Iowa's Hidden Gem

 

So many people we meet who have travelled extensively, admit they have driven through Iowa but never stopped. Usually, the reason is that they think there is nothing worth stopping for. I have to admit, as an Iowa Native I struggle at times to be a good ambassador, for the virtues of visiting my home state.

Last weekend I was reminded of how incredibly diverse Iowa is. As we drove to Maquoketa Caves State Park from north central Iowa to Eastern Iowa, the landscape quickly changed from rolling row crop land for as far as the eye can see to the terraced farms in the river valleys. The fields roll and tumble in all directions, punctuated by dense timber stands the grow along the rivers and creeks and give a beautiful dimension to the horizon. The bright new green of corn and soybeans emerging in the foreground of a line of dark tall Oaks, Shagbarks and Pines native to the area. We hadn’t camped in that part of the state since we started our full-time lifestyle in 2016 and I had forgotten how beautiful, and un-Iowa like the area is.

Farmstead near Dyersville, Iowa

Fifteen years ago or so, we spent several days there and have always wanted to return with kids. The state park has a small but nice campground. The main attraction are the 13 Caves that are situated along 7 challenging miles of trails built to give access to the entrances located at all elevations along the bluffs in the dense timber in the Maquoketa River Valley. It is something definitely worth stopping for when traveling through the state.

Our daughter suggested the trip this past winter and we made reservations in March. We got our sites next to each other and the 6 of us spent 3 ½ perfect days hiking, camping and enjoying the time together. Watching Hunter and Isaac who are now 11 and 9 hike, explore the caves and take in all the wonder of the area was nothing short of what I have dreamed it would be all these years since we first visited there. We set out each morning and returned in the afternoon, exhausted but excited to do more.

Side by side sites for the weekend

Champ, of course trotted along at the kids pace like he was their age, climbing on everything they wanted to. In and out of caves, big and small. Scaling rocks not meant to be climbed, but beckoning them all to the top for a picture. I hiked along at a more leisurely pace, forgoing the off trail climbing. My foot injury last fall resulted in permanent damage so this was a true test of where my limits are these days. I was happy to enjoy and keep up with the help of some ice at the end of the day.

I watched birds from the campsite, delighting in a different variety of birds than I get at the farm. Indigo Buntings, Orioles, Grossbeaks, Cedar Waxwings and Woodpeckers were abundant. The best birding treat I have had in some time was the Ruby Throated Hummingbird nesting in the Pinetree on the edge of my daughter’s site. We watched through binoculars and I got a nice photo with the help of a lot of zoom. I love sharing cool birding experiences, with my non-birding kids. 

Hummingbird sitting on her eggs

We left on Sunday with one grandson who wanted to spend a couple extra days with us and had a nice trip back home. Isaac and I hung out on the couch talking and watching the country side the three hour drive home. It was my first time riding mid-coach for any length of time, and I was amazed at how comfortable and smooth it was. I may have to do it more often when I’m not on driving duty.

Riding home after a long weekend

I write tonight with a renewed sense of pride in my home state. After a tough emotional winter that left me numb and unexcited about most everything. Our weekend in Eastern Iowa was good medicine. It felt good to feel excited about something again.

 

Until Next Time…