The varied and unique experiences awaiting groups in Western Iowa include everything from a agriculture tour and pub crawl to an outing at an historic theater, a waterborne excursion and a visit to one of the country’s most beloved county fairs.
Council Bluffs
When in Council Bluffs, groups are encouraged to explore the Loess Hills, which were formed at the end of the last ice age and span nearly 200 miles from Sioux City to St. Joseph, Mo.
According to Mark Eckman, executive director of the Council Bluffs CVB, one of the best ways for groups to experience the Loess Hills is to participate in Living Loess, a program during which nine locations are open for tours on the third Saturday of the month from May through October.
“Each provides an opportunity to learn more about what makes the Loess Hills a unique place in terms of agriculture, art, nature and small business,” he says. “Participants validate their Living Loess Passport as they visit each of the nine places.”
Among the stops on a Loess Hills itinerary are Sawmill Hollow Family Farm, Honey Creek Creamery, Loess Hills Lavender Farm, Loess Hills Woodworks and Harvest Studio.
Groups meeting in Council Bluffs can also arrange a Pub Stroll on the 100 Block of West Broadway, which is located in the historic section of downtown and is lined with buildings dating back to the turn of the 20th century that now house pubs, restaurants and shops.
Eckman says the pubs act as perfect hosts for a variety of activities, including a scavenger hunt based on the conference theme.
Pub Stroll participants include Glory Days Sports Bar & Grill, Barleys, 1892 German Bier Haus and Hounds Lounge.
Another unique experience for groups meeting in Council Bluffs is Watta Way, a recommended route that connects wineries, recreational pursuits, quaint shops and more throughout Pottawattamie County. Stops along the way include Farmall-Land USA Museum, Mt. Crescent’s Screaming Eagle Zip Line and Walnut—a.k.a. Iowa’s Antique City.
Sioux City
One of the top experiences for groups meeting in Sioux City is the Celebrity, Wine and History Tour aboard the Sioux City Trolley.
“Learn about Sioux City’s first winery, Hannel Cellars Winery, while you sample flavors such as peach and cranberry,” says Melissa Lanzourakis, marketing manager at Visit Sioux City.
She adds attendees will also learn about how the city was founded and visit the homes of former celebrities, including Jerry Mathers, Abigail Van Buren and Ann Landers.
Another outing that lands on many meeting itineraries is a visit to the Sioux City Orpheum theater for a tour and/or show.
According to Lanzourakis, a tour will give groups a close look at the city’s most prized theater, which was restored at the turn of the 21st century to its original 1927 glory and features its original chandeliers.
“The ‘grand daddy’ chandelier weighs as much as a car!” Lanzourakis says, adding groups can take a backstage tour and see the famous wall of celebrity signatures. “Or if it’s a show day, come see a show.”
The calendar of shows includes touring bands and Broadway shows, and performances by the century-old Sioux City Symphony. The theater is also available for receptions, dinners and private parties for groups.
Sioux City also offers a spiritual experience for those in the group who are Christian.
“A visit to Trinity Heights will bring a group to an inspirational setting to focus on their relationship with God,” Lanzourakis says. “Feel at peace at this 80-acre oasis where you’ll see a life-size wood carving of the Last Supper, one of only four in the world.”
Clay County
If groups are meeting in or nearby Spencer, Iowa, in September, they can plan a visit to the Clay County Fair, which according to Jill Toft, tourism director at the Clay County CVB, has been known as the World’s Greatest County Fair since 1917.
The fair attracts more than 300,000 people each September for world-class grandstand events, daily livestock and horse shows, entertaining performances, thousands of competitive exhibits, carnival rides and every imaginable type of fair food.
“Groups can experience any part of the fair they choose,” Toft says, adding group tours of the fair can be arranged with the CVB office.
Another must-experience outing in Clay County is to Spencer-based Bogenrief Studios.
According to Toft, the Bogenriefs began by restoring antique stained-glass windows, and since their introduction to the medium of stained glass, they have grown to create blown glass masterpieces.
“Groups can watch Jesse [Bogenrief] transform molten glass into beautiful bowls, vases, ornaments and more,” Toft says. “They can then step into his workshop and create their own work of art; it’s a wonderful hands-on experience, with the opportunity to bring your work of art home.”
And at Peterson, Iowa-based Jim’s History Barn, a restored circa-1928 barn, groups will find Western memorabilia, Native America artifacts and military items from the 1700s through World War II.
“Jim Hass, owner, offers tours of the two-story barn,” Toft says. ”I still have not seen everything he has on display because there is so much—I see new things each time I visit. It’s difficult to describe this unique museum, but once you visit you will fall in love with the location and the owner.”
Okoboji
When in Okoboji, especially during the warmer months, groups can consider waterborne pursuits on West Okoboji Lake, including standup paddleboarding, kayaking and boating excursions.
One standby outfitter is Boat Okoboji Rentals, which has a fleet of vessels to accommodate two to 24 people.
Another unique option for groups convening here is Arnolds Park Amusement Park, where attendees can act like kids again by munching on cotton candy and popcorn, and hopping on fun rides, including the roller coaster, Ferris wheel, bumper cars and log flume ride.
Arnolds Park offers several meeting spaces, including a pavilion, a theater and the Queen II for an on-water gathering.
