A tipi is part of the history and art shared at the Wyoming State Museum. These boots are made for…art? With more than 35 boots scattered around town, Cheyenne, Wyoming, shares its history and culture through a public art campaign using eight-foot-tall boots decorated by regional artists. The boots are part of an impressive art scene in Wyoming’s capital city. The project – “If this boot could talk, what story would it tell?” – was a joint effort between the Cheyenne Depot Museum Foundation and Downtown Development Authority. It started in 2004 as a fundraiser to improve the depot area from a ..read more

Kites at the Color the Wind festival in Clear Lake come in all shapes and sizes. When was the last time a whale was spotted in North Iowa? Who says there’s nothing to do in Iowa after snow covers the ground and the thermostat hits 32 degrees Fahrenheit (or colder)? Just dress a little warmer and head out for the slopes, lakes, or even use your eagle eyes to view – what else? – eagles. As the calendar hits winter, Iowa’s outdoors are just warming up. Here is our take on fun outdoor activities to try this winter around the Hawkeye State. More than 100,000 people have learned to ski at Mt. Cresce ..read more

Bayliss Park in Council Bluffs is decorated in blue and white lights for the holiday From Santa Claus to farms, west Iowans enjoy their holiday season. As neighborhoods take holiday light displays to a new level, they’re at a point where they challenge cities’ holiday decorations. One of the fun parts of the holiday season is exploring lighting exhibits. Western Iowa features unique and fun experiences. While Council Bluffs is one of the first communities to kick off the celebration with its holiday festival taking place before Thanksgiving, Bayliss Park brightens the area until early in the N ..read more

The Rustic Corner in Charles City features a variety of home decor and accessories. ‘Tis the season for holiday shopping. Why not consider shopping local? It doesn’t matter where you live, you can find locally-made products or procure what you’re looking for by shopping locally. In Iowa, the entire state is your shopping bag. In partnership with Travel Iowa (opinions and views are ours), we’ve created a holiday shopping guide that includes cities we’ve visited during our travels around the Hawkeye State. And, the best part is that you don’t need to leave the comfort of your home to shop. In fa ..read more

Balloons fly over the field at the National Balloon Classic in Indianola, Iowa. The central Iowa sky fills with the colors of the rainbow as hot air balloons ascend from outside Indianola, rising high above the horizon. More than 100 hot air balloons are expected at the National Balloon Classic from July 29-August 6. With daily events surrounding morning and evening mass ascensions, more than 70,000 people are expected over nine days as Indianola celebrates hosting the National Balloon Classic for its 32nd season. Its history dates back to 1970 when Indianola hosted the preliminary competition ..read more

Ghost players? No, they’re some of the bloggers at the Midwest Travel Network writer’s workshop I attended in Dubuque. The Boys – and Girls – of Summer are back! Baseball fans around the country will gather at ballparks, sports bars and in front of televisions to watch America’s Pastime kick off the 2022 season. Finally settling the battle of billionaires and millionaires that delayed the start of the season with an owners’ lockout, fans can actually watch games live rather than rely on just reading about what could be for a season. This year marks the first season for a female general manager ..read more

Keg Creek has about 20 varieties of beer on tap daily. The one thing you can count on when it comes to craft breweries is the beer is made with love. People love beer and are always looking for ways to create the next best-tasting brew. With more than 100 independent breweries across the state, that challenge is addressed daily. The Iowa Brewers Guild even created a Craft Beer Trail for fans to follow. Disclaimer: We worked with Travel Iowa for this review and are being compensated for our time. However, as with all our posts, views and opinions are ours. We recently spent a Saturday on the ro ..read more

Jefferson Bridge is illuminated nightly and is the anchor attraction on the Des Moines River. Walter O’Reilly left his hometown of Ottumwa to serve in his country’s Army during the Korean War. “Radar,” as he was known by his comrades in the 4077th M*A*S*H unit, served his country honorably. Following his military service, he lived in Kansas City, along with Col. Potter and his wife.  Disclaimer: Thank you to Greater Ottumwa CVB for hosting us. However, all opinions and views are ours. If Radar were to return to his hometown today, he’d hardly recognize it. From a quaint rur ..read more

Brun Ko Farm near Elk Horn practices sustainable farming in raising its crops and livestock. Elk Horn, Iowa, may be best-known for its 19th-century Danish windmill and all-things Danish, but the town of about 600 has even more attractions to draw people to its quaint digs. From a Viking house to restaurants that can compete with the best in the big cities, there may be close to a dozen reasons to visit the western Iowa community. VikingHjem – A Viking house Disclaimer: Thank you to the Elk Horn CVB for hosting this visit. However, all opinions and views are ours. Let’s start with the Viki ..read more

The view from the cabin at Iowa’s Five Ridge Prairie is beautiful. If you’re a fan of hiking or just enjoy tranquility,  then a visit to Five Ridge Prairie in northwest Iowa is perfect for you.  A lone one-room cabin sits high above the river valley at the northern end of the world-famous Loess Hills in Plymouth County.   Positioned between Sioux City and Westfield off Highway 12, Five Ridge Prairie gives visitors the solitude they may be seeking, away from the lights and noises of city life.  Unplug your phone for a few days and just enjoy the scenery and nature sound ..read more