From the last remaining Frank Lloyd Wright designed hotel and the famous Surf Ballroom to the iconic Field of Dreams movie site and Great River Road adventures, explore Iowa on a road trip of adventures Arrive in Minneapolis, and your Iowa adventures are just a short drive away.
Day 1: Minneapolis to Mason City, Iowa
Drive from Minneapolis Airport to Mason City (2 hours, 130 miles)
Arrive in Mason City, Iowa
No other city on the planet is home to Frank Lloyd Wright’s only remaining hotel or the largest collection of Prairie-style architecture on a unified site. Join a historic architectural walking tour for the an insider's look at Mason City's unique architecture. Experience Hollywood history come to life at The Music Man Square and Meredith Wilson Boyhood Home.
Rock Crest-Rock Glen Historic District
The Rock Crest-Rock Glen Historic District was made famous for its collection of homes built between 1910 and 1917 that were designed by Walter Burley Griffin and other associates of Wright’s. The neighborhood was originally envisioned to include 26 homes, each uniquely suited for their site, that would all face and share the natural setting of Willow Creek. By 1917, only eight of the homes had been built before Griffin left to pursue another project. You can admire each home with a scenic walk through the neighborhood. .
Lunch: The Quarry Restaurant
Experience gourmet cuisine, impeccable heavy appetizers, exquisite homemade desserts, and a thoughtfully curated menu of wines, spirits, and specialty draughts.
Stockman House
The Stockman House is the first and only Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Prairie School house in Iowa and is the only Prairie School house museum in Iowa that’s open to the public. Explore on a guided tour and learn more about Frank Lloyd Wright’s work and his impact on Mason City.
Dinner: Leadlight
Drawing inspiration from the architectural genius of Frank Lloyd Wright and the rich history of the Park Inn Hotel, Leadlight offers a refined and sophisticated atmosphere accompanied by attentive table service. The menu features high-quality and dependable culinary experiences, blending the essence of classic, Midwest fare.
Overnight: Historic Park Inn
The 1910 Historic Park Inn Hotel is the last remaining Frank Lloyd Wright-designed and -built hotel in the world. Its design, one of the best examples of Wright’s Prairie Style architecture, included the hotel, a bank and law offices, a combination that was an innovative approach at the time.
Day 2: Mason City to Dubuque
Drive to Clear Lake (20 minutes, 10 miles)
Surf Ballroom Museum and Surf Music Experience Center
Step into the spotlight at the iconic Surf Ballroom—a living tribute to music’s golden era. Explore unforgettable performances, vibrant events and a rich legacy that continues to inspire generations. One of the last remaining ballrooms in the Midwest, the Surf holds a place in music history as the final concert site of Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and J.P. ''The Big Bopper'' Richardson. New next door to the Surf Ballroom is “Not Fade Away,” a first-of-its-kind immersive museum experience.
Drive to Dyersville (2.5 hours, 160 miles)
Lunch and tour: Field of Dreams Movie Site
Visit the site of the iconic film Field of Dreams and bat balls, play catch or, run the bases. The field holds special “Ghost Player” games and Field of Dreams movie viewings throughout the summer. Tours of the house that was featured in the movie are also on offer. The Field of Dreams experience includes an on-site pub, The DugOut, The Stretch concession stand, a retail shop and ice cream stand.
Drive to Dubuque (25 miles, 40 minutes)
National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium
Located in the Port of Dubuque along the Mississippi River, the National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium offers a 14-acre campus, providing a unique experience with hands-on exhibits, daily history and creature chats, rich river history, special events, and more.
Dinner: Brazen Open Kitchen & Bar
After training as a chef throughout the country and competing on Bravo’s Top Chef, Kevin Scharpf returned to Iowa with a mission of putting the state on the map as a culinary destination. This goal led him to opening Brazen Open Kitchen & Bar in Dubuque, which focuses on transforming Iowa’s highest quality ingredients into elevated and innovative cuisine.
Overnight: The Key Hotel
The Key Hotel is part of the Tapestry Collection by Hilton – a portfolio that offers guests unique style and vibrant personality. The hotel offers beautiful views of the Mississippi River and elegant furnishings in addition to its rooftop restaurant and a coffee bar that transitions into a cocktail bar.
Day 3: Great River Road to Quad Cities
Drive from Dubuque to Davenport along the Great River Road (75 miles, 1 hour, 15 minutes)
Follow the Mississippi River on the Great River Road National Scenic Byway. You will find world class vistas, charming river towns, magnificent limestone bluffs and so much more. The views of the river are ever changing along the 328-mile route in Iowa. You may be looking down from the bluff at a panoramic scene or be right on the riverfront where you can dip your toes in the water. One constant as you travel this world-renowned route is the stories you’ll hear of the Mighty Mississippi and the nation it helped build.
Suggested stops:
- Sabula - Enjoy the breathtaking landscapes and views of valleys of Sabula, Iowa is Iowa's only Island City nestled in the driftless area. Meal suggestion: Island City Cafe
- Clinton - Stop by the Sawmill Museum to learn about community's rise in the lumber industry, or tour the gorgeously restored George M. Curtis Mansion. A must-see piece of history is the Lock & Dam 13, where you may see bald eagles. Meal suggestion: Candlelight Inn. Also: Wide River Winery
- LeClaire - Le Claire is home to Antique Archaeology of "American Pickers" fame, the Buffalo Bill Museum. Sightseeing cruises (1.5 hours) are available here on the Riverboat Twilight, an authentic, Victorian-era riverboat. Meal suggestion: Steventons. Also: Mississippi River Distilling Company.
Dinner: Machine Shed Restaurant
A restaurant "Dedicated to the American Farmer." That dedication means we work hard to have a restaurant that isn't just ‘farm themed' but is something farmers can be proud of. Family-style meals. Featured on the Travel Channel's Food Paradise as having the "Best Breakfast in America."
Overnight: Hotel Blackhawk
Hotel Blackhawk, a Marriott Autograph Collection Hotel, is located in the heart of downtown Davenport in the Quad Cities. Guests can enjoy shuttle service to the airport, on-site parking, indoor pool and hot tub, sundeck, bowling alley, business center, Rise Neighborhood Café and Bix Bistro, along with a full-service spa.
Continue your Midwest adventure into Illinois toward Chicago (3 hours, 175 miles).
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