Summer break is right around the corner, and that means adventure! Whether you like historical sites, being active in nature, or whimsical landmarks, there is a place out there for you. While many naysayers, myself included, have long since sat in the belief that there is nothing to do in the midwest, after some in-depth research to discover the lesser known, unique attractions of Iowa and the surrounding area, I am here to dispel that myth! So pack a bag, fill up on gas, and bring together your closest friends for these summer adventures!
The Shrine of the Grotto of the Redemption
City: West Bend, Iowa
Distance from CR: 3 hrs, 8 min
Cost: Free, donations appreciated
This beautiful structure is for all you history, art, and religion people out there. The grotto, whose construction began in 1912 by catholic priest, grotto builder, and spelunker Father Paul Matthias Dobberstein, is a large, beautiful structure compiled of a vast collection of beautiful, colorful stones and minerals. Dobberstein built the grotto to tell the story of Christ, and as a shrine to honor the Virgin Mary, whom he credits for his survival after a life-threatening bout of pneumonia. Take a tour of this beautiful structure and the surrounding church, museum, and gift shop this summer!
High Trestle Trail
City: Runs through Ankeny to Woodward
Distance from CR: 1 hr, 56 min (to Ankeny starting point)
Cost: Free
Looking for more physical activity this summer? Then grab your bike or hiking boots and head on out to High Trestle Trail! This 25 mile long, paved trail runs through Polk, Dallas, Boone, and Story counties. Completed in 2018, the trail contains some very unique and exciting trail markers, such as the famous High Trestle Trail Bridge. Make sure to stay after sundown to catch sight of the light-up structures that wrap around the bridge!
Strawberry Shortcake in Strawberry Point
City: Strawberry Point
Distance from CR: 1 hr, 9 min
Cost: $3.25
Many of you know about Strawberry Point, famous for housing the world’s largest fiberglass strawberry. But many people don’t know that right next door to the iconic giant strawberry, you can enjoy the taste of strawberry shortcake at the Franklin Hotel for only $3.25! And be sure to bring along your hiking gear, because the wonderful Backbone State Park is less than 5 miles away.
Water Lantern Festival
City: Des Moines
Distance from CR: 1 hr, 55 min
Cost: $30-$60
Date: July 19th, 2025
Are you a lover of Disney’s “Tangled”? Or do you just want a relaxing, romantic setting to enjoy time with that special person, or to set goals and intentions for your future? Head to Riverview Park in Des Moines this July to partake in Water Lantern Festival’s annual celebrations! Enjoy music and food from local food trucks, while decorating your lantern however you’d like. Then, after the magic, the staff cleans up the venue entirely, so all your fun is environmentally friendly. While these lanterns don’t float in the air like Rapunzel’s did, it really is the perfect way to “see the light” on a warm summer evening with the people you love.
Midwest Indie Bookstore Roadmap 2025
For the past nine years, the Midwest Independent Booksellers Association (MIBA) has released a roadmap of independent bookstores all across the midwest. The map, which is released every year on Independent Bookstore Day (the last Saturday in April), features fun, custom illustrations of each store. This year, the roadmap will feature 300 independent bookstores! The MIBA hosts an online contest in tandem with the roadmap, which encourages travelers to post their bookstore adventures with the hashtag #bookstoreroadmap for a chance to win a cash prize. To find a roadmap, visit MIBA’s website after the roadmap release date, or look for it for free in participating bookstores. In past years, Cedar Rapids’ own Next Page Books in downtown CR has participated. So pack your camera, get ready for a road trip, and pick up your own bookstore roadmap this May!
With summer fast approaching, it’s time to start thinking about fun. And it’s time to ask yourself: how will I spend it? This summer, reject your old-fashioned belief that the midwest is boring, and take to the streets, and make some memories! Maybe 2025 could be your best summer yet…
