Firefly Creek Ranch

Up the cultural input with a wander around Guthrie County Historical Village (five minutes’ drive) for its heritage wooden buildings and vintage train station, while at Coon Rapids Sculpture Park (30 minutes), you can combine art and the fresh air with walks and picnics among wacky contemporary sculptures. If you’d rather just concentrate on getting some clean Iowa air, Lenon Mill Park (10 minutes) has got you covered with scenic walks along the Middle Raccoon river, plus canoe and kayak rental and a chance to spot swans or geese. If you’re looking for a (slightly) more strenuous activity, follow the looped Raccoon Valley Bike Trail (10 minutes) on foot or two wheels along an old railroad line. Lake Panorama (10 minutes) is a mecca for golfers keen to reduce their handicaps, with two challenging courses, while Springbrook State Park (20 minutes) is an all-year-around destination with skiing in winter, plus rock climbing, mountain biking, and rafting in summer.