The Strangest Town In The Midwest Is Right Here In Iowa... And You'll Want To Visit
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Rachel Morey Flynn
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There are just over 2,000 people living in this northwestern Iowa town. It’s situated just south of Highway 20. When you think about towns full of castles, the state of Iowa doesn’t usually come to mind. This place has more than a few, though.
Byron Godbersen grew up near Ida Grove. He was born in 1925, and his family didn't have a lot of money. Over time, he made enough money to see his dream of living in a town full of castles come to life. Mr. Godbersen was the founder and owner of Byron Originals and Midwest Industries. The companies built large-scale remote controlled model airplanes. Midwest Industries is now a fuel producer for the model industry and an injection molding company.
As a result, the town is full of medieval looking structures that are simply delightful.
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Mr. Godbersen built Lake LaJune in 1969, as a tribute to his wife. He wanted the 8-acre man-made lake so that he could demonstrate Midwest Industries products for prospective clients.
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In 1970, Mr. Godbersen added a half-size replica of the HMS Bounty from the movie Mutiny on the Bounty to the lake.
The draw bridge on this amazing golf course makes it a memorable place.
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This is a 9-hole course and if you love to golf, you'll have a lot of fun here.
Enjoy open skating at this amazing castle-like structure during the fall and winter months on Saturdays from 1 pm to 4 pm and from 7 pm to 10 pm and on Sundays from 1 pm to 4 pm.
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This airplane hangar, built in 1973-1974, is complete with waterfalls, a fireplace, and Mr. Godbersen's private plane. There's also a working replica of a 1929 Mercedes, a display of model airplanes manufactured in Ida Grove, and a WACO bi-plane.
It's used for political events, entertaining, and banquets. This Ida Grove castle-like building is on private property and isn't open to the public. You can view it from the road, however. To inquire about scheduling 30-minute tour of the facility, you can call Midwest Industries' HR manager at 712-364-3365.
If you decide to take a trip to this fun little town, there are a couple of options for food. Try Zimmy’s Bar and Grille for American pub food or Mi Rancho Restaurant if you are in the mood for Mexican food.
Have you been to Ida Grove? What did you think?
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