Summer is the perfect time of year to plan a road trip! Living in the Quad Cities there are several amazing road trip options with in just a few hours of home. So call your BFF, gas the car, and pick up your favorite snacks! These road trip ideas will not disappoint.
Crystal Lake Cave
Mainstream Adventures Award of Excellence winner for 2017
Just over an hour drive from the Quad Cities, Crystal Lake Cave, is located 5 miles south of Dubuque, Iowa. While its a fairly short trip to get there, Crystal Lake Cave is worth the drive from anywhere. As a matter of fact they get visitors from all over the world. What makes this cave so special, is not just the number of pristine crystal formations, but the quality of these formations. The beauty of this cave
is unequaled in Iowa, and just about everywhere else, but don’t take my word for it; stop in and take a tour for yourself. Mention Mainstream Adventures and receive a free flash light!
Monticello Canoe Rental
Mainstream Adventures Award of Excellence winner for 2017
Just over an hour drive from Davenport, lies Monticello Canoe Rental. This family owned and operated business has been around for over 30 years, and is one of the most sought after canoe rental companies in the state. The float lasts between 3-6 hours, and ends at Pictured Rocks Park. Monticello Canoe Rental provides full shuttle service so you wont need to worry about getting back to your car. I cant think of a better way to relax and cool down on a hot summer day, then floating down the beautiful Maquoketa River. Book your trip early, as some dates will fill up. Mention Mainstream Adventures and receive a free gift!
Heritage Canyon
Heritage Canyon in Fulton Illinois, is an amazing place that will take you back in time to the mid 1800’s. If you enjoy history, beauty, or just being surrounded by nature, then Heritage Canyon is a place you will love. Some of the highlights include, the Church, the Covered Bridge, the Log Cabin, the suspension bridge, and the many hiking trails. I enjoyed the place so much I made two trips there in 2016. While your in Fulton, be sure to check out the Dutch windmill only two blocks away from the canyon.
Starr’s Cave Preserve and Nature Center
Often called the Grand Canyon Of Iowa, this forest preserve is perfect for the beginner hiker, or for those just looking for a shorter excursion. There are two main trail s
systems, the Rossiter Heritage Trail, and the Trail of the Little People, the trails lead you along the Flint creek, next to 100 foot high towering cliffs. There is also a scenic overlook, 3 caves, and a picnic area. Starr Cave is located just a few miles off of highway 61, north of Burlington, Iowa. While your in the Burlington area, stop into Grandpa’s Ice Cream, for some of the best homemade ice cream you will ever eat.
Field of Dreams Movie Site
Located near Dyersville Iowa, this baseball field was created for the 1989 blockbuster movie “Field Of Dreams” Starring Kevin Costner. While its been almost 30 years since the filming has ended, the “magic” is still alive and well. Tourists have traveled from all over the world to visit the Field Of Dreams movie site. Several celebrities have also visited the site, including Kevin Costner, Reggie Jackson, Bob Gibson, Kelsey Grammer, and Meatloaf. Admission to the ball field is always free. In September (2017) a Team Of Dreams baseball game will take place featuring several of Major League Baseballs finest players.
The Raven’s Grin
Photo Credit to the Ravens Grin Inn
Located in nearby Mt Carrol, Illinois. The Ravens Grin is the only year round haunted house in the area. Just stepping foot inside the old mansion gives one an uneasy feeling,( it feels like the start to a bad horror film). A trip to the Ravens Grin is not your typical haunted house experience, its so much more. This hour and a half guided tour will take you past a crashed UFO, through a hearse, and down 2 slides, into the wine cellar. But what really sets this attraction apart from all the other haunted houses, is the fact that this house really is haunted. There are no chainsaws, no strobe lights, and the tour takes you through all 4 levels of the house, and even the back yard. The Raven’s Grin Inn has been featured on Comedy Central, as well as countless other news outlets.
Crapo Park
Crapo Park was established in 1895, and is reputed as the site, where the American flag was first flown over the state of Iowa. This city park, located in Burlington, Iowa has a beautiful botanical center, four picnic shelters, the Hawkeye natives log cabin, as well as Lake Starker. Another great attraction of Crapo Park, are the nature trails(hidden behind the log cabin) these trails take you along rocky bluffs overlooking the Mississippi River. My favorite feature of the park is the Black hawk spring and cave. The tube inside the cave leads back more then 100 feet, before it gets to small to continue. While in Burlingon, be sure to swing by snake alley and see the world’s curviest road.
Maquoketa Caves State Park
Less then an hours drive from the Quad Cities, lies Maquoketa Caves, the largest collection of caves in Illinois or Iowa. Maquoketa Caves is considered Iowa’s most visited state park, and after you have been there its easy to see why. A beautiful trail system links the caves, rock formations, and scenic overlooks. Some of my favorite features of the park are the 1,100 foot dance-hall cave, the 17 ton Balanced Rock, and the 50 foot high Natural Bridge. With 6 miles of trails, and 13 caves to explore, its no wonder why so many return year after year.
Coralville Lake
Located less then an hour west of the Quad Cities, is Lake Coralville. A great location for hiking, fishing, trail running, boating, or just relaxing on the beach, this is a fun location the whole family can enjoy. We hiked the Woodpecker trail, which is a fairly easy 3.6 mile looping trail system. This trail leads you through several wooded areas, and circles you around the Lake. The highlights of the trail is the many scenic views overlooking the lake. Several great locations to watch the setting sun. While in the area be sure to stop by the Devonian Fossil Gorge, featuring 375 million year old fossils.
The Amana Colonies
Photo Credit to Amana Colonies Visitors Bureau
The Amana Colonies are located just minutes off of interstate 80, west of Iowa City. The Colonies are know for there amazing festivals, the two most prominent being the Winter fest and Oktober fest. Winter fest starts of with a 5k run/walk, and features a wreath toss, best beard competition, a log sawing competition, and live music, as well as several other family fun attractions. Oktober fest kicks off with a parade, and has a keg toss competition, a brat eating contest as well as live music and other fun activities. Other then amazing festivals Amana is a great place to visit year round, with the smoked meat locker, the fresh baked goods, and the quaint little shops that can only be found in Amana.
Lake McBride State Park
Lake McBride is a perfect location for a family get-away, or for your next fishing trip. The shores are lined with miles of hiking trails looping around the lake, and also has one of Iowa’s best beaches. The park has some of the best fishing in the state, as well as several picnic areas, two separate campgrounds, and of course the beautiful Lake McBride waterfall is only a short hike away. After a day at the Lake head over to the Coralridge mall, and have dinner at the new Zombie Burger.