Iowa Off the Beaten Path

Off the Beaten Path

by Lori Erickson, Tracy Stuhr

The often overlooked sites and attractions of Iowa are revealed in this guide to the Hawkeye 160 acres of preserved prairie in the Great Lakes region; sculptures made from ordinary kitchen matches at Matchstick Marvels; and a tribute to the history of balloons at the National Balloon Museum.

Genres: Travel, Nonfiction

205 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1990

About the author

Lori Erickson is one of America’s top travel writers specializing in spiritual journeys.

Reviews

[Sheri · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Why would you want to go to Iowa? There’s nothing there but corn fields.” I have heard those words used so many times to describe Iowa, but let me tell you, Iowa has more to offer than corn fields. I do admit that as you drive to many of these destinations "off the beaten path", you will drive past many farm fields. But that in itself is part of the experience of Iowa. A relaxed drive down country highways just taking in the green fields and blue skies.

This guidebook will help you discover what Iowa has to offer -- from events, to restaurants, to museums and attractions. Visit Amish country near Kalona, or tour a cave at Crystal Lake Cave near Dubuque, or Maquoketa Caves State Park near Maquoketa. Don't forget the bridges of Madison County or the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library not far from Iowa City in West Branch. Cultural enthusiasts will enjoy Czech Village in Cedar Rapids or Dutch pride in Orange City. I encourage you to pick up a copy and take a look and be surprised at what Iowa has to offer.

[Katherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Learned about so much in my home state I haven't seen yet (unfortunately most small museums and quirky attractions are apparently only open spring-summer), things I haven't seen since I was a kid (Grotto of the Redemption) and things I'd completely forgotten about (University of Okoboji--fictitious!). My home region of central Iowa is well-represented though of course I could probably think of Ames omissions!

[Sarah · Rating 1 out of 5]

Another horrible one in the Off the Beaten Path series. First off, no pictures to tempt you to visit anything or read on to find out more about it. Second, if you do actually read it word for word like this author apparently wants you to, it reads like a horribly dry textbook. Lastly, if you can suffer through reading a little bit of it, there's nothing tempting in the places she picks to visit. Nothing peaked my interest at all. What a horrible series....

[Hiram · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought it was a good overview of the various activities, parks, tourist stops with some history on Iowa. I would say if you were looking for a tourist book to hit places off a Highway well worth it. I have been to several of these places and Lori does a great job of outlining them.

[Missy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great resource to plan Iowa day trips.

[ジェシカ]

This needed photos...

[Luann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great armchair travel!