If you haven’t stopped by this incredible Iowa Welcome Center, you’ll want to put it on your list of places to visit.
This rest area is a great place to take a break from driving. It’s open 24 hours a day and staffed continuously. The cute café and gift shop makes it truly special. They are open between 9am and 5pm.
janet lackey/Flickr
This giant red barn is actually an Iowa Welcome Center. It’s located just south of the Iowa/Minnesota border north of Clear Lake on highway 35.
TopofIowa.com 4705 Wheelerwood Rd., Northwood
If you need a longer break from the road, try the amazing pie and treat yourself to a cup of coffee.
Jimmy Emerson, DVM/Flickr
Don’t laugh, but cleanliness matters when it comes to rest areas, and this one should win an award.
TopofIowa.com
There’s plenty of room outside to lounge in the fresh air, take your dog for a quick walk, or let your kiddos run off some of the energy they built up in the car.
Joe Wolf/Flickr
A carefully organized and easily accessible wall of brochures and maps help travelers find their way and decide what exciting Iowa adventure they’d like to experience, next.
Top of Iowa Welcome Center and Rest Area/Facebook
The top floor is a loft that offers a fun view of the entire inside of the barn. Upstairs, you’ll find coffee, pie, a few comfortable places to sit, and more information about Iowa than you’ll ever need.
TopofIowa.com
The Barn Boutique is a celebration of Iowa Folkart.
Top of Iowa Welcome Center and Rest Area/Facebook
The adorable gift shop is Iowa-themed, and a great place to pick up something special.
Top of Iowa Welcome Center and Rest Area/Facebook
You won’t want to miss this fun Iowa-themed rest stop on your next road trip through northern Iowa.
Google Maps
Have you been to Top of Iowa? What did you think about it?
janet lackey/Flickr
TopofIowa.com
4705 Wheelerwood Rd., Northwood
Jimmy Emerson, DVM/Flickr
Joe Wolf/Flickr
Top of Iowa Welcome Center and Rest Area/Facebook
Google Maps
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
