The Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad and Museum has long been one of Iowa's most unique experiences, and it is a very popular family destination. While here you won't just be able to ride the rails on the old-fashioned steam train - you can ride them low to the ground on a unique Boone Railroad bike in Iowa! Rail biking has become one of the most popular new activities in the country. So hop aboard with us as we show you what its like to embark upon a unique adventure on the rails!
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The Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad and Museum has been thrilling visitors for years.
Although offerings will vary per location, you can still head off on your own memorable railroad adventure!
If you were to do a search for “rail biking near me,” this exciting rail biking in Iowa would most certainly pop up at the top of the list!
Have you been rail biking before? Do you know of any other rail trails in Iowa? Let us know all about your trips down the tracks in the comments section.
Fall is easily my favorite season of the year: It's when the weather gets cooler and the farms are in full swing with seasonal offerings and delicious treats. While many of Iowa's farms are packed this time of year with massive fall festivals, there are also quite a few small-town farms that offer the same charm without the massive crowds. A perfect example of this is the best farm in Fort Dodge, Iowa - the humbly-named Community Orchard. This laid-back local institution is known for its popular apple season with a huge-selection of pre-picked apples, along with a host of snacks available only in fall and some great family-friendly activities. Let's take a look inside The Community Orchard, which has been the pride of Fort Dodge since 1952.
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Community Orchard/Google Local
The Community Orchard in Fort Dodge is one of those places that feels like it could be right out of a storybook, but this charming farm and orchard really comes alive in fall with a massive selection of apples and some big surprises.
The Community Orchard/Facebook
Unlike many of Iowa's apple orchards, this isn't a you-pick farm. Sometimes I just like to have my apples ready to go without wandering the rows of trees - and this is an impressive crop. Over 20 varieties of apples are available here, ranging from iconic flavors like Red Delicious to rare local variants like Paula Red and Zestar.
The Community Orchard/Facebook
Many of those same apples make their way over to the beloved Apple Orchard Cafe, which offers sandwiches, baked goods, and some of the best caramel apples in all of Iowa. The specials here change throughout the season, so you'll want to make some return trips!
The Community Orchard/Facebook
For the adults on the farm, the apples also go into the popular Dale's Apple Ale, which is a seasonal small-batch drink with a devoted following. Stay tuned for news on the arrival of this year's cans!
The Community Orchard
The Back 40 Playground is full of activities all year, but never more so than during Applefest - the Community Orchard's celebration of all things fall. The cow train, a small hayride, is one of the most popular attractions among kids. As the season goes on, the pumpkin patch will open for finding the perfect Halloween gourd.
The Community Orchard/Facebook
It might be fall and the weather might be cooler, but we still can't resist finishing the day with a scoop or two at The Community Orchard's beloved ice cream stand, which offers up some one-of-a-kind seasonal flavors.
Have you visited The Community Orchard in Fort Dodge? Tell us what you thought about the best farm in Fort Dodge, Iowa in the comments section, and let us know what you're looking forward to this fall season! You can find out more about the seasonal offerings on the Community Orchard website, and the Community Orchard Facebook page has all the latest announcements. They do things old-school in Fort Dodge, so while you're in town, we highly recommend getting one of the delicious sandwiches at the Tom Thumb Drive-In. If you're looking for a place to stay in town, the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Fort Dodge is a great place for families at an affordable rate.
I would be lying if I said summer was my favorite season - it's just a bit too hot for me, and I'll always be partial to the cooling breezes and delicious cider crawls of fall. But that doesn't mean that when August rolls around, I don't get a little wistful. The end of summer always brings the desire to pack a little more fun into those last weeks, and here at Only In Your State, we want to help with this Iowa summer bucket list. There are still a few weeks left in summer this year, and what better way to spend them than by sampling the best the Hawkeye State has to offer? This might be enjoying some delicious outdoor dining, visiting a nostalgic ice cream spot, going for a thrilling ride on a roller coaster, or even taking a memorable river cruise. Whatever your perfect end-of-summer adventure is, we have you covered with these eight items.
There's nothing like a day floating on one of Iowa's beautiful rivers. While many theme parks and water parks have lazy rivers, we're partial to the natural ones - and there's a stunner on the grounds of Chimney Rock Campground in Cresco. This rural campground - which offers everything from primitive camping to fully-furnished cabins - has access to the Upper Iowa River, which offers gentle currents perfect for kayaking or simply floating in an inner tube.
It wouldn't be summer without some ice cream, and while there are plenty of acclaimed ice cream parlors in the big cities, we're always nostalgic for those old-school small-town institutions in towns like Winterset. Frostee's has been in business for half a century, and they still do things mostly the same way - you can get a soft-serve cone piled high with your choice of toppings. But there have been some changes made - a full shake menu is available, including a popular coffee shake. But Frostee's is good for so much more than just ice cream - it serves a full fast-food menu, including an amazing pork tenderloin sandwich.
Even if you love the summer, there are some days that get to be a bit...much. That's why it's great to have top indoor attractions nearby - and Bettendorf just got a whopper of one in the first Malibu Jack's in Iowa. This popular indoor amusement park is an all-in-one destination for fun, including arcade games, go-karts, mini-golf - and something you never thought you'd see inside a building: a spinning roller coaster!
Summer is the perfect time for patio dining, and there are plenty of great spots around the state where you can dine with a view of the water. If one area is the capital of outdoor dining in the Hawkeye State, it has to be the Iowa Great Lakes. Arnolds Park is where you'll find The Ritz, a long-time family-friendly institution with an extensive menu ranging from casual fare like nacho fries to delicious steak dinners. The biggest attraction is the massive patio with a gorgeous view of the nearby lake.
Iowa's amusement parks are fantastic - but they're also seasonal. All three close for the season not long after school is back in session, so the time is now to get some thrills in. Arnolds Park and Lost Island are both fantastic, but if there's one you should visit this year, it's the biggest - Adventureland in Altoona. The park has completely retooled its signature attraction, The Underground, giving it a fresh coat of paint and some upgraded effects, making this unique indoor roller coater more thrilling than ever.
If there's one small town to visit before summer is up, it's Clear Lake. This beautiful lakeside town is full of great summer activities like freshwater beaches and farmers' markets, as well as a great dining scene. Its signature attraction is the Surf Ballroom, a historic music venue that holds concerts most weeks during the summer. There is no better way to feel like you're being transported back to the heyday of rock and roll - some of August's acts include The Schmidt Brothers and Drop Dead Dangerous.
There is no better view in Iowa than the Mighty Mississippi, and no better way to see it than with a ride on the Riverboat Twilight, leaving from Le Claire. The sunset dinner cruise on this riverboat is excellent, offering hearty plated dinners like pot roast and barbecue chicken and ending with dessert and sweet tea before you head out to watch the sunset on the deck. Longer two-day cruises are available if you've fallen in love with this boat.
We all need a festival to kiss summer goodbye, and one of the best is coming up at Jasper Winery in Des Moines. This new cider festival is only in its second year, but it's impressed everyone who attended with its diverse mix of hard ciders, delicious treats like apple cider donuts, and live entertainment. It's taking place on August 24th this year, and we can't wait!
What's on your personal Iowa summer bucket list? What were your favorite adventures this summer? Let us know in the comments section! If you're looking for some more outdoor adventures while the weather is warm, consider visiting some of the best waterfalls in Iowa. And wherever you go, make sure you bring your sunscreen!
