Life Changing
iowa cities amana, ames, anamosa, balltown, bankston, bellevue, burlington, cedar rapids, clinton, council bluffs, decorah, davenport, des moines, dubuque, dyersville, guttenberg, independence, maquoketa, mason city, mcgregor, sioux city, waterloo
calendar of events august • Iowa Irish Festival Jul 31-Aug 2, Waterloo 319-233-8350 • Bull Blast on the Mississippi Aug 7-8, Fort Madison 319-372-5472 • Amana Festival of the Arts Aug 8, Middle Amana 319-622-3678 • River Roots Live Music Festival Aug 21-22, Davenport 563-322-1706 september • Artsplash Sept 4-6, Sioux City 712-279-6272 • Amana Artisans Studio Tour Sept 18-20, Amana 800-579-2294 • Coca-Cola Days Sept 25-26, Atlantic 877-283-2124 • Guttenberg German Fest Sept 26, Guttenberg 563-252-2323 october • 34th Annual Fall Arts & Crafts Festival Oct 3-4, McGregor 800-896-0910 • Annual HawkWatch Weekend Oct 3-4, Harpers Ferry 563-873-3491 • World Food Festival Oct 8-11, Des Moines 515-286-4950 • 18th Annual Leaf Arts & Crafts Festival Oct 10-11, McGregor 800-896-0910 • Madison County Covered Bridge Festival Oct 10-11, Winterset 515-462-1185 • Strolling with the Spirits Oct 17, Waterloo 319-234-6357 • Oktoberfest Oct 17-18, Eagles Landing Winery, Marquette 563-873-2509 • Hole in the Sock Gang 1880 Street Theater Oct 31, McGregor 800-896-0910 • Toast and Jam Summer Concert Series May 31-Oct 25, Bankston 563-557-3727 november • 8th Annual River and Bluffs Fall Birding Festival Nov 13-15, Lansing 563-538-4991 • The Iowa Wine Trails Fall Holiday Wine & Food Event Nov 7-8, Eagles Landing Winery Marquette 563-873-2509 • City of Christmas - Display of Lights Nov 26-Dec 25, Keokuk 800-638-2286 • Julefest Nov 27-29, Elk Horn 712-764-7472 (Contact area CVBs for complete calendars)
Waterloo Waterloo’s “Homegrown Hospitality.” Travelers tell them they are one of those best kept secrets, with all of the special events & cultural fests they have throughout the year. Celebrating their heritage is what they do best - from the Iowa Irish Fest, My Waterloo Days Festival, BBQ’Loo & Blues Too!, Jazz on the Cedar, Arti Gras, and the Waterloo Fireworks Festival. Great food, fun, live music, and friendship make each one of these annual events memorable and keep people coming back year after year. All of these events take place in the heart of the city, which was established in 1854. They have the small city charm with large city amenities of live theatre, symphony, art galleries, and delightful eating establishments, all affordably priced. Custom group itineraries can be geared to your groups’ interest whether they are into agriculture, architecture, soft adventure, culinary, or hands-on-art. They have it all for you in Waterloo! (See location on map, page 26)
other mayberry’s of iowa Adel – Streets of brick, an historic courthouse, turn-ofthe-century architecture and distinctive shops. Festivals not to be missed are the Book Festival in the spring, and the Sweet Corn Festival in August! Amana Colonies – Consisting of seven old world villages,
Iowa City/Coralville – Perfect for something upbeat or low key, the opportunities are endless. Numerous museums and festivals are free to the public. Experience anything from history to jazz to art. Regardless of the activity, it’s guaranteed to be fun and entertaining.
nestled on 26,000 acres in the scenic Iowa River Valley. A group favorite for their working artisans, specialty shops, museums, bakeries, chocolate shops, Iowa’s only working woolen mill, live professional theatre, legendary restaurants, wineries and Iowa’s oldest microbrewery, just to name a few highlights.
Keokuk – Discover the charm of Mark Twain’s Mississippi at the George M. Verity Museum, in Victory Park, a fascinating insight into river history for everyone. Watch for bald eagles and other wildlife on the Observation Deck with views of the Mississippi River and Lock & Dam #19.
stunning scenery is a town that is truly charming. Thriving shops fill the downtown area, restaurants tempt the appetite, cultural and historic venues educate, and recreational opportunities flourish.
hardy welcome to visitors. Filled with charming and unique shops, stunning bed & breakfast accommodations, river cruises and a variety of restaurants, Lansing is a river lover’s ultimate getaway.
Dyersville – Home of the Field of Dreams movie site! See the baseball diamond surrounded by fields of corn just like in the movie. The town is also known as the “Farm Toy Capital of the World” for its 3 toy companies. Dyersville has a lot to offer for the young and young at heart.
McGregor/Marquette – Your possibilities are endless here with one-of-a-kind antique and specialty shops, charming lodging, birding, spas, winery, brewery, casino and numerous annual events. A great mix of historic small town charm with a touch of big city flair!
Independence – Resides in a National Heritage Area and
Pella – Your group will get a sensory experience of all things
has many local attractions listed on the National Registry of Historic Places. One such site is the Wapsipinicon Mill, one of the largest in the state, showcases a museum with guided tours.
Dutch - food, architecture, history and hospitality during their visit. Plan your trip in May for their Tulip Time Festival. This well known festival features a gingerbread-trimmed downtown, pastries, a village re-created and 80,000 tulips.
Lansing – A picturesque river town filled with friendly Decorah – Positioned in the center of towering bluffs and residents and merchants always extending a smile and a