Northeast Iowa

On our way back now. We visited so many of your recommendations. What a trip! Thanks for everything!

Decorah has a state fish hatchery.

Between Decorah and Prairie Du Chien are two unique restaurants:

• Irish and a specialty burger
• Large Pork Tenderloin(St. Olaf Tavern in St Olaf)

Pike's Peak State Park(McGregor) on Iowa side across from Prairie Du Chien, has some great views of the Mississippi.

Up the road from McGregor is Effigy Mounds National Monument preserves more than 200 prehistoric mounds built by Native Americans.

Yes, I'd agree with Breitbach's. Wonderful views across the countryside.

In Mason City consider the Northwestern Staekhouse if you like old school steakhouses. Be prepared for a wait if you go at prime time. But the steak is simply amazing.

If you are picking up snacks, stop for smoked Mississippi River fish and Wisconsin cheese at Valley Fish and Cheese in Prairie du Chien.

Finally, if you want whhat I consider the iconic Iowa meal, stop at any small town tavern and get the pork tenderloin sandwich. Basically a breaded pork tenderloing the size of a frisbee.

Thank you so much for all of your ideas! I really appreciate it!

Bily clock museum in Spillville, Iowa is worth seeing. Their work is amazing.

The Bily Brothers

The history of the Bily Brothers, Frank and Joseph, began on the farm where they were born and raised. Located between Ridgeway and Spillville,Iowa, the farm is where the two brothers started their carvings. These uniquely designed clocks have attracted people from all areas of the United States, Canada and from many foreign countries as well.

Beginning in 1913, the brothers employed the idle hours of long winter days and evenings with their skills of woodcarving. Being farmers and carpenters, they carved only as a hobby while still doing their regular chores and maintaining a well kept farm. In 1915 and 1916, they built the Apostle Clock from which the Twelve Apostles appear on the hour. During the period of 1923-1927, the Bily Brothers added their masterpiece to the collection, The American Pioneer History Clock. A memorial clock to Charles Lindbergh was carved in 1928 commemorating his historic flight. In these beautiful artistically carved clocks the brothers have used woods from a number of foreign countries as well as numerous pieces of walnut, butternut, maple and oaks from North America.

The Bily Brothers moved their collection to Spillville in 1946. They bequeathed the clocks to the town of Spillville with an agreement that they would never be sold or moved from their present location.The second floor of the building was the home of the famous Czech composer, Antonin Dvorak, and his family during the summer of 1893.

There is a small muesum shop featuring gifts from the Czech Republic, books and CD's of Antonin Dvorak and Spillville items

Bily Clock Museum

Also, if you are south towards Anamosa, look up Teddy's Barn and Grille.
It's in an actual barn. Very unique, and good food I'm told.
Over in Savanna I'll. look into Poopys bar and grille. I know, the name is weird. And it is a biker bar but it's an upscale biker bar, a tourist attraction that has decent fare. (Just ate lunch there last Tuesday) They sell a lot of tshirts too.
Side not, I did just read that a barge hit the bridge at Sabula/Savanna and it will be closed for a period of time so the piers can be inspected.

jeffcarp wrote:
In northeast Iowa, Breitbach's Country Dining is legendary: http://www.breitbachscountrydining.com

Was just gonna say that.

In northeast Iowa, Breitbach's Country Dining is legendary: http://www.breitbachscountrydining.com

I grew up in Iowa with lots of family in Dubuque county. Our special occasion restaurant was Timmerman's located in East Dubuque overlooking the Mississippi. Haven't been in years but just Googled it and it is still open with great reviews. It is billed as an "old-school American supper club." Enjoy your visit to my beautiful home state!

I always recommend doing a Google search for `______ tourism' and put the city of interest in the blank space to read what the specialists recommend. I frequently do another Google search for `_______ restaurants' and do the same thing.
You can't do NE Iowa without seeing the Field of Dreams.