Hotels near Drake

Hello. I %26#39;m visiting Drake University with my daughter in mid March. According to the TripAdvisor review of the Holiday Inn Express near/on campus, I%26#39;d like to avoid it. Any suggestions on a hotel that is in a nice area/close to Drake etc? I%26#39;ve never visited Des Moines before.

Thanks.

Hotels near Drake

Aside from the Holiday Inn Express, there aren%26#39;t really any hotels near Drake, if you consider near as being able to walk. However, Des Moines isn%26#39;t that big of a city, and within 4-5 miles, you can stay at some nice hotels downtown. The Savery, the Hotel Fort Des Moines or the Suites on Locust are nice. Those are just south and east of the Drake area. If you hit the burb of West Des Moines, there are a ton of hotels, and it%26#39;s very accessible via I-235 to Drake, and within 10 min.

Good Luck on your college visit...Drake is a cool school.

Hotels near Drake

Hello

There is a Radisson Hotel by the Airport that is close to Drake. They offer complimentary shuttle service and I think they even offer discounted rates for visiting Drake parents

things to do in/around Iowa City

My husband and son will be participating in a Wrestling Camp on a 3 day weekend in June @ Iowa. My 14 year old and I will be tagging along. Any suggestions on how we can spend the 3 days in the area while they are at the camp? THANKS!

things to do in/around Iowa City

Hi, I just got back from a trip to Iowa city. They have a great mall (very large) that has an indoor ice skating rink (6 dollars for open skate including skate rental). The mall also has an arcade and a movie theater. There is a nice Tanger outlet mall about 15 or 20 min. west of iowa city. Amana Colonies is only about 10-20 min away also. This is a set of several small german heritage villages. There is lots to see, cute shops amazing restaurants, bakeries, meat shops and small wineries.

things to do in/around Iowa City

Thanks so much. However, we%26#39;ve had a change of plans and they are now going to Ohio. Oh well! Thanks again!

what is web hosting

Suggestions on hotels

I may travel to Des Moines from L.A. for family reasons this spring or summer. While I plan to stay 2 or 3 nights, I may have to extend my stay a week or more. Which hotels routinely offer discounted weekly rates or 4- to 6-night packages? I%26#39;d prefer not to rent a car, so I want a downtown location (I need to get to the East Side easily by taxi or city bus, and I%26#39;d also like to explore the East Village and other parts of downtown when not with my family).

Besides hotels, I%26#39;ll consider B%26amp;Bs or a very short-term rental. I see that the Kirkwood Civic Center Hotel is still open--are the rooms nice and the service O.K.? The Renaissance-Savery seems rather expensive and the Fort Des Moines, where I stayed before, attracted rather too Middle American a clientele for my level of comfort as an openly gay man, even if the service was excellent. My sisters have stayed at Embassy Suites, and their view of its noisiness and service matches reflects its uneven Trip Advisor and Yahoo Travel reviews.

Suggestions on hotels

For where you want to be the Embassy Suites is your best bet. It%26#39;s walking distance to the east village. It really is a nice hotel despite what others have posted way better than the Kirkwood and Hotel Fort Des Moines. The Suites at 800 Locust are also very nice but based on what you have said in your posting...Embassy Suites definitely. You%26#39;ll also find some nice gay bars near by as well - The Garden and Blazing Saddles.

Suggestions on hotels

I haven%26#39;t stayed at the Kirkwood in a few years, only because my businesss took me to another part of the city, but I always found it to be a good place to stay and the rooms spacious. The location is great too, especially the proximity to the coffee shop up the street and some restaurants in the area. The staff seem to mind their own, and my latest stay at the Savery left me a bit annoyed as they put a $700 hold on my debit card for a one-night stay that took an act of God to remove....practically.

pet friendly accomodations

Looking for pet friendly accomodations in Grinnell in August for us and our easy going dog

pet friendly accomodations

There are several chain hotels along the interstate in Grinnell that should offer a dog friendly option. However, if you%26#39;re traveling through the area and willing to stay about an hour west in West Des Moines, I recommend the Sleep Inn by Living History Farms in Urbandale, IA. We used to stay there with our two dogs (one quite large) before we moved to the Des Moines area. The staff was always extremely accommodating and welcoming to us and our pets.

pet friendly accomodations

Thanks for the info-though we need to stay in the grinnell/kellogg area..

Saturday night with a teenager. What to do? Where to stay?

Wondering what to do on a Saturday afternoon %26amp; evening in Des Moines and where to stay to be near whatever is happening.

We%26#39;ve never been and would love some activity, food, and lodging recs.

Thank you!

Saturday night with a teenager. What to do? Where to stay?

Not sure when you are coming, but you might check to see if there are any Iowa Stars hockey games or Des Moines Buccaneer hockey games. Both are fun and fairly easy to get to.

If you like shopping, try Jordan Creek Mall. There are a ton of restaurants and cool shops in the area.

The East Village is an eclectic shopping area just on the east edge of downtown. Some cool shops and eateries.

Not sure if you are coming from a big city or small, but my teenage daughter likes to go to Glazed Expressions, a make-your-own pottery place.

Of course, we have the usual movie theaters and shopping malls.

Also, on Saturday afternoon, you might also want to check out the Science Center of Iowa with an incredible IMAX theater.

You could also check the Civic Center to see what productions are playing when you are here. I think the site is www.civiccenter.org, but not sure.

Let me know if you want more.

Saturday night with a teenager. What to do? Where to stay?

Thank you very much for your reply. I%26#39;m printing it to bring along with us.

Thank you again!

hotels in sioux city

I%26#39;m going to a wedding in Ponca, NE, in may. It looks like the nearest city with hotels is Sioux City. I%26#39;m looking for recommendations of hotels that are in the southwest part of town, possibly on the Nebraska side. Is that a decent part of town? I%26#39;ve been to Iowa many times, but my family are all in the central and eastern part of the state.

The travel sites are saying that the best hotels in town are 2-3 stars. one place we are looking at because of the location is the Best Value Inn on the Nebraska side. Is it a dump?

Thanks!

hotels in sioux city

South Sioux City, NE is just a dump town anyway. I wouldn%26#39;t stay there...if you are going to stay in Sioux City and want to be near the Nebraska side, just stay in the downtown area...like the Best Western or Holiday Inn. They are just a couple minutes from the bridge to cross over to Nebraska and they are in a better area of Sioux City. And they are close to alot of different restaurants and the Riverboat casino.

cream tones

Need Help

I will be traveling across the US with my husband this coming summer. He’s a long haul truck driver and me and my son plan to join him for a few weeks every now and then. I have no clue where well end up stopping in your state so I was hoping you could all help me by telling me cool kid friendly places to see. I know there will be times where we’ll be waiting a day or so to pick up or drop off and I’d love to use that free time to explore areas. I’m the kind of person who likes to plan as much as possible. So any and all recommendations of places to stop and see would be greatly appreciated

Thanks so much for all your help

Lisa

Need Help

If you are on HWY 20 or Hwy 136 and if your son is into Baseball- Dyersville, IA is home of the ';Field of Dreams';- watch the move with Kevin Costner before and after your visit.

Also Manchester IA (Delaware County) home of the ';Fish Hatchery';. Ideal for the little fisherman. My son is 6 and still loves to go and feed the fish- you can see them upclose and personal. Great for a sunny day- bring sunscreen. Open seasonally.

Need Help

I%26#39;m sort of assuming you are going to be somewhere on or near Interstate 80? A place kids and adults both enjoy is Living History Farms on the west outskirts of Des Moines (technically, Urbandale, Iowa.) Admission is a bit pricey but you get a lot to look at for your admission fee. Plan to spend several hours.

If you are in Iowa August 9-19, check out the 153rd annual Iowa State Fair in Des Moines. It%26#39;s an amazing experience with lots of food and fun. You%26#39;ll want to book a room ahead of time as hotels fill up.

The Field of Dreams (recommended earlier) is a great idea and the National Farm Toy Museum is also in Dyersville. If you happen to get to Dubuque, Iowa (not far from Dyersville), be sure to check out the National Mississippi River Museum %26amp; Aquarium, then take a riverboat ride on the Mighty Mississippi.

Okoboji %26amp; Arnolds Park, Iowa Visit the Iowa Great Lakes!!! Arnold%26#39;s Park Amusement Park, Lake Okoboji, Spirit Lake etc... vacationokoboji.com or exploreokoboji.com. It is in NW Iowa HWY 9 %26amp; 71. I also recommend Living History Farms in Urbandale, Jordan Creek Mall area in West Des Moines and Adventureland in Altoona, all in the Des Moines area. Enjoy your summer!

If you travel near Iowa City on I 80, you may want to stop in Kalona (a community with a large Amish population) or the Amana Colonies (7 clean, quaint German communal villages with lots of food and craft options).

Further west, there also is the Neal Smith wildlife refuge, which has a bison herd and lots of prairie scenery and Pella, a Dutch community that celebrates its residents%26#39; heritage with Dutch residents, goods and an annual ';Tulip Time'; festival.

And I can%26#39;t recall exactly where it%26#39;s located, but in the summer there is a maze made from corn that is located close to I 80. That has been a hit with a few kids I know.

Enjoy your trip!

If you travel near Iowa City on I 80, you may want to stop in Kalona (a community with a large Amish population) or the Amana Colonies (7 clean, quaint German communal villages with lots of food and craft options).

Further west, there also is the Neal Smith wildlife refuge, which has a bison herd and lots of prairie scenery and Pella, a Dutch community that celebrates its residents%26#39; heritage with Dutch restaurants, goods and an annual ';Tulip Time'; festival.

And I can%26#39;t recall exactly where it%26#39;s located, but in the summer there is a maze made from corn that is located close to I 80. That has been a hit with a few kids I know.

Enjoy your trip!

This can be a surprisingly fun state to visit, but you should really compare your interests with what%26#39;s offered in various places. I travel the state on business and have seen quite a bit of what%26#39;s here. I%26#39;d heartily recommend stopping at a visitors%26#39; welcome facility along most of the major highways; they have a good supply of info there to look over. Feel free to send me an email: heydave';at';cnde';dot';iastate';dot';edu and I%26#39;d be happy to share what I know about the various corners of the state.

Check out Le Mars, IA...its in the NW area about 20 minutes north of Sioux City. Its the Ice Cream Capital of the World and has a visitor center and an old fashioned Ice Cream Parlor.

reptiles

Hosta garden to visit

My friend %26amp; I will be out seeking hosta gardens for a weekend in May. We are thinking of staying in Dubuque or Galena.

Can anyone recommend garden places to visit? We are planning to visit Frieda%26#39;s Hosta Garden in Dubuque.

Any there gardens that are open to the public within a reasonable distance form these towns?

Any recommendations on places to stay? Most B%26amp;B%26#39;s have only queen beds, we prefer a couple of beds.

Thanks, Rowie

Hosta garden to visit

I%26#39;m not sure about hosta gardens, but I think there%26#39;s one at Vanderveer Park in Davenport, IA. Davenport is perhaps a 2 hr. drive from Dubuque.

Another interesting option for gardeners that%26#39;s within a few hours drive of Dubuque is not exclusive to hostas. Check out the Seed Savers exchange in Decorah, IA: http://www.seedsavers.org/. It has a heritage garden that you can see: http://www.seedsavers.org/heritagefarm.asp.

Enjoy your trip!

West Burlington

anybody ever been to, lived in, West Burlington, Iowa? any comments on the area?

West Burlington

W. Burlington is a semi rural area. Not much to do...nothing to do....nice, nice people. There may be minor league BB in summers...Spent 11 days there while family member was in hospital there. That was more than enough!

West Burlington

West Burlington is a the light industrial/mall/chain store (Wallmart) suburb of Burlington. Burlington itself is built on several hills overlooking the Mississipi and is attractive from a small town perspective with old historic homes and buildings. It has several beautiful parks overlooking the River and a very nice new library. There are also some nice attractive hilly wooded parklands in the area--for example, Starr%26#39;s Cave and Big Hollow that have nice walking trails. There is a small water park type attraction. It has a new hospital/health complex which is pretty good. There is a steamboat days celebration in mid June on the River front with music and including jazz groups. There is a civic auditorium on the riverfront that has a series of music events. Above average restaurants are very limited to almost non-existent. There is a 2-yr college which is actually located in West B. For someone seeking a quiet rural or country lifestyle , the area can be quite attractive. But most people who are looking for bigger city lifestyles and attractions would be disappointed. You may want to check out: www.hawkeye.com to get an idea of area news, etc.

sorry the link for the local newspaper is: www.thehawkeye.com

Fun, Kid Friendly Hotel

looking for a hotel in the des moines area that kids would enjoy for a few days over spring break. also is there a indoor park or indoor fun place for a 6 yr old and 10 yr old???

Fun, Kid Friendly Hotel

Though it gets bad reviews on here, adventureland inn is the place to stay, with their indoor pool.

Fun, Kid Friendly Hotel

Would not stay at the Adventureland Inn. 6 year old might like it, 10 year old will be bored. We have stayed there, not impressed with the pools or the room or the pizza!

Iowa summer Vaca?

My husband%26#39;s family lives in Waterloo/Cedar Falls and we%26#39;ll be visiting in the summer. I was attempting to make more of this trip, taking the family somewhere else in Iowa, not too far from Waterloo, that%26#39;s kind of a lake resort. Is that possible? Does something like that exist in Iowa or would you have to go to Minnestota? I invision a nice cabin rental by a lake, kids could swim and fish and boat, etc. I%26#39;d love not to stay with the in-laws the whole time (that%26#39;s why I haven%26#39;t asked my husband for suggestions. Anyways, sometimes when you grow up in a certain place you%26#39;re the last person to give out travel advice for that place.) Thanks for any input -

PS - If we were to get a hotel around there is there any really nice places in Cedar Falls?

Iowa summer Vaca?

When I was a child, we frequently stayed on Lake Okoboji and we frequently went to Clear Lake. I honestly can%26#39;t tell you what all there is to do there anymore, but I do remember that staying on West Okoboji was a blast. You might try to google these places, I know they have rentals on Okoboji...not sure about Clear Lake.

Iowa summer Vaca?

I can answer the Cedar Falls question. They have built a Wingate Inn, Americinn, and Country Inn in the last couple of years. A Comfort Suites is about to open soon. Waterloo is getting some new motels with a casino opening up (Hampton Inn, Candlewood Suites). Clear Lake and Okobji are the only two places I can think of. Also look at the Iowa State Parks, some of them offer cabins and beaches and lakes you can swim at. You may have to bring bedding, towels and a few other essentials, but the accomodations are pretty reasonable.

Across the street from the Country Inn on Main St in Cedar Falls is the new Waterpark that replaced Ray Edwards swimming pool. It has a few waterslides, is very nice and reasonably priced.

Lots of nice paved bike trails around that area and go out to George Wyth state park.

Lots of restaurants, mall near by.

Parks with nice playground equipment.

Have fun!

Quality Inn/Clive?

What are some opionions on the Quality INN in Clive?

Quality Inn/Clive?

I live in Clive and don%26#39;t recall seeing a Quality Inn here, but there is a Comfort Suites (same hotel group as Quality Inn) at Living History Farms in Urbandale that is literally just across Hickmann Rd. from Clive. There also are a couple of Quality Inns in the Des Moines area. There%26#39;s one on Merle Hay Rd. that I believe is an older property and it%26#39;s in a busy area (i.e. lots of traffic coming and going from the interstate ). There may also be one in downtown Des Moines, which may be O.K. but is probably the oldest property of the bunch.

The Urbandale Comfort Suites is nice. We stayed there several times before moving here and thought that it seemed to be well-managed. It%26#39;s conveniently located next to I-80/I-35 for quick access anywhere and it%26#39;s right next to Living History Farms, which is a large historical park.

Otherwise, the mid-range or better chain hotels (Residence Inn, Hilton Garden Inn, Chase Suites, Marriott, Courtyard, etc.) should be O.K. anywhere in the western Des Moines suburbs (Clive, West Des Moines, Urbandale, Johnston). I%26#39;ve also heard good comments about the Embassy Suites in downtown Des Moines.

Enjoy your stay in the Des Moines area!

cream tones

appreciate your dog

What Hotel is the best???

My husband and will be staying in Des Moines Easter Week end as my college age daughter will be playing in a spring volleyball tournament at Drake U. My 17 year old son will be with us also. We need a hotel that has a two bedroom suite with plenty of room for two adults and two grown children. I have made reservations at the Holiday Inn and suites on Merle Hay and the Quality Inn and suites on Merle Hay. Which is better? Holiday Inn has had bad reviews on TA. Or are there any other suggestions?

What Hotel is the best???

You could stay in W. Des Moines near the new Jordan Creek Mall. There is a Residence Inn on the premises. It wouldn%26#39;t take you more than 20-25 min to get to Drake from there.

What Hotel is the best???

Huskergal, I agree with SueA. Merle Hay Rd. is not very conveniently located for getting to Drake Univ. and the hotels along Merle Hay tend to be older and in a high traffic area.

It would probably be as fast and easier to stay either in the western suburbs (especially near the I-235/I-80/I-35 interchange in West Des Moines or Clive), Ankeny or Altoona. In addition to the Residence Inn that SueA mentioned, you may want to consider the Chase Suites, Springhill Suites or Fairfield Inn/Suites in WDM/Clive or the Embassy Suites in downtown Des Moines.

Good luck to your daughter and her team!

Malls open on Easter Sunday??

I ended up booking at the Country Inn and Suites in Clive. Does anyone know if the Malls are going to open Eater Sunday???

Malls open on Easter Sunday??

Valley West Mall in West Des Moines is close to where you%26#39;re staying. It will be closed on Easter and I suspect that the other malls will be, too. However, the mall movie theaters are typically open. Some of the grocery stores , restaurants and other businesses may open for limited hours, too.

Church Trip

I am a youth director at my church and I was wondering if anyone had anything in mine to do in Iowa.

Church Trip

In Dubuque there is a great River museum and Aquarium. Nearby there is also the Grand Harbor Water resort - indoor slides, pools, etc.

Chicago to Mount Rushmore Help

Hi

Following 6 days of ballgames from Minnisota to Milwaukee and Milwaukee to Chicago, the hubby and I have 8 free days and want to get to Mount Rushmore. Looking for thoughts on routes to take, towns to visit, restaurants that are a must, town fairs, cookoffs or any other hightlights you may have. Our trip is during the 2nd and 3rd week of May. Many thanks

Chicago to Mount Rushmore Help

If you%26#39;re willing to take the scenic route vs. the interstate, you could make your way west from Chicago to the Field of Dreams near Dyersville, IA. Dyersville is just off Highway 20. That seems like a ';must see'; for baseball fans or film buffs.

Options along I 80 in Iowa include the Herbert Hoover presidential library and museum in West Branch, IA (about 10 miles east of Iowa City, IA) and Living History Farms just west of Des Moines. IA.

Further north: I haven%26#39;t been there myself, but if you like quirky places there%26#39;s a Spam Museum (yes, celebrating the canned meat product) in Austin, MN that is close to I 90 and about 1 1/2 hrs. south of Minneapolis.

In South Dakota, the Corn Palace in Mitchell, SD and Badlands National Park are along the interstate as you drive toward Rapid City/Mt. Rushmore.

Have a great trip!

Chicago to Mount Rushmore Help

Prariedog,

Your post was exactly the stuff I was looking for. A;readu surprising my hubby with Dyersville but did not know about Austin. Can%26#39;t wait to check out the Spam museum. Any restaurants you want to recommend?

If you were already planning a stop in Dyersville, you may be interested in stopping In Dubuque first. They have ther Mississippi River Museum, Gambling boats , a cable car ride, and a great shopping area on Bluff Street.

I%26#39;m glad that the suggestions hit the spot, globaluyandgirl!

I%26#39;m afraid that the extent of my knowledge of the restaurant scene in Austin is that there is a Culver%26#39;s (a pretty good Midwestern fast food chain) there. I%26#39;m told by a friend at work who is from Dyersville that the Country Junction restaurant has good pies. Perhaps someone else who reads this board will be able to provide more help.

Take care!

Girl, Here in IOWA the best place to eat is a ';little hole in the wall diner'; off some highway that you don%26#39;t even know if you%26#39;re suppose to be on! We have every fast food place there is, but for a real good home cooked meal you need to drive through town and look for a diner or a small place that isn%26#39;t known from t.v. Good luck

Yes! country Junction! I live in Madison, WI, and my dad makes a stop at this restaurant EVERY time he comes to visit. He always brings me a slice of pie, and it is wonderful. I would also suggest, as I have before, taking a quick trip off hwy 20 to hwy 17, toward Boone. I grew up near this area, and it is beautiful. The Boone Railroad goes through here, and a passenger train (scenic only) still runs here. http://www.scenic-valleyrr.com/

You can take a quick train ride, or the dinner train, and see the river valley from the freakishly high (for Iowa) bridge. It really is beautiful. If you camp or hike, Brushy Creek and The Ledges are in the area as well. Brushy Creek is a campsite with horse trails however, so be prepared for dirty cowboys (very nice folks) everywhere. Good luck!

Culver's has excellent service and food

Most locals will agree that Burlington%26#39;s Culver%26#39;s is one of the better fast food restaurants in town. The comment made previously must have been during a very busy time. We eat there at least once a week and have always been greeted with a smile and fast service. The restaurant is very clean and has very nice decor. I work in the travel industry and highly recommend this restaurant to the individual traveler as well as a motorcoach group. Try one of the ';Butterburgers'; and a flavor of the day frozen custard.

Culver's has excellent service and food

Where is Culvers located in Burlington?

Culver's has excellent service and food

And do they serve good Tenderloin sandwiches? That%26#39;s the only thing that really counts to those who no longer live in the midwest but visit ocasionally. Tenderloins being a midwestern soul food. And they are gradually disappearing from menus as the national chains (Subway, etc) come in and don%26#39;t know anything about them.

I have seen a tenderloin on Culver%26#39;s menu, but haven%26#39;t tried one.

somerset - generally the best tenderloins are always found in the small town bars/hole in the wall place as they are prepared individually by hand.

Culvers has them, but they aren%26#39;t as good as what you would probably be remembering from the %26#39;days of old%26#39;

nails stand for

10 teens

We will be spending a night in Des Moines on our way to a Christian Retreat. Where should we stay and what can we do with 10 teenagers that is appropiate or affordable.

10 teens

Depending on what time you arrive and what you consider to be affordable, a tour of Living History Farms may be educational and fun for the group. It%26#39;s located right off I-80/I-35 in Urbandale (a northwestern suburb) and has several decent hotels right next to the farm (a Sleep Inn and a Comfort Suites, I believe). Here%26#39;s information: http://www.lhf.org.

If there are shoppers (or window shoppers) in the group, there%26#39;s Jordan Creek Mall in West Des Moines. If the group is active, the Des Moines metro area has a wonderful trail system for walking, roller blading, etc. The Clive greenbelt trail is close to a number of reasonably priced hotels just off I-80/I-35 and University Ave. It%26#39;s a great place to stretch legs and perhaps have a close encounter with a deer.

If all else fails, there are a couple of megaplex movie theaters at Jordan Creek Mall in West Des Moines and off I-80/I-35 and 86th St. in Johnston that are also near hotels.

Perhaps contacting some of the local churches or the Des Moines Christian High School (http://www.dmcs.org/new) can put you in touch with local residents with some additional ideas.

cream tones

Tulip Festival

Does anyone know anything about the Tulip Festival in Pella? It used to be a big deal but I can%26#39;t find anything about it. Is it worth the trip from the Kansas City area? How long should we stay? Do we just walk around and smell the tulips? I think it%26#39;s the first weekend in May. Enlighten me!

Tulip Festival

the website is pellatuliptime.com

That should give you all the pertinent informationa as to what is going on etc. My son marched with his Jr Hi Band in the Parade last year. Do know there were a ton of people and some very pretty tulips!

Tulip Festival

Pella is a beautiful little city, especially at Tulip Time. It is definitely a site to see, thousands of tulips planted all over the city. There are a few city squares that have huge tulip beds and a few massive windmills. Lots of citizens also plant tulips as well, so much of the city is worth driving through. Last year I visited one week before the festival and the tulips were at their peak and there weren%26#39;t the crowds that you get during the festival time. There are a lot of antique/craft/interior type shops here as well, some great shopping really. Is it worth a trip from KC?? Not sure. How much do you like tulips? ;o) I think you could pretty much see all there is to see in one day.

Hey, Pella Tulip Festival is Awesome...im from a smalllllllll town in memphis Mo and our band (the marching tigers) went there and marched IT wAS SOOOOO Much fun and its like a fair just with out the rides but there is cool places to go into and a cool windmill and tons of other stuff to do. Our band won second place!!!! and were a band of 30+ and it was our first year with this teacher....I soooo sugest you going oh and stay for the night show....the bands wear glowsticks and put them on their instuments IT IS AWESOME!!!!

I grew up in Pella, graduated from Pella High in 2002 and now live and work in Kansas City, so I%26#39;m familiar with both the Tulip Festival and the 3+ hour drive to Pella. You%26#39;re right, it%26#39;s the first Thurs, Fri and Sat in May. I%26#39;d say yes, it is worth the trip from Kanas City and would recommend staying one night. I%26#39;m probably going to stay Friday night through Saturday afternoon so I can catch the lighted Volk%26#39;s parade at night and the afternoon parade Saturday. The website www.pellatuliptime.com has all the information you need as far as what to do. Pella has some recent unique additions worth seeing, such as the Molengracht canal and a huge windmill. The food - poferjies, Dutch letters, Pella bolonga, funnel cakes, Dutch tacos - can make the trip in itself! Hope that you%26#39;ve found the information you are looking for and hopefully you take the time to visit Pella. It%26#39;s a great weekend trip.

Traveling I-29 through Iowa

We be traveling cross-country via I-29 through Iowa on our way to Wyoming this July.

Originally we had planned to stop for the night in Council Bluffs, but I%26#39;m not big on casinos and we%26#39;d like to drive a little further. Looking at Missouri Valley and Onawa, with Sioux City probably too far to go in one day (we start in Kentucky!). I%26#39;m leaning towards staying at the Super 8 in Onawa for a quick off/on the interstate with a quick look around the next morning before we get on the road again.

Any suggestions?

THANKS!

TrueGrit

Traveling I-29 through Iowa

It would literally be a quick look around Onawa, because the town is very small! Other than looking at the river, there isn%26#39;t much around Onawa except another casino. Your breakfast choices will be either a truck stop or a convenience store at either Onawa or Missouri Valley. If this doesn%26#39;t bother you, then Onawa or MO Valley may be good options for you.

However...I recommend staying in Council Bluffs or Sioux City instead. Council Bluffs has more to it than just the casino and I believe there are a few newer hotels there. Sioux City is only about an hour and a half north of Omaha/Council Bluffs, well worth driving 30 mins. or so beyond Onawa for better hotel options, a mall and lots of restaurants. In Sioux City, find a hotel in the Singing Hills/Lakeport St. area on the south side of town.

Travel safely, enjoy your trip and come back to Iowa sometime when you have time to visit some of our more scenic areas.

Traveling I-29 through Iowa

Hello!

I hope you enjoy your time in Iowa! It is a good state where you can safely drive and enjoy a good audio book! Something I love to do to get me from one place to another. In between there are fun and interesting places to stop for a bit.

What route are you planning on taking?

If it were me, I%26#39;d be inclined to go to the Omaha Zoo! It%26#39;s in Nebraska, so don%26#39;t mean to send you out of Iowa, but it gets raves from all around. Also, yahoo travel has a list of things to do in Iowa. You can check which ones are on your route: …yahoo.com/p-travelguide-6917504-iowa_things…

I%26#39;ll try to check back to see if there is more i can offer but this should help with what you already know.

Welcome!

kd

: )

If you%26#39;d like to alter your trip just a bit, take hwy 20 or 30 across the state, and stay in Boone. Check out the Boone Scenic Valley Railroad : http://www.scenic-valleyrr.com/

Iowa beauty at its best. Actually, anywhere near the river is going to be nice, and this is one of the safest states in which to travel. There isn%26#39;t much of anything in Nebraska, in fact, stop for gas when you can because stations are few and far between. (I%26#39;ve made that trip FAR too many times). Have a great trip!

-Allie

If I were to stay in the I-29 Council Bluffs area it would definitly be at the Comfort Inn at the Zoo in Omaha. It is maybe 2 or 3 miles off of I-29 on I-80 west. Take the first exit past the Missouri river bridge. It%26#39;s right there off of the 13th street exit. My family and I just stayed there for a trip to the Omaha Zoo and it was excellent. Very clean and affordable with a great hot breakfest. But you should probably have reservations because it is frequently filled. If you have time, you should definitly go to the zoo. It%26#39;s one of the top 5 zoos in the nation.