Five Unexpected Places to Stop on a Drive from Cambridge, Iowa and Rochester, Minnesota
Driving from Cambridge, Iowa all the way to Rochester, Minnesota is a long journey that can take up to six hours. Along the way, there are several towns that one should stop at to explore and get a feel of the Midwest culture. The drive covers approximately 271 miles, passing through various cities and towns that are known for their natural beauty, culture, history, and culinary delights. This guide highlights five unexpected places worth visiting on this road trip.
Clear Lake, IA (Halfway Point)
Clear Lake, IA is a picturesque town located approximately 135 miles from Cambridge and 136 miles from Rochester. The town's centerpiece is Clear Lake, a 3580-acre lake that offers breathtaking views and water sport activities. Visitors can take a walk on the Clear Lake city beach, enjoy fishing, or try paddle boarding on the calm and serene waters. In the evening, visitors can take a stroll on the downtown district and check out the historic Surf Ballroom, which has attracted famous performers like Buddy Holly and Ritchie Valens. For foodies, Clear Lake is the prime spot for fish and chips. Visitors can try out the iconic "Friday Fish Fry" at the Clear Lake VFW Post #4868 or the Thirsty Duck for an elevated dining experience.
Owatonna, MN
Owatonna, MN, is located approximately 60 miles from Rochester and 91 miles from Cambridge. The town has a host of unique attractions, including the Minnesota State Public School Orphanage Museum which documents the history of child welfare in Minnesota. Visitors can learn about the experiences of orphans who lived in the facility and explore the various rooms that were used for education and living. Another exciting site worth exploring is the RAD Zoo, where visitors can get to see various reptiles, amphibians, and other exotic animals. The town is also known for its local cuisine, with places like the Torey's Restaurant and Bar offering a variety of comfort foods like mashed potatoes and gravy and all-day breakfast.
Austin, MN
Austin, MN, is located approximately 30 miles from Rochester and 121 miles from Cambridge. Considered as "Spam Town USA," Austin is home to the Spam Museum, which showcases the history of Hormel Foods and the origin of Spam. Visitors can learn about the production process, sample different types of Spam, and even get a glimpse of a life-size themed can-art exhibit. Besides the Spam Museum, visitors can visit the Paramount Theater and Visual Arts Center, which has a rich history dating back to the 1920s and currently houses various art exhibitions, performances, and films. For food lovers, the Piggy Blue BBQ is the perfect spot to indulge in southern-style barbecue ribs and brisket.
Red Wing, MN
Red Wing, MN is located approximately 51 miles from Rochester and 139 miles from Cambridge. The town is known for its natural beauty and scenic views of the Mississippi River. Visitors can take a stroll on the Red Wing Riverfront Trail, explore the Barn Bluff & Memorial Park, or visit the Pottery Museum of Red Wing and learn about the history of Pottery in the area. Red Wing is also known for its brewing culture, and visitors can take a tour of the Red Wing Brewery to learn about the history of brewing and sample various beverages.
Cannon Falls, MN
Cannon Falls, MN is located approximately 38 miles from Rochester and 152 miles from Cambridge. Visitors can explore the Cannon Valley Trail, which stretches over 19.7 miles and offers breathtaking views of hardwood forests, rolling hills, and lush meadows. The town is also known for its wineries, and visitors can visit the Cannon River Winery to learn about the winemaking process and sample various wines. For foodies, the Hi-Quality Bakery is a must-visit location. The bakery offers various bread, pastry, and donut options and is known for its award-winning cinnamon bread.
Conclusion
In conclusion, taking the road trip from Cambridge, Iowa all the way to Rochester, Minnesota offers visitors a glimpse of Midwest culture and natural beauty. Visitors can take a break from driving and explore various towns that offer unique attractions, exciting activities, and culinary delights. Whether it's Clear Lake, IA or Red Wing, MN, visitors are guaranteed to have an unforgettable experience on this road trip.