Vacation Destination: Lansing, Iowa

It is difficult to find a place so peaceful and relaxing as right here in Lansing, Iowa. I would recommend to anyone that they come and visit and see for themselves how wonderful it is here. Since moving to Lansing just five years ago it has taken me a while to find out just what all these locals do for fun so I've decided to share with you just how fun Lansing can be! I've listed my most favorite things to do in Lansing that are just waiting for you to experience!

Number one on my list has to be Horsfalls. I haven't heard anyone say that you shouldn't go to Horsfalls while you are in town. A hot spot for tourists and a place where you can find almost anything. Just ask Paul where it is (that is if you don't get lost in all the boxes first!) His stores are a lifetime opportunity to find all sorts of stuff you probably don't really need! A family store, Paul and his wife Dorthea own and run the store and keep very busy year round! So make sure you stop there or else you'll be missing out!

Second on my list has to be ice cream. Who doesn't like ice cream? Haefner's ice cream parlor's million flavors and Expresso's soft serve are my favorites! If you go to Expresso be sure to try their Mint chocolate chip or their Raspberry chocolate, as they are absolutely delightful!!! You'll want to hurry though as those flavors often go quickly (especially when the locals find out there their!)

After grabbing your ice cream walk on up to Mt. Hosmer. If you have difficulty locating it just look up or ask a local and they'll point you in the right direction! Make sure you are in shape though as Mt Hosmer is at the top of the bluff ! It gives an extraordinary view that includes being able to see three states at once. This viewpoint is also a great one for viewing the many different barges that come through this river town.

Did I mention we are located on the Mississippi? Well you must rent a boat if you don't have one already. (Pontoons can be rented at Stirn's Marine) and be sure to stop at one of the many beaches north of us (between Lansing and Genoa's dam). Our, "Friends of Pool 9" has done an exceptional job of keeping up our pool and has built fire pits and outdoor bathrooms to help make our beaches more comfortable. Many camp on these beaches almost every weekend and I must say they are very inviting!

If you aren't into the water scene travel back in time at our River Lanes. This bowling alley goes back to the retro era and invites you to "cosmic" bowling. It is becoming a very popular place to hang out for the teens and families of all ages. Please be advised that there is no drinking or smoking due to family atmosphere!

Baseball is a tradition in Lansing, you can almost alway find someone playing at the baseball diamond found just beyond Main Street. There are many leagues that occur all throughout the summer and I'm sure you could find someone to throw a few to you!

Lansing is also known for it's down town where you will find a quilt shop (of the modern kind), a print shop, an old fashioned hardware store, many craft and decorating shops and restaurants( you won't have to worry about eating!). Please don't be surprised if you bump into me while on the street as I am a frequent shopper there!

Finally you need not drive further than a couple of miles to get lost on our curvy roads. Before I moved to this area I thought almost all roads were fairly straight, but not in Lansing. My husband and I love to drive until we're lost and then try to find our way back again. We get to see so many things and different views of the river that we would not otherwise see. Please make sure you get a county road map though just in case!

Lansing, Iowa has been such a treat to live in. It's people are welcoming and the cost to come vision is low. The experience is one you will be able to treasure with a friend, your family, or for a relaxing weekend alone.