Please tell me about Iowa

[Mbethrobi]

I am a southwestern girl, but I am planning a month long tour of Iowa in 2014. I think I want to go in September. Trying to avoid tornado season and hot humid summer. But please, tell me everything there is to know about RV/camping in this State. Best time of year, best places (we like lots of space, very quiet and we do not mind no hook ups. I was looking at the State Parks, can't tell if they are nice or not, routy, busy, or are folks kept in line? Everything you can tell me will help me plan my dream vacation, so thank you in advance for all the advice you can give me.

Maribeth

[newk]

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.

[wxtoad]

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.

[Crazy4gsds]

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.

[denverhank]

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.

[Crazy4gsds]

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.

[1stgenfarmboy]

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

[ADUS]

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

[D___M]

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

[rolling_rhoda]

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.

[Mbethrobi]

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

[texacokat]

You could spend a week or more just at the Quad Cities. Scott County Park is north of Davenport, IA on Hwy 61. Fabulous place - several CGs within the park, a swimming pool, old timey town (great ice cream there). Go to http://www.qconline.com and check the events calendar for all to see and do during your time. Suggest:
Niabi Zoo
Quad City River Bandits (AAA baseball). The outer field is actually built INTO the Mississippi River!
Ride the ChannelCat (water taxi between the 4 cities on the Mississippi)
John Deere Pavilion
and then lunch and ice cream at Lagomarcino's
Putnam Museum
Bettendorf has a great children's museum (The Family Museum)
I-80 Truck Stop in Walcott (largest truck stop in the world)
and then the Antique Truck Museum next door
On the Illinois side visit the Rock Island arsenal (must be US Citizen with valid ID or call in advance for foreign admittance)
Gas is cheaper on the Iowa side!
And in September you'll be too late for the deeelicious corn, but farmers markets will still have those luscious tomatoes.

Ditto on Amana Colonies (they are NOT Amish and do enjoy their German beer fest which by the way is also in September some time).

Good luck and have fun in good old I O WAY!!

[Clonefan]

We camp at many of the state parks within a couple of hours of Des Moines and I can say for the most part, they are quiet and well kept. Some of our favorites are Springbrook State Park, Ledges State Park, Clear Lake, and Lake Anita.

Every county in Iowa has campgrounds as well. Some of the central ones that we prefer are Pammel Park (Winterset), Spring Lake (Jefferson), and Don Williams (Ogden).

Take Highway 169 through the state, or Highway 6, both can be scenic and charming. I have heard great things about the Mississippi river area of Iowa, but I have't visited there yet.

If you like to golf, you won't find it cheaper any other place. The state is relatively flat, which makes towing nice. The food here is cheap (relatively) and very good quality. Eat your way through the state.

Feel free to PM with any specific questions, I live in Des Moines, so I can answer almost anything central.

[1stgenfarmboy]

The old threshers reunion is also in sep, in Mount Pleasant, the largest steam/gas tractor show in the mid-west. You will find something that is to your liking there.

[Squonk61]

The people in Iowa are some of the kindest and generous I've ever met. Did grad school at UI and the Coralville Reservoir was my weekend spot. Going back this fall and really looking forward to spending time in Iowa. There's a lot more to it than corn if you have the time.