The Top Five Best Places to Visit Between Cedar Rapids, Iowa and Potosi, Wisconsin
Are you planning a road trip between Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and Potosi, Wisconsin? While this journey may not be as popular as other road trips in the United States, it offers some fantastic sights and destinations. We've rounded up the top five best places to visit on your journey to make sure you don't miss any amazing experiences.
The Route and Halfway Point: Cascade, IA
The drive from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, to Potosi, Wisconsin, is approximately 175 miles long and should take around three hours. This route takes you through some of the best countryside landscapes in Iowa and Wisconsin, full of rolling hills, farmland, and the mighty Mississippi River. The halfway point on this route is Cascade, IA, a picturesque town nestled between the river and the surrounding hills. Stop here to grab a bite to eat or stretch your legs before continuing your journey.
Stop 1: Field of Dreams Movie Site - Dyersville, IA
Head northwest on Highway 20 until you reach Dyersville, IA. Here you will find the Field of Dreams Movie Site, a popular destination for fans of the 1989 movie. You can walk on the same field where Kevin Costner played baseball and explore the visitor center, which contains memorabilia from the movie and behind-the-scenes stories. This attraction is open daily from April to November and offers a unique experience for movie buffs and non-fans alike.
Stop 2: Effigy Mounds National Monument - Harpers Ferry, IA
A short detour from the route will lead you to the Effigy Mounds National Monument, a unique destination for history and nature lovers alike. This park preserves over 200 prehistoric Native American burial mounds, including effigy mounds shaped like birds, bears, and other animals. The park offers several hiking trails, including one that leads to the highest point in Iowa, and allows visitors to admire the beautiful Mississippi River Valley from above.
Stop 3: Villa Louis Historic Site - Prairie Du Chien, WI
When you arrive in Prairie Du Chien, WI, make sure to visit the Villa Louis Historic Site, a beautifully restored Victorian-era mansion that provides a glimpse into 19th-century life in the Midwest. The mansion belonged to the Dousman family, who were prominent fur traders and landowners in the area. You can tour the mansion, which features original furnishings and decor, and explore the surrounding gardens and historic buildings.
Stop 4: The House on the Rock - Spring Green, WI
As you continue on your journey, make sure to visit The House on the Rock in Spring Green, WI, a unique and awe-inspiring attraction that defies description. The House on the Rock is a massive complex of buildings and gardens full of eclectic collections of art, music, and oddities. You can spend hours exploring the various exhibits, which include a giant sea monster, a massive carousel, and thousands of antique instruments.
Stop 5: Potosi Brewing Company - Potosi, WI
When you arrive in Potosi, WI, make sure to visit the Potosi Brewing Company, a historic brewery that dates back to 1852. The brewery was once a cornerstone of the local economy, and its beer was shipped as far as New Orleans and San Francisco. Today, the brewery has been restored to its former glory and offers tours and samples of its award-winning beer. You can also explore the brewery museum, which showcases the history of brewing in the area.
Conclusion
Whether you're a history buff, a movie fanatic, or a nature lover, the journey from Cedar Rapids, Iowa to Potosi, Wisconsin has something for everyone. With these top five destinations, you can experience the best of the Midwest and create memories that will last a lifetime. So pack your bags, hit the road, and explore everything this scenic drive has to offer.