Tucked up in Northwest Iowa near the famous Iowa Great Lakes, the community of Spencer offers a quiet getaway complete with a historic downtown and outdoor fun. It’s the perfect place to slow down, unplug and reconnect with what really matters, and this itinerary will show you how to do just that.
Day 1
Do: Clay County Heritage Center
Start your Spencer adventure with a deep dive into the community’s past. The center features two main galleries – one that hosts rotating exhibits while the other house a permanent collection of stories about settling Clay County, the Great Spencer Fire of 1931 and more.
Do: Horseshoe Bend Wildlife Area
Just a short drive away, the Horseshoe Bend Wildlife Area offers a wide array of outdoor activities. The preserve boasts 180 acres of land to explore along the Little Sioux River. It features an extensive trail system that winds through river valleys, forest, meadows and marshes, plus a playground, wildlife viewing blinds and picnic areas.
Eat: Sammy’s Italian Pasta & Pizza
End the day with authentic Italian cuisine at Sammy’s. All their hand-tossed pizzas, creamy pastas and hearty strombolis are crafted with fresh ingredients and served inside a cozy atmosphere by friendly staff.
Stay: AmericInn by Wyndham Spencer
For a comfortable and easy stay, check into a room at Spencer’s AmericInn. It’s located just minutes from downtown Spencer and includes amenities like a free homestyle breakfast and an indoor pool and hot tub.
Day 2
Eat: Medlar Coffee
Located in downtown Spencer, this charming, locally owned café is the perfect breakfast spot. It prioritizes using the highest quality organic beans to craft specialty coffees of every flavor, which pair perfectly with breakfast items like avocado toast, sausage sandwich, oatmeal and baked goods.
Do: Downtown Shopping
Spend an afternoon exploring Spencer’s delightful blend of historic charm and modern retail experiences. Discover vintage treasures at Spencer Furniture & Antiques, handcrafted jewelry and apparel at Pressed and stunning handmade glass art at Vermeer Glass Art and more.
Eat: Weasy’s Lounge & Grille
Experience a local favorite known for its hearty comfort food. Weasy’s Lounge & Grille features a menu filled with a variety of burgers, sandwiches and daily specials. Their signature dish, the “Weaser Pleaser,” is a must-try and features a beef and sausage burger topped with pepper jack cheese, bacon and peanut butter.
Do: Jones Dairy Farm
Owned and operated by five generations of the Jones family since 1903, Jones Dairy near Spencer welcomes visitors to see an Iowa dairy farm in action. Stop by the visitor center during its public hours to watch the milking process or schedule a guided tour to also see the barn, greet the calves and milk a cow.
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