If you think there’s nothing to do in Iowa, it’s time to hit the road with a 3 day North Central Iowa road trip! Full of historic small towns, chef-driven dining, lakeside adventures, and family-friendly fun — you will find lots of fun things to do in this part of Iowa!

This 3-day itinerary highlights Iowa Falls, Osage, and Clear Lake—three towns that make the perfect long weekend loop. Pair this guide with my post on why travelers are falling in love with Osage, Iowa for an even deeper look.

This post is sponsored by Evolution of the Heartland who helps visitors discover a side of Iowa that blends agritourism and rural gems that are worth exploring.

🗺️ Getting to North Central Iowa

This North Central Iowa road trip takes you three three charming towns: Iowa Falls, Osage, and Clear Lake. Pack your appetite and prepare to discover why North Central Iowa is a must-visit Midwest area.

North Central Iowa is very accessible:

• From Des Moines: Just over 1 hour to Iowa Falls (I-35 N to US-20 E).
• From Minneapolis: About 2 hours to Clear Lake (I-35 S).
• From Iowa City: About 2.5 hours to Osage (I-380 N to US-218 N).

Once you’re here, it’s an easy loop: Iowa Falls → Osage → Clear Lake, or the reverse if you’re coming from Minneapolis.

And if you have extra time, add Mason City to your trip—it’s just 15 minutes from Clear Lake and offers incredible arts and architecture. Home to Frank Lloyd Wright’s Historic Park Inn, it’s another must-see Iowa destination.

About the Towns on this North Central Iowa Road Trip

• Iowa Falls – Known as the Scenic City, Iowa Falls sits on the Iowa River and blends historic architecture with modern small-town charm. It’s full of cafes, bakeries, and specialty shops that make it the perfect place to start for a North Central Iowa Road trip for food focused journey!
• Osage – A town of about 3,500, Osage has become a surprising culinary hub thanks to Chef Jes Baldus and her food ventures.
• Clear Lake – A popular lake town with deep music history, Clear Lake is best known for the Surf Ballroom, where Buddy Holly played his last show.

Day 1: Iowa Falls – Historic Charm & Delicious Foodie Finds

Kick off your North Central Iowa road trip in Iowa Falls, the seat of Hardin County and home to about 5,000 residents. Beyond its historic downtown, the town is full of surprises and lots of great food.

We were surprised to learn that Iowa Falls is Bill Riley’s hometown. You might have heard of them through the Iowa State Fair’s famous talent show! And after the emerald ash borer devastated its trees, locals more than 30 ash trees were carved into magnificent public art which you can find all around town.

Here are a few ways to spend a day in Iowa Falls on your North Central Iowa Roadtrip!

Morning fuel in Iowa Falls

• Grab a coffee at Coffee Attic and pick up fresh pastries from The Flour Shop. You can even take a pastry—or one of their made-to-order ice cream sandwiches—into the coffee shop next door.
• If you’d prefer something a bit healthier, God Fuel serves delicious smoothies and gluten-free cooking until 2 p.m.
• You won’t regret any of these stops so plan time and be hungry enough for them all!

Foodie stops in Iowa Falls

• Stock up on local meats at Nimrod Meats, a family-run locker located in the same building as God Fuel.
• Don’t miss the iconic Iowa Falls Popcorn Stand, a seasonal staple that’s been serving fresh popcorn since 1948. The stand is located on the corner of Estes Park and is only open on Wednesdays from 4-7 pm. If you can’t visit on a Wednesday, you can find their popcorn in many local shops, including Nimrod Meats.

Outdoor Adventure in Iowa Falls

• Walk across the Swinging Bridge, a suspension bridge with views of the Iowa River. It’s a quirky, can’t-miss landmark.
• For a different perspective, head to the 99 Steps Jones Park Picnic Area on the other side of town. We counted twice and there are actually 101 steps. Regardless, once you get down to the bottom, you’ll have amazing views of a towering railroad bridge and crashing water coming out of an old dam.
• Stroll through Estes Park to see the Bill Riley Bandstand and admire the carved ash trees scattered around town. Here’s a map with all the ash tree carvings marked so you can find them if you want.

End the day with a drink at Timbukbru Brewery before heading north to Osage.

Where to Stay
For this itinerary, I recommend moving on to Osage for the night.

Day 2: Osage – Culinary Innovation, Small-Town Magic & Outdoor Fun

The next stop on your North Central Iowa road trip is the town of Osage, the seat of Mitchell County and home to about 3,500 residents. It’s become a culinary hub thanks to the creativity of Chef Jes Baldus, whose multiple concepts bring farm-to-table dining, bakery favorites, and even speakeasy cocktails to Main Street.

Osage is also a fantastic place to spend the night. Options like the stylish Teluwut Airbnb or the apartment above Watts Theatre put you right downtown, making it easy to walk to shops, restaurants, and evening entertainment.

Experience the Taste Osage Empire

While you may not bump into Chef Jes Baldus herself on your North Central Iowa Road Trip, you can still explore her innovative food concepts that have put Osage on the map. Here’s how to taste your way through her empire:

• The Market – Osage (with The Bakery inside) – Stop here for fresh pastries, breads, and the cheesecake that first made Jes famous, along with shelves stocked with local goods and farm-to-table staples.
• Piggyback Smokeshack – Keep an eye out for this pop-up BBQ concept, where smoky flavors take center stage. It’s located behind the market and open most Thursdays for lunch and dinner with outdoor dining.
• Blind Pig Speakeasy – If you join a Progressive Dinner, you’ll get access to this members-only speakeasy for handcrafted cocktails.

Osage’s Main Street Indie Shopping

You’ll find lots of fun shopping and quirky things to buy in Osage! Here are a few stops you can make:

• Kountry Kupboard – coffee, bulk groceries, and handmade gifts from a Mennonite family.
• Create – art supplies and unique gifts.
• Osage Floral & Gifts – flowers plus home décor.
• S&S Meats & Spirits – local meat locker and liquor store.
• Cedar Valley Seminary Old Central Coffee – beautiful space a restored historic building that is dedicated to feeding fresh, homemade food to seniors on a purely donation basis.
• Bo-K and Rusticks – buy cute homemade gifts from found food and enjoy their outdoor patio, wine tasting, and wine-slushies.

Outdoor Fun & Culture in Osage

Looking for more fun? Osage has options for active adventure plus more interesting stops in nearby towns.

• Cedar River Greenbelt Trail – A 25-mile trail for hiking and biking along the river.
• Cedar River Complex – Community hub with recreation facilities, a pool, and event space.
• Stillwater Greenhouse – Gorgeous plants and seasonal décor.
• Twisted River Farm Store – Stock up on farm-fresh produce and handmade products.
• Watts Theatre – A historic, family-run movie theater with old-school charm and a connection to Frank Lloyd Wright!

Day 3: Clear Lake – Lake Life, Music History & Modern Food Culture

Clear Lake, in Cerro Gordo County just off I-35, has about 7,700 residents. Long known as a summer getaway, it blends lake life, music history, and a modern food scene. It’s also home to the legendary Surf Ballroom, where Buddy Holly played his last concert.

Foodie Stops in Clear Lake

There are so many great places to eat in Clear Lake. We had a hard time fitting them all in, but here are a few paces we grabbed a bite or drink!

• Da-Lish Acai Bar – Colorful acai bowls and smoothies topped with homemade granola, fresh berries, and more.
• Livonia’s Coffee Bar – A relaxed coffee shop that embodies lakeside culture with a cute gift shop full of local flowers and souvenirs.
• Starboard Market – Legendary sandwiches and salads, perfect for a lake picnic.
• Lake Time Brewery – A lively community spot with craft beer.
• 173° Craft Distillery & The Cardinal – Iowa grains transformed into small-batch spirits and creative cocktails. Now serving food with new restaurant management under The Cardinal.
• Cookies Etc. – Gourmet cookies ranging from nostalgic classics to innovative flavors. Make sure to try their outdoor cookie ATM – from which you can even buy a homemade ice cream sandwich!

Outdoor Fun & Culture

Clear Lake is made for the outdoors—sail, kayak, or book a Lady of the Lake cruise, then relax at City Park along the shoreline. Music lovers will also want to visit the Surf Ballroom & Buddy Holly Crash Site Memorial, two of Iowa’s most iconic landmarks.

• Surf Ballroom & Buddy Holly Crash Site Memorial – A must-see for music fans.
• Central Gardens of North Iowa – Beautiful community gardens with seasonal events.
• Lady of the Lake Cruise – A paddlewheel boat offering scenic views of Clear Lake.
• City Park – A family-friendly lakeside gathering spot.

Where to Stay in Clear Lake

Stay at the Best Western Holiday Lodge for family-friendly accommodations and convenient access to downtown Clear Lake.

Take It to the Next Level: Evolution of the Heartland

Ready to dive deeper into North Central Iowa? Join Evolution of the Heartland immersive exerpience on September 19th in Osage !

Exclusive Experiences Include:

• Private tours with local producers
• Delicious lunch, swag bag, and t-shirt
• Cultural storytelling that connects food to place and history

Learn more on the Evolution of the Heartland website!

More Posts about Iowa Travel You Should Read

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7 Ways to Support Iowa’s Agri-Tourism Scene in DeWitt, Iowa

7 Beautiful Eastern Iowa State Parks You Don’t Want to Miss

Art, History, Culture, Adventure, and Food Await in Dubuque Iowa

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