Getting away from it all can sometimes bring some of the same challenges of everyday life – traffic, noise, and crowds. But finding a relaxing destination for a weekend excursion doesn’t have to mean boring. Escaping to a rural area can provide a perfect weekend away to find solitude and a quieter environment.
Explore the small-town way of life in Moorhead and Monona County in Western Iowa. The surrounding area includes the Loess Hills, which are one of Iowa’s best natural assets. Moorhead provides a great base for exploring the hills' many lookouts and trails while delivering on a pleasant weekend away.
What to do
Start with a visit to the Loess Hills Hospitality Association in Moorhead and pick up a copy of the Iowa Byways guide to help plan your explorations.
The Loess Hills National Scenic Byway provides a built-in itinerary for exploring and discovering the iconic Loess Hills, which span more than 1,000 square miles along Western Iowa. A great starting place is the scenic overlook at Preparation Canyon State Park, which is just a 10-minute drive from Moorhead. Enjoy the vista and the trails that follow the hills.
The hiking options in the Loess Hills can keep you busy all day, whether you’re looking for a casual stroll or a challenge like the popular Brent’s Trail.
If you time your visit well, you can visit the Moorhead Cultural Center. Its exhibitions change frequently and feature local artists and great Iowa stories. The center is open Friday, Saturday and Sunday 1-4 p.m., May through mid-October.
Be sure to also check the local calendar of events to see what great community events align with your visit! Moorhead’s weekly Farmer’s Market runs on Fridays 4-6 p.m. from July to September at the Moorhead Baseball Field.
Nearby Mapleton also offers a great small-town destination shopping experience for treating yourself. Check out Graceful Boutique Co., Maier Family Pharmacy & Gift Gallery and Mapleton Hometown Variety.
Where to eat/drink
Start your day by heading to nearby Mapleton to stop by the Graceful Grind Coffeehouse. This café is teeming with options for drinks and meals, and they offer online ordering to help make the most of your time before you head off to explore. Don’t miss their excellent smoothies, crab Rangoon flatbreads or ice cream nachos.
Small town bars and restaurants are often the best gathering places in town, providing a community base for connecting with others. Ada J’s Steakhouse in Ute is just 15 minutes from Moorhead and hungry diners from all over the Midwest visit to sample some of the best ribeye around.
Where to stay
If you crave a camping adventure, Preparation Canyon State Park has 10 hike-in camping sites in the southeastern area of the park. Or try the Loess Hills Hideaway Cabins and Campgrounds, which includes cabins and RV electrical hookups sites. For a more glamorous stay, explore the several Airbnbs in the Moorhead area, like this charming Queen Anne cottage.
