EOH Explorer Series | Following Memories Through Northeast Iowa

Sometimes the best road trips aren’t about discovering somewhere new. They’re about returning to places that have been part of your story for years.

Guest Explorer Lindsey recently spent the day revisiting a few northeast Iowa favorites that held special meaning from different chapters of her life. The route wasn’t exactly the most direct, but that’s part of what made the day memorable. From childhood picnics and family history to a hometown drive-in where she once worked, every stop reminded her that some places never really leave you.

Mikkelson Park | New Hampton

The first stop of the day was Mikkelson Park in New Hampton, a place Lindsey remembers visiting throughout her childhood. Family picnics with friends and trips to visit her grandparents in nearby Lawler often included time at the park, making it one of those places that instantly brings back childhood memories.

One feature that still stands out today is the Wooden Wonderland playground. With its tunnels, bridges, slides, swings, and endless places to explore, it’s easy to see why generations of kids have loved spending time there. While the playground has changed over the years, it still captures the same sense of adventure Lindsey remembered growing up.

Whether you’re traveling with young children or simply looking for a beautiful place to stretch your legs, Mikkelson Park is well worth adding to your northeast Iowa road trip.

The World’s Smallest Church | Festina

From New Hampton, Lindsey’s family continued north toward the World’s Smallest Church, officially known as St. Anthony of Padua Chapel near Festina.

Although she’d visited as a child, returning as an adult felt different.

“I remembered it being much more secluded,” Lindsey shared. “It was much smaller than I remembered, but I was also quite young the last time I came here.”

The tiny stone chapel carries special meaning for Lindsey’s family. Her Huber ancestors helped build the chapel in 1885, and generations of the family have continued to care for its legacy. This visit was especially meaningful because the family had gathered to celebrate the life of Lindsey’s Aunt Shirley, who requested to be buried near the chapel because of its deep connection to the Huber family.

Even if you don’t share that personal history, it’s easy to appreciate why visitors from across Iowa stop to see this unique landmark. Tucked along a quiet gravel road just outside Fort Atkinson, the chapel is a reminder that some of Iowa’s biggest stories can be found in its smallest places.

Lunch Stop: Mabe’s Pizza | Decorah

Since the family was in the area, they continued about 20 minutes north to Decorah, to one of northeast Iowa’s most well-known restaurants: Mabe’s Pizza.

Their choice? The Around the Garden pizza, Mabe’s version of a supreme.

“Safe to say, there were no leftovers.” Lindsey said.

Mabe’s is often busy, but that’s a sign of good food! If your travels take you through Decorah, it’s worth planning ahead and making time for a stop before continuing your adventure.

A Sweet Stop Back Home | Barrel Drive-In, West Union

Before heading home, Lindsey’s family made one last nostalgic detour through the town where she grew up before stopping at Barrel Drive-In in West Union.

For Lindsey, this wasn’t just another roadside restaurant.

Both she and her sister worked there as teenagers, making it one of those places tied to countless memories.

“It looked exactly the same as when I worked there,” Lindsey said. “The shirts the carhops wore were the same ones we wore, and the ‘Turn Lights On for Service’ sign was exactly the same. It was quite surreal.”

Although the family stopped for dessert this time, Lindsey ordered a butterscotch malt while her sister chose a Marshmallow Oreo malt.

If she’s recommending lunch instead, though, Lindsey doesn’t hesitate.

“The Hi-Boy with fries and extra Hi-Boy sauce for dipping is my favorite,” she said. “It’s kind of like a Big Mac, but the sauce is different.”

With classic drive-in service, burgers, broasted chicken, shakes, and malts, Barrel Drive-In continues to be a favorite stop for both locals and travelers passing through northeast Iowa.

Sometimes the Best Road Trips Take the Scenic Route

Lindsey’s route wasn’t designed to hit the biggest attractions or follow the fastest roads. Instead, it followed memories.

From climbing through Wooden Wonderland as a child to standing inside a chapel built by her ancestors and ending the day with a favorite hometown malt, every stop told a different part of her story.

It’s a reminder that some of the best adventures aren’t always about discovering someplace new. Sometimes they’re about returning to the places that shaped us and seeing them through new eyes. And along the way, you might just find a few new favorites of your own.

Lindsey’s List – Know Before You Go

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  • Mikkelson Park in New Hampton is easy to find and features restrooms, picnic areas, and the unique Wooden Wonderland playground that’s great for families.
  • St. Anthony of Padua Chapel (World’s Smallest Church) is located on a gravel road near Fort Atkinson. It’s a quick stop that’s rich in history and worth the short drive.
  • If you’re visiting Decorah, plan ahead for lunch at Mabe’s Pizza. It’s a popular spot and can get busy.
  • Barrel Drive-In in West Union is easy to access right along the highway and serves burgers, broasted chicken, fries, ice cream, shakes, and malts.
  • Don’t be afraid to take the scenic route. Sometimes the most memorable Iowa road trips are built around meaningful places rather than the fastest directions.

EOH Explorer Series | Springtime at Silo Ridge Peony Farm

There are some places that simply make you stop and smile, and Silo Ridge Peony Farm near Milford is one of them.

My husband Mark and I, along with my brother-in-law Kevin and sister-in-law Karen, spent a beautiful spring afternoon exploring this family-owned peony farm just outside of Milford. As we approached, we could already see colorful rows of peony blooms stretching across the land. The final stretch of road is gravel, but don’t let that deter you. The view waiting at the end is absolutely worth it.

Silo Ridge Peony Farm is a working family farm with more than 7,000 peony plants representing over 250 varieties. From classic favorites to rare and award-winning blooms, the farm showcases an incredible collection gathered through years of research and travel by owner, Shelly Derner, and her family.

What stood out to me immediately was how welcoming and relaxed the atmosphere felt. Visitors are encouraged to wander the fields at their own pace, taking in the colors, fragrances, and beauty of the blooms. Benches and resting spots are scattered throughout the property, making it easy to slow down and enjoy the experience.

The farm is only open for a few short weeks each spring during peak bloom season, which makes visiting feel even more special. Families were strolling through the rows, couples were taking photos, and gardeners were carefully noting their favorite varieties for future planting.

One of my favorite parts was seeing people create their own bouquets. You can purchase a ready-made arrangement or build one yourself from the available blooms. The gift shop inside the barn also offers Silo Ridge apparel and other farm merchandise. Depending on the day, there may be a food truck on-site.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you’re looking for a peaceful outing, pack a picnic and enjoy lunch at one of the picnic tables or on the patio near the barn. The wide-open spaces make it easy for children to explore while adults soak in the scenery.

For gardeners, flower lovers, photographers, or anyone simply looking for a beautiful Iowa day trip, Silo Ridge Peony Farm is a wonderful reminder that some of the most memorable experiences are found down a gravel road in rural Iowa.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Barb’s Know Before You Go

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  • Silo Ridge Peony Farm is located just outside Milford, Iowa.
  • The farm is only open for a few weeks each spring during peak peony bloom season, typically late May through early June.
  • Admission and parking are free.
  • Plan to spend 1–2 hours exploring the farm.
  • The last stretch of the drive is on a gravel road.
  • Parking is available in a grass lot.
  • Wander through more than 7,000 peony plants representing over 250 varieties.
  • Purchase a ready-made bouquet or create your own arrangement.
  • Preorder special peony varieties to plant at home in the fall.
  • Pack a picnic and enjoy lunch at the picnic tables or patio near the barn.
  • Food trucks are available on select days – check their website or social media for schedules.
  • The bloom fields and silo make beautiful backdrops for family photos.
  • Wide open spaces make this a great stop for families with children.
  • Grass pathways between flower beds may be uneven in some areas.
  • Port-a-potties are available on-site.
  • As a working farm, expect to encounter bees, butterflies, and other small critters.

Helpful Tip:
Bloom times change throughout the season. Check Silo Ridge Peony Farm’s website or social media before visiting to see which varieties are currently blooming.