Northwest Iowa is THE Springtime Spot for Lakes and Local Drinks

If you enjoy water sports, then northwest Iowa is definitely the place to be in the springtime. This is a top Midwestern destination for sailing, boating and jet skiing, but there is much more to do in the spring season here too.

With the temperatures warming up, you can indulge your sweet tooth at the Ice Cream Capital of the World (Le Mars), check out Arnold’s Park for classic theme park fun and learn about local history at the Lewis and Clark interpretive sights. There’s musical history to learn about at Iowa Rock and

by Alyssa L. Ochs

Roll Hall of Fame, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino and Music Man Square. Meanwhile, nature and lakeside fun await you at Gull Point and Black Hawk state parks.

Adventurous families who love the outdoors gravitate toward northwest Iowa in the spring because this area, known as Iowa’s Great Lakes, has lakes that cover over 13,000 acres and 86 miles of combined shoreline. Better yet, campgrounds start opening in the springtime so you can further immerse yourself in nature inside the comfort of your tent, trailer or RV. Then after days of adventuring in the great outdoors and seeing the local sights, there’s nothing quite like stopping by a local craft beverage establishment to refresh yourself and truly relax.

Local Beverage Production in the Spring

In spring, grapevines emerge from winter dormancy in northwest Iowa, and buds produce new, tender shoots. It’s also a time to take control of powdery mildew in the vineyard since these young shoots commonly attract this type of fungus and require spraying throughout the spring season for protection. Shoot thinning and green pruning are also springtime vineyard care tasks, all while keeping an eye out for inclement spring weather that can put new buds at risk.

Meanwhile, breweries in northwest Iowa have started embracing the warmer weather and opening their patios and outdoor spaces on pleasant days. There are more brewery events to look forward to as the season picks up, which means more opportunities for getting to know new friends and

• Lyon

• Sioux

• Plymouth

• Woodbury

• Monona

• Osceola

• O’Brien

• Cherokee

• Ida

• Crawford

• Dickinson

• Clay

• Buena Vista

• Sac

• Carroll

• Emmet

• Palo Alto

• Pocahontas

• Calhoun

• Kossuth

• Humboldt

• Webster

• Winnebago

• Hancock

• Wright

• Hamilton playing some games over tasty brews.

Featured Craft Beverage Stops in Northwest Iowa Wineries

Little Swan Lake Winery: Is a northwest Iowa winery in the small town of

Superior that has a tasting room in a remodeled 1920s barn and 35 different wines produced onsite. But it’s more than just a winery and even offers three lovely bed & breakfast-style rooms in its renovated grain elevator. Visit on a Saturday evening or Sunday afternoon for live music.

Plum Creek Winery: The family-owned business has been around since 2012 and is open for regular business hours from Wednesday to Sunday, 10 am to 6 pm. Look into the winery’s fun “paint and pour” events to tap into your artistic side, or even plan a wedding at the winery’s brand-new outdoor wedding venue.

River Valley Orchards & Winery: Just four miles west of Humboldt, Iowa, on Highway 3, River Valley Orchards & Winery can also host weddings, graduation parties, birthday celebrations and other events. In addition to great wine, this winery makes mead from honey collected just eight miles south of the farm – perfect for sipping in springtime!

Breweries

Tractor Lift Brewery: Located in Humboldt, Iowa and has a cozy vibe that’s welcoming for spring travelers. This low-key brew spot is ideal for grabbing a brew when you want to feel like a local.

Shiny Top Brewing: A must-visit spot for all craft brew enthusiasts in northwest Iowa. You’ll find much more than just local beer here and enjoy the cocktails, pizza, live music and local art. Check out the brewery’s Facebook page to learn about events taking place here this spring.

Spring Events in Northwest Iowa

The spring season is an exciting time to check out events and festivals that local residents have been waiting for with anticipation. For example, the Lewis and Clark Interpretative Center in Sioux City is hosting a grand opening ceremony for its outdoor dinosaur exhibit made entirely of scrap metal on April 30, 2023.

Regional events start picking up in May and as the Memorial Day holiday approaches. There are 5K races that you can participate in, such as the Divine Mercy-St. Michael’s 5K Spirit Run/Walk on May 27 and the Red, White & Blue Ribfest BBQ competition that same day in Whittemore. It’s also fun to check out the Whittemore Fun Days Carnival, an annual community celebration at the end of May, and Memorial Day parades in various towns throughout northwest Iowa.

More Northwest Iowa Attractions to Visit

Open throughout the year but especially fun for a springtime visit, this is a sampling fof additional things to look forward to on your northwest Iowa road trip.

Fort Dodge, IA

• Fort Frenzy: the largest and most popular family entertainment center in Fort Dodge. Featuring dozens of indoor and outdoor activities, there’s something for everyone including go karts, bowling, bumper boats and arcade games. Get competitive on the miniature golf course or stop by for special events and concerts.

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