Summertime Guide to Iowa’s Best Adventures!
With so many fun summer Adventure’s scattered throughout Iowa, it’s sometimes hard to choose. So I compiled a list of what I feel are the best Adventure’s in the state of Iowa.
Monticello Canoe Rental
Located in Monticello, on the banks of the Maquoketa River, is Monticello Canoe Rental. This awesome company provides everything you need for a relaxing float down river. They have been in business for over 30 years and are well known for providing the best float experience in the state. They rent canoes, kayaks, and tubes, for all your floating needs. Mention Mainstream Adventures and receive a free gift! for more info call 319-465-3697
Maquoketa Caves State Park
Maquoketa Caves State Park is considered Iowa’s most visited state park, and after you have been there its easy to see why. With more the 6 miles of trails, the Balanced Rock, the Natural Bridge, and 13 caves ready to be explored, this park is one summer Adventure you wont want to miss.
Climb Iowa
Escape the summer heat with a trip to Climb Iowa, This indoor(Climate Controlled) climbing facility is located only 5 miles from Des Moines. With more then 10,000 square feet of climbing space and over 200 different routes, a fitness room, and a yoga studio, There is literally something for everyone, regardless of skill level. Climb Iowa offers day passes and monthly memberships. For more info call 515-986-2565
Crystal Lake Cave
What better way to beat the summer heat, then by exploring a beautiful cave with a year round temperature of 51 degrees? Crystal Lake Cave now offers two great cave tours, the general tour, and the Wild tour. The General tour will walk you through the cave on flat, paved passageways, while the Wild tour, will take you crawling on your hands and knees through the unexcavated passages of the cave. Mention Mainstream Adventures for a free flashlight. For more info call 563-556-6451
Spook Cave Campground’s
Cool off inside the Spook Cave, this 45 minute boat tour takes you out on the mighty Mississippi and into the Spook Cave located at the base of a towering bluff. This cave tour features a year-round temperature of 47 degrees, so you may want to wear a jacket for this one. The campground also has a lake with a beach, and a waterfall emerging from one of the surrounding bluffs. For more information call 563-873-2144
Sky Tours Zip-Line
Located in Dubuque, Zip Tours offers a one of a kind zip-lining experience, over historic Union Park. This two hour Adventure, will take you on 9 separate zip-lines. Whether your a nature lover, history buff, or thrill seeker, you will find exactly what your looking for at Zip-Tours. For more information call 563-484-4248
Matt Leyden’s Dive Shop
Mastering a new skill is always a great way to spend the summer months, you could work on your jump shot, learn to fly fish, take a couple strokes off your golf game, or maybe this summer you could learn how to scuba dive. Classes are offered year round, and are taught by some of most experienced dive masters in the state. Matt Leyden’s Dive Shop is located in Clive, and offers classes all over the Des Moines area. For more information or to register for a class call 515-777-2751
Chimney Rock Campground and Canoe Rental
Rated as one of the top 100 Adventures in North America by National Geographic Magazine, Canoeing the Upper Iowa River is truly a one of a kind experience. During your down river float you will see 200 foot towering bluffs, waterfalls, and old bridges. With several different trips to choose from you’re sure to one that is perfect for you. After a day on the river you can relax in one of the gorgeous cabins. To learn more call 563 735-5786
Seven Oaks Recreation
Seven Oaks Recreation Is one summer destination that has it all! Kayaking, canoeing, paintball, camping, and The Gladiator Assault Challenge obstacle race, and so much more. So take your pick of one of there activities, and start having fun today! Pack your tent and stay for the weekend. For more information call 515-432-9457
Go Hiking
Some of my favorite hiking locations include, Backbone State Park, Pikes Peak, Pallisades Kepler, Wildcat Den, Ledges and of course Maquoketa Caves. Some other great hiking locations include Sauderburch Park in Davenport, Starr Cave Forest Preserve in Burlington, Crapo Park in Burlington, the Mines of Spain in Dubuque, and White Water Canyon. Of course these are just a few of my favorites, Iowa has many more great hiking locations all over the state.
Bear Creek Cabins
Spend a week at Bear Creek Cabins in Highlandville Iowa. Words really can not do this place justice. a trip to Bear Creek is like taking a trip back in time. The cabins are situated between the number 1 and number 2 ranked trout streams in the state, and offer breathtaking views year round. This is a perfect location for fishing trips, family reunions, or romantic getaways. They have several cabins of all different sizes available, to book your reservation call 563-546-7722