How to spend the day in Mediapolis, Iowa

Discover fun things to do in Mediapolis, a bustling small town in southeastern Iowa. 

Looking for a small-town getaway for the day? We know just the place.

Mediapolis is located in southeastern Iowa’s Des Moines County, not too far from the Iowa-Illinois border and Burlington. While there are just about 1,600 residents in this Iowa town, there are a whole host of spots to enjoy when passing through.

The town started as a train station stop in 1869 and is named for being located between two railway line stops (Burlington and Wapello). Today, it draws visitors who enjoy quaint small-town living and great outdoor adventures.

If you’re looking for a fun getaway, check out our list of things to do in Mediapolis. Spoiler alert: It involves a lot of eating and spending time outside!

Morning

Any good trip to a small town should start with a filling breakfast. We suggest starting the day at Apron Strings. You can’t go wrong ordering off their menu, but don’t miss out on the pecan rolls. You also have permission to have pie for dessert, even at breakfast time. 

Spend the morning exploring some of the spots that make Mediapolis a special small town. Stop by the Des Moines County Freedom Rock, which was installed on Mediapolis’s main street in 2020 to honor the Des Moines County connections to military service.

While in the area, you might want to stop by the Civil War monument. Located two miles east in Kossuth, this historical marker can be found by following the new signage. It’s a 12-foot-tall marble plinth that pays tribute to the 73 Civil War soldiers whose names were engraved on the monument 150 years ago. Fun fact: This was the first Civil War monument west of the Mississippi River. 

Before heading out on the next part of your adventure, make a pit stop to refuel. Swing by Jilly’s Coffee & Cakes to grab your favorite beverage and some delicious pastries and sweet treats. They have seasonal lattes that will have you planning a return visit. 

Then, hop back in your vehicle to check out Big Hollow Recreation Area. Located just a few miles south of town, it’s home to a 178-acre lake that is ideal for fishing and swimming. There’s archery, a firing range, and an observatory run by the Southeast Iowa Astronomy Club. Plus, they have tent and RV camping options if you plan to stay a bit longer in the area. Embark on a nice, long hike on one of the trails so you can work up an appetite for lunch. 

Afternoon

Once lunchtime rolls around, head back to Main Street in Mediapolis to grab something to eat. If you’re looking for a delicious deli sandwich, pop into Mepo Foods, the friendly local grocery store right on Main Street. Or, if you feel like pizza or other great bar and grill food, locals recommend Bulldogs on Main. Leave room for dessert, too. To satisfy your sweet tooth, check out The Flour Barn on the corner of Highway 61 and Main Street. Here, they serve baked goods and soft serve ice cream treats. No matter what you choose, you’ll be fueled up for the next part of your adventure. 

Consider bringing your pooch along for this adventure as locals tell us the dog park in Mediapolis has fun obstacles and features Fido will love. It’s located along Highway 61 on the south side of town.

During a warm-weather visit, kids will enjoy the Mediapolis Aquatics Center. It’s just north of the school and sports fields complex along Northfield Street. The curlicue slide is an extra fun feature. 

There’s also a great city park with a playground, picnic shelters and tables, tennis courts, and a stage that hosts a wide variety of community entertainment. And if you’re a flower enthusiast, plan a visit to the Southeast Iowa Lavender Farm. Be sure to call ahead as visits to the farm store are by appointment only. 

If you want to do more shopping, pop into e jae’s boutique for on trend women’s fashions and accessories. Then head to The Corner, a quaint little spot that is part bookstore and part tea room. 

Evening

It’s been a full day, and while you’ve had many satisfying things to eat, you’ve probably still worked up an appetite. Luckily, there are a couple of options when it comes to sitting down for dinner.

If you’re looking for great steaks and a slightly more fine-dining atmosphere, grab a table at The D & E Grille, right in the heart of Mediapolis. Locals also recommend The Yarmouth Filling Station, about ten miles outside of Mediapolis.

If you’re ready to stay out on the town a bit longer, swing by Bob’s Best Shot on Main Street. This quintessential small-town bar will give you a taste of the nightlife in Mediapolis. Check out their Facebook page to check on specials and to see if you might plan a visit on a night when they are offering karaoke or live music. 

This article first appeared on Good Info News Wire and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.