Romantic Destinations in Iowa
When you first think of romance, Iowa might not come to mind. In truth, romantic destinations in Iowa are excellent and show you a beautiful hidden side of this underappreciated state.
The Hawkeye State, Iowa, holds much more beauty than a lot of travelers give it credit for. There are ten different travel areas for tourists to explore when they come to this state, from the Northwest area (where you can follow the path of historic explorers Louis and Clark) to the Southeast area that boasts of containing the world’s “crookedest” street. Lovers will also find much to do here, such as solitary hiking and just holing up in a room and enjoying each other’s company – romantic destinations in Iowa are enjoyable for everyone!
Pines on the Prairie Bed and Breakfast is located in Wilton, Iowa, just 30 or so minutes from Davenport and Iowa City, Iowa. This bed and breakfast offers all of the hospitality of a Midwest inn, with the Mississippi River just a small ways outside your door! Located in eastern Iowa, the Pines on the Prairie Bed and Breakfast is convenient to both the Wildcat Den and Palisades Kepler State Parks, which makes it an ideal spot to stay for your outdoor themed trip. This 1910 home, decorated in the “Arts and Crafts” style, is great for seclusion – you are never forced to spend time around other guests unless you want to.
Vacation in Iowa
Winter is a part of life in Iowa and they feature a variety of outdoor and indoor events to suit your travel and sightseeing needs. From winter sports to indoor pursuits there are a wide variety of things to see and do in February. The month kicks off with Bald Eagle Appreciation Day in Prairie du Chien. Bald Eagle Appreciation Day offers outdoor viewing of the bald eagles through scopes as well as bald eagle programs, eagle and raptor exhibits, children’s activities, eagle nest replicas and eagle artwork by local children and artists.
There are also birding experts available to answer any and all questions. Prairie du Chien is located along the banks of the Upper Mississippi River. The area is home to the largest concentration of wintering bald eagles in the lower 48 states. They are believed to host more bald eagles than any other refuge in the states, except Alaska. There are 100 active bald eagle nests with approximately 79 eaglets were produced. This is a huge difference from years past as in 1972 there was only one known eagle nest in the whole Upper Mississippi River Refuge.
The birthplace of John Wayne is located in Winterset, Iowa in Madison County. Stay warm while visiting this cute little home and learning about one of America’s favorite movie stars. John Wayne was a legendary actor and just the mention of his name brings to mind an old cowboy with courage and, of course, True Grit. The home is a modest four-bedroom home that has been restored to its original 1907 appearance. There are hundreds of rare photographs as well as personal letters on display from Lucille Ball, Maureen O’Hara, Kirk Douglas, Bob Hope, Gene Autry, Ronald Reagan and George Burns. You can also see movie artifacts such as the eye patch he wore in True Grit, the hat worn in Rio Lobo and the suitcase used in Stagecoach. Ronald Reagan noted that the birthplace was a tribute to a good friend and great American. The home is open seven days a week except on holidays. Guided tours are also available.
Tour Trains US – Enjoy a Train Vacation
The Fall Colors on the Mississippi tour trains US is an amazing trip to see the fall majesty on the river and through the countryside. This is a remarkable 11 night rail/cruise getaway for people of all ages. This tour ranges in price from $2,995 to $5,495.
Day 1 & 2 are spent in Chicago checking in the Palmer House Hilton and sight-seeing from the Navy Pier, and Grant Park. On day 3, the tour goes from Chicago to St. Louis on board the Steamboat Express. From day 4 through 7, the tour boards the American Queen to Hannibal, Missouri to learn all about Mark Twain and see beautiful scenery and eat Southern style fried chicken, baked ham, gumbo, mud pie.
Day 8 through 12 takes the tour to Dubuque, Iowa with antique Victorian buildings then on to La Crosse, Wisconsin and Red Wing, MN with 19th century storefronts, busy railroad, and Captains Farewell Dinner. Then the tour returns to St. Paul for a Farewell Dinner and the trip back to Chicago by train and on home, sweet home.
Scenic Trains and Canyons of the West
This tour trains US involves an adventure through the west canyons and national parks. The tour includes two famous trains by the name of Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad and the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad. The travelers will cover three states and besides rail ride will also be on a float raft trip down the Colorado River. There are six significant locations that this tour will travel through.