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.
Diane Shared Her Winning Trip with Family on Mother’s Day Weekend 2021
“Wow! What a great time we had. I can’t believe what a great swag bag the chamber created! It was very generous. The 3rd &Surf is a great place to stay! https://www.vrbo.com/7719438ha There is a room separating each sleeping area so no one disturbed anyone else. They have great amenities. 4 bikes to choose from, games for rain and cold days, lots of towels, etc. I would definitely recommend friends stay there. It is close to everything. We had a great day for bike riding on Friday. Saturday was a little cold and rainy day.
Clear Lake is a great place to visit. We will go back during season and experience the other activities. I am so glad we were able to visit Clear Lake.
Thank you to all who made it possible, including Rumorz Bar & Grill, Cookies, Inc., 3rd and Surf VRBO and the Chamber of Commerce!”–Diane
Stay at the Shore & Explore
What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you hear of Clear Lake, Iowa?
If you’re a certain age, maybe you associate Clear Lake with a plane crash.
In fact, American rock and roll musicians Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and “The Big Bopper,” J. P. Richardson, were killed in a plane crash near Clear Lake, Iowa, together with pilot Roger Peterson on February 3, 1959.
The tragedy was later known as “The Day the Music Died”, after singer-songwriter Don McLean referred to it this way in his 1971 song “American Pie”.
While this unfortunate event is associated with Clear Lake and the community continues to pay proper reverence to those who lost their lives in this accident, Clear Lake is a vibrant, progressive lakeside community you should visit.
Plan Your Clear Lake Visit
Order your travel guide in advance at www.clearlakeiowa.com and follow them on Facebook ClearLakeIowa, Twitter @VisitClearLake and Instagram @ClearLakeIowa for the latest updates.
Stop in and visit the Visitor Center at the Clear Lake Chamber of Commerce at 205 Main Avenue or call them at 641.357.2159 or 800.285.5338.
Where is Clear Lake?
Travel Time to Clear Lake by vehicle from
Omaha: 3.5 hours Des Moines: 2 hours
Minneapolis: 2 hours Sioux Falls: 3 hours
Chicago: 6 hours St. Louis: 6.5 hours
We visited in early September 2020-during COVID times. Check all websites for current COVID restrictions, if any.
Top 8 Overall Impressions
1. Cleanliness. Everywhere we went was spotless-from city parks to public restrooms to highways. Litter and graffiti seemed non-existent. Community pride prevails and visitors, like us, notice and appreciate it.
2. Non-Clogged Roadways. Bumper-to-bumper traffic is not appealing to us, especially when doing a leisurely lakeside drive. The roadways, in and around the area, seem to be designed for great traffic flow.
3. Appreciative Merchants. 2020 has been a tough year for restaurants and retailers. Each business we visited expressed heartfelt gratitude for our visit and purchase. Support small, always.
4. Diversity of Lodging Options. Not only is the variety of architecture appealing, so are the many lodging options. Read below.
5. Plenty of Excellent Dining Choices. Plan ahead. There are so many excellent dining options in this community. We can’t wait to return to try more of them.
6. Ease of Access to the water and a very walkable downtown. There is plenty of parking, making it convenient to stop and walk the downtown area and the shoreline.
7. Availability of Amenities to Encourage Tourism, like clean, modern public restrooms in the downtown shopping area and by the Clear Lake City public beach. Enjoy the splash pad and water rainbow for children of all ages near a public restroom. Sit in the shaded city park. Use the well-maintained walking and bicycling pathways along the shoreline. Depart from, or tie up at, the public access docks.
8. Goodwill Offering Attractions. There is plenty to see and do in the community, in addition to water activities like fishing, kayaking, boating, swimming, paddle boarding, etc. See below.
Activities & Attractions
It rained during our entire three-day stay. Yet, we got out and explored the area rich in attractions.
There’s a great mix of indoor/outdoor activities in Clear Lake-perfect for all types of weather conditions during your visit.
A small memorial is located at the place the plane carrying Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, “The Big Bopper” and pilot Roger Peterson crashed. It is on private property between corn fields. If you visit, please be respectful of the land and the crash site.
Directions to Memorial Site
From US Hwy 18 in Clear Lake, go north on N 8th Street for 4.7 miles.
When the paved road curves to the west, take the gravel road to the east (310th Street), then immediately north again on gravel (Gull Avenue).
At the t-intersection of Gull Avenue and 315th Street, you will see a set of large “Buddy Holly” glasses. You may park along the side of the road and walk along the south side of the fence to the west for approximately one quarter mile.
Check the website for upcoming events and operating hours.
Goodwill offering/donations encouraged.
Take a self-guided tour or arrange in advance for a guided tour.
Marvel at the ballroom (1933). Stroll the museum. Purchase at the gift shop.
HINT: Notice the pineapple wallpaper in the entrance. See the phone booth where Buddy Holly called his wife and Ritchie Valens his manager the evening of February 2, 1959.
Lady of the Lake is an authentic paddle wheel excursion boat offering scenic tours of Clear Lake. Contact them for boarding and departure times. Times are also posted at the City Seawall.
It was a perfect location for our desire to explore the downtown area and have easy walking access to the beach and city park.
The property is well furnished in a quiet neighborhood.
The owners have thought of virtually everything a traveler would need for a fantastic get-away to Clear Lake, Iowa. There’s even a screened outdoor gazebo and a fire pit to enjoy on cool fall evenings and bicycles to explore the charming community.
Notable Clear Lake Events
There is always something to do and experience in Clear Lake, Iowa
Confirm event schedules prior to traveling.
COVID restrictions may alter the event and schedule.
The Color the Wind kite festival features serious kite flyers from multiple states displaying their collections of unique kites, banners and ground displays over the lake in front of the downtown sea wall.
Entrants must be age 25 or older. USA Citizens only.
Winner is responsible for making reservation through provided VRBO website and agrees to all conditions of rental property stated on site.
Transportation to & from Clear Lake, IA isn’t 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 Tuesday, December 15, 2020. 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, Clear Lake, Iowa Chamber of Commerce and/or www.lindaleierthomason.com are not eligible to enter.
This contest is done in cooperation with the Clear Lake Chamber of Commerce https://clearlakeiowa.com/whose members and staff welcome you to stay at the shore and explore.
Enter & Win 2-Night Stay
November 2020. Linda Leier Thomason All Rights Reserved.
This means seek permission before using copy or images from this site. Images are available for purchase.
Linda Leier Thomason writes freelance business and travel stories along with feature articles. Her work experience includes a Fortune 500 corporation, federal government, entrepreneurship and small business. Read more about her background and qualifications by clicking on the “Meet Linda” tab above.
Our first stop was at the ever-popular Volkswagen Beetle Spider at 649 South Chestnut Street.
Spider Car in Avoca, Iowa
You have to get out and take a photograph there, of course.
Library
We ventured downtown on the cold, blustery morning. We
admired the Eagle of Honor Tribute and visited the Avoca Public Library. There’s
a wonderful interactive music station outdoors.
Apples were being given away in the library foyer by generous local homeowners. We bought nearly-new hard covered books at the book sale. We believe in supporting local libraries.
We also picked up a copy of the “Western Iowa Visitors Guide for 2019-20” at the library.
Octagon
It led us to the Octagon Building in Graceland Cemetery.
This building (1875) is on the National Register for Historic Places and was a
gathering place for mourners during inclement weather. The deceased could also
be kept there if the ground was too frozen to permit burial.
Avoca, IA: Graceland Cemetery Octagon Building
The Cemetery itself is a picturesque location with unforgettable
vistas and headstones.
We drove to Macedonia after watching the Iowa State Cyclones football team defeat West Virginia.
What an awesome community.
The town’s Main Street is lined with iron railings. Each tells the story of an event, family or organization with special ties to Macedonia.
Macedonia, IA Main Street iron railings
The Grist Mill McCready Theatre is where the Fine Arts
Council hosts performances. Check their Facebook page and website for
performances. http://www.gristmillfinearts.com/
The Stemple Bird Museum (tours available by appointment) is
at 311 Main Street and houses over 300 mounted displays.
Painted Camel Gallery on Main Street http://potterybythecreek.com/index.php
is open Saturdays from 10 AM – 4 PM or by appointment. Call 712.486.2324. It’s houses
hand-crafted pottery, paintings, jewelry, wooden furniture, woven rugs and so
much more.
Dinner
The Back Forty Restaurant and Bar http://www.backfortybarandgrill.com/
also on Main Street was referred by nearly everyone from whom we sought a
dinner recommendation.
Saturday is steak special night. The prime rib, according
to my husband, was great.
The place was full of diners of all ages enjoying one
another’s company and watching football and volleyball games on one of many TVs
throughout the space.
The service is quick and grateful.
Well-Rested Conclusion
On the commute back to Omaha via Highway 92, I asked my husband, Ken, if he felt rested. His response, “I feel like I’ve been gone for more than a day.”
That’s what a getaway to West Central Iowa can do for you.
Linda Leier Thomason writes freelance business and travel stories along with feature articles. Her work experience includes a Fortune 500 corporation, federal government, entrepreneurship and small business. Read more about her background and qualifications by clicking on the “Meet Linda” tab above.
Would you like Linda to visit and write a feature story on your community? Nominate it in the comment section below.
1. Agri-Symbol Park with the World’s Largest Corn Stalk Address: 12 East Street Shelby, Iowa
Exit 34 off I-80 East-NW side of highway, next to gas station
76-foot structure (Agricultural symbol) represents corn, beef and pork produced in this area. You will also find a paved Old Stone Arch Nature walking trail around a lake, sitting benches, a picnic table, gazebo and a must-visit Corn Crib Restaurant/convenience store filled with antiques.
Town named after Avoca in Ireland. Known for turret architecture.
Visit:
Farmall-Land USA $ Address: 2101 North Lavista Heights Road Avoca, Iowa
International Harvester (IH) collection of retired dealer.
April through October. Museum hours are Tuesday–Saturday 10 am to 5 pm, Sunday Noon-5 pm. The museum is closed on Monday. From November through early April, the museum operates on winter hours with tours available by appointment only. Admission fee is $10 for adults, $5 for ages 13-18, $3 for ages 5-12 and free for under age 5.
2. Spider Bug Address: Intersection of South Chestnut and West Washington in Avoca, IA
Visit and take photos, keeping in mind this attraction is on private property.
This windmill is the only authentically operating Danish Windmill in the USA.
There is a $3 fee to watch 15-minute video and tour the 60-foot working mill where you can climb to the top to see the grinding stones and watch the sails (being repaired early May 2018).
There is no fee to visit the Danish import retail shop and see the 4.Tiny Morning Star Chapel built by a Danish immigrant to Iowa or the scale replica of the village of Ebeltoft, Denmark.
Electric car charging stations are available.
The Tivoli Fest is held each Memorial Day Weekend while the Julefest happens on Thanksgiving Weekend.
Call ahead for Elk Horn restaurant hours. Most closed on early May Monday.
Old Danish Workshop $
Gene Thomsen’s incredible woodworking talent is on display at his shop across the parking lot from the Windmill. Stop in. Visit. Purchase a piece of his work.
For an appointment, call Gene at 712.249.5983.
5. The Little Mermaid and Hans Christen Andersen Park Address: 310 North Main Steet Kimballton, Iowa
East side of north Main Street south of Highway 44, Three miles from Elk Horn.
This park honors Andersen’s “The Little Mermaid” fairytale with a replica of the famous Little Mermaid statue of Copenhagen, Denmark.
Troy Muller, Art Director of New Century ArtGuild in Kimballton, designed and created eight sculptures based on short stories written by Hans Christian Andersen.
To hear a 3-minute summary of each fairytale, you can call 712-773-4267 (HANS).
The Little Mermaid Park also includes the Audubon County Freedom Rock.
Hamlin, Iowa
Darrell’s Place Restaurant $ Address: 4010 First Street Hamlin, Iowa
Family owned business since 1980
Voted #1 Breaded Pork Tenderloin by the Iowa Pork Producers
Homemade pies and ice cream sandwiches, the best!
Address: I-80, Exit 60 North on Highway 71 for 16 miles
Half-way point between Omaha, NE and Des Moines, IA.
6. T-Bone Trail is 20 plus miles of trail suitable for walking, biking and hiking.
This Trail is a portion of the route of the CROSS–USA “American Discovery Trail,” a proposed biking and hiking route from Delaware to Oregon.
The Trail head in Audubon is at 7. “Albert the Bull” Park. Address: East Division Street-seen from Highway 71 on your right coming into town from the south.
Albert, a Hereford bull, is a tribute to the nation’s beef industry, standing 30 feet tall and weighing 45 tons.
The Park includes a water park, playground, camping and picnic areas.
8. John James Audubon (City Square)
This picturesque park includes a John James Audubon statue, stage, picnic areas, and bird mosaic tiles.
9. Plow in the Oak Roadside Park
Address: US Highway 71, Exira, Iowa
I-80 Exit 60, North on Highway 71 for 6 miles. On West side of road (Easy to miss)
This attraction sits along the highway in front of multi-story log style home.
There is a picnic table by the attraction. Outdoor restrooms are present.
Differenttaleshave been told as to how the plow got in the burr oak tree.
10. Scenic Overlook of Two States
Climb 72 steps to the top of this wooden tower, providing fabulous vistas of both Iowa and Nebraska. Accessible only I-680 Westbound near Honey Creek, Iowa. Two miles east of I-29.
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.