Islands - Expert Travel Info & Tips: From Islands, to Mountains, & Everything In Between

Hidden Between Cedar Rapids And Madison Is A Striking Underground Marvel With Sparkling Crystals

staff@islands.com (Anahid Akkam) — Sun, 03 May 2026 21:45:00 +0000

This underground cave in Iowa features rare anthodite crystals, stalactites, a cool year-round interior, and guided tours through a limestone passage.

Tucked Between Kansas City And Des Moines Is A Scenic Iowa City With College-Town Charm And Quaint Shops

staff@islands.com (Olaoluwa Akinbayo) — Sat, 18 Apr 2026 12:25:00 +0000

This small college town in Iowa offers visitors a charming campus, nature spots with hiking trails, and independent shops (including Amish and antiques stores).

One Of America's Oldest Amusement Parks Is A Nostalgic Iowa Gem With A Vibrant Boardwalk And Lake Views

staff@islands.com (Jenna Kelley) — Mon, 06 Apr 2026 18:45:00 +0000

Near Iowa's top vacation lakes, a long-running amusement spot offers classic rides, waterfront views, and a nostalgic boardwalk atmosphere each summer season.

This Midwest City Could Pass For Europe, According To Visitors

staff@islands.com (Tosh Bene) — Mon, 06 Apr 2026 16:25:00 +0000

If you're looking for a taste of Europe without having travel overseas, plenty of visitors swear by this quaint Midwest city.

3 Of The Top 10 Small Towns For Retirement In 2026 Are In This Underrated 'Flyover State'

staff@islands.com (Sarah Bloomfield) — Tue, 31 Mar 2026 22:45:00 +0000

Retirees may be surprised that 3 of the top 10 small towns for retirement are in this underappreciated state, and they all offer community and activity.

4 Once-Thriving Colleges And Universities That Now Lie Abandoned

staff@islands.com (Olivia Typaldos) — Mon, 02 Mar 2026 21:00:00 +0000

Abandoned colleges sit like time capsules of their formal glory. These once-great institutions were beacons of higher learning before falling to decay.

Nestled Between Kansas City And Omaha Is Iowa's Scenic Midwest State Park For Hiking Trails And Camping

staff@islands.com (Maja Proescholdt) — Tue, 24 Feb 2026 01:45:00 +0000

The Midwest is home to all kinds of natural beauty, and this state park in Iowa will give you miles of calming hiking trails with beautiful views.

Sandwiched Between Chicago And Cedar Rapids Is Iowa's City With River Views, Antique Shops, And Historic Charm

staff@islands.com (Maja Proescholdt) — Sun, 15 Feb 2026 16:45:00 +0000

This quaint town, tucked along the Mississippi River, is a haven for history buffs with 19th-century buildings, local museums, and a waterfront winery.

Iowa's Beautiful County Is Full Of Camping Spots In Breathtaking Forests, Hiking Trails, And Scenic Byways

staff@islands.com (Jean Chen Smith) — Sat, 14 Feb 2026 12:45:00 +0000

If you're traveling to the Midwest and want to take a peaceful nature hike, this county in Iowa is filled with stunning natural beauty and fascinating history.

This Restored Train Caboose In Decorah Offers A Cozy Tiny-Home Stay With Sunset Views And Vintage Charm

staff@islands.com (Maja Proescholdt) — Wed, 28 Jan 2026 02:00:00 +0000

The railcar is outfitted as the perfect tiny home, with original features and modern comfort. Plus, it's near a small town and there are friendly horses, too.

The Best Places In America To Find Geodes For Beautiful Decorations And Fun Memories

staff@islands.com (Kusumita Das) — Fri, 23 Jan 2026 18:30:00 +0000

Rockhounders can find all kinds of gemstones across the United States, but there are certain places where geodes can be found if you know where to look.

Iowa's Charming Lakeside City Near Des Moines Is A Fast-Growing Midwest Escape For Outdoor Fun

staff@islands.com (Anahid Akkam) — Sat, 17 Jan 2026 01:15:00 +0000

This Des Moines-area destination offers two lakes, multiple biking and hiking trails, golf courses, and more outdoor fun fit for the whole family.

Iowa's Friendly City Is A Scenic Midwest Gem With Outdoor Adventures And Vintage Charm

staff@islands.com (Sam Scott) — Fri, 16 Jan 2026 18:45:00 +0000

In Iowa, a welcoming railroad town blends local history, seasonal festivals, nearby state parks, and small-town culture less than an hour from Des Moines.

Nestled Between Cedar Rapids And Rockford Is Iowa's Only Island City With Camping And River Charm

staff@islands.com (Sam Scott) — Thu, 15 Jan 2026 00:15:00 +0000

The phrase "island getaway" isn't exactly the first thing that comes to mind when you think of the Midwest, but this Iowan town breaks the mold.

Nestled Between Madison And Des Moines Is Iowa's Peaceful River City With Antique Shopping And Outdoor Fun

staff@islands.com (Sam Scott) — Tue, 13 Jan 2026 02:45:00 +0000

This Iowa destination blends a historic main street, vintage shopping, community events, and easy access to outdoor recreation near rolling countryside.

The Most Charming And Nostalgic Minor League Ballparks To Visit Across America

staff@islands.com (Rebekah Winters Barton) — Mon, 12 Jan 2026 23:30:00 +0000

Craving some peanuts, Cracker Jacks, and a good sing-a-long of "Take Me Out To The Ball Game"? You can find baseball games across the U.S. at these ballparks.

The Iowa College Town With A Booming River Surfing Scene, Charming Downtown, And Unique Attractions

staff@islands.com (Carrie Back) — Sun, 04 Jan 2026 20:45:00 +0000

This quaint Iowa college town is a welcoming stop for those who love a mix of adventure and culture, offering a charming downtown and access to river surfing.

One Of The Midwest's Top Places To Retire Is A Lakeside City Near A Historic French Utopian Colony

staff@islands.com (Ian Goldstein) — Sun, 04 Jan 2026 00:45:00 +0000

For people looking to retire in a nice, quiet Midwestern area surrounded by nature and history, one small city is being discussed a lot and warrants a look.

The Nebraska-Iowa Border Boasts A Scenic City With Outdoor Recreation And Small-Town Charm

staff@islands.com (Anahid Akkam) — Sat, 27 Dec 2025 10:15:00 +0000

Nestled in the border between Nebraska and Iowa is this gorgeous city with incredibly scenic adventures to be had, as well as plenty of outdoor sports.

Wisconsin's Charming City Near Madison Offers A Walkable Downtown, Shops, And Restaurants

staff@islands.com (Adela Reyes) — Tue, 23 Dec 2025 18:25:00 +0000

While some people may think of Wisconsin as a flyover state, you shouldn't write it off! There's plenty to see in this delightful little destination.