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River View From Historic Mill's 2nd Floor. Rustic Timber-frame Construction

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Enter deck via sliding glass doors. Two queen beds are to left & right of entry.
"Deck" unit's entry is sliding glass door shown in center w/ perimeter railing.
Stairs lead to 3rd floor "sleeping level" & full bath.Rent to sleep 6 to 8 more.
Queen bed #2.
Living area in center front. Dining area & kitchen under dropped ceiling at rear

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
1 bedroom2 bathroomsSleeps 8111.5 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Dryer
  • Hot tub
  • Washer
  • Parking available
  • Barbecue grill
  • Kitchen

Explore the area

Map
Shell Rock, IA
  • Shell Rock County Park
    ‪12 min walk‬
  • Wartburg College
    ‪8 min drive‬
  • University of Northern Iowa
    ‪25 min drive‬
  • Waterloo, IA (ALO-Waterloo Regional)
    ‪24 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

1 bedroom (sleeps 8)

2nd Floor Sleeping Area

1 Double Futon and 2 Queen Beds

3rd Floor Sleeping -Add $110 a night in 2023

1 Queen Bed, 1 Double Bed and 1 Child Bed

3rd Floor Sleeping Area Continued

2 Single Beds

2 bathrooms

2nd Floor Bath

Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Bathtub · Toilet · Shampoo · Hair dryer

3rd Floor Bath (if 3rd floor is rented)

Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Toilet · Jetted bathtub · Shampoo

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Balcony
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area

About this property

River View From Historic Mill's 2nd Floor. Rustic Timber-frame Construction

Iowa cities and colleges within 10 to 25 minutes:
• Cedar Falls -University of Northern Iowa
• Waverly - Wartburg
• Waterloo, Iowa - Hawkeye Community College and John Deere Museum
Cultural and sporting events abound.

WiFi is on-site!
Relax in The Old Mill's second-floor, studio apartment unit in the comfort of modern amenities with a mix of cozy, eclectic, antique and handcrafted furnishings and a fully-furnished kitchen. Marvel at The Old Mill's 1867 craftsmanship and mortise and tenon construction. Spectacular wooden beams, columns, timbers and ceiling joists were left exposed when the building was repurposed. Flooring was salvaged to frame the doors and windows. The architectural and engineering prowess that created Shell Rock's landmark is hard to imagine.

Escape big city life for smalltown friendliness and "Iowa nice" which are refreshing characteristics of Shell Rock, Iowa. Recreational opportunities abound from outside the door to within 35 miles in county and state parks, lakes, and on Cedar, Shell Rock and Wapsipinicon Rivers:
• Canoeing and kayaking.
• Hiking and biking on 100+ miles of bike trails - most are hard surface.
• Fishing - Walleye, bass, catfish and more.
• Golfing.

Use The Old Mill as your base for daytrips to Northeast Iowa's scenic landscape including Amish country; the quaint Little Brown Church at Nashua, Iowa; dairies or a buffalo ranch; train exhibits. Explore area historical or agricultural museums. Return to The Old Mill for a campfire or cozy relaxation with sounds of the river to lull you to sleep.

LOCATION: 103 N Cherry Street, Shell Rock, Iowa.
Easy access from Iowa Highway 3.
Located two miles west of the Avenue of the Saints, i .e., Highway 218, which connects St. Louis, Missouri, and St. Paul, Minnesota.
OR Located 50 minutes/43 miles east of I-35 on Iowa Highway 3.

DECK UNIT's 2nd FLOOR ACCESS:
>Ascend outside stairs (19 easy steps with handrail. No elevator.) and a walkway to the deck.
>Glass sliding doors lead into the living area. Blue carpet reminds you of the river.

AWESOME VIEWS INSIDE AND OUT
>A "tree house" view overlooks the river bank two stories below. Glimpse eagles or blue herons soaring above the river. In summer the tree canopy blocks the view of the shelter house at the adjacent city park.
>Water tumbles over the rock rubble dam upstream. A pool below the dam is spawning territory for walleye in early spring, as well as providing year round fishing.
>Sunsets are stunning.

KITCHEN EQUIPMENT:
Refrigerator, gas stove, microwave, dishwasher.
Keurig, Ninja coffee and latte maker plus a 30-cup drip coffee pot. Tea kettle.
Belgian waffle maker. Wok. Electric skillet. Crock pot. Stand mixer.
Utensils, silverware, linens, cookware, dinnerware, and bakeware. BBQ tools.
Dish soap, hand soap, detergent.

COMPLIMENTARY:
Cappuccino, coffee, tea or hot chocolate. Keurig pods.
Basic spices, sugar, flour, oil and vinegar staples.
Waffle mix, syrup, butter.
LET US KNOW if you have special dietary needs or restrictions.

IN TOWN:
>A hometown bar/grill as we) as a steakhouse are a short walk across the bridge. Summertime Ice Cream shop.
>24-hour convenience store: breakfast and lunch sandwiches, soups, daily specials, pizzas and pastry items. Full line of hot and cold drinks. ATM. Gasoline. Propane tank exchange.
>Community pool open in summer.
>Frisbee golf four blocks from mill.
>Walking and biking trail along river two blocks from mill. Another paved, 26-mile trail, less than two miles from the mill.

LAWN ORNAMENTS - PARK SETTING:
• Three huge turbines
• Partial millstones
• Gears, pulleys, milling equipment, and a wagon lift
• Perennial plantings
•Patio with gas grill.
•Fire ring. Gather wood along river.
• Double lot, park-like setting.
• Adjacent park above the dam has a shelter that can be reserved with a deck, picnic tables, restrooms May- October, electricity + plenty of parking for friends or family reunion.

What a wonderful place to combine relaxing with nature and exercising! Come unwind for a long weekend or get away for a week. For rainy days, books, cards, puzzles and board games are provided. Sunny day equipment includes bat, ball, gloves, tennis racquets and croquet set.

Mill Property ID  #1136016- Studio apartment:
- is on the second floor which is referred to as the deck or balcony level of the mill's 5-story structure.
- is 1,200 sq ft, open concept. Tri-fold screens for privacy.
- sleeps 6 adults if beds are shared.

The studio apartment has:
• its own 75- gallon water heater, furnace and air conditioner.
• separate thermostat to control heat and air.
•full bath with pedestal sink, clawfoot tub and separate shower; walnut cabinet with bath linens, hair dryer, toiletries, first aid items.
•dining table with leaves to seat 6 to 12 guests.
•but may not be suitable for active toddlers due to stairs and open areas.
LET US KNOW if you need a card table or TV trays.

NOTE: If you rent the 2nd floor studio apartment unit, the 3rd-floor sleeping level can be rented. The 3rd floor is accessed by stairs inside the 2nd floor unit.
-- Sleeping level is $120 per night for 1 to 4 adult guests, 4 children or a combination.
PLUS $25 per stay per adult guests #5 & #6 with 6 adults maximum. No extra charge for children under 18.

SEE MILL'S SEPARATE LISTING FOR:
VRBO PROPERTY ID #1056730 This is the mill's two-bedroom apartment unit on the first floor (street-level).

RENT BOTH #1056730 (1st floor) and #1136016 (2nd floor):
To sleep 12 adults if beds are shared.

ADD THE 3RD-FLOOR to ID #1136016 (second floor studio apartment unit) for:
Dorm-style, sleeping area to sleep an additional 6 adults maximum + 2 children (if two beds are shared) with full bath. (OR a combination of adults + children = 8 guests but no more than 6 adults or 6 children.)

THE OLD MILL'S "House Rules" ARE SIMPLE:
No pets.
No smoking.
No candles.
No illegal activity.
Return items and furniture where you found them.
Spray the shower after use.
Follow check-in and check-out instructions.
Take good care of the gem we've entrusted to you.
Relax & Enjoy!

From Daryl & Diana Pals, Old Mill Proprietors
NOTE #1: If you rent both 1st and 2nd floor units, the adjoining door is unlocked for easy, inside, stairway access between the two levels.
NOTE #2: The Mill was built in 1867. As hard as we try to keep out dust, it is impossible.
IF YOU ARE HIGHLY ALLERGIC TO DUST OR GRAIN, The Old Mill may not be for you.

Property manager

Diana & Daryl Pals
Premier Host

Languages

English

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Hot tub
Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Air conditioning
Outdoor space

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House Rules

Check in after 12:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 21
Check out before 12:00 PM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
Not childproofed. Constant supervision under 5 yr.
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Events

Events allowed: family gatherings and weddings
Owner's consent prior to event. Small gatherings.
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
No smoking inside, on porches or deck.
No candles or incense. No fireworks on premises.
Spray stall/bath walls after showering. Follow check-in and check-out lists.
Provide full name, age; city\state of residence for each overnight guest prior to check-in. Vehicle description and License plate/state required.

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Parties and events (including family gatherings and weddings) are allowed on site. Maximum attendees: 20
Note from host: Owner's consent prior to event. Small gatherings.
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit

We should mention

A car is required for transport to and from this property

About the area

Shell Rock

Located in Shell Rock, this holiday home is in a rural area and on the waterfront. Waverly Municipal Golf Course and Prairie Links Golf Course & Event Center are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Shell Rock Wildlife Management Area and Shell Rock Bend Wildlife Management Area. Discover the area's water adventures with kayaking and power boating nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with hunting and cycling.
Map
Shell Rock, IA

What's nearby

  • Shell Rock County Park - 12 min walk - 1.0 km
  • Wartburg College - 8 min drive - 9.1 km
  • Waverly Municipal Golf Course - 10 min drive - 10.0 km
  • UNI-Dome - 25 min drive - 34.5 km
  • University of Northern Iowa - 25 min drive - 34.6 km

Getting around

  • Waterloo, IA (ALO-Waterloo Regional) - 24 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Casey's General Store - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Casey's General Store - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Vfw Waverly - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪Four Queens - ‬9 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is River View From Historic Mill's 2nd Floor. Rustic Timber-frame Construction pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at River View From Historic Mill's 2nd Floor. Rustic Timber-frame Construction?

Check-in begins at 12:00 PM.

What time is check-out at River View From Historic Mill's 2nd Floor. Rustic Timber-frame Construction?

Checkout is at 12:00 PM.

Where is River View From Historic Mill's 2nd Floor. Rustic Timber-frame Construction located?

This family-friendly Shell Rock holiday home is located on the waterfront, within a 5-minute walk of Hoyt Elliot Memorial Park, Shell Rock Historical Museum and Benny Gambaiani Public Library. Shell Rock Wildlife Management Area and Shell Rock County Park are also within 15 minutes.

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 57 out of 59 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 59 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 59 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 59 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 59 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Staff & service

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

John F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Historical place and fantastic stay!

We absolutely loved staying here. Everything was provided for us, a fantastic view, such a cool atmosphere, we recommend staying! The Pal's are wonderful! Restaurants are about 10 minutes away to Waverly, every place we went too was amazing!Book this place!! 5 out of 5!
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ann S.

Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Leanne R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Old Mill never disappoints!

This is our second Thanksgiving staying at the Old Mill. Cozy, full of history, beautiful river views! Diana was great at communicating and personalizing our stay. Thank you for another wonderful stay!
Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Amanda P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great Place!!!

We loved staying here!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Mark R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Peaceful Place

I have been staying at this historic place now for three straight years. Simply put there isn't a better place to stay on a vacation. The owners are the nicest people to work with, they treat you like family. They supply almost everything you need...just bring your suitcase because that is all you really need. This historic mill is quiet, except for the falls outside that put you to sleep or create a peaceful calm, it's always clean, and it's right downtown in Shell Rock. Look no further than this serene setting for a place to stay whenever you are staying anywhere close to Shell Rock Iowa!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Nadine J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A Great Place

Wonderful place and definitely a place to stay when in the area!
Stayed 4 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

William S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Vacation

Unique and cozy property. Host provided everything that we needed.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Leanne R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great Location

Family vacation for Wartburg's first 2 playoff games and to celebrate Thanksgiving. Easy drive to Waverly and Waterloo. Cozy, with enough room for 6 of us to have our own space. Diana is friendly and helped up out by readying the 3rd floor for our additional guests after we checked in. Very relaxing on the river.
Stayed 9 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

myron l.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful Fall get-a-way

We hope to be back and bring family. lots of room, gorgeous location, very little street noise, tremendous views, and a great launch pad to explore N.E. Iowa. The hosts are very accommodating and responsive.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Christie P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great fall getaway

We stayed in the lower unit with my kids and parents. Upper and lower units could be combined for a bigger group, which we may try next time. Location is amazing for fishing! We originally had planned to go explore some other parts of the river but had all the action we could have wanted right below the rapids by the mill. Lots of walleye, smallmouth bass, and a couple northern pike. Had a fish fry in the fire pit one night and still had plenty of fish to bring home with us. We also brought bikes and did a lot of riding around town. The streets in Shell Rock are quiet and safe. We didn’t go to any restaurants, but the gas station in town does have a lot of food options. The house had all of the kitchen and grilling utensils we needed. Only complaint is that the older TV only has antenna channels (we didn’t watch a lot of TV, but a streaming option would be nice). Overall a very fun and relaxing trip. We will be back!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Sharon M., Prairie du Chien Wisconsin

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Family wedding

We were in town for a family wedding so we booked this rental. Very clean and so many nice touches! My grandchildren loved the snacks you provided. Loved sitting on the deck in the evening watching the river. The owners were very responsive!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Brenda B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Reunion memories

We had a wonderful stay at the Mill. Such a great place with everything needed to be able to enjoy spending time with our family!
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Mark C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

History buff

I'm a history buff- Mrs Pals brought up 2 history books which I enjoyed (amougst other history books at the site).
Stayed 16 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Mark R., Lake Clarke Shores

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Awesome...as usual

This is the only place I will stay when I visit my children and grandchildren in Waverly Iowa. When you stay at the old sugar mill it takes you back in time to a very peaceful and serene place. Sitting on the deck with my morning coffee or at night with my iced tea listening to the waterfall is just so relaxing. Mr. & Mrs. Pals are the most accommodating hosts you will ever find. They literally provide almost everything you need. So just bring your clothes and relax. They are always there to provide any help or answer any questions you may have. So rent this place and enjoy...look no further than the Old Sugar Mill in Shell Rock, Iowa.
Stayed 8 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Eugene L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

The most relaxing

I don’t know if it's because we are older, but we actually said "oooh" when we entered. It was so roomy and welcoming. Sitting out on the deck, was awesome! Can't say enough. Thanks for a great stay.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Dawn

Liked: Cleanliness
Very quaint and beautiful surroundings. The hosts were very friendly and accommodating. I would stay here again and recommend it to my family and friends.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Lindsey T., Iowa

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Cozy and unique historic stay

We had a wonderful stay! We enjoyed starting our days with the complimentary Belgian waffles, exploring the area, then coming "home" to the mill for a relaxing evening. Diana and Daryl are great hosts and have added so many thoughtful details that make this a comfortable place to stay. Upkeep on historic homes is a labor of love and it is clear they have it in spades! We hope to come back when it's warmer so we can spend more time enjoying local parks and the amazing view from the mill's deck.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jodi K., Watertown

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Another Great Stay at the Mill

We've stayed here several times and always enjoy it. The Mill is very comfortable and it has everything you need. Diana and Daryl are great to deal with. It is a great place to stay!
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2022

10/10 Excellent

Nancy J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Weekend getaway

We had a great stay this weekend. The mill was so quiet and peaceful. The owners were wonderful to work with and there was nothing that we needed that they hadn’t already thought of.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

January M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing!!

We absolutely loved the ambience. It was such a relaxing atmosphere. The sound of the water as we sat on the deck, the cozy feeling inside the mill, I can't think of anything that I could even compare it to. I loved everything about the whole experience!!! Thank you so very much!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Jill H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

She’ll Rock

Great place to stay
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Debora B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Love the coziness & living in the past.

Those steps are a killer for this 65 year old, with a bum knee, but so worth it! All the detail, extras & time you put into this exquisite, quaint, "home away from home" was very appreciated! Thank you!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Mark R., Lake Clarke Shores

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Home away from Home!

This historic place was beautiful, tranquil, and a home away from home atmosphere! I visit Iowa every year and I will never book a place to stay except for the "Old Mill" owned by Mr. & Mrs. Pals. The Pals treat you like family and make you feel very welcome in their place. You literally just have to bring clothes because everything else is supplied for you! As I wrote them they are the best hosts I have ever stayed with! Look no further than the Old Mill in Shell Rock Iowa if you need a place to stay! Definitely 5 out of 5 stars! I promise you that you will enjoy the relaxing atmosphere and the beauty of this old renovated flour mill just as I did!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Cathy M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Really enjoyed the unique setting.

Loved the old mill. Setting was beautiful along the river and close to eating establishments and walking/biking trail.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2022

10/10 Excellent

Deborah m.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wedding weekend

We were in the area for a wedding and this was the perfect place to stay with extended family. Very unique property in nice location!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2022

About the host

Hosted by Diana & Daryl Pals

Host profile image
We are intrigued by old structures and strive to protect them. Our first restoration projects included restoring a barn and its two-story farm house that one person said should be "dozed." We have dissembled a carriage house, numbered the boards, moved it and reassembled it on the mill property. Our latest venture has been restoration of a Queen Anne-style house. In our spare time we enjoy nature, bicycling, kayaking, and restoration of antiques. We believe the mill's awesome ambiance should be shared with others. We lived in the mill from 2002 through 2015.

Why they chose this property

Why did we buy this property in Shell Rock? The mill was here! It was waiting for a new opportunity in its long life. The challenge was to take it from a shell with minimal electricity and no plumbing to an insulated, habitable residence while retaining the charm of the massive wooden beams. The previous owner purchased the mill after the business of milling animal feed closed in 1978. He focused on saving the mill from demolition by straightening it, then working from foundation to roof replacing mortar, windows, doors, siding and shingles. We did the "easy" work - drywalling, tearing up flooring, patching floors where all the belts and chains passed through, building walls, cabinets, insulating, painting and various other chores.
Visitors remind us of the mill's fascinating character which we now take for granted. As a child, Daryl traveled across the bridge with his parents to visit relatives in a nearby town. He would stand up to see the mill. No car seats then!!

What makes this property unique

Stay in a mill built in 1867. •Craftsmanship surrounds you.
•Walls enclose the spacious bathroom and utility room with washer and dryer.

Architectural features:
•Massive beams, columns & their supports.
• "floating" joists, pulleys hanging from the ceiling,
• Ceiling 14 feet above the living room area.
• Drywall and custom kitchen cabinets emphasis the wooden beams.
• Sliding glass doors frame the river scene. Inside those doors,
• Original mill flooring, patched where grain chutes & belts passed through the floor, leads to the living area & stairs to the levels above and below (Those levels are not part of this deck-level rental unit.) Windows and doors throughout the mill are framed with wood flooring salvaged from this level.
BENEFIT #2: Escape big city hustle & bustle! Enjoy nature. Relax by the river or on it! Walk onto the deck above the river. It will take your breath away! Listen to the rush of the river over the dam. First thing in the morning, gaze out at the river as it tumbles by, sparkling in the morning light. Watch dazzling sunsets. Experience Iowa's varied landscape and small town friendliness from the mill's comfortable, convenient location. Kayak, canoe or fish just steps away from the mill. River boat launches for small craft are within 1, 5 or 15 minutes. If it is not high-water, you can carry your kayak to the adjacent park, launch, paddle upstream and float back without getting in your vehicle. No kayak? Crawdaddy Outdoors rents them 6.5 miles away. Over 100 miles of hard-surfaced trails are within 1 to 25 miles. A short one is two blocks away along the river at Rasmussen Park! An eight-mile trail is one mile north. Motorcyclists can enjoy the abundance of scenic county highways in the area. Swim year round - summer @ town pool & all year @ "The W' six miles away.
BENEFIT #3: Wartburg College & University of Northern Iowa are within 6 & 22 miles.

Languages:

English

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests