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State PrideHistory

10 Retro Places In Iowa That Will Take You Back In Time

Explore 10 retro places in Iowa that evoke nostalgia and take you on a trip down memory lane.

Published Sep 25, 2015

Written by 

Michaela Kendall

There's nothing wrong with a little reminiscing about the good old days. From the roller skating rinks, to the drive-in theaters, to the diners, here are 10 retro places in Iowa that will take you on a trip down memory lane!

1. Watts Theater, Osage

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Toby Dickens/Flickr

Editor's Note: Watts Theater is temporarily closed due to the pandemic.

2. Drake Diner, Des Moines

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Tim Bungert/Flickr

3. Valle Drive in, Newton

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dmblue444/Flickr

4. Storm Lake Bowl, Storm Lake

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Jeff Terranova/Flickr

Editor's Note: Storm Lake Bowl is permanently closed.

5. Tom Thumb Drive Inn, Fort Dodge

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AlmostAwake/Flickr

6. Westside Maid Rite, Cedar Rapids

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Tyrgyzistan/Flickr

7. Dairy Queen, Iowa City

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Toby Dickens/Flickr

8. Maid-Rite Shop, Cedar Falls

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Debra Jane Seltzer/Flickr

9. Snookies Malt Shop, Des Moines

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Tim Bungert/Flickr

10. New Strand Theatre, West Liberty

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Toby Dickens/Flickr

What are some of your favorite retro spots in Iowa? Share them with us in the comments section below!

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