This summer our family went on a road trip to Northwest Iowa to explore O'Brien County. We loved our weekend getaway and will share all of our recommendations of things to do, places to eat and where we stayed so you can plan your own trip!
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| We loved the trails at the O'Brien County Prairie Heritage Center |
The 4th of July is a great time to celebrate our country's independence, show off your patriotism, spend time with family and friends, shoot off fireworks and check crops. It's been tradition for decades that farmers check their crops, especially corn, to see if it is "Knee High by the 4th of July." Now while knee high isn't the benchmark for farmers anymore due to hybridization and improved genetics, it is still a fun tradition for our family to benchmark our corn (and family's) growth every year. In fact, our family has been taking an annual "Knee High" photo for the last decade (see 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013 and 2012).
.JPG "Knee High by the 4th of July - Iowa Corn Family Farm")
Our family is always up for an adventure and we were excited to head east from our farm to our friend's Dan & Lynn's farm to experience a one-of-a-kind overnight stay at their vacation rental Guestbarn that overlooks their dairy farm. From 24 hour cow gazing, to helping Dan with chores, to eating lots of delicious dairy products, and making friends with lots of cows, this is a road trip our family will always remember!
.jpg "#sleepwiththecows at New Day Dairy Guestbarn in Clarksville, Iowa")
Week Two of our Iowa Ice Cream Road Trip brought us to Charlie's Soda Fountain in Downtown Clear Lake, Iowa. Take a step back in time as you enter Charlie's in the recently renovated Corner Drug Store.
Our 9th Annual Iowa Ice Cream Road Trip kicked off last weekend at Mill Creek Concessions in Paullina, Iowa. This seasonal ice cream and concessions stand has been serving visitors, campers, hikers and swimmers at Mill Creek State Park since 2009.
It's the last week of school and my kids are excited for summer! So we sat down to make our annual Summer Bucket List!
One of our family's favorite ways to explore the state of Iowa is by visiting the different county Iowa Freedom Rocks. All 99 counties in the state have a uniquely painted mural, showcasing local heroes and stories honoring area veterans painted by Iowa artist Ray "Bubba" Sorensen II. Here is a look at all of the county Freedom Rocks located in Central Iowa.
