Love getting fresh air, seeing beautiful sites but want to skip all the hiking and huffing and puffing? This itinerary is for YOU! Consider packing a lunch and enjoying it on your Stop #2 as you overlook the mighty Mississippi River!
Stop #1 - Breakfast at Maggie's Diner
Head straight over the bridge to Iowa, and keep going straight for just under 7 miles. Look to your left for a bunch of parked semi trailers, a big red sign and a little diner - and you found it!
Maggie's Diner serves THE BEST homestyle breakfast around, they have amazing desserts and the people who own it are just awesome. You won't be disappointed, and in fact you'll probably want to come back again for lunch or dinner on a different day!
Stop #2 - Spook Cave Tour
Continue left out of the driveway from Maggies and drive to Spook Cave Road, 3 miles down on your right. Follow for another 2 miles until you reach your destination: Spook Cave! This is not your ordinary cave tour. NO WALKING here. That's right - you climb aboard a little dingy and set sail into a cave! The tour lasts about 40 minutes, and departs all day long from 9:00 am - 5:00 pm during the summer. Tickets cost $16 per adult and $11 for kids ages 4-12 (3 and under are free). While waiting for the tour, kids can pan for gold, and there's even a small waterfall (Beulah Falls) on the property if anyone is up for a small hike.
The adjacent campground and premises has kind of a dirty dancing summer camp vibe - a charming little place! This cave tour is truly a riot and a must do at least once in your life. There is a little gift shop and some playground equipment for kids to burn a little steam. Note - you do have to bend forward/crouch a few times to navigate the ceiling as the boat passes through some shallow headspace, and it's a bit chilly in the cave so bring a sweatshirt!
Stop #3 - Driftless Area Wetlands Center
Head back toward the river after you finish up at Spook Cave (Wave at your new friends at Maggie's as you drive by). Before you get back to the bridge, you'll see the Driftless Area Wetlands Center on your right. The Center is free to the public and offers a mix of indoor and outdoor educational displays. Adults can enjoy the observation deck, and kids (or adults) can get hands-on with dip nets and wetland exploration. Watch butterflies, stroll wildflower and wetland trails, try the wildlife viewing blind, check out a replica bald eagles nest & walk on the swinging bridge.
Hours are Tuesday - Saturday 11am-4pm, Closed Sundays & Mondays.
Stop #4 - Picnic Lunch at Pike's Peak Overlook
Follow the signs to McGregor, IA and continue all the way through town, forking left to follow the river and signs to Pike's Peak. Enter the park (State Park Entrance Fee $15/adult, $10/child or $50/carload) and park in the main parking lot. Look off to the right and you'll see the first (and biggest) overlook. Magnificent!
After taking in the breathtaking views & snapping a few selfies, meander over to one of the many picnic areas to enjoy a leisurely picnic or afternoon snack (depending on what time you make it here). Note - this park has AWESOME hiking for another day when you're feeling less lazy :-P
Stop #5 - Afternoon Wine & Music at Eagles Landing Winery
Make your way back to McGregor, but instead of getting on the bridge to WI, head under it into the tiny town of McGregor. Take a left on North Street (on the other side of Casey's) and Eagles Landing Winery will be just down on your left. The winery has a cute patio tucked between the buildings, offers free wine tastings every day and has a revolving list of incredible live music every Saturday from 1-4pm.
Eagles Landing Winery offers a full lineup of award winning wines, ranging from dry to sweet in both red and white varieties. The winery is open daily from 10am - 5pm.
Stop #6 - Chill Time Back at the Corner Cottage
Head back to the Corner Cottage (where you're staying of course!) to freshen up, kick back on the patio, whip up some fresh margs or maybe take a little nap before heading out for some of Prairie's incredible dinner spots and nightlife, just a single block's walk from the cottage.
The Corner Cottage is a freshly updated mid-century vacation rental packed with charm. It comfortably sleeps 8, has ample off-street parking for cars and boats, a private patio and fenced yard, laundry, high speed internet, large dining area and a fully stocked kitchen. Book your stay at the Corner Cottage through AirBnB, we can't wait to host you!
Bonus: Head to Dinner!
While the Corner Cottage has a great patio, fire pit and outdoor grill - we're lazy and we want to eat out! :) Check out one of Prairie's MANY amazing restaurants - and if it's Friday, get a fish fry! Check out Places to Eat here.
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