You mentioned scenery. There are a lot of great trails around here if the weather becomes less unpleasant. One idea that would be fun would be to drive up to Madrid and walk over the Trestle Trail Bridge. I’ve only biked this, but if you get on just this leg of the trail, it’s walkable. You could do this in the evening - they light up the bridge at night, and it’s pretty sweet. It wouldn’t be so hot then, either. It is a half-mile, 13 story high pedestrian/bike bridge over the river. The pics here don’t really do it justice:
Dang. I was hoping you could tell me if my Social Security check will come in August.
FeAudrey, I think he’ll be on his way home by then, but the RAGBRAI map will come in handy, for roads to avoid. His other brother was here a few years back when the route came within a few miles of us – it’s sure fun to watch. More years ago one of the off-shoots came to our little town – that was awesome.
I was thinking about the northeast part of the state. I’ve only been that way once and didn’t do any sight-seeing. Effigy Mounds and Pike’s Other Peak are definite possibilities. Thanks!
Yep, exactly. It’s the current traveling exhibit. There’s also an IMAX theatre and all of their routine exhibits, too.
If you’re in Des Moines on a weekend, check out the farmer’s market, too. Lots of great food, even if you have no interest in the produce, plus music, crafts, etc. I highly recommend the papusas (usually on the far east block of Court Ave) and there’s also a guy who sells interesting Bosnian food over on the northwest end, by Java Joe’s I think.
Eagle Point Park! It’s got a great river view right on top of an awesome bluff overlooking the Lock & Dam #11. Great in the spring and summer, better in the winter when it’s the only area for miles where the eagles can fish in the frozen river.
If you end up in the NE, near Effigy Mounds, Cabela’s has a store just across the river in Wisconsin, in Prairie du Chien. And it comes with AC, to cool off after the hiking.
