The Under-The-Radar Scenic Drive In Iowa That Showcases Rolling Hills And Czech Culture

For those who love to drive in Iowa, there is certainly no shortage of options! Iowa is a wide-open state, with plenty of beautiful scenic drives across the midwest. For my money, though, there's none more unique than the Czech Trail in Iowa - a unique drive through rural Tama County that explores the rich Czech heritage of some of the area's tiny towns like Chelsea, Clutier, Vining, and Elberon. Along the way, you'll see beautiful rolling hills in one of the quietest areas of the state - punctuated by bursts of local culture, music, hospitality, and of course, food! Are you craving kolaches? The Czech trail will not let you down. This drive is around 30 miles long, making it a perfect day trip adventure - and if you're there at the right time, you might even catch a festival!

Rural Tama County is a beautiful place, but many people don't know about the small towns hiding within its borders.

Towns like Chelsea, usually with only a few hundred residents, are full of historic buildings that make for amazing photo ops.

Along the way, you'll find some truly unique businesses, like the Periwinkle Place Manor - a bed-and-breakfast that has become a popular spot for holding murder-mystery games.

Also in Chelsea, Silver Dollar Tavern is a popular local watering hole serving massive burgers and delicious fried apps.

The biggest surprise of the trail, though, is in the small Czech town of Clutier. This town is home to the annual Bohemian Plum Festival.

Held on the first Saturday in August, this event brings Czech music, dancing, and parades to town - as well as bringing out nearly the entire town to watch!

And yes, there will be food! Keep an eye out for the delicious kolaches - these tiny, filled pastries are addictive, especially when there are many flavors available.

Have you taken the Czech Trail in Iowa? Tell us your favorite spots to visit on this unique scenic drive in the comments section! You can find out more about Clutier's most famous event on the official Bohemian Plum Festival Facebook page, as well as get details on next year's event. Don't forget to check out the eerie goings-on at the Periwinkle Place Bed and Breakfast. Make sure to bring some road trip snacks for your journey!