Allamakee County is a treasure trove of natural beauty waiting to be discovered. Tucked away in northeastern Iowa, our family was able to visit during our Eastern Iowa Road Trip and we can’t wait to go back. There is so much to explore and do that you’ll want to visit more than once.
This is a sponsored post, a partnership between Field Trip Iowa and Allamakee County
Great Outdoors
Families of all ages will enjoy Effigy Mounds National Monument and The Yellow River State Forest. Hiking trails, picnicking areas, camping, and birding are all popular activities in these parks. If you want to help everyone in your family unplug, Allamakee County is the ultimate destination. Spend a few minutes taking your children through the Effigy Mounds website; becoming familiar with the history will enhance your visit. Learn more about the state forest by engaging with the popular Facebook Group Friends of Yellow River State Forest, Harpers Ferry, IA.
Pro Tip: Bring your Passport To Your National Parks® book to receive a stamp at Effigy Mounds.
Scenic Drives
Driving the Great River Road and the Driftless Scenic Byway are highlights in Allamakee County. There are not many places in Iowa where the scenic highways connect like they do in northeast Iowa. Our favorite portions of the drive are where the rugged limestone flanks the west side of the roadway and the river rushes by on the east. Along the Great River Road are small communites with delightful shops, unique history, and delicious home-cooked meals.
Pro Tip: Before you depart for the day, pack a picnic lunch and enjoy it in one of the parks in Allamakee County.
Float Down The Mississippi River
Cliff views and senic drives are not the only way to enjoy the Mississippi River. Did you know that you can spend a day or several days living on the river? S & S Houseboat Rentals offers houseboats with all of the luxuries of home and is one of the over two-dozen unique lodging options available. But the one thing that differs with S&S Rentals, is the views. Imagine eating breakfast in the morning with your family (up to ten people) while viewing the Mississippi River and hearing the water splash along the boat’s edge. That’s how you can kick each day off while floating down the river in a houseboat. Make sure to add this to your bucket list!
Take A Meat Locker Tour
We love learning about local food options and supporting Iowa farmers. Growing up, my family always purchased our meat from a small-town locker. The Meat Locker Tour that Allamakee County hosts is a great way to experience new treats. When was the last time you visited a meat locker and indulged in local treats?
Print out your Meat Locker guide and start exploring. Pro Tip: Start your journey hungry!
Visit The Cheese Curd Capital of Iowa
Ice cream, white milk, chocolate milk, and cheese curds can be enjoyed at WW Homestead Dairy, which is known as, “The Cheese Curd Capital of Iowa.” Guests can learn how dairy products are made. They can see how this popular dairy store in Waukon produces delicious dairy products.
Pro Tip: Bring a cooler and take home their world-famous cheese curds.
Plan For More Than A Day
Allamakee County is the perfect Iowa destination for relaxation, fun, and exploring nature. With miles and miles of trails, make sure to plan your course ahead of time. We are wanting to do a long day hike on a portion of the 40-mile trail in the Paint Creek Unit of Yellow River State Forrest.
Whether you are hiking along limestone cliffs, floating on the Mississippi, sampling locally made goodies or enjoying one of the many festivals, you are going to love visiting Allamakee County. Our family did!
