is in Homestead at the Amana Communal Church. There you’ll learn about the Amana Church Society religion and the differences and similarities it has to modern religions. For more information, visit amanacolonies.com
Going west will take you through some bigger towns than the other routes would. The first stop is northeast of Oskaloosa and is Nelson Pioneer Farm and Museum. While there you will get a glimpse into pioneer life at recreations in both the outside and inside of the grounds. Tours are self-guided but guided tours are available upon request. After Nelson Pioneer farm, you’ll head west to Pella where you can visit the shops that fill downtown and have lunch at the Windmill Cafe. Further West is Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge where you’ll get the wonderful opportunity to see Bison, Elk, and grassland birds which once were common all across Iowa. After you’ve spent an afternoon reconnecting with nature, you’ll end the day watching the sunset over Lake Red Rock at North Overlook Beach.
Before starting a day trip it’s always a good idea to check opening hours for any places you’ll be visiting, as well as checking out tourism information for any of the towns you’ll find yourself in. I hope you get the chance to explore outside of our area this summer!