Save on gasoline and time by planning day trips in Dallas County. You will enjoy the small-town atmosphere in each community and experience the charm and friendliness of the residents and business owners who welcome visitors.
Farm Fresh
“Fresh from the farm” takes on new meaning when you can meet the cow that gives the milk for your morning cereal or pick a veggie that supplies vitamins for daily nutrition. That’s exactly what’s happening in Dallas County these days. Its rich black soil is producing natural foods - from vegetables and fruits - to dairy and meats, and visitors are welcome!
At any number of small “niche” farms or at many traditional family farm operations, you can literally visit the source of your food, tour and learn more about Iowa farming practices. From corn and soybeans, to cattle and other livestock, Dallas County farms have it all!
Dallas County: One Great Garden!
There’s no question that you’ll see a lot of corn and soybeans in Dallas County. What generally surprises visitors are the thousands of acres of trees, shrubs, flowers and prairies that flourish in the state’s rich black soil.
Art in Many Forms
An entire day can be built around the arts, crafts and music of Dallas County. It’s all here. Regionalist art is a hallmark of small towns and much of it is crafted by artisans skilled in fabric and fiber, pottery, wood and other dimensional media.
But regionalism has its share of painters, print makers, musicians and performers. Their work is noteworthy for its breathtaking concepts and wondrous sounds. Collectors and tourists would be wise to travel country roads for the real art show and events hosting memorable performances.
Gals Country Day Trip
Country culture, a little exercise, great food, wine tasting and shopping!
Start off your morning with a visit to Keller’s Kountry Store in Dallas Center, picking jams, meats, cheeses and everything you will need for a day of baking. Move on to Brenton Arboretum and enjoy a two-mile walk through trees, grasses, sit on the dock and listen to the pond creatures. Wet your whistle and grab a juicy steak burger or lovely Blackened Caesar Salmon salad at the Harvest Moon in Dallas Center, maybe even play a little pool. Then head off for wine tasting at Penoach Winery and meander your way down Highway 169 into Adel for a bit of shopping at Cameo Rose, Garden Gate Antiques and Adel Quilting and Dry Goods. Finish your day off with dinner at one of Adel’s restaurants.
Raccoon River Valley Bike Trail Trip
Start the morning off early at the trailhead on the western side of Waukee. Ride the seven miles to Adel and have breakfast at Patrick’s. Before heading to Redfield, take a ride on Adel’s beautiful century-old brick streets. Ride the seven miles to Redfield and have lunch at the Dairy Shoppe or one of Redfield’s other two restaurants. Head back to Adel and have a cool treat at the Adel Dairy Shoppe or cold drink at Kinnick’s Tavern or Cool Beans Coffee on the Square. It’s an easy ride back to Waukee from there.
Day Trip for Men
Dallas County has plenty to offer the man of the house. The Bob Feller Museum in Van Meter is a must-see for any sports enthusiast. Before leaving town, have lunch at Fat Randi’s. Fat Randi’s breaded tenderloin was voted one of the top five in the state by the Iowa Pork Producers. Head to Waukee for a round of golf at Sugar Creek Golf Course or go west to River Valley Golf Course in Adel. Or do both! End the day with dinner at Italian Villages or a cold drink at Kinnick’s Tavern.
Spend the day in Perry
In the tradition of small-town hospitality, Perry says “Make Yourself at Home.” Step through the doors into the English Arts and Crafts lobby of the Hotel Pattee with its great stone fireplace, Persian carpets and leather furniture. Every room is decorated to honor individuals and themes important to Perry. Tour the art collection housed within the hotel including large murals, original oils, and a rooftop sculpture garden. The 1910 restored Carnegie Library Museum tells the story of small towns and the immigrants who settled them with exhibits, writings of local and famous authors and live interpretation. Study 19th and 20th century American architecture and find many styles within a three block radius of downtown. Shop for antiques, shoes or a special treasure, then dine and relax within the warm hospitality of Perry.
Spend the day in Adel
Spend a day in Adel and experience the charm of historic brick streets, quaint shops, the museum, and the newly restored Dallas County Courthouse. Nile Kinnick’s hometown also boasts many recreational assets including the Raccoon River Valley Bike Trail and the North Raccoon River. Recently recognized for the National Register of Historic Places, downtown Adel features specialty shopping and locally owned restaurants. Come and visit anytime. There’s more to do in Adel than eat sweet corn!
Spend the Day in Southwest Dallas County
Southwest Dallas County is rich in history. If you are traveling along I-80, take exit 100 and drive the White Pole Road west into Dexter. Tour the Dexter Museum, which houses hundreds of artifacts from yesteryear, and drive by the newly restored Dexter Community House, commonly referred to as the Roundhouse. The architectural wonder was built in 1916 and is on the National Register of Historic Places. Also, the original White Pole Road bridge, built in 1917, is still being used a half mile south of town.
For the chocolate lovers, a stop at Drew’s Chocolates is a must. In the same location since 1927, Drew’s features fork-dipped chocolates.
From there go north on Dexfield Road to the roadside park and take the time to read the history of the former Dexfield Amusement Park and the capture of members of the Barrow gang in 1933.
In Redfield, a visit to Hanging Rock Park, along the Middle Raccoon River, is a must. The park has picnic sites, rest rooms, a solar clock and a 1940s barn. The river in Redfield also boasts a beautiful low head dam, excellent for fishing.
While in Redfield, stop at the Restored Grand Army of the Republic Marshall Post Meeting Hall. On the ground floor is a Dallas County Conservation Military Museum filled with items dating from the American Civil War.
Dallas County Conservation
Day Trips - For the nature lovers
• The Pioneer Tour (Approximately one hour)
Forest Park Museum
Visit the Alton one-room school house, two museums and an arboretum. Enjoy 19th and 20th century artifacts, native prairie plants and an educational interpretive program if requested.
Forest Park Museum and
Voas Nature Area
Learn about and appreciate our geologic past by visiting our top quality collection of rocks and minerals from around the world. Enjoy a “Rocks are Fun” program.
Dallas County Conservation Day Trips
• Ghost Town Tour
www.co.dallas.ia.us/conservation
515.465.3577
Tour the sites of vanished towns in Dallas County History. This tour will visit early town sites and mining camps in Dallas County. Visitors will have the opportunity to view artifacts and photographs of these once thriving towns and walk fields once covered with houses.
• Crime Tour
www.co.dallas.ia.us/conservation
515.465.3577
This drive will visit shootout scenes, bank robberies and various other crime sites in the county. Some of the more notorious events and personalities, such as the infamous Bonnie and Clyde, will be discussed. Artifacts and photographs will be featured in this tour.
• Historic Cemetery Tour
www.co.dallas.ia.us/conservation
515.465.3577
Learn about some of the incredibly beautiful and best-kept secrets in Dallas County. These cemeteries are filled with beautiful stones and offer an important look at funeral customs, genealogy research and rare plants. This tour will focus on some of the most beautiful and historic pioneer cemeteries in Dallas County.
• Architectural Masterpieces of Dallas County
www.co.dallas.ia.us/conservation
515.465.3577
Tour three fantastic examples of nationally significant architecture found in Dallas County including the famous Dallas County Courthouse, the singular Dexter Community House, and one of the last two surviving intact brickyards in the country. This tour will be of great interest to architecture enthusiasts.