Please tell me about Iowa

Northeast Iowa is really nice, Decorah, Waukon, Prairie du Chien (WI), down to Dubuque. It's the prettiest part of Iowa I've seen. I grew up in west central Iowa.

I think you have a great idea, photographing all the court houses. Iowa has some nice old ones, many with a "square" of businesses around them.

Ah, I think I could easily spend a month in Iowa. What particularly appeals to me are the dozens and dozens of small city and county campgrounds all across the state. What a great way to know some of the local folks. You can find just about all of them at:

Iowa Public Campgrounds

Have a great trip!
Ted H.

My nephew and his wife have stayed at Cenla (Lake Okoboji area), Lake View and Scharnberg. Sites were nice and they would definitely go back plus it's close to home for them. Safe travels.

Come to Kalona for the Amish feel. Also a nice campground in town and only 7 miles to James T Kirk's future birthplace. Avoid Iowa City on home football game weekends, it is a madhouse then (and probably the same for Ames). Kalona Fall Festival is the last weekend in Sept I think. There is definitely plenty to do in Iowa besides watching the corn grow.

I grew up in the northwest corner of Iowa close to Lake Okoboji and lived there for 22 years. I enjoy going back to visit but do not like the snow. It's a lot slower lifestyle than metro Atlanta and is quite refreshing. I think that's great that you want to photograph the courthouses. Keep us posted on your travels. The Clay County Fair (the world's largest county fair) occurs in September for 10 days.

Unfortunately, I did not start camping until I moved south to Georgia. I can check with my nephew who has a TT to see if he has some CG recommendations. However, I will be eager to hear what others have to say as well. We have been "toying" with the idea of towing our TT up there for our next visit and making a larger trip out of it.

and those young boys driving the grain hauling semi's run up around 90-100mph in the fall.

Their interstates are awful!!!
They have that humpty hump to them throughout the state as far as I can tell.

Take a tour of the Winnebago Industries RV plant in Forest City. The visitor center has some nice displays.

Can't believe that no one has yet mentioned John Deere! They are headquartered in the Quad Cities with factory tours at various sites. They have an interesting museum, too.

Two other items stand out to me. Really enjoyed touring Terrace Hill, the Governor's mansion in Des Moines and the Grotto of the Redemption in West Bend. Nearby is the Winnebago factory in Forest City, by the way.

Thank you IABoy and Clonefan, appreciate your views and details on the State Parks, I am beginning the planning now and with all the help here I am sure I will have a great trip.

Maribeth