Back in 1974, my family moved to Iowa, my dad’s home state, to be closer to my grandmother, whose health was failing. We settled in Grinnell, a quaint liberal arts college town known for its tree-lined streets and some areas with well-manicured lawns.
Fast forward to today, Grinnell boasts a unique mix of history and modern charm. One standout example is the Hotel Grinnell, which might catch your eye if you’re passing through. Once the site of Grinnell Junior High School, this building—originally constructed in 1921—was repurposed in 2016 into a luxury boutique hotel, eatery, bar, and event center. Staying overnight offers a delightful blend of nostalgia and contemporary style: old classrooms now serve as guest rooms, the former locker rooms house a bar complete with the original scoreboard hanging in the lounge, and the gymnasium has been transformed into an event venue for performances, conferences, and weddings. It’s a charming “don’t-miss” destination that beautifully combines the old and the new.
My family’s move to Grinnell also brought with it lifelong friendships. It was there that I formed bonds with three incredible people, connections that have stood the test of time for nearly five decades. To celebrate 50 years of friendship, we recently planned a trip to Table Rock Lake State Park and Branson, Missouri. Three of us, still living in the Midwest, were able to drive, while one friend made the long journey from California to join us. To set the tone for our adventure, I tucked a Drive Time® High Range Cedar Truck Puck under her seat. The uplifting scents of upland pine and balsam filled the car, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere long before we reached our destination.
We rented a condo right on the lake with a breathtaking view from the deck. Our plan was to do all sorts of “Branson” things. We walked around Lake Taneycomo and ate lunch at the White River Fish House, a beautiful rustic restaurant that sits right on the water. It is, in fact, a floating barge with floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows, so we enjoyed a beautiful view. After lunch, we hopped on the vintage passenger train and enjoyed a 40-mile roundtrip excursion into the foothills of the Ozark Mountains. We departed from the historic train depot in Branson at 2:00 p.m. There is a Dinner Train that runs April through October where you can enjoy a 3-course candlelight dinner, but since we were there in early November, we took the scenic excursion.
Another highlight of our celebration was a visit to Dogwood Canyon Nature Park, a breathtaking 10,000-acre outdoor paradise near Lampe, Missouri. If you’re planning a road trip to the Ozarks, this destination is an absolute must-see! We took a two-hour tram ride through the park, which brought us up close to a variety of wildlife, including bison, Texas longhorns, and a large herd of elk. We even spotted a rare white bison!
Our visit coincided with the elk rut, making for an unforgettable experience. The elk were highly active, and the tram driver shared fascinating details about their behavior, including the process of determining the dominant bull. As we watched, we heard the bull elk’s distinctive bugle—a hauntingly beautiful sound that echoed through the canyon. The herd, also known as a gang, was awe-inspiring. Their muscular bodies, powerful necks, and massive antlers were truly a sight to behold, leaving us all in awe of these majestic creatures.
Another sighting from the tram was of two bald eagles! One was near its nest high up in the trees. The other one took flight to another tree across the stream. Seeing them up so close and in their natural habitat was awe-inspiring.
Dogwood Canyon National Park is full of hiking trails, biking trails (bring your own or you can rent at the park), wildlife tours, horseback riding, trout fishing, waterfalls… pretty much any method of enjoying nature up close. Please, if you come to the Ozarks, take my word for it, go to Dogwood Canyon.
Lori Herr for Drive Time® Brand