Driving I-80 across Iowa question (Ottumwa, Keokuk: hotel, live, restaurant)

[601halfdozen0theother]

thenderson gave you a really good list, but I want to also add The Living History Farms on the West side of Des Moines, right off 80. A fun and peaceful stop. It opens for the season on May 3rd. Ride the tram, or the wagon if it's running! https://www.lhf.org/

[censusdata]

80 through NE is way better than 70 through KS. Follows river valley so better scenery plus hills deflect wind. Adds 1 hr Denver to KC

[NJ Brazen_3133]

Are there any giant super walmart sized rest areas like Buccee's in the Plains States? When I in Kansas I did not see one.

[Okey Dokie]

Originally Posted by NJ Brazen_3133

Are there any giant super walmart sized rest areas like Buccee's in the Plains States? When I in Kansas I did not see one.

Iowa 80 Truck Stop in Wolcott, IA, the world’s largest truck stop

https://iowa80truckstop.com/

[NJ Brazen_3133]

Originally Posted by Okey Dokie

Iowa 80 Truck Stop in Wolcott, IA, the world’s largest truck stop

https://iowa80truckstop.com/

Ah, I actually remember I saw vlog on this a while ago. I must have forgotten.

I was expecting to see similar, when I drove though Indy, Southern Ill, Northern Mizz, and KS. But nothing. I hoping going to something like Buccee's to be a HL of my trip.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JfKXt69rJrQ

[Shawn Ford]

If you like trains...

Check out Baily Yard in North Platte on your way across Nebraska. It has a tower that you can go up (elevator) and get an incredible view of the workings of world's largest railway yard. Short walk from the parking lot and usually not very crowded.

[susancruzs]

I was there last Fall, well worth the stop, so interesting.

[bridgerider]

Originally Posted by Countryfreak

In a few months I'll be coming out of Colorado and driving east. I've done I-70 before and was wondering if driving I-80 out of Denver and through Nebraska and Iowa is a good drive? I've visited Des Moines and area but this was flying in and out. I do not need a lot of sightseeing but I can take my time and was wondering if the drive through Iowa might afford a little sightseeing closer to the interstates?

Thanks

I'm late to the party as usual, but if you haven't started your trek yet, I suggest checking out Brooklyn, Iowa, the City of Flags. It's a really small town with a great big smile. They are proud of their distinction - flags are everywhere. All kinds of flags, lots of variety and representation. Cute diner on the main drag (the only drag?).... but the biggest draw, imho, is the people. Just so friendly.

I've done the Colorado-NYS back and forth I would say at least 8 times, both I-70 & I-80. The better drive is I-80.

[Countryfreak]

Originally Posted by bridgerider

I'm late to the party as usual, but if you haven't started your trek yet, I suggest checking out Brooklyn, Iowa, the City of Flags. It's a really small town with a great big smile. They are proud of their distinction - flags are everywhere. All kinds of flags, lots of variety and representation. Cute diner on the main drag (the only drag?).... but the biggest draw, imho, is the people. Just so friendly.

I've done the Colorado-NYS back and forth I would say at least 8 times, both I-70 & I-80. The better drive is I-80.

No I definitely have time to make this stop as I am driving on 80 then staying the night in Ottumwa, IA. I'd like to see the area you mention.

[bridgerider]

Originally Posted by Countryfreak

No I definitely have time to make this stop as I am driving on 80 then staying the night in Ottumwa, IA. I'd like to see the area you mention.

I hear there is a popular lake there as well, which I didn't see. I just pulled off the highway to get fuel & let my dog stretch her legs and ended up spending about 2 or 3 hours there, just walking around & chatting with the locals. Nothing fancy aboiut Brooklyn, blink and you could miss it. But it had spirit. I got the feeling that everyone I ran into was truly proud to call this tiny town home. Very welcoming and friendly.