One Tank Trip for Iowa Camping

Often referred to as “America's Heartland”, Iowa has an incredible beauty all its own. Filled with friendly, hardworking Midwesterners, Iowa has a way of making each visitor feel like their coming home again with warmth and hospitality that will make you want to live here! Let's start our one tank trip in West Branch, where you'll find Midwestern living at its best! Made famous as the hometown of Herbert Hoover, visitors can visit the President’s humble beginnings at the tiny two-room cottage he was born in, and explore the several other historical buildings surrounding it. At the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum, visitors can further explore the life of this great man, and his incredible career through the many exhibits here. Our next Iowa RV camping stop takes us west on I-80, with a merge onto I-380 N/IA-27 N to Cedar Rapids, with this leg of our one tank trip taking less than an hour. This city holds a rich history and diverse culture waiting to be explored! Travelers will find many wonderful museums worth a visit, including the National Czech and Slovak Museum and Library, The Iowa Masonic Library and Museum, and the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art. Make sure to put Brucemore at the top of your list of must see places! Built in 1886, this beautiful Queen Anne building sits on 26 incredible acres. Visitors can tour the mansion, stroll through the gardens, attend one of the many outdoor theater events, or bring a picnic and spread out under the warm Iowa sun. Not a bad way to spend the day, is it? Cedar Rapids has something for you nature lovers, too. Head over to the Indian Creek Nature Center where you will find 210 acres of restored savannas, prairies and woodlands, and four miles of trails where you can explore to your heart’s content. The last Iowa RV camping stop on our Iowa journey takes us to the Amana Colonies, by way of US-151. Amana Colonies began in 1855 by a group of Pietists who sought refuge from religious persecution in their native Germany and settled in the beautiful Iowan countryside and would eventually become one of America's oldest and largest religious communal societies. Visitors are free to tour the surrounding buildings, which include a communal kitchen, general store, and church; each one beautifully maintained as it was when the Amanas lived and worked here. It's a fascinating place filled with an amazing history, one that is sure to keep you enthralled for the duration of your trip. From just the little time we've spent in this wonderful state, it's easy to see there's far more to Iowa than just corn! Back to One Tank Trips for 2011 Woodall's Recommended Iowa RV Campgrounds