Ocheyedan Mound used to be known as the highest point in Iowa – that is, until a 1971 geodetic survey determined that distiction actually went to a farm north of Sibley, Iowa.
I had to check this mound out on my way to Minneapolis earlier this month. The parking lot was easy to access, but climbing the mound itself was made difficult due to a poorly-mowed path. Nonetheless, rising 170 feet above the surrounding plain, the mound offered an excellent view of the Iowa countryside and is worth checking out if you’re in northwest Iowa.
Located in Mount Vernon, Iowa, Lincoln Cafe tops my list of all-time favorite restaurants. During our days at Cornell College, Amanda and I ate there frequently, enjoying superb food for lunch and dinner.
Along with incredibly innovative specials and desserts that change on a weekly basis, Lincoln Cafe has a solid regular menu. The everyday options include a hamburger with blue cheese, a BLT with avocado mayonnaise, and a spicy grilled chicken sandwich. You get a welcomed dash of creativity along with a reasonable price tag.
It’s a popular destination, so be aware a wait may be in store for evening dining. Nonetheless, if you’re in the area, Lincoln Cafe is an essential stop.
You won’t want to take a trip to Le Mars, Iowa without making a stop at Bob’s Drive Inn. The fryer food or hot dogs are good meal choices, but the small restaurant is most famous for its taverns.
For those of you not familiar with the terminology, taverns are simply loosemeat hamburgers. I’m not sure how the hamburger is cooked, but it’s greasy and tasty and goes great on a soft bun with cheese and condiments. Check out Bob’s if you’re in town – it’s open seven days a week beginning at 11 a.m.
Last weekend, Amanda and I stopped by Hawkeye Point, which has the distinction of being the highest point in the state of Iowa. The 1670-foot peak is on private property, but it is easy to access, just a short walk from the road. The official landmark is at the end of a feeding trough and is marked with a wooden cutout in the shape of Iowa.
There’s a metal box encouraging visitors to register, where we wrote our names and bought two of the souvenir keychains, which go for a mere $1 each. Located just north of Sibley, Iowa, Hawkeye Point provided a break from driving and nice view of northwest Iowa farmland.
