It’s almost officially school time again…but not quite yet! While we’re busy getting school supplies ready, sleep schedules in place, and a whole new routine set, make the most of this last week of summer break by creating memories with a Mitchell County day trip!

Sure, a beach vacation or mountain getaway might be nice, but sometimes funds and time might get in the way. Let us help you plan a great day trip for you and your family before the summer ends!

Mix and match depending on where you are located, the time you have, and your family dynamics. But here are some great suggestions that we know you would love!

–Glen Elder State Park (Don’t forget to check in on the Sunflower Summer app!):

-Grab some food from Norman’s North Shore and have a picnic at one of the many playgrounds, shelters, or picnic tables around the lake. 

-Walk along the beaches and collect cool rocks. 

-Have a rock skipping contest with your kids! 

-Bring binoculars and count how many different birds you can find. 

-Take a small hike (ADA accessible and suitable for kids) up to the Waconda Springs Replica and read all about the Native American heritage of the area. 

-Check out the large Native American iron arrow and buffalo!

-Bring a fishing pole and try to catch some fish!

-If you have time, pop up a tent and stay the night. Don’t forget the smores!

-Hunter: 

-Have you seen the amazing food the Hunter Cafe are cooking up? Delicious homemade daily specials and pie! Open 8-2, Tuesday-Saturday. 

-Hunter has a fantastic mural with a large placard that gives the history of Hunter.

-A pickleball court is located right across the street from the Hunter Cafe!

-Simpson: 

-A stop at Trapper Joe’s is a must! Grab a big burger or chicken-fried steak! 

-Bring the kids to Shanks Park to run off some energy!

-There are 2 murals in Simpson. Can you find them?

-Beloit: 

-Start your day at Sweet Mama Lea’s Bakery for a delicious homemade goody and coffee!

-Stop in downtown and do some shopping! New stores like the Velvet Peacock and Riverside Market bring extra goodies to an already vibrant downtown shopping experience!

-Love history? Take tours at the Mitchell County Historical Society Museum, Lil’ Red Schoolhouse, Mitchell County Courthouse, Perdue House, and St. John’s Catholic Church!

-Eat at one of our local restaurants like Plum Creek, Bubba Q’s, Tejavan and El Puerto.

-There is a lot to do at Chautauqua Park! Get to the Chautauqua Swimming Pool before August 10 (the last day for the summer!), but if you miss that, check out the 18-hole disc golf course, playground, go fishing, play basketball or pickleball, or pop a tent for a free night of camping!

-Take an exploring bike ride or walk on the Solomon Trail.

-Take your kids to the playground at Westside Park. 

-Go on a mural road trip! There are 9 in town-can you find them all? 

–Glen Elder:

-Find some amazing deals at Lakeside Consignment!

-Stop at Stortz Stop-n-Shop for antiques, fishing bait, snacks, and a few surprises! Bonus: Take a picture in front of their giant fishing bob!

-Play at the town square park, Wilson-Neff. It’s one of the better ones in the area!

-Can you find the Peace Pole and Statue of Liberty replica on the town square?

-There are 2 murals in Glen Elder and 1 coming! Can you find them?

–Glen Elder Swimming Pool is FREE on Saturday, August 9! And their last day is August 10!

–Cawker City:

-Start your day with coffee and a freshly baked cinnamon roll at Cawker City Coffee!

-Right across the street is the World’s Largest Ball of Twine (make sure to check in on the Sunflower Summer app!)

-Cawker City is home to many unique lodges. If you pull up to a gas station, it might just be a lodge!

-For lunch, stop at Wisconsin Street Trading Post. Try their daily special, but save room for ice cream! They have a gift shop with a wide variety of Cawker City items as well!

-Play a round of golf at Lakeside Golf Course and check out the fantastic views of the lake!

-Cawker has 2 murals and 1 coming! Can you find them?

-Take the kids to the Cawker City Community Park.

-Call ahead and get a tour of the Hesperian Museum, which includes a book signed by Susan B. Anthony, and a piece of a meteorite from 1871!

-Stop at Local Talent Shop, LLC to get local artisan goodies as well as Ball of Twine souvenirs. Don’t forget to get some pizza for dinner when you get home!

–Tipton: 

-Take the kids to Tipton City Park and have them use the zipline!

-Stop by the Grotto of Lourdes at St. Boniface Church. Built in 1934 from rocks from the Blue Hills of Mitchell County and from Lourdes, France! 

-Bring your bikes and take a ride around Tipton Woods. For the littles, walk through the butterfly garden before you hit the trails.

-If you go on a Friday afternoon, stop at the Tipton Heritage Museum. If not, call ahead for a free tour!

-Before you leave, don’t forget to stop by Tipton Grocery and grab some famous sausage for dinner!

As you can see, there are SOO MANY things to do for an amazing day or weekend in Mitchell County! If you take a road trip, let us know where you go! What is your favorite stop in the county to take your family?