The Incredible Flower Road Trip Through Iowa Is The Ultimate Spring Adventure
By Raymond Goldfield|Published April 23, 2024
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Raymond Goldfield
Author
Raymond Goldfield is a life-long New Jersey resident and an avid traveler and foodie who can be usually found on the Jersey Shore during the offseason or checking out the latest seasonal flavors at The Bent Spoon in Princeton. He has been working for Only In Your State for since early 2022, where he writes for New Jersey and Iowa and edits the Mid-Atlantic region. He can also be found writing about pop culture for GeekDad. When at home, he enjoys reading comic books and is part of The Rabbitt Stew podcast team. While New Jersey is his home base, he travels regularly and has visited Virginia, Florida, Maine, Minnesota, and Canada as well as all of NJ's border states. Ultimate travel goal? Visit all the best buffets in the United States.
When winter rolls into spring, I always want to get behind the wheel and take it all in. There’s no better time for a spring flower road trip in Iowa, and the good news is the Hawkeye State is always packed with unique destinations that come alive in the springtime. Many of these are seasonal farms that are just getting revved up for the year, while others are hidden gems like botanical gardens and wildflower trails that are open all year round. There’s even a whole town that’s a must-visit destination during this time of year! Here at OnlyInYourState, we’ve put together a list of the eight perfect spring flower destinations to visit on a road trip, and this whole itinerary involves just under six hours of driving across Iowa. That makes this a perfect multi-day adventure for those who can’t get enough of the beauty of spring.
Taking you clear across Iowa, this flower road trip features eight stops packed with some of the best natural beauty in the Hawkeye State.
PepperHarrow Flower Farm is a tiny spot in the famous town of Winterset, and its fields are full of lavender and sunflowers. It's a stunning spot to visit in the spring and summer - and you can actually camp here! The farm has an Airbnb tent on site.
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2. Willow Flower Farm - Prole
Willow Flower Farm, 5119 Harding St, Prole, IA 50229, USA
A rustic u-pick flower farm in the tiny community of Prole, Willow Flower Farm is one of the most affordable spots around to get a bouquet of blooms. You just pick a pitcher or bucket and wander the fields, clipping what you want. Keep an eye out for a friendly farm cat wandering the fields!
Pella is maybe the most marvelous town in Iowa, a rich Dutch village filled with authentic windmills, sculptures, and food. It's also home to the largest tulip fields in Iowa, and they bloom throughout the spring. That's when the town hosts Tulip Time, an incredible festival celebrating Dutch culture, music, dance, and baked goods.
Pheasant Run Farm is a huge farm in Belle Plaine, best known for its summer sunflower experience. But that's just scratching the surface of what you can do here - a store and cutting garden are available during the spring, and the beautiful Dahlia field has to be seen to be believed.
5. Bloomsbury Farm - Atkins
Bloomsbury Farm, 3260 69th St, Atkins, IA 52206, USA
Less a simple farm than a massive festival destination, Bloomsbury Farm always has something going on. Spring is when the farm gets started for the year, and it hosts several events through the season. Late spring is when you'll find Spring Fest - featuring flower beds, interactive activities, and dozens of specialty food and drink options.
6. Waterworks Prairie Park - Iowa City
Waterworks Prairie Park, 2875 Dubuque St NE, Iowa City, IA 52240, USA
A quiet county park in Iowa City, Waterworks Prairie Park feels a million miles away from the big city. This urban park has about three miles of trails scattered through it, and is an easy hike. Along the way, you'll see a unique collection of wildflowers and small waterways. The park is rarely crowded, so this is a great place for quiet reflection.
7. Miss Effie's Country Flowers - Donahue
Miss Effie's Country Flowers, 27387 130th Ave, Donahue, IA 52746, USA
Found on a tiny garden homestead in Donahue, Miss Effie's Country Flowers is a roadside u-pick flower stand that is popular through the spring and summer. You fill a cut gallon milk jug with your choice of flowers from the thousands of blooms, and it'll then be arranged into a bouquet. There are over 10,000 plants here, as well as a charming nook for relaxing after your flower hunt.
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8. Bickelhaupt Arboretum - Clinton
Bickelhaupt Arboretum, 340 S 14th St, Clinton, IA 52732, USA
It wouldn't be a flower road trip without a stop at a botanical garden, would it? Bickelhaupt Arboretum in Clinton is probably the least-known arboretum in the state, and it's found on the grounds of Clinton Community College. There, you'll find a diverse assortment of over 600 cultivar trees and countless small paths filled with blooming wildflowers and quirky sculptures.
Are you planning to take this spring flower road trip in Iowa? Have you visited any of these destinations in the past? Let us know in the comments section! As with any road trip, you’ll want to stock up the car with plenty of snacks and water. And if you’re looking for some unique places to stay along the way, we think these eight Airbnbs make for perfect spring getaways.
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