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Think you’ve seen it all in Northeast Iowa’s Allamakee County? Think again. From hidden menu items and tucked away trails to secret spots and knowledge, this list uncovers the experiences only locals know about. Get ready to sip, savor and explore this amazing area like a true local.
Crafted from a family recipe passed down through generations, the City Meat Market’s pork jerky has earned a loyal following from locals and visitors alike – and that’s just the beginning of the lineup. Step inside to sample smoked sausages, snack sticks and German-style bologna, all made with the same careful techniques that have defined the shop for more than a century. Opened by German immigrants in 1882 and owned by the same family today, this New Albin staple has built its legacy on bold, savory flavors that keep people coming back. Swing by after hours and you’re still in luck: a custom meat vending machine right outside the front door is stocked and ready to supply the perfect road trip snacks.
Paying homage to its Greek namesake, Safe House Saloon’s specialty pizza “The Calypso” starts with an olive oil crust brushed with pesto, then piles on garlic chicken, tomato, spinach, artichoke and feta for a bold, Mediterranean-inspired bite. It’s a must-try – and just one standout among an exciting lineup of gourmet pizzas, plus wings, shareable appetizers and a seemingly endless selection of craft beers. All of it is served inside a speakeasy-style space one visitor called “dark, moody and fabulous,” a vibe that feels right at home in Lansing’s historic downtown.
Though not necessarily meant to be enjoyed together, WW Homestead Dairy’s famous cheese curds and not-as-famous (but equally delicious) chocolate milk show off the quality of farm-fresh dairy.
The sensationally squeaky cheddar cheese curds are snack royalty. Freshly made each week, these award-winning curds have taken home state and national honors and helped the Waukon farm earn its title as the “Cheese Curd Capital of Iowa.” You’ll find them in 11 unique flavors, from bold and zesty picks like garlic dill or jalapeno ranch to savory favorites like smokey cheddar and onion chive. While you’re browsing the on-farm store, pause to watch the curd-making process in action and peek into the creamery through the large viewing windows.
For milk lovers, you can’t miss a sip of WW Homestead’s skim chocolate milk. It’s included in their list of non-homogenized milk products, meaning the cream that’s usually mixed evenly throughout instead naturally rises to the top. When this happens, you can either scoop it off the top or mix back in and enjoy the milk as normal. Grab a pint from the farm store to try at home – this kind of fresh milk extra creamy, making it especially delightful to drink or use for baking and crafting homemade ice cream.
A go-to for both iced and hot coffee fans, the Dirty Cowboy latte has been one of Aztec Parlor’s top sellers since it hit the menu. Order this Main Street Waukon coffee shop’s favorite, which features a cup drizzled in caramel and filled with a crave-worthy combo of espresso, steamed milk and white chocolate syrup, then topped with house made cinnamon sweet cold foam.
Not a coffee drinker? The Hawaiian Desert Lotus energy delivers a bright, refreshing alternative. Made with Blue Lotus, this sugar-free energy booster mixes fruity notes of blue raspberry, pineapple and coconut with a splash of club soda for a lightly fizzy sip that’s equally energizing and tropical.
Offering a mood-booster in a glass, Empty Nest Winery’s Hump Day Happiness is available year-round and boasts a bold fruit flavor. Crafted from fresh blackberries and Concord grapes and finished with a hint of nutmeg, it pairs excellently with cheesecake and chocolate or shines just as brightly on its own.
Stop by for a sample inside the Waukon winery’s relaxed tasting room, which also offers sangria, craft beer, cider and free popcorn plus snacks to purchase and games to play.
Home to several important bird and conservation areas, plus dramatic landscapes, river corridors and diverse habitats, Allamakee County draws birds year-round and during migration seasons. Therefore, it’s considered one of Iowa’s true birding hotspots. Here are some must-visit locations for birdwatching.
Effigy Mounds National Monument & Yellow River State Forest: Together, these areas near Harpers Ferry make up Northeast Iowa’s largest public owned forest, which over 170 bird species call home. And each park’s vast collection of trails makes it easy to escape into the trees and immerse yourself in their habitat. At Effigy Mounds, take the Yellow River Boardwalk Trail into the primary Important Bird Area habitat, where cerulean warblers are known to flock to. Throughout Yellow River State Forest’s multiple units, keep your eyes open for bald eagles, red-shouldered hawks, important woodland nesters like the veery, warblers, pileated woodpecker, wood thrush, black billed and yellow billed cuckoos and a host of others. During migration time, the Mississippi River and its towering bluffs also host one of the best fall raptor migration viewing spots in the state.
Pool Slough Wildlife Management Area: For a more rustic experience, check out this rural wildlife area near New Albin. Situated within the backwaters of the Mississippi River, it features an observation platform at the entrance that offers stunning views and perfect birdwatching opportunities over the surrounding wetlands that provide resting, feeding and nesting grounds for waterfowl, shorebirds and other wildlife. Follow the dirt road to explore more of the marsh habitat. Reported bird sightings in this area often include trumpeter swans, Virginia rails, soras and marsh wrens plus many warblers, so keep your binoculars and camera ready.
More amazing birding sites nearby include Blackhawk Point Wildlife Management Area, Clear Creek Wildlife Management Area, Fish Farm Mounds State Preserve and others. Find more Iowa birding hotspots and additional information here.
Experience an off-the-beaten-path biking adventure at Mount Hosmer. Towering 450 feet over Lansing and the Mississippi River, this bluff features a network of rugged multi-use trails designed specifically for mountain biking. Embark on a challenging half-mile climb that weaves through the woods and past open overlook. Take a break at the top to admire the stunning panoramic views before enjoying the heart-pounding thrill of a rocky descent. It’s a perfect blend of sweat, scenery and grin-inducing terrain that can be enjoyed year-round.
Dubbed by some runners as the “most scenic half marathon ever,” the Running Driftless Half Marathon feels like being let in on a secret scenic route through one of Iowa’s most beautiful landscapes. Held each year on the second Saturday in October, the event follows the Great River Road and scenic backroads and offers multiple ways to join the fun, including a half marathon, relay, 10K and a downtown Lansing 5K. Along the way, runners are treated to sweeping views of the area’s signature rolling hills, winding river bends and the Mississippi River valley – often right at peak fall color – before crossing the finish line.
For a Mississippi River escape like no other, book a stay on an S&S Boat Rentals houseboat and set off from Lansing on a floating adventure. Choose from four spacious, river-ready vessels, each of which are outfitted with comfortable living spaces, full kitchens and sleeping accommodation for 6-10 guests, plus rooftop canopies and waterslides for endless fun. Take your trip up a notch with a rental Lilypad or inflatable paddleboard, then push off from the dock to glide down the river or drop anchor in a quiet cove for a serene retreat. Not comfortable at the helm? No problem – S&S offers a complimentary captain service to move you to a different location or return you safely to the marina, making your river getaway effortless and unforgettable.
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