Iowa

When snow covers the ground, Iowa becomes a winter wonderland for outdoorsy families. With the right apparel and a sense of adventure, you can have a lot of fun exploring the state. Some of my family’s favorite memories have taken place during winter getaways in Iowa! Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Iowa Tourism. All …

Over 800 years ago, indigenous cultures in what is now northeastern Iowa built their last mound, burial mounds in different shapes to honor those who’ve died. These mounds — some in shapes of animals, such as bears —  continue to exist today, and can be visited without much effort or hiking at Effigy Mounds National …

The annual celebration of trains and railroad history, Railroad Days, takes place in Council Bluffs, Iowa, this year on Saturday, Sept. 24, at various landmarks and locations. While the appeal to railroading fans is clear, it’s also a super family-friendly day full of train-themed activities for a low cost! Disclosure: This post is sponsored by …

Going to a lavender farm isn’t an everyday experience for me, and I’m guessing for most of you too. I recently visited Loess Hills Lavender Farm near Missouri Valley, Iowa, and can report back that it’s a relaxing experience. Not, like, a relaxing soak in a lavender bath, but relaxing none the less. Disclosure: I’m …

Just when I think I know Iowa and all of its summer vacation spots, I get proven wrong time and again. This time, our weekend getaway was a quick trip to Waterloo to see a completely new theme park, Lost Island Theme Park. While there, we went to the state’s most popular waterpark, too! I’m telling …

The Midwest has its well-known lake resorts — we’ve all been to one, or at least, have been meaning to go to it. It’s the hidden gem lake resorts that have started to appeal to me. The places like Honey Creek Resort State Park in Iowa.  Has this getaway really been so close to Omaha …