Unique Features: 10 miles north of Ames, Iowa with access to the Skunk River Valley. Bountiful breakfasts with foods harvested from the farm. Bocce ball court and croquet lawn on site. Exquisitely, yet comfortably, furnished. Ideal for groups of all ages and abilities. The artwork and lush gardens are fascinating. Hike the trails. Canoe the river. Use the furnished binoculars to view the many birds, including bluebirds on the 50-house bluebird trail built and maintained by the owner.
Unique Features: Cottage sits on the edge of the 12-acre property. Thursday nights June-August the property hosts Market Nights where locals and guests enjoy farm raised produce and fellowship under the Binzebo (A grain bin converted to an open-air gathering area.) Guests are welcome to attend and participate in the fun. No TV in the cottage. Art supplies furnished for guest creativity.
Unique Features: A beautiful ranch located in the majestic rolling Flint Hills between Wichita and Kansas City. Stay in one of the rooms in the elegant later-Victorian, Empire-style stone house or one of three freestanding options: The Bunk House, Gables House or cabin.
Unique Features: Surrounded by trees, this cottage sits on 18 acres of land overlooking the Des Moines River. Watch the sunrise and observe deer or other wildlife grazing in the open fields. Interior is perfect blend of historic and modern.
Linda Leier Thomason is a former CEO who writes freelance business and travel stories, along with feature articles. Her work experiences include a Fortune 500 corporation, federal government, entrepreneurship and small business.
You will most often find her outdoors enjoying natural settings, wherever she’s at.
Find out more about Linda by clicking the “Meet Linda” tab above. Interested in working together? Send me a note today. Let’s connect.
As an Iowa State University student, I frequently sped by Fort Dodge, Iowa on US 169 North, never stopping. Fellow students from Fort Dodge consistently boasted “it’s a great place to live and work.”
To say I was amazed by what the community offers is an understatement.
I’ve lived in major metropolitan areas like Atlanta, Georgia, Washington, D.C. and Omaha, Nebraska. I was totally entrenched in my 20+ year hometown of Charleston, SC, and others. But this place, Fort Dodge, Iowa, has been perhaps the biggest surprise yet.
For its size this community is richly diverse in what it offers its citizens, everything from top-notch parks to plentiful dining and shopping to a diverse cultural experiences, including public art. ENTER to WIN an OVERNIGHT trip. Complete form below.
Location + Distance
Des Moines: 1 hour + 24 minutes
Kansas City: 4 hours
Minneapolis: 3 hours
Omaha: 2 hours + 45 minutes
Sioux City, IA: 2 hours
Sioux Falls, SD: 3 hours
Fun Facts
The town was founded in 1869 and is informally known as the “Frontier of the Future.”
Fort Dodge traces its beginnings to 1850 when soldiers from the United States Army erected a fort at the junction of the Des Moines River and Lizard Creek. It was named after Henry Dodge, a governor of Wisconsin Territory (which had included Iowa until Iowa became a state in 1846). The fort was abandoned by the Army in 1853.
The Des Moines River flows through Fort Dodge.
Population is just over 25,000.
Fort Dodge is the commercial center for North Central and Northwest Iowa.
The major industries include biofuels, livestock feed, gypsum and limestone mining, can production, drywall manufacturing, trucking, the manufacture of veterinary pharmaceuticals and vaccines, and retail.
Drywall was patented by a Fort Dodge resident.
Gypsum rock is processed into drywall and plaster products at several Fort Dodge manufacturing facilities.
The Blanden Memorial Art Museum, the first public museum of art in the state of Iowa, is located in the historic Oak Hill district of Fort Dodge. It opened June 5, 1932 and is renowned as one of the finest small museums in the nation for its extensive permanent collection as well as popular touring exhibits. The permanent collection on display includes European and American artists prints, sculptures and paintings.
The 400-acre John F. Kennedy Memorial Park (1415 Nelson Avenue) and Veterans Memorial Park surround Badger Lake and are linked by an outstanding trail system. The playground will delight kids of all ages.
Each person may enter 1x only throughout the contest. If your household uses the same email, it can be used for multiple entries.
Trip must be completed by October 31, 2021.
Entrants must be age 25 or older. USA Citizens only.
Winner is not required to use kayaking portion of this giveaway but, if not used, cannot gift to another party.
Winner is responsible for making reservation through the hotel and agrees to all conditions of the property.
Transportation to & from Fort Dodge, Iowa is not provided.
Winner agrees to forward three (3) photographs taken during the trip and five (5) sentences about their experience to www.lindaleierthomason within seven (7) days of completing their trip. Images may be used on social media outlets and on this website.
Winner Notification: Winner will be chosen at random on Friday, July 9, 2021. Winner will be notified via email. Response must be received in 24 hours. If none, another winner will be randomly chosen.
Prize is non-transferable. No cash redemption or substitution will be allowed.
Winner assumes all responsibility and releases lindaleierthomason.com and all prize donors and sponsors from all liability.
By accepting prize, winner understands and agrees to all contest rules.
Immediate family members (spouse/partner, children, grandchildren and parents) of prize sponsors, Fort Dodge, Chamber of Commerce and/or www.lindaleierthomason.com are not eligible to enter.
This contest is done in cooperation with the Fort Dodge, Iowa Convention and Visitors BureauHomepage – Fort Dodge (fortdodgecvb.com) and we thank them and all contest sponsors for their generosity and desire to introduce their community to us.
Contest Now Closed.
Kate and her children canoeing Brushy Creek Recreation Area on their trip to Fort Dodge, Iowa.
“Although we didn’t make it very far, we created memories that will last for a lifetime!” 😉
“The kids had a really great time at Fort Frenzy! Dariette’s ice cream was a win in our book and the dinner at Bufords was great. My sons enjoyed the apple turnovers at Community Orchard and we all loved the apple muffins.”
The trip was a good escape for this busy family and much appreciated by all!
Linda Leier Thomason is a former CEO who writes freelance business and travel stories, along with feature articles. Her work experiences include a Fortune 500 corporation, federal government, entrepreneurship and small business.
You will most often find her outdoors enjoying natural settings, wherever she’s at.
Find out more about Linda by clicking the “Meet Linda” tab above. Interested in working together? Send me a note today. Let’s connect.
A Sandhill Crane is silhouetted against the night sky as it fly’s beneath a brilliant moon. Taken by get away prize winner March 2019, www.willfields.com.
Let’s Congratulate the Winner–Will Fields
Contest Now Closed
Contest Dates: Oct. 1-Oct. 31, 2018
Trip Date: February 28, 2019
The annual Sandhill Crane migration is one of the world’s greatest natural spectacles.
Mid-February through mid-April, more than half a million Sandhill Cranes congregate along Nebraska’s Platte River during their annual migration. They rest and prepare for nesting after leaving their winter homes in Mexico and the Southwest. Their final destinations are way north in Canada, Alaska and Siberia.
World-Wide Visitors
Thousands of visitors come from all over the world to greet and observe this natural wonder. They visit the Crane Trust Nature & Visitor Center at Exit 305 off Interstate 80 near Woodriver, Nebraska.
Win Overnight (2/28/19) VIP Experience
You can be 1 of the lucky ones viewing this natural wonder.
One winner and a guest will receive
• Two guided crane viewing experiences (dawn and sunset) inside the private, heated Pietrok Family VIP Blind on the largest Sandhill Crane roost on the Platte River. Experts provide valuable insights into the science and the mystery of the crane migration and Platte River ecosystem. • Overnight accommodations at Crane Trust Legacy Cottages (private bedroom and bathroom). There is a kitchenette with a dining table and television in the common area and a covered patio overlooking the vast historic prairie where genetically-pure American bison roam. • Food and drink at the evening’s Welcome Reception, Dinner after the sunset viewing and Breakfast after the dawn viewing.
Enter to Win
Contest Fine Print
The Experience is Thursday, Feb. 28,2019. No exception. Do not enter if you cannot travel to Wood River (outside of Grand Island, NE) and spend the evening of 2.28.19.
Transportation to and from Wood River, Nebraska is not included.
You must be able to navigate up to ¼ mile of uneven terrain to reach the bird blind.
All other expenses not mentioned above are winner’s responsibility.
Prize value is $500.00.
Winner agrees to share at least 3 photographic images with www.lindaleierthomason.com by March 5, 2019 to use at her discretion.
Winner Notification: Winner will be chosen at random. Winner will be notified via email. Response must be received in 24 hours. If none, another winner will be randomly chosen.
Prize is non-transferable. No cash redemption or substitution will be allowed.
Participants must be 18 years of age or older, a legal U.S. resident, All federal, state and local laws and regulations apply.
No purchase necessary.
This is in no way sponsored, endorsed, administered by or associated with, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Google +, YouTube, Instagram or Pinterest.
Crane Trust employees and trustees and their immediate family members are not eligible for this giveaway. Neither are immediate family members of www.lindaleierthomason.com.
Winner assumes all responsibility and releases www.lindaleierthomason.com and The Crane Trust, its employees and trustees from all liability.
By accepting prize, winner understands and agrees to all contest rules.
Tips to Enhance Your Sandhill Cranes Viewing Experience
I’ve witnessed the Sandhill Crane migration twice. Once, mid-day in the fields surrounding the Nature Center. And, in 2018 I had the pleasure of staying overnight for a VIP Experience.
My best advice is • Dress in layers. It can be both wet and cool. Fingerless gloves are helpful if you plan to take a lot of photographs. • Pack boots. • Bring your camera charger and take a back-up battery. • Have binoculars? Pack ’em. There are some in the Blind but not enough for all. • If you’re interested in getting great photographic images, keep in mind the type of lighting you will be shooting in (dusk and dawn) and that birds do not sit and pose for you. You must remain in the bird blind with your group the entire time. Most cranes are across the river from where you will be standing. • Plan to arrive well before the check-in time. Stop at the Nature Center. Watch the videos. View the artwork. Shop at the Gift Shop. Walk the trail behind the Center. See the buffalo up close and personal. Eat at the café inside the Center. Speak to the well-trained volunteers about where to see the Sandhill Cranes in the fields after the VIP Experience concludes. • Do a bit of online research before arriving. • Ask the professionals all of your questions. They are informative and eager to share their knowledge and experiences. • If you have dietary restrictions for the VIP Experience meals, please inform the staff well before arrival. • Get to know the other guests. All share a common interest.
LOCATION
The Crane Trust Nature and Visitor Center Address: 9325 South Alda Road Wood River, NE 68883 Exit 305 towards Alda Phone: (308) 382-1820 Hours: Monday – Saturday 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (Hours change during migration season and holidays)
SHARE this post with others who’d appreciate this natural wonder.
This experience was provided with generosity from The Crane Trust.
Linda Leier Thomason is a former CEO who writes freelance business and travel stories, along with feature articles. Her work experiences include a Fortune 500 corporation, federal government, entrepreneurship and small business. She specializes in undercover studies of communities wishing to attract visitors for economic impact.
We had two May 2018 days off. Where to go? How about south of Omaha. But where?
We’d heard about the KansasFlint Hills, but literally knew nothing about this east-central region, so off we went.
No Interstate travel allowed. Wow! Endless visual stimulation. Every shade of green. The air filled with dust behind farm equipment tilling spring soil. Trees bursting with blooms. Puffy clouds in blue skies. Friendly, warm-hearted people. Wind. Lots of wind. Rolling hills. Tall grass prairie. Deafening silence. Disc golf courses everywhere. Highly talented artists of every type. Live folk music on a Friday night. New American food in a Strong City-a town of 455 people (2016).
Can’t Miss Stops on Kansas Flint Hills Visit
Tecumseh, Nebraska
Traveling south from Omaha, stop at the historical Johnson County Courthouse in Tecumseh, Nebraska.
Walk around the square. Read the historical markers and take in the Romanesque style courthouse architecture. Simply stunning.
This historical district is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Council Grove is an old trail town at the crossroads of the Santa Fe Trail and the Flint Hills Scenic Byway.
Park downtown. Get out and walk.
Make time to visit with the store owners and museum volunteers. Stroll along the well-maintained river walk.
Trees of the Santa Fe Trail era are marked throughout the city with plaques as Council Grove is designated as a “Tree City USA.”
Stop in at the Post Office Oak Museum owned by the Morris County Historical Society.
Lunch at the Historic Hays House
View the artwork at Rockfish Gallery and chat with owner, Chris Carlin. https://www.facebook.com/Rock-Fish-Gallery-2265381846821340/
2480 Kansas Highway 177 Strong City, KS 66869
The Preserve is a public/private partnership dedicated to preserving and enhancing the tallgrass prairie ecosystem.
Call ahead 620.273.8494 (hit 0) to reserve a seat on the free bus tour, guided by a park ranger.
No admission fee. Check website for pet policy.
The Information center has a video to view. Best to watch before going out on the trails or into the historical buildings (house, barn and school).
Educational kiosks, well-appointed and clean, modern restrooms and a small gift shop are also in the Information Center. There are additional modern restrooms near the barn.
Helpful Tips
• Wear closed toe shoes.
• Fill your water bottle at the Information Center prior to boarding the bus.
• The road the bus travels on is bumpy. Keep this in mind if you have back or spine issues.
• Binoculars will enhance the experience.
• Understand this is not a zoo. Animals (cattle + buffalo) and wildlife roam freely, often near, or on, the hiking trails. Use extreme caution and pay attention to not only what is in front of you but also what is behind you.
• You may picnic on the grounds near the house and/or Information Center.
Lodging
Bunk house on hill
Clover Cliff Ranch
826 A US Highway 50
Elmdale, Kansas 66850
11 miles west of Strong City
Like nearly everything in the Flint Hills, this Bed and Breakfast greatly exceeded all expectations.
In addition to guest rooms in the later-Victorian, Empire-style stone main house, 3 freestanding lodging options are available. We stayed in the Bunk House. The decor is modern and fitting for a ranch location.
The kitchen is furnished with all but an oven (a crock pot is available as are a multi-burner cooktop and microwave).
Tips to Enhance Your Stay
• Bathrobes are furnished
• Foldable outdoor chairs are available
• Bring ear plugs or background noise apps if a light sleeper; a train frequently passes by on the other side of a somewhat busy highway
• A challenging disc golf course is on the property; bring your discs
• Walk the course, even if you don’t play it. Bug spray and sunscreen may be necessary
• Breakfast is hearty. Confirm your dining time for the next day after each breakfast is completed.
• Get the Wi-Fi code/password at check-in
• Make time for a short history tour of the home/property
• Filtered water is provided
• Breakfast is served on an enclosed veranda
Other lodging options are found on the Chase County Chamber of Commerce link here.
New American restaurant with a full bar, including regional craft beers, gluten-free and vegan options, and locally sourced produce and meats, including buffalo and beef.
Reservations suggested. Open Thursday night for dinner. Lunch and dinner served Friday through Sunday.
Food prep and quality far surpassed expectations as did interior design and vibe
Cottonwood Falls, Kansas https://cwfks.org/
The largest city in and the county seat of Chase County, Cottonwood Falls boasts a population of under 1000 (2010) and is about one mile from Strong City.
Points of Interest Chase County Courthouse https://cwfks.org/chase-county-courthouse/
Oldest Kansas courthouse still in use; employees work there.
It was completed in 1873 and was built in the French Renaissance style from walnut and limestone. Today it is immaculately maintained.
Self-guided tours are available M-F 8 AM to 5 PM. Guided tours are available from 1-4 PM, by appointment by calling 620.273.8469.
The historic jail on the 2nd floor is worth seeing as is the view of Broadway from the recessed oval window on the 3rd floor.
Note the maple wood floors and many historical photographs hung on walls. Stop in the Commissioners Chambers.
Run your hands along the smooth walnut railings of the impressive three floor spiral north staircase (without center support). The craftsmanship is exquisite.
Walk the south wing staircase on the second floor. Imagine the many feet over time that have walked before you.
Open Tuesday through Sunday 11AM-5 PM and when the flag is out.
A cooperative of Flint Hills artists and artisans selling items made in the Kansas Flint Hills.
Impressive works: wool and Alpaca textiles, photography, stained glass, woodwork, ceramics, ironwork, and more.
Support art. Purchase a remembrance of your visit from one of these talented artists and artisans.
Emma Chase Friday Night Music www.facebook.com/EmmaChaseMusic
620.273.6003 or 620.273.8301
Emma Chase is not a current musician. Rather she is a fictionalized character. However, at one time, there was an Emma Chase Café, which is now closed.
Musicians and audiences gather around 7:30 PM near Cottonwood Falls’ Main Street to jam. Sessions end at 10:00 PM.
Weather permitting all congregate outside on the street by the Courthouse-331 Broadway-or if not, and every 4th Friday, at Prairie PastTimes-220 1/2 Broadway.
Admission is free. Donations are greatly valued.
Bring a lawn chair.
Audience members are welcome to join in
Guests can view the artwork in the gallery behind the musicians.
Restrooms are in the gallery
1st Friday: Acoustic Gospel Music
2nd Friday: Acoustic Bluegrass Music
3rd Friday: Acoustic Country, Folk and Bluegrass Music
4th: Friday: Electric & Acoustic Old Time Rock-n-Roll and Vintage Country Music
History
In September of 1999, Sue Smith and friend Charley Klamm were discussing the possibility of a music session at the cafe. Charley said, “For two bits, I’d hang a paper at the barbershop to see if anybody was interested.” Sue reached into her pocket, handed Charley the quarter, gave him a sheet of paper and said, “Go ahead.” So, on the first Friday night in October, 1999, twelve musicians with instruments in hand showed up at the Emma and a couple dozen listeners followed close behind. Most believe this is the longest continuous jam session, and perhaps the first, in Kansas. Taken from www.kansassampler.org
Cottonwood Falls Parks
Cottonwood River Bridge and Waterfall-located on the north side of Cottonwood Falls next to Bates Grove Park, which has tent camping available.
Walking Trail between Strong City and Cottonwood Falls. It’s paved.
Swope Park-1715 210 Road-located on the southeast corner of Highway 177/210 Road This impressive multi-purpose park includes a dignified Veteran’s Memorial, 4-H barns and an arena, a campground with RV pads, disc golf course, a playground and swimming pool, picnic areas with two covered shelter houses, and baseball and softball fields.
When walking downtown, be sure to stop and read the placard about the Bill North Courtyard “Beagle Run.”
Chase State Fishing Lake https://cwfks.org/chase-state-fishing-lake/ west of Cottonwood Falls off Lake Road
Take a drive out here. Observe wildlife. Appreciate the wonder and stillness of nature.
KSU Botanical Center http://www.k-state.edu/gardens/ Tallgrass Brewery Tap House http://tallgrasstaphouse.com/ Chase County Chamber of Commerce Excellent source for additional information and links on lodging, recreation, shopping, dining, etc. Symphony in the Hills http://www.symphonyintheflinthills.org/
Disc golf https://cwfks.org/chase-disc-golf/
Additional photographs & information on my Twitter and Instagram. Click links above or/
Have a free Sunday and need something to do? Visit Omaha. If you are lucky enough to call Omaha your home, get out and visit, or re-visit, these sites and participate these activities.
We recently did these 4 things in 4 hours on a Sunday. Click on the bold links to find more information while planning your Omaha outing or a weekend trip to Omaha.
Located just to the north of the Old Market in the downtown area. The park sits between the Heartland of America Park on its eastern edge and the W. Dale Clark Library to the West. It is sandwiched between historical buildings and contemporary design, making the surroundings visually interesting.
Interesting Tidbits
Also known as Central Park or The Mall
Named after former Omaha Mayor Eugene A. Leahy
6 acres
Open 5am-11pm
Free entrance
Playground with steel slides-bring cardboard to go faster
Walking paths
Lagoon with waterfowl
Sculpture art
Picnic areas
Visit during holiday season when lit up for the season
Homeless citizens do occupy the area
Café 110
1299 Farnam Street, Suite 110, corner of 13th and Farnam, near Gene Leahy Mall entrance
Known for coffee, tea, Espresso, smoothies, in-house made soups, sandwiches and salads along with a salad bar, fresh fruits and vegetables.
Space is energetic and creative. There is a loft upstairs for reading, etc.
Service friendly and efficient.
Opened in March 2012 by owner Allan Zeeck. He previously owned Benson Grind.
Offers off-site catering and live music.
Space can be rented for private parties and events, especially popular during Christmas holiday when Gene Leahy Mall is lit. Reserve early.
Omaha offers a lot of variety for residents. Find your favorite things to do.
LIKE & SHARE this post, making an Omaha outing or Omaha visit easy to plan.
Linda Leier Thomason is a former CEO who writes freelance business and travel stories, along with feature articles. Her work experiences include a Fortune 500 corporation, federal government, entrepreneurship and small business. Find out more about Linda by clicking the “Meet Linda” tab above. Interested in working together? Complete this form below.