Charles City cited as one of Iowa’s best ‘under-the-radar’ travel destinations

By James Grob, jgrob@charlescitypress.com

The whitewater course, the historical museum and the Carrie Lane Chapman Catt home are some of the attractions.

So are Red Cedar Lodge and Pub On The Cedar.

Charles City got some respect recently in an article on the web blog Travel Awaits (travelawaits.com), which listed the community as one of “9 Under-The-Radar Iowa Towns And Why You Should Visit.”

“Adventure and history collide in Charles City, which is located approximately 35 minutes south of southern Minnesota’s I-90,” the article reads.

Travel Awaits describes itself as a travel website that serves travelers age 50 and older.

“We want to inspire you to explore new destinations, discover new experiences and savor the journey,” the group said on its home page. “Our goal, to share the world’s unique, hidden and once-in-a-lifetime locations with you to create unforgettable memories.”

Besides Charles City, other Iowa cities mentioned in the article are Elk Horn, Winterset, Dyersville, Estherville, Rockwell, Ottumwa, Pella and Lansing.

Author of the article, Sara Broers, is listed as a featured travel expert by the website. Broers is described as a travel enthusiast who resides in Northern Iowa. She is the CEO of “Travel With Sara” and the co-owner of the Midwest Travel Network.

“The first ever whitewater course in the state of Iowa can be found in Charles City,” Broers stated in the article. “With three different drops, it offers challenges for water enthusiasts of all skill levels.”

Broers mentioned that the Floyd County Historical Museum in Charles City is “home to more than 50,000 artifacts,” and also urged travelers interested in history to visit the Carrie Lane home.

“National women’s rights leader Carrie Lane Chapman Catt grew up on a farm south of Charles City,” Broers said. “You can visit her home and the interpretive center there.”

The article also mentioned The Pub On The Cedar as a restaurant that “offers salads, sandwiches, French dip sandwiches and, of course, an Iowa tenderloin,” and mentioned the “award-winning luxury lodging” at Red Cedar Lodge.

“Tom and Lorraine Winterink are your hosts and will welcome you like family,” Broers wrote.