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

One Of America's Best Beer Cities Is A Midwestern Gem With German Breweries And Oktoberfest Festivals

staff@islands.com (Rene Bennett) — Tue, 15 Sep 2026 16:17:20 +0000

You don't need to head to Europe for a little taste of Germany - enjoy traditional beers, Bavarian cuisine, and Oktoberfest celebrations stateside.

Iowa Removed Nearly Every Fishing Limit At This Lake - But Only For A Limited Time

staff@islands.com (Ben M Stower) — Tue, 15 Sep 2026 08:42:47 +0000

One local Iowa lake is offering anglers unlimited catches on bass, bluegill, and other fish species ahead of a planned renovation in the fall of 2026.

Forget Florida, Retire To This Landlocked Midwest Region With Roaming Bison, Scenic Lakes, And Outdoor Fun

staff@islands.com (Joe Orovic) — Mon, 14 Sep 2026 10:00:00 +0000

This often-overlooked region of the United States is home to thousands of lakes, state and national parks, and low prices suitable for adventurous retirees.

Between Des Moines And Okoboji Is Iowa's Charming Midwest City With Vibrant Parks, Tasty Eats, And A Nearby Museum

staff@islands.com (Sam Scott) — Sat, 12 Sep 2026 10:45:00 +0000

Think Iowa is a mere flyover state? Think again! This conveniently located Iowan city offers visitors culture and outdoor recreation in spades.

The Best Burger Spots Worth Visiting In Every State

staff@islands.com (Tess Kazenoff) — Tue, 08 Sep 2026 12:30:00 +0000

Nothing feels as American than grabbing a delicious, juicy burger and fries. But what makes the best burger? We've pinpointed top contenders in every state.

Not Michigan, Not Ohio: This Midwest State Spends The Least On Housing In 2026

staff@islands.com (Kareem Gantt) — Fri, 04 Sep 2026 22:45:00 +0000

Although Michigan and Ohio are affordable Midwest hubs, this state is considered the most affordable for homeowners, per a 2026 WalletHub study.

Between Milwaukee And Madison Is Wisconsin's Charming Lake Lined With Quaint Eats, Serene Swims, And Fishing

staff@islands.com (Rachel Means) — Mon, 31 Aug 2026 23:45:00 +0000

With a restaurant on an island and numerous bays for swimming or casting a line for bass and musky, this Wisconsin lake has plenty of waterfront recreation.

Forget Florida, Retire To This Quaint Midwest County Filled With Vibrant Parks, Charming Cities, And Outdoor Fun

staff@islands.com (Leslie Veliz) — Mon, 31 Aug 2026 18:45:00 +0000

Instead of spending your golden years in Florida, consider retiring to a charming county in the Midwest, boasting small-town vibes and access to the outdoors.

Between Rockford And Cedar Rapids Is Iowa's Quaint City With Charming Stays, Local Eats, And Gift Shops

staff@islands.com (Sam Scott) — Tue, 25 Aug 2026 15:25:00 +0000

For a Midwest vacation with great food, tons of quaint shopping opportunities, and plenty of nature, you'll definitely want to check out this charming town.

Over An Hour From Des Moines Is A Charming Midwest City With Lake Fun, A Walkable Downtown, And Vibrant Parks

staff@islands.com (Mitchell Peterson) — Tue, 18 Aug 2026 10:00:00 +0000

Small-town delights fill the air in this charming Midwest city with a peaceful lake and green spaces just a short drive from Des Moines, Iowa.

Des Moines' Southern Suburb Is A Charming Midwest City With Parks, Golf Greens, And Tasty Eats

staff@islands.com (Megi Canco) — Tue, 18 Aug 2026 03:45:00 +0000

Outdoor enthusiasts will find a lot to love about this Iowa community, including a sports complex, a park with a pool, and a farmer's market to browse.

Between Des Moines And Omaha Is Iowa's Lake State Park With A Beach, Trails, And Cozy Cabins

staff@islands.com (Ashley Ryan) — Sun, 16 Aug 2026 23:45:00 +0000

Explore an Iowa state park full of beauty, wonder, and lots of fun, including cabins to sleep in, trails to walk, beaches, and plenty of wildflowers to see.

Between Des Moines And Decorah Is Iowa's Scenic Midwest City With A Charming Downtown, Wildlife, And Outdoor Fun

staff@islands.com (Rene Bennett) — Sun, 16 Aug 2026 21:00:00 +0000

A charming Midwestern escape combines historic storefronts, quirky public art, riverfront adventures, and peaceful nature just beyond its downtown streets.

Iowa's Less-Crowded State Park With Secluded Campsites And Scenic Trails Is Just Over An Hour From Des Moines

staff@islands.com (C. M. Ramsburg) — Sat, 15 Aug 2026 17:45:00 +0000

Iowa is home to a tranquil state park with hiking trails and a campground where you won't have to fend off huge crowds ruining the ambiance.

Iowa's 'Antique City' With A Quaint Downtown Is Sandwiched Between Omaha And Des Moines

staff@islands.com (Leslie Veliz) — Wed, 12 Aug 2026 03:45:00 +0000

This Iowa city offers a charming downtown lined with old-school storefronts and a wealth of antique stores, along with annual antique festivals.

Halfway Between Omaha And Des Moines Is Iowa's Historic Danish Experience With Charming Sights

staff@islands.com (Leslie Veliz) — Sun, 09 Aug 2026 22:00:00 +0000

This museum in Elk Horn, Iowa, is home to a giant wooden troll, historic buildings, artifacts from early Danish immigrants, and a sprawling prairie park.

Between Omaha And Cedar Rapids Is Iowa's Once-Thriving Coal Mine Turned State Park With Lake Fun And Trails

staff@islands.com (Nally Preseault) — Sun, 09 Aug 2026 10:00:00 +0000

Once a prosperous coal mine, this state park outside Des Moines, Iowa, offers trails for hiking and biking and two lakes for fishing and paddling.

Between Cedar Rapids And Peoria Is A Vibrant Iowa City With River Adventures And Midwest Charm

staff@islands.com (Caitlin McAllister) — Tue, 04 Aug 2026 15:45:00 +0000

For a fun Midwest vacation with friendly locals, water excursions, delicious food, and tons of shopping and outdoor activities, check out this underrated town.

The Closest Suburb To Downtown Des Moines Is A Laidback Iowa Gem With Golf Greens And Parks

staff@islands.com (Garrett Martin) — Mon, 03 Aug 2026 12:45:00 +0000

This suburb is an ideal spot for golfers of all skill levels, and with scenic parks and trails, even non-golfers can appreciate the natural beauty of this town.

Between Rockford And Rochester Is Wisconsin's Village With Lake Views, Tasty Eats, And Outdoor Fun

staff@islands.com (Sam Scott) — Sat, 01 Aug 2026 20:45:00 +0000

On a lake that's part of the Mississippi River, directly across from Iowa, lies a village where the bluffs rise high and the restaurants offer a warm welcome.