EOH Explorer Series | Kalona

Late summer is one of our favorite times to sneak away for a few days.

Mark is still farming, so there’s a window between the busyness of summer and the start of harvest when we can usually fit in a short trip. It also happens to fall close to our anniversary, which gives us another good reason to go.

And more often than not, we find ourselves heading east.

I went to the University of Iowa in the late 1970s to become a special education teacher. I later earned my master’s degree from Iowa State, but I’ll admit, I’m still a Hawkeye at heart. I keep in touch with my college friends (our group chat can get pretty active!), and there’s something nostalgic about going back toward Iowa City.

Beyond that, eastern Iowa simply looks different from home. We live among the flatter farmland and cornfields of western Iowa, so the hills, trees, and rivers farther east always feel like a change of scenery. We often continue toward the Mississippi River and Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin, an area we’ve enjoyed visiting over the years.

That’s where we were headed when we found ourselves driving south out of Iowa City on Highway 1 and decided to make an unplanned stop in Kalona.

More Than We Expected

We started at the Kalona Historical Village and Mennonite Museum and quickly realized we’d arrived too late in the day.

There was much more to see than we expected.

The Village shares stories of Amish and Mennonite heritage, agriculture, education, and rural and small-town life. Exhibits include everything from quilts and military uniforms to farm equipment, glassware, rocks and minerals, along with restored homes and businesses that help you picture what life here once looked like.

As a retired teacher who loves history, I could have spent plenty of time with the quilts and exhibits connected to education. Mark, not surprisingly, gravitated toward the farming history.

    

Some of the exhibits are interactive, too, which made me think this would be an interesting stop for families with older kids. There’s enough variety that everyone can find something that catches their attention.

The guides made the experience even better. They were warm and knowledgeable, sharing personal stories and pointing out favorite exhibits along the way. Those conversations are often what I remember most from places like this. You aren’t simply looking at items behind glass. You’re learning about the people, traditions, and experiences connected to them.

Don’t Make Our Mistake

Unfortunately, the clock was working against us.

Several places around Kalona were getting ready to close by the time we finished exploring the Village. We still managed to make a few more stops, including Kalona Chocolates, where some fudge, truffles, and chocolate covered cherries were definitely coming home with us.

But the more we saw, the more we realized Kalona wasn’t a town we should have squeezed into the end of the day.

There are shops to explore, Amish and Mennonite businesses throughout the area, local places to eat, and plenty more to discover in the surrounding countryside. We also learned about the Amish Byways Tour, a guided bus tour that travels the scenic back roads past Amish homes, businesses, and schools while sharing more about the traditions and lifestyle of the area.

We were too late to take the tour, but after hearing good things about it, that’s already on my list for another visit.

Another Reason to Visit in the Fall

If you enjoy history and traditional craftsmanship, late September offers another reason to plan a Kalona trip.

Each year, the Kalona Historical Village hosts its Annual Fall Festival, bringing the Village to life with traditional crafts, live demonstrations, heritage activities, local makers and vendors, homemade food, and baked goods. Visitors can explore the historic buildings while experiencing some of the skills and traditions represented throughout the Village.

It sounds like exactly the kind of event Mark and I would enjoy, and another good excuse for us to make a return trip.

If I could redo our afternoon in Kalona, I’d change one thing: I’d arrive much earlier.

Give yourself time for the Historical Village, downtown shops, something good to eat, and the countryside surrounding town. Better yet, make Kalona part of a relaxing day or overnight getaway.

For a stop we hadn’t planned at all, it certainly gave us plenty of reasons to come back.

Barb’s Know Before You Go

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  • Give the Village 1–2 hours: There is more to see than you might expect, especially if you enjoy taking your time with exhibits and talking with the guides.
  • But don’t stop there: Downtown shops, local food, and the surrounding countryside can easily turn a visit to the Historical Village into a full day in Kalona.
  • Start earlier than Barb and Mark did: Their late-afternoon arrival meant several businesses were nearing closing time just as they were ready to explore more.
  • Check hours before you go: Some Amish and Mennonite businesses have limited hours and may be closed in the evenings and on Sundays.
  • Look into the Amish Byways Tour: Guided bus tours explore the countryside and share more about Amish homes, businesses, schools, and traditions. Barb and Mark didn’t have time for one, but it’s on their list for next time. Check the current tour schedule before visiting.
  • Save room for something sweet: Barb recommends Kalona Chocolates, and the fudge earned a spot in the car for the rest of their road trip.
  • Traveling with kids? Some Village exhibits are interactive, and Barb thought older kids in particular would enjoy the experience.
  • Fall is a great time to visit: The Kalona Historical Village hosts its Annual Fall Festival in late September, featuring traditional crafts, demonstrations, heritage activities, vendors, and homemade food.
  • Do a little planning: Barb recommends checking the Kalona Chamber of Commerce website before your trip. Her biggest takeaway was that she wished they’d allowed more time to experience Kalona.

 

EOH Explorer Series | Clay County Fair

Some places your family visits once, and others quietly become part of your family story.

For us, the Clay County Fair in Spencer is the second kind.

I remember going to the Clay County Fair every few years with my parents when I was growing up. Years later, when my own kids started showing cattle, we found our way back for a different reason.

Our county fair will always be home, but Clay County gave our kids another opportunity to get their animals into the show ring. It’s a little bigger, a little more competitive and has more animals, without being as overwhelming as something like the Iowa State Fair. We’ve been showing cattle here for somewhere around seven to ten years now, and somewhere along the way, it became part of our family’s fair season.

Fair Days Start Early

If you visit the Clay County Fair as a spectator, the gates open at 7 a.m.

Our fair day starts a little earlier.

We stay at a hotel in Milford, about 10 to 15 minutes away, and on show mornings we’re usually at the fairgrounds by 5 a.m. On non-show days, we might sleep in until 7:30.

The first job is always the cattle.

At night, our cattle stay in outdoor tie-outs, where they have more room to lie down, walk around, stretch their legs, and relax. In the morning, we bring them back into the barn, do chores, and get ready for whatever the day holds.

If we aren’t showing, breakfast usually comes next. If we are showing?

Snacks and ham sandwiches will have to do.

Anyone who has spent a show morning in a cattle barn probably understands.

What You’re Really Watching in the Show Ring

For visitors who aren’t involved in agriculture, I always recommend watching an animal show while you’re at the fair.

   

And here’s the important part: you don’t have to know anything about livestock to enjoy it.

You don’t have to understand why the judge places one animal over another. You don’t have to know the terminology. Find a seat in the stands, pick a kid or an animal to root for and watch.

Because what you’re seeing in that ring is only a few minutes of a much bigger story.

These kids have spent months working with their animals before and after school, practices, work, and everything else they have going on. They’ve fed them, washed them, trained them, and spent hours building trust with an animal much larger than they are.

You can tell when a kid has put in the hours, especially the ones that weren’t fun.

I have pictures of my kids lying right beside their cattle in the pen. When you can lie down next to a cow because you trust that animal and that animal trusts you, that relationship didn’t happen overnight.

As their mom, that’s what I’m thinking about when they’re in the ring.

I’m proud of the work they’ve put in. I’m hoping their animal behaves the way it’s supposed to. And I’m hoping they get their chance to shine.

A ribbon is wonderful.

But there’s a whole lot that happened before they ever walked through that gate.

The Stop My Girls Never Miss

Then there are the traditions that have absolutely nothing to do with cattle.

For our family, one of those is Jones Lunch Stand.

It’s the kind of old-fashioned fair food stand where you can sit down for breakfast, grab a sandwich or a piece of pie, and take a break from everything happening outside. Over the years, it has also found a special place in both of my daughters’ hearts.

Deb, the main waitress, knows my girls by name. More importantly, she remembers them from year to year.

Last year, when my daughter Jacey, won Grand Champion Female Mini Hereford, Deb gave her a hug and announced the news to everyone eating in the stand.

It was such a simple gesture, but those are the things kids remember.

So when we returned to the Clay County Fair this year, one of the first things Jacey wanted to know was:

“Do you think she’ll remember me?”

She did.

Unfortunately, this year’s visit was bittersweet. After decades at the Clay County Fair, Jones Lunch is retiring, making 2026 its final year at the fair.

I’m grateful my girls got one more visit and one more reminder that some of the best parts of fair life have very little to do with ribbons.

They’re about people making your kids feel like they belong.

When the Show Is Over

Depending on our show time, we may be finished around noon or it may stretch later into the day. Once the cattle are settled, the rest of the fair opens up.

And this is when Clay County is just plain fun.

We eat. We walk through the big farm machinery and campers. The kids hit the midway rides. There might be a nap in the cattle barn. There has definitely been homework done in the cattle barn.

           

This year, we even watched the Iowa–Iowa State football game from the barn.

That’s fair life. The barn becomes home base for a few days.

For food, Jones Lunch has always been high on our list, and The Branding Iron is another family favorite. Me? I’m finding a gyro somewhere along the way.

    

If your feet need a break, here’s one of my favorite Clay County Fair tips: catch a ride on the tractor-and-wagon shuttle provided by the Royal & Peterson Lions Club. It continuously loops around the fairgrounds with 11 stops and costs just $1 per ride.

We’ve ridden it, and it’s a fun way to see the fairgrounds while giving your feet a much-needed rest.

There are also free shows and entertainment throughout the day, grandstand concerts, and plenty of places to simply sit, eat and people-watch.

    

If I had $25 and nobody else in my family got a vote?

I’d buy myself a gyro and a beer, find somewhere to sit and people-watch.

There you have it. My perfect fair afternoon.

A Big Fair That Still Feels Personal

That’s what I think makes the Clay County Fair such a great stop for families, including those who may not consider themselves “fair people.”

It’s big enough that you can easily spend an entire day here. There are livestock shows, agricultural exhibits, huge farm machinery, food stands, midway rides, Grandpa’s Barn, free entertainment, and grandstand events.

But it still feels manageable.

I’ve always thought of it as a mini State Fair. You get much of the variety and excitement of a large fair, but it still has that local feeling I love.

People stop and visit.

They help one another.

Someone remembers your kid’s name from last year.

More Than a Day at the Fair

Our days usually end somewhere between 8 and 10 p.m. Then we head back to the hotel, sleep for a few hours, and get up to do it all over again.

It’s exhausting.

And I wouldn’t trade it.

For travelers, Iowa fairs are a fun way to spend a day. But I also think they’re one of the best places to understand rural Iowa.

So walk through the barns.

Watch a show, even if you don’t understand what’s happening.

Look at the kids and animals sleeping beside one another. Notice the families helping other families. Sit down at a food stand instead of taking everything to go. Ride the tractor around the grounds. Ask a question. Give yourself time to notice the people behind the experience.

That’s where you’ll find the part of fair culture that doesn’t fit neatly onto an event schedule.

My girls probably won’t remember every ride they rode or everything they ate at the Clay County Fair.

But I have a feeling they’ll remember walking into Jones Lunch and hearing someone call them by name.

And that’s exactly why we keep coming back.

Annie’s List – Know Before You Go

  • Location: 800 W. 18th St., Spencer, Iowa.
  • Give yourself a full day. This is a big county fair with livestock shows, exhibits, farm machinery, food, midway rides, free entertainment, grandstand events, and plenty for kids to explore.
  • Admission: General admission is $12, or $9 when purchased in advance. Kids under 13 are free. The fair also offers special admission days, including free admission for veterans and first responders, and $9 admission on Senior Day.
  • Parking is easy. Free parking is available in the Encore Lot north of the fairgrounds. Courtesy carts are available to help guests travel between the lot and EPS Gate G. Donations are accepted but not required.
  • Ride the tractor-and-wagon shuttle. The Royal & Peterson Lions Club provides continuous on-ground shuttle service with 11 stops around the fairgrounds. Rides are $1 each, and it’s a fun way to see more of the fair while giving your feet a break.
  • Watch an animal show, even if you know nothing about livestock. You don’t need to understand the classes or judging. Find a seat, pick a kid or animal to root for, and enjoy seeing months of work come together in the show ring.
  • Bringing kids? Grandpa’s Barn, livestock exhibits and shows, midway rides, and other activities give families plenty to do. The Family Place also provides changing stations, a family/mother’s area, private breastfeeding areas, and a sensory room.
  • Weekdays can be less busy. They’re a good option if you’d prefer smaller crowds, but check the schedule because midway hours vary by day.
  • Don’t skip the ag side. Walk through the livestock barns and outdoor farm machinery and ag equipment displays. You don’t have to come from a farm to enjoy seeing this side of Iowa agriculture.
  • Wear comfortable shoes. The fairgrounds are large, with a mix of grass, pavement, streets, and lots.
  • Check the daily schedule before you go. Livestock shows, entertainment, concerts, and other programming change throughout the fair.
  • Pets: Pets are not allowed on the fairgrounds except for service animals.
  • Explorer Annie’s tip: Don’t try to see everything. Pick a few must-dos, leave room for fair food, and give yourself time to wander. Some of the best fair moments are the ones you didn’t plan.

 

Explorer Series | Paddle Iowa: Why My Favorite View of the State Is From the Water

Paddle Iowa: Why My Favorite View of the State Is From the Water

I LOVE WATER.

I LOVE KAYAKING.

Put the two together, add an Iowa river, a few friends, some questionable rapids, and a local dive bar at the end of the day, and I am 100% in.

We’ve been kayaking since 2007, and over the years, it has become one of my absolute favorite ways to experience Iowa. There is something completely different about seeing our state from the water. The bluffs look bigger. The trees seem greener. Wildlife sneaks up on you (that’s if our kids aren’t splashing or hollering from a bend away!). Little towns and parks take on a whole new perspective.

   

We’re a little more on the adventurous side when it comes to kayaking. The faster the rapids, the better!

Okay…that’s not entirely true.

I’m actually kind of a chicken. I mostly like when there are enough rocks to make ripples in the water so I can feel adventurous without having to question my life choices.

But whether it’s a family outing, a trip with friends, or a date day with my husband, you mention water, and I’m ready to go.

Here are some of my favorite places we’ve paddled in Iowa.

Middle Raccoon River: Coon Rapids

This one has to be near the top of my list, especially because of the proximity to my home and the bluff scenery at the end of the float.

We like to put in along Highway 141 east of Coon Rapids and take out at the Whiterock Conservancy campground. The bluffs along this stretch are absolutely incredible.

This is exactly what I mean when I say you get a completely different perspective of Iowa from a kayak. From the road, you simply can’t appreciate some of these landscapes the way you can when you’re sitting right in the middle of the river looking up at them.

It’s peaceful, beautiful and one of those floats that reminds you just how underrated Iowa’s outdoor recreation can be. PS – Did you know that Whiterock has some of the longest off-road mountain biking trails in Iowa offering around 16 miles of singletrack alongside an additional 12 miles of multi-use doubletrack trail?

North Raccoon River: Auburn to Grant County Park

Another favorite is the North Raccoon River.

My preferred route is putting in at Access #160 north of Auburn and taking out at Access #149 in Grant County Park.

And here’s your warning: don’t panic when you get close to the takeout!

There are quite a few rapids right as you’re finishing the trip. I think they make it fun, but if you’re an inexperienced kayaker, you might freak out just a little bit.

Or a lot.

You’ll be fine. Probably…

While you’re in the area, make a day of it. Check out the metal artwork by Tanner King in Grant County Park and near Auburn. Then, because every great kayak trip should end with food and drinks, stop at Fat Guys afterward. They even have axe throwing and a golf simulator if somehow kayaking all day didn’t provide enough entertainment.

Yellow River: Northeast Iowa

If you haven’t explored northeast Iowa from the water, add it to your list.

The Yellow River is beautiful, and I highly recommend using the Northeast Iowa RC&D Yellow River Water Trail Map & Guide when planning your trip. It’s a great resource for figuring out your route, accesses, and what to expect.

We’ve used Bigfoot Canoe Rental out of Monona for kayak rentals, which makes the logistics much easier if you don’t want to haul your own boats.

Northeast Iowa already feels different from much of the state, but experiencing it from the river makes it even better.

Upper Iowa River: Decorah

The Upper Iowa River through Decorah offers some of the best scenery we’ve encountered kayaking in Iowa.

We paddled from Pulpit Rock through Decorah and used Off the Driftless as our outfitter.

The scenery was gorgeous, but my husband may have loved the “adventuring” even more than the kayaking. He’s the guy who likes to get out of the kayak and wander along the water’s edge to see what he can discover (especially when we finds a pasture of cows grazing).

I’m usually the one saying, “Are we getting back in the kayak yet?”

Where the Wapsipinicon & Mississippi Rivers Meet: Clinton County

Some of my favorite kayaking memories come from my time living in DeWitt and exploring the waterways between McCausland, Folletts and Camanche in southern Clinton County.

I love the backwaters near Rock Creek Marina & Campground, exploring the Mississippi River backwaters, and floating the Wapsipinicon from McCausland toward the Mississippi.

Those trips were the perfect combination of adventure and peacefulness.

Most of the time.

We did encounter a few downed trees after a recent storm that required some creative navigation. But honestly, that’s part of what makes river kayaking fun. Every trip is a little different, and you never quite know what the river is going to put in your path or how deep the water might be.

Des Moines River: Seven Oaks Recreation Area

Don’t forget about the Des Moines River west of Boone!

We highly recommend Seven Oaks Recreation Area. One of the biggest barriers to river kayaking can be logistics: Where do we put in? Where do we take out? Who is driving? How do we get the kayaks back?, etc. and having a full-service rental and transportation company makes everything easier.

Seven Oaks also has a ton of other year-round recreation opportunities, including river tubing, paintball, snow skiing, snow tubing and even their once-a-year Gladiator Challenge.

It’s a great option if you’re looking to turn your river trip into a bigger adventure.

What About Iowa’s Lakes?

     

We’ve kayaked plenty of lakes, too, and there are some beautiful ones across Iowa.

A few we’ve especially enjoyed include:

They’re all worth exploring.

But if you give me a choice between a lake and a river?

I’m choosing the river.

Every. Single. Time.

There’s less paddling, constantly changing scenery and just enough unpredictability to make it feel like an adventure.

Our Latest Water Adventure…Wasn’t Actually in a Kayak

Our most recent river adventure took us outside Iowa to the Niangua River near Lebanon, Missouri.

And technically, we cheated on our kayaks.

We went rafting.

We used Riverfront Campground & Canoe, and despite it being a rainy day, the experience was absolutely incredible. There were more than 400 vessels out that day just from the outfitter we used!

The river was full of people, energy, and activity, and we had SO much fun.

One of my favorite parts was being able to put five people together on one raft. It made the experience incredibly social (most of the time!), and the raft was so easy to navigate.

I’d love to see more opportunities like that develop on Iowa rivers. Kayaking is fantastic, but rafting creates another option for families and groups who want to experience our waterways together without everyone needing their own kayak.

My Iowa Kayaking Bucket List

Despite all the Iowa rivers we’ve explored, there’s still one that keeps sitting on my bucket list:

Manchester Whitewater Park.

How have we not done this yet?!

Considering my previously mentioned love of “rapids” that are really just rocks making exciting ripples, this could be interesting.

But it’s happening.

Someday.

Hopefully soon.

Shelly’s Best Tips for Kayaking Iowa

After nearly two decades of kayaking, I’ve learned a few things: sometimes the easy way and sometimes definitely not.

  1. Know your water trail. Look it up online before you go. Talk to people familiar with the area. Figure out approximately how long your route will take and, most importantly, know exactly where you’re putting in and taking out.

Pro tip: The best accesses aren’t always well marked. Actually, they’re rarely well marked.

Have a game plan before you’re standing beside a river saying, “I think this is it?”

  1. Always identify your post-kayaking food and drink destination. Find a local dive bar or restaurant near your takeout point. Better yet, order your meal to go and turn it into a date night (or date day) on the river.

Food tastes better near water. I’m pretty sure that’s scientifically proven.

  1. Try a river, even if you’ve only kayaked lakes. Lakes offer tons of kayaking opportunities, and they’re a great place to get comfortable in a kayak. But rivers are my favorite. There’s less constant paddling, the scenery keeps changing and you get to see parts of Iowa you’d never experience from the road.
  2. Don’t own a kayak? Don’t let that stop you. Iowa hasn’t always had a huge number of outfitters, but more and more are popping up. Search the area you’re interested in exploring and see whether there’s an outfitter offering kayak rentals and transportation. Sometimes having someone else handle the logistics makes the day even more enjoyable.

And finally, the most important kayaking advice I can possibly give you:

  1. NEVER (and I mean NEVER) borrow your father-in-law’s favorite John Deere hat for a kayak trip.

Because you just might lose it.

And you will NEVER live it down.

It’s not like he doesn’t have 500 other hats he could wear!!

But apparently that one was special.

Iowa Looks Different From the Water

After all these years, that’s still what keeps bringing me back.

I’ve kayaked with friends. I’ve kayaked with family. My husband and I have turned kayaking into date days. We’ve floated peacefully through backwaters, navigated around trees, bounced through little rapids, explored shorelines, and probably spent more time than I’d like to admit trying to figure out exactly where the takeout was supposed to be.

And I’d do it all again.

Iowa may not be the first place people think of when they picture a kayaking destination, but maybe that’s part of what makes it so special. We have beautiful rivers, quiet creeks, hidden backwaters, towering bluffs, wildlife and miles of scenery just waiting to be experienced from a completely different perspective.

So give me a paddle, point me toward the water and tell me where we’re taking out.

Just don’t give me your favorite hat.

Let’s hear from you: Where are your favorite kayak adventures???

 

EOH Explorer Series | A Different View of the North Raccoon River

If signs that say River Access, One Lane Bridge, Gravel Ends or Level B Road make you want to turn instead of keep driving, I have an area of rural Iowa for you to explore.

           

And you don’t even have to get in a kayak. But I did.

The North Raccoon River Water Trail winds through a part of western Iowa that is very familiar to me. I grew up just a few miles from here. My family fished the river, and I’ve driven these gravel roads from farm to farm and through this countryside more times than I could count. But kayaking or tubing the river? That wasn’t something we did growing up.

It took until adulthood for me to see this familiar place from an entirely different perspective.

Seeing Home From the River

We made an afternoon of kayaking the North Raccoon River, and what surprised me most was how quickly everything else seemed to disappear.

Once you’re on the water, you’re surrounded by trees, wildlife and stretches of river that feel almost completely undisturbed. There were moments when I found myself thinking that the view probably hadn’t changed all that much in hundreds of years.

No buildings. No traffic. No packed attraction or itinerary to follow.

Just the river.

And while I wouldn’t necessarily introduce myself as an avid kayaker, I really did enjoy it.

There’s something about floating along with a small group, talking when you want to talk and simply taking in the scenery when you don’t. Late summer gave us thick green foliage along the riverbanks, but I kept thinking how beautiful this trip would be once the leaves begin changing in the fall.

That said, our peaceful float did include a few lessons.

           

Lesson #1: Check the Water Level

Our trip happened when the river was pretty low.

There was definitely floating.

There was also definitely pulling.

At several points, we had to get out and pull the kayaks through shallow areas. It’s doable, but checking river conditions before you leave could make the difference between a relaxing paddle and getting a much better workout than you planned.

Which brings me to lesson number two.

Lesson #2: Wear Water Shoes

I wore plastic sandals.

Do not follow my example.

While pulling my kayak through one of the shallow sections, I managed to lose my footing and take a full spill into the river.

Thankfully, it was hot and the water actually felt pretty good. I laughed at myself, got back up and kept going.

But next time? Water shoes. Absolutely water shoes.

A Little Planning Goes a Long Way

This is also one of those adventures where you need to think through the logistics before putting your kayak in the water.

Unless you’ve figured out how to make your vehicle float downstream behind you, you’ll want two vehicles. Leave one near your ending access point and use the other to get everyone and the kayaks to where you’re starting.

Bring life jackets, plenty of water, snacks and a waterproof case for your phone. A picnic waiting at the end would also be a pretty great way to finish the trip.

And since we’re sharing the things travel brochures don’t always tell you: restroom options are limited.

Dickson Timber near Merritt Access has a newer pit toilet restroom. Along the river itself, however, nature is pretty much providing the facilities.

Plan accordingly. Ladies, you may want to mentally prepare for the possibility that squatting in the woods becomes part of your outdoor adventure.

I told you this was the practical travel guide. 😉

You Don’t Have to Kayak to Explore Here

One of my favorite things about this area is that the river doesn’t have to be your entire destination.

There are several access points and public areas to explore, including North Raccoon Access, Andrews Access, Merritt Access and Dickson Timber.

Dickson Timber adds another layer to the trip with horse trails, equestrian camping areas, hitching posts and other outdoor recreation opportunities.

           

Even if kayaking isn’t your thing, this is the kind of area where you can pack a lunch, take the back roads and spend an afternoon exploring. Follow the river. Turn when you see an interesting public access sign. Stop somewhere you’ve driven past a dozen times but never actually visited.

That’s really what I took away from this trip.

I grew up only a few miles away, yet getting onto the river showed me a side of this landscape I’d never experienced before.

Sometimes exploring rural Iowa doesn’t mean driving hours from home or finding a place you’ve never heard of. Sometimes it’s looking at somewhere familiar from a completely different angle.

Even if that angle occasionally involves falling into the river.

Annie’s List – Know Before You Go

  • Check the river level first. Low water can mean less kayaking and a lot more getting out and pulling your kayak through shallow sections.
  • Wear actual water shoes. Plastic sandals did not pass the test. After taking a spill while pulling my kayak through the river, this is the number one thing I would change next time.
  • Plan for two vehicles. Leave one vehicle at your ending access and use the other to transport everyone and the kayaks to your starting point.
  • Bring your own gear. You’ll need a kayak or tube, properly fitted life jacket and any other water gear you need for your trip.
  • Protect your phone. A waterproof phone case or dry bag is a very good idea. Take it from someone who ended up unexpectedly sitting in the river.
  • Pack water and snacks. Better yet, leave a picnic at your ending point and make an afternoon of it.
  • Know the restroom situation. Dickson Timber near Merritt has a newer pit toilet restroom, but facilities along the river are limited. Be prepared for nature to be your restroom. Yes, that may mean squatting in the woods.
  • Consider Merritt or North Raccoon Access. Parking varies by access point, with some gravel or grassy parking areas.
  • Explore beyond the water. North Raccoon Access, Andrews Access, Merritt Access and Dickson Timber give you several places to discover. Dickson Timber also has horse trails, equestrian camping areas and hitching posts.
  • You don’t have to kayak. Pack a lunch and take a drive through the area. The river accesses, back roads, wooded areas and rural scenery make this a worthwhile place to explore from land, too.
  • Go during daylight hours. Summer and fall are both great choices. Late summer brings lush green scenery, while fall should make for a beautiful color-filled trip.
  • For families: I’d recommend this kayaking experience for kids around 10 and older or younger kids who are already comfortable and experienced in a kayak.
  • Pets: A kayaking-loving dog could come along, but use your judgment based on your pet, water conditions and kayaking experience.

Annie’s biggest advice: Wear the water shoes. Check the water level. You’ll have a much better day.

 

Agritourism Adventures in Northeast Iowa

Agritourism Adventures in Northeast Iowa

When most people think about Iowa agriculture, they picture fields stretching to the horizon. But some of the best ways to experience agriculture are the places where you can step out of your vehicle, meet the people behind the operation, and see firsthand how food, flowers, livestock, and even wine are produced.

Northeast Iowa is full of opportunities to do exactly that. From feeding bison and spending the night on a working dairy farm to exploring heirloom gardens and visiting a vineyard tucked into the hills of the Driftless Area, these stops offer a closer look at the people and places that make rural Iowa unique.

Hawkeye Buffalo & Cattle Ranch | Fredericksburg

One of Northeast Iowa’s most memorable agritourism experiences can be found just outside Fredericksburg at Hawkeye Buffalo & Cattle Ranch. This family-owned ranch has been operating on the same farm for more than 150 years and invites visitors to step into a piece of Iowa’s agricultural history. By appointment, guests can climb aboard a wagon and venture into the pastures and timber where a herd of bison roams.

Along the way, you’ll learn about the history of bison in America, the ranch’s family legacy, and the role regenerative farming practices play on the operation today. The highlight for many visitors is hand-feeding the bison while observing these incredible animals up close. Before leaving, stop by the farm store to purchase locally raised bison and beef products, including steaks, roasts, ground meat, and jerky. There aren’t many places in Iowa where you can hand-feed a bison and learn about the history of these incredible animals from the people who raise them. It’s a stop that’s equal parts educational and unforgettable.

Learn more: https://www.facebook.com/hawkeyebuffaloranch

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

New Day Dairy Guest Barn | Clarksville

Have you ever wondered what life is like on a modern dairy farm? At New Day Dairy Guest Barn near Clarksville, visitors can experience farm life firsthand while enjoying a one-of-a-kind overnight stay. The beautifully renovated guest barn overlooks an active dairy operation and features a unique cow-gazing loft where guests can watch the herd throughout the day.

Visitors can relax and enjoy the peaceful countryside, explore nearby communities, or take part in the farm’s popular “Be A Dairy Farmer Challenge” for a behind-the-scenes look at daily dairy operations. It’s a fun and educational experience for families, animal lovers, and anyone curious about where their food comes from. Whether you’re staying overnight or simply learning about dairy farming, New Day Dairy offers an authentic look at modern agriculture in Iowa.

Learn more: https://www.newdaydairy.com

Engelbrecht Farm | Near Waverly

What began as a shared love of horticulture has blossomed into one of Northeast Iowa’s growing agritourism destinations. Located near Waverly, Engelbrecht Farm is a family-owned flower farm where visitors can experience the beauty of locally grown blooms while supporting a small Iowa farm.

Owners Tricia and Seth Engelbrecht have transformed their passion for growing flowers, maple syrup, mushrooms, and plants into a thriving operation centered on community connection. Today, the farm offers colorful seasonal blooms and locally grown products while providing visitors with a glimpse into life on a modern family farm. It’s the perfect stop for flower lovers, photographers, and anyone looking to enjoy the beauty of rural Iowa.

Follow their journey: https://engelbrechtfarmwaverly.com/

Seed Savers Exchange | DecorahFor gardeners and plant enthusiasts, Seed Savers Exchange in Decorah is a must-visit destination. Known nationally for preserving heirloom seeds and rare plant varieties, this unique nonprofit organization has helped protect America’s gardening heritage for decades.

Visitors can explore display gardens, orchards, and scenic walking trails while learning about the importance of seed preservation and biodiversity. The gift shop offers seeds, plants, and gardening resources, making it easy to bring a piece of the experience home. Even if you don’t consider yourself a gardener, it’s easy to appreciate the work being done here. A visit offers a chance to learn about preserving rare varieties while enjoying one of the most beautiful properties in Northeast Iowa.

Learn more: https://www.seedsavers.org

Textile Brewing Company | Dyersville

Agritourism isn’t just about farms. Housed in a former sewing factory in downtown Dyersville, Textile Brewing Company is a great example of how rural communities continue finding new uses for historic spaces. Today, visitors can enjoy locally crafted beer while taking in a piece of Dyersville history.

The brewery celebrates the area’s manufacturing and agricultural heritage while creating a welcoming space for visitors to relax and connect. With a rotating selection of craft beers, community events, and a beautifully restored building, Textile Brewing offers travelers a chance to experience the creativity and entrepreneurial spirit that continues to thrive in rural Iowa. It’s the perfect stop after a day spent exploring the countryside.

Learn more: https://textilebrews.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Barn on the Bluff | Elkader

Located near Elkader in Iowa’s scenic Driftless Area, this family-owned vineyard and winery sits among rolling hills with views that stretch for miles.

The drive to the winery is part of the experience, winding through some of Northeast Iowa’s most beautiful countryside. Once you arrive, grab a glass of wine and find a seat overlooking the valley. It’s the kind of place where it’s easy to lose track of time while taking in the scenery and enjoying good conversation.

Barn on the Bluff is also a reminder of the many ways agriculture continues to evolve in Iowa. The vineyard produces grapes grown right on the property, creating wines that are rooted in the landscape around them. Whether you’re stopping in for a tasting, enjoying a live music event, or simply looking for a peaceful place to relax, Barn on the Bluff offers a memorable glimpse into a different side of Iowa agriculture.

Learn more: https://barnonthebluff.com

More Than Just a Road Trip

What makes agritourism special is the opportunity to connect with the people behind the experience.

At each of these stops, you’ll meet families, entrepreneurs, and growers who are passionate about what they do. You’ll learn where products come from, hear stories that span generations, and gain a deeper appreciation for the role agriculture plays in Iowa’s communities.

Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or simply looking for a few new places to explore, Northeast Iowa offers plenty of opportunities to slow down, ask questions, and discover something you didn’t expect.