Budget-friendly Outdoor Destinations in Iowa

The heat of summer is fast approaching and with that comes the planning of outdoor getaways and vacations. Hiking & walking trails are abundant in the Midwest and, if you are on a budget, these options are most certainly your best for a low cost adventure. Beyond Iowa's recreational parks, locations on the National Register of Historical Places (nps.gov.) are always an educational pleasure and historically fulfilling. Iowa also offers several privately owned tourist attractions that, for a minimal fee, are accessible for all types of interests including paranormal investigations and cave tours via boat. I have provided a small sampling of each type of destination, none of which will break the bank.

Brucemore Mansion-Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Built in 1886, Cedar Rapid's Brucemore mansion is like keeping one foot in the present and one foot in the past. History & architecture buffs will enjoy learning about the Brucemore's construction via a guided tour of the twenty one room mansion and its grounds. Brucemore also offers its annual blues festival, "Bluesmore", in addition to classic theatre, both in the outdoor amphitheatre. Garden walks, lectures, workshops, as well as art & crafts activities are available for all ages at Brucemore. Many locations on the premises lend themselves to unforgettable photo opportunities. The majestic gardens, statues, and small ponds are a haven for photographers of both human and floral portraits. If neither tours nor photography interest you, there are plenty of areas to relax & enjoy the sights and smells of the country while never leaving the city. For information on scheduled events, mansion hours & tours, and directions please go to the official website, brucemore.org, or call the Brucemore mansion directly at 319-362-7375.

Amana Colonies-Middle Amana, Iowa

"Just down the road, but a million miles from ordinary." This is the Amana Colonies' web statement; the declaration couldn't be closer to the truth. A world away from reality, the Amanas, heavily steeped in their German heritage, boasts several bed & breakfasts, restaurants, wineries, breweries, plus woodworking & furniture shops. The visitor's center, a sizable barn located in the main village, supplies ample information on all the Amana locations, of which there are seven. All within walking distance of one another, these shops allow for antiquing en masse as well as specialty grocery shopping and quilting. Spend a day tasting wine & cheese and enjoying the traditional German fare. For more information on specific stores, locations, and directions please see amanacolonies.com or contact the AmanaColonies Visitors Centerand Convention & Visitors Bureau at 800-579-2294.

Villisca Axe Murder House-Villisca, Iowa (feature article coming soon)

"No case is closed to an open mind," says the owner of Villisca Iowa's Axe Murder House and boast an open mind you must to visit this spooky site. The location of unsolved murders that rocked small town Villisca in June of 1912 is not only perceived to be haunted, it is one heck of a great time. The tour begins at The Olin/Linn Museum and continues on through the town's history, the cemetery, a local church, and finally, the Axe Murder House. Owner/tour guide, Darwin, gives the details of the day's events preceding the gruesome murders, details of those charged, as well as the paranormal guests that currently reside on the premises. The most excellent portion of this tour is that, following the official tour, guests are allowed to roam the land and the house unrestricted for as long as they wish. There are options for inhabiting this chilling residence over night as well. For information on the Olin/Linn Museum and the Villisca Axe Murder House please reach them at 712-621-4291 or villiscaiowa.com.

Spook Cave-McGregor, Iowa

Discovered in 1953 and opened in 1955, Spook Cave is a privately owned tourist attraction located in Northeast Iowa. Supplied by drainage of Bloody Run Creek, a small tributary of the Upper Mississippi River, Spook Cave's operators offer boat tours within the cave. Guided boat tours explain the discovery and formation of the cave, which took centuries to develop. At a constant and cool forty seven degrees, a coat is necessary even on the warmest days. For a nominal fee, the wondrous stalactites and stalagmites of this cave will be presented in their entire splendor. Simply sit back, relax, and enjoy nature's ancient history lesson. A picnic area is available for the use of cave goers, camping is also permitted. Lake view cabins are on hand if a secluded overnight getaway is needed. To obtain rates and a tour schedule please see their official website at spookcave.com or 563-873-2144.

Travel Tip: Spook Cave is located near Marquette's Effigy Mounds National Monument. Combining the two locations for a day trip could possibly save travel time and extend an already enjoyable journey.

Effigy Mounds National Monument-Marquette, Iowa

Over one thousand years ago the Native American peoples constructed sacred earthen mounds in the shape of various creatures. Effigies in the shape of birds, mammals, and reptiles were created to honor loved ones as well as the beliefs of these ancient Midwest dwellers. Effigy Mounds National Monument is a great place to go on a self guided tour or join a ranger for a guided hike. Eleven miles of trails are available to keep sightseers busy. Though there are no camping facilities in the monument area, nearby Marquette has several charming bed & breakfasts to choose from along with local camping. For more information contact the National Park Service at nps.gov or call the Effigy Mounds Visitor's Center at (563) 873-3491.

Travel Tip: Effigy Mounds National Monument is located near McGregor's Spook Cave. Combining the two locations for a day trip could possibly save travel time and extend an already enjoyable journey.

In order to experience Iowa's best destinations, from the depths of Maquoketa's caves to the cliffs & bluffs of Ledges State Park, one can access a list from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources . Iowa's landscape has an abundance of great places to visit and hike; don't sell this great state short. I could have easily chosen many locations to focus on for this article and to narrow the field I chose the locations which I have been. There are, however, loads of amazing places in Iowa and I encourage would be explorers to get out there and discover it!

To access locations in the Midwest and the United States a great source of information is located at roadsideamerica.com or the links provided within the article.