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16 Mar 2025Updated last time
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Northern Iowa 3 Days Itinerary

3-Day Northern Iowa Adventure Itinerary Overview

Embark on a 3-day journey through Northern Iowa, where charming towns, rich cultural experiences, and stunning natural landscapes await. Start in Cedar Falls, a vibrant city known for its quaint downtown area, the University of Northern Iowa, and an array of beautiful parks perfect for shopping, dining, and outdoor activities. Next, make your way to Waterloo, where you can dive into the region's history and culture with visits to the Grout Museum District and enjoy outdoor recreation along the scenic Cedar River and Cedar Valley Trails.

On the second day, head to Clear Lake, a picturesque destination that offers a variety of water activities such as boating, fishing, and swimming. Don't miss the historic Surf Ballroom, a key highlight of the town's vibrant arts scene. Proceed to Mason City, renowned for its architectural treasures, including the largest collection of Prairie School designed homes and the Historic Park Inn Hotel, the last remaining hotel designed by the legendary Frank Lloyd Wright.

Conclude your Northern Iowa adventure in Decorah, a town celebrated for its stunning natural scenery and outdoor activities like hiking and fishing. Explore the town's rich Norwegian heritage at the Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum. This trip through Northern Iowa promises a mix of cultural, architectural, and outdoor experiences, leaving you with unforgettable memories of this unique region.


Recommended Activities

  • Trip Point Pin1

    Cedar Falls

    Cedar Falls is known for its charming downtown area, the University of Northern Iowa, and beautiful parks, making it a great place for shopping, dining, and outdoor activities.
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  • Waterloo offers a rich cultural experience with multiple museums, such as the Grout Museum District, and outdoor recreation along the Cedar River, including the Cedar Valley Trails system.
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  • Clear Lake is a popular destination for its picturesque lake perfect for boating, fishing, and swimming, as well as its vibrant arts scene and historic Surf Ballroom.
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  • Mason City is famous for its architectural treasures, including the largest collection of Prairie School designed homes and the Historic Park Inn Hotel, the last remaining hotel designed by Frank Lloyd Wright.
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  • Decorah is known for its beautiful natural landscapes, offering numerous outdoor activities such as hiking and fishing, as well as its strong Norwegian heritage showcased in the Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum.
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Restaurants

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    Whiskey Road Tavern & Grill

    4.6
    $$$$

    Whiskey Road Tavern & Grill

    Located in Cedar Falls, this unique spot offers a modern twist on classic American dishes with an extensive whiskey selection.
    4.6
    $$$$
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    Galleria de Paco

    5

    Galleria de Paco

    In Waterloo, this one-of-a-kind restaurant features stunning ceiling art inspired by the Sistine Chapel and serves exquisite European-inspired cuisine.
    5
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    The Barrel Drive-In

    4.3
    $$$$

    The Barrel Drive-In

    A nostalgic drive-in restaurant in Clear Lake that offers a classic American dining experience with delicious burgers, fries, and shakes.
    4.3
    $$$$
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    1910 Grille

    4.6
    $$$$

    1910 Grille

    Situated in Mason City, this elegant restaurant blends historical charm with contemporary dining, offering a farm-to-table experience.
    4.6
    $$$$
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    Rubaiyat Restaurant

    4.8
    $$$$

    Rubaiyat Restaurant

    Located in Decorah, Rubaiyat offers an eclectic menu with locally sourced ingredients and an impressive wine list, set in a cozy, inviting atmosphere.
    4.8
    $$$$
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Hotels

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    The Black Hawk Hotel

    4.5

    The Black Hawk Hotel

    Located in Cedar Falls, this historic boutique hotel combines Victorian charm with modern amenities and offers a unique experience with its elegantly appointed rooms.
    4.5
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    Redstone Inn & Suites

    Redstone Inn & Suites

    In Decorah, this beautifully restored 19th-century mansion offers luxurious accommodations with antique furnishings and a hearty breakfast, making it a unique and cozy stay.
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    Frank Lloyd Wright's Historic Park Inn Hotel

    4.7

    Frank Lloyd Wright's Historic Park Inn Hotel

    Located in Mason City, this hotel is the last remaining hotel designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, offering a historically rich and architecturally intriguing stay.
    4.7
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    Larch Pine Inn

    5

    Larch Pine Inn

    Nestled in the charming town of Clear Lake, this bed and breakfast is housed in a beautifully restored 1875 Victorian home, offering a quaint and personalized lodging experience.
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    Mason House Inn

    Mason House Inn

    Located close to Mason City, this historic 1846 inn offers a unique stay with period furnishings and a riverside location, providing a glimpse into the past.
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Local Events & Happenings

  • Event Icon

    Brantley Gilbert

    Brantley Gilbert

    The event will take place at Delaware County Fairgrounds in Manchester.
    Map IconDelaware County Fairgrounds in Manchester (67.64 mi)
    Calendar Icon13 Jul 2024
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    AbbaFab

    AbbaFab

    The event will take place at CH Mayo Presentation Hall at Mayo Civic Center in Rochester.
    Map IconCH Mayo Presentation Hall at Mayo Civic Center in Rochester (76.16 mi)
    Calendar Icon13 Jul 2024
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    Killer Queen

    Killer Queen

    The event will take place at CH Mayo Presentation Hall at Mayo Civic Center in Rochester.
    Map IconCH Mayo Presentation Hall at Mayo Civic Center in Rochester (76.16 mi)
    Calendar Icon20 Jul 2024
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    Mark Normand: Ya Don't Say Tour

    Mark Normand: Ya Don't Say Tour

    VIP contains one top price reserved ticket in best available seating and one Meet & Greet with Mark Normand.
    Map IconMayo Civic Center Auditorium in Rochester (76.16 mi)
    Calendar Icon28 Jul 2024
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    Billy Currington with Bryan Martin & Drew Green

    Billy Currington with Bryan Martin & Drew Green

    Billy Currington?s latest album, Summer Forever, showcases his smooth, distinct voice through upbeat anthems and poignant ballads, reflecting his more than a decade-long musical journey. Since his 2003 debut, Currington has achieved eleven No. 1 sing...
    Map IconMayo Civic Center Auditorium in Rochester (76.16 mi)
    Calendar Icon31 Aug 2024
    Picture for Billy Currington with Bryan Martin & Drew Green
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    Leonid & Friends

    Leonid & Friends

    The event will take place at CH Mayo Presentation Hall at Mayo Civic Center in Rochester.
    Map IconCH Mayo Presentation Hall at Mayo Civic Center in Rochester (76.16 mi)
    Calendar Icon6 Oct 2024
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    Brad Williams: Tour '24

    Brad Williams: Tour '24

    The event will take place at CH Mayo Presentation Hall at Mayo Civic Center in Rochester.
    Map IconCH Mayo Presentation Hall at Mayo Civic Center in Rochester (76.16 mi)
    Calendar Icon25 Oct 2024
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Travel Gems from Reddit

  • Reddit Icon

    60 votes, 187 comments. So we basically randomly picked <strong>Iowa</strong>. We are from WV and wanted to go someplace new besides our typical beach vacation. We

    : Vacationing in Iowa soon

    60 votes, 187 comments. So we basically randomly picked <strong>Iowa</strong>. We are from WV and wanted to go someplace new besides our typical beach vacation. We

    /r/Iowa
  • Reddit Icon

    26 votes, 46 comments. I live in Des Moines and haven&#x27;t <strong>traveled</strong> to many places in the state. I am on vacation next week and would like to go on a

    : Roadtrip anywhere in Iowa?

    26 votes, 46 comments. I live in Des Moines and haven&#x27;t <strong>traveled</strong> to many places in the state. I am on vacation next week and would like to go on a

    /r/Iowa
  • Reddit Icon

    29 votes, 68 comments. Hi, <strong>Iowa</strong>! This is my next stop on my way to visiting the subreddits of every state in the United States, every province and

    : Looking for the most interesting points of interest in Iowa

    29 votes, 68 comments. Hi, <strong>Iowa</strong>! This is my next stop on my way to visiting the subreddits of every state in the United States, every province and

    /r/Iowa
  • Reddit Icon

    72 votes, 151 comments. Im planning a trip through the Midwest and Ive never been to <strong>Iowa</strong> before, so I wanted to spend a good amount of time there

    : What Cities to Visit in Iowa?

    72 votes, 151 comments. Im planning a trip through the Midwest and Ive never been to <strong>Iowa</strong> before, so I wanted to spend a good amount of time there

    /r/Iowa
  • Reddit Icon

    The official English language subreddit for Poland and Polish news. Questions get answered, <strong>recommendations</strong> get <strong>recommended</strong>, <strong>and</str...

    : Things do to in Iowa

    The official English language subreddit for Poland and Polish news. Questions get answered, <strong>recommendations</strong> get <strong>recommended</strong>, <strong>and</str...

    /r/Iowa
  • Reddit Icon

    The US is a big place with lost ... stories, <strong>tips</strong>, pictures, questions, or anything regarding <strong>travel</strong> around the United States. ... Hi, Ive be...

    : IOWA travel

    The US is a big place with lost ... stories, <strong>tips</strong>, pictures, questions, or anything regarding <strong>travel</strong> around the United States. ... Hi, Ive be...

    /r/USTravel
  • Reddit Icon

    4M subscribers in the roadtrip community. /r/roadtrip is your source for everything road trip related. Whether you enjoy <strong>traveling</strong> by motorcycle

    : Weekend roadtrip, any recommendations when in Iowa?

    4M subscribers in the roadtrip community. /r/roadtrip is your source for everything road trip related. Whether you enjoy <strong>traveling</strong> by motorcycle

    /r/roadtrip

Music for Your Journey

  • Music Icon

    Eagles - Take It Easy - 2013 Remaster

    Eagles - Take It Easy - 2013 Remaster

    A classic road trip song that sets a relaxed and carefree mood, perfect for cruising through scenic routes.
    Listen on Spotify
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    Rascal Flatts - Life is a Highway

    Rascal Flatts - Life is a Highway

    An upbeat tune that captures the essence of a road trip adventure, encouraging you to enjoy the journey.
    Listen on Spotify
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    Willie Nelson - On The Road Again - Live

    Willie Nelson - On The Road Again - Live

    A quintessential travel song that celebrates the joy of hitting the road and exploring new places.
    Listen on Spotify
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    Good Neighbours - Home

    Good Neighbours - Home

    A feel-good song about the feeling of belonging and comfort, making you appreciate your journey even more.
    Listen on Spotify
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    Geek Music - America, F**K Yeah! (From "Team America World Police")

    Geek Music - America, F**K Yeah! (From "Team America World Police")

    A reflective and poetic song that beautifully narrates the experience of traveling across the country.
    Listen on Spotify
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    Rihanna - Shut Up And Drive

    Rihanna - Shut Up And Drive

    An energetic song that adds some excitement to your trip, perfect for those faster highway stretches.
    Listen on Spotify
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  • Music Icon

    Vance Joy - Riptide

    Vance Joy - Riptide

    An indie tune with catchy melodies and lyrics that evoke a sense of adventure and wanderlust.
    Listen on Spotify
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  • Music Icon

    Chuck Berry - Route 66

    Chuck Berry - Route 66

    This classic celebrates one of America's most famous highways and inspires a sense of exploration.
    Listen on Spotify
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  • Music Icon

    Rusted Root - Send Me on My Way

    Rusted Root - Send Me on My Way

    A joyful and uplifting song that encourages the spirit of adventure and celebrates the journey.
    Listen on Spotify
    Picture for Rusted Root - Send Me on My Way
  • Music Icon

    Olivia Rodrigo - drivers license

    Olivia Rodrigo - drivers license

    A contemplative and soothing song perfect for those quieter moments on your trip, allowing you to reflect.
    Listen on Spotify
    Picture for Olivia Rodrigo - drivers license