Top Five Places to Visit Between Cedar Falls and Des Moines

Are you embarking on a road trip from Cedar Falls, Iowa to Des Moines, Iowa? Traveling across the Hawkeye State can be an adventure to remember! From picturesque landscapes to charming towns, Iowa has a lot to offer. Here are five must-see stops on a road trip between Cedar Falls and Des Moines that you won't want to miss!

Kamrar, IA - The Halfway Point

Located conveniently halfway between Cedar Falls and Des Moines, Kamrar, IA, is a charming town that is worth a visit. This small town might be easy to miss, but Kamrar has a few enjoyable places that can make your road trip more interesting. The town's highlight is the Kamrar Lions Club Miniature Train ride, a free attraction for kids and adults alike. This train ride is open on Saturdays from May to September. The Kamrar City Park, just around the corner, is the perfect spot for a picnic or a quiet break on your road trip.

1. Whiterock Conservancy, Coon Rapids

Whiterock Conservancy is a 5,500-acre non-profit nature reserve located in Coon Rapids, Iowa. The Conservancy has an extensive trail system that loops around 16 miles, perfect for hiking, biking, or horseback riding. The Whiterock Conservancy offers bike rentals, and guided trail rides on horseback. The terrain is beautiful and offers a natural, unique experience that will take you far from the city's hustle and bustle. Apart from the designated trails, you can also go fishing, kayaking, or bird watching.

2. John Wayne Birthplace Museum, Winterset

If you're a fan of the Duke, a visit to the John Wayne Birthplace Museum in Winterset, Iowa, is worth a visit. This museum is located in the home where the legend himself was born in 1907. It features fascinating exhibits showing his life from childhood through adulthood and his iconic film career. The museum houses authentic memorabilia like guns, costumes, letters, and movie scripts. You can also watch one of his favorite film selections in an intimate screening room, making it a fun stop for the whole family.

3. Felicia's Farm Kitchen, Knoxville

If your stomach is growling after all the excitement of the road trip, you don't want to miss Felicia's Farm Kitchen. Located in downtown Knoxville, Felicia's Farm Kitchen offers farm-to-table food in a cozy setting. The restaurant's menu is simple and classy, with local ingredients in mind. The ambiance is rustic and charming, with friendly staff and excellent service. Don't miss their famous homemade pie, which will leave you dreaming about your next trip back.

4. Living History Farms, Urbandale

One of Iowa's distinctive tourist destinations is an interactive, outdoor museum located in Urbandale, just outside of Des Moines. Living History Farms is a vibrant 500-acre complex that adopts a hands-on approach to history. The museum provides a trip back in time with several farm and town exhibits, such as 1700s-era Indian farms, a pioneer farm from the 1800s, and a 1900s farm where visitors can see farming methods, crops, and equipment of the era. It also includes a 1910 town where actors dressed in period costume portray the life of the time.

5. Pappajohn Sculpture Park, Des Moines

The Pappajohn Sculpture Park is a beautiful one-of-a-kind museum that features nearly 30 works of contemporary art in the heart of downtown Des Moines. The museum is free and open to the public all year round. It houses sculptures from international artists such as Jaume Plensa, Yoshitomo Nara, and Joel Shapiro, among others. Pappajohn is the perfect escape from the bustling city, where you get to revel in nature and immerse yourself in the artwork.

Conclusion

There you have it! From hiking trails to museums, farm-to-table restaurants, and public art installations, there are plenty of stopovers that will make your road trip an unforgettable experience. So, get your car ready and hit the road for a memorable adventure in the middle of Iowa. From Cedar Falls to Des Moines, you're sure to have a great time visiting these five places!