Iowa

There’s something about seeing a giant kite pig with wings in the sky, the wind hitting its dangling legs just right to make it appear to be running. It’ll make the sourest winter curmudgeon smile. Add to that scene about 200 brightly colored kites, thousands of giggling kids crawling on the ice and their parents …

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 …