cancel
Showing results for 
Search instead for 
Did you mean: 

Northeast Iowa

luvztheoutdoor1
Explorer
Explorer
Good morning, we are about to embark on a roadtrip through northeast Iowa on a waterfall excursion that we found on this site: http://www.onlyinyourstate.com/iowa/ia-waterfalls-road-trip/

We would like to eat out one night at a really cool place (not upscale) that is specific to this region. I am looking for recommendations from people that are familiar with this area. Also, any sites that are "don't miss seeing this."

Our trip will include the following towns: Prairie Du Chien; Decorah; Mason City; Iowa Falls. Any of these would work great for our BIG evening.

Thanks in advance for any input.
Linda
Scout, 10 year old Husky/Shepherd
2011 Jayco Greyhawk 26DS
10 REPLIES 10

luvztheoutdoor1
Explorer
Explorer
On our way back now. We visited so many of your recommendations. What a trip! Thanks for everything!
Linda
Scout, 10 year old Husky/Shepherd
2011 Jayco Greyhawk 26DS

DeanRIowa
Explorer
Explorer
Decorah has a state fish hatchery.

Between Decorah and Prairie Du Chien are two unique restaurants:


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.
2015 Summerland 2820 BHGS
2016 Silverado
DW Esmeralda, DS Mathew, DD Natalie

Beerboy
Explorer
Explorer
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.

luvztheoutdoor1
Explorer
Explorer
Thank you so much for all of your ideas! I really appreciate it!
Linda
Scout, 10 year old Husky/Shepherd
2011 Jayco Greyhawk 26DS

pirlbeck
Explorer
Explorer
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
2009 Lance 845
2021 Flagstaff 529RLKS 36'6" fifthwheel
2006 Dodge Ram 2500 Cummins
19.5 Rickson wheels with Michelin XZE tires
Air lift bags with 72000 wireless onboard air
Hellwig Big Wig rear sway bar
Rancho RS9000XL rear shocks
Torqlift tie downs

mudmaker
Explorer
Explorer
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.
Glen and Loretta
Marc, Jake, Kirsten and fur kids Dexter and Bernie
2017 KZ Venom 4114TK Toy Hauler
2015 GMC Acadia
15 Silverado 3500 SRW quad 6.6 Duramax
11 Silverado 3500 SRW quad 6.6 Duramax

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


Was just gonna say that.
Glen and Loretta
Marc, Jake, Kirsten and fur kids Dexter and Bernie
2017 KZ Venom 4114TK Toy Hauler
2015 GMC Acadia
15 Silverado 3500 SRW quad 6.6 Duramax
11 Silverado 3500 SRW quad 6.6 Duramax

jeffcarp
Explorer
Explorer
In northeast Iowa, Breitbach's Country Dining is legendary: http://www.breitbachscountrydining.com
2011 Born Free 22' Class C Rear Side Kitchen

4LeggedToyz
Explorer
Explorer
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!

Dick_B
Explorer
Explorer
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.
Dick_B
2003 SunnyBrook 27FKS
2011 3/4 T Chevrolet Suburban
Equal-i-zer Hitch
One wife, two electric bikes (both Currie Tech Path+ models)