Highway 141

[Brooke Kohlsdorf] On this episode of Road Trip Iowa, we're cruising west central Iowa on Highway 141. From bike trails to the open prairie with some smoky flavors along the way.

[Gwen Page] You're going to have the best barbecue meal you've ever dreamed of.

[Kohlsdorf] Coming up next on Road Trip Iowa.

[Announcer] Musco Lighting is an Iowa company that travels across the US and to more than 125 countries to light community recreation fields, stadiums, airports, monuments and more. While our reach is global, we're committed to our local communities. 

[Announcer] Beverly Thomassen Schultz -- honored to support local programming on Iowa PBS.

[Kohlsdorf] From Sioux Land to the capital city, highway 141 is the most direct connection from northwest Iowa to the Des Moines metro area. This convenient route is the fast track to unique local flavors and surprising hidden gems. Today, we're traveling east from Manning to the suburbs of Des Moines. Let's take a look at today's itinerary. 

[Kohlsdorf] We'll tour a living showcase of German craftsmanship. Check in for some R&R at a century old landmark. Go off road for one of Iowa's most breathtaking views. And we'll explore a natural playground where wildlife and recreation collide. 

[Kohlsdorf] We begin in Manning, where German tradition is as big as a barn. 

[Kohlsdorf] Welcome to Manning House Barn Heritage Park, a living snapshot of German craftsmanship and community pride.

[Tim Weible] The first attraction in Heritage Park was the Horse Barn, dedicated in 1999, the largest and oldest house barn that's been relocated from Germany in the United States.

[Kohlsdorf] Over 360 years old, this historic structure features a traditional thatched roof and housed both livestock and people together under one expansive canopy, offering visitors a vivid glimpse into early German farm life.

[Tim Weible] The people that own this were very wealthy. It was a castle of its day.

[Kohlsdorf]  Next to the house barn sits the Leet/Hassler Farmstead.

[Tim Weible] It's more than just another farm. We feel it's the finest example of a farmstead of its era in the entire country, because it has everything. It's on the National Register of Historic Places.

[Kohlsdorf] Up the hill from the farmstead rests the historic Trinity Lutheran Church. Built in 1913, the church was relocated 11 miles to the north in 2006 and is permanently placed within Manning House Barn Heritage Park.

[Tim Weible] Oh the church. It's actually my favorite part of the tour. It is a genuine German architecture, narrow base, tall steeple, white building with stained glass. It's not flashy, but it's what they wanted. That's the way Germans did it. They weren't about flash and style. They were about function.

[Kohlsdorf] A fourth attraction sits at the entrance to the park. The Carroll County Freedom Rock is situated facing the Charters of Freedom, where hand-painted tributes to veterans stand alongside replicas of timeless documents that shaped our nation.

[Tim Weible] Manning landed the Charters of Freedom and we are the second site west of the Mississippi, and we encourage people to bring their children and their grandchildren to our Freedom Park. Use it as a tool to teach. 

[Tim Weible] The celebration of German heritage that we've put in a package with our four attractions here at Heritage Park has evolved into one of the finest guided tours in the state of Iowa. We're still a hidden gem, but hopefully that's going to change because this is a worthy destination. Manning is a destination and we want to have you. 

[Kohlsdorf] Tucked along highway 141, a sprawling stretch of prairie, river valley and winding trails invites travelers to slow down and explore Iowa's wild side, a peaceful escape just off the open road.

[Kate Compton] We're at Whiterock Conservancy. It is a 5500 acre non-profit land trust, one of the only in the state of Iowa. 

[Kate Compton] Whiterock focuses on a three part mission, which is ecological restoration, regenerative agriculture, and then connecting those two things through recreation. So bringing people out here to enjoy all pieces of our mission and the land, and getting people back in touch with nature. 

[Kate Compton] We have fishing, we have canoeing and kayaking on the river, which we do protect eight miles of the middle Raccoon River here at Whiterock Conservancy, which is really exciting. We have lots of overnight accommodations, including three campgrounds, both modern and primitive, as well as Airbnb houses, yurts and lots of cabins that you can recreate in. 

[Kate Compton] We are the furthest away from some of the the light pollution of our metro areas. So we have the best viewing of the night sky. And on most nights, and of course, I can't control cloud cover, but on most nights you can even see the Milky Way from our Starfield campground, which is really neat. So one of the most famous things that Whiterock is known for is our 40 mile multi-use trail system, including equestrian trails, mountain biking trails, hiking trails, and we also do guided Gator tours for people that might have mobility issues so that they can get out and experience the land as well. Being able to come out and get lost essentially in Iowa, it's a hard thing to do, but that is something that I hear a lot about why people love to visit Whiterock, because they can come out here, get lost in nature and, and really make that connection. 

[Kohlsdorf] In Perry, Highway 141 becomes the George Soumas Memorial Highway, a big honor for a man who left a big impact on his community. 

[Kohlsdorf] Some Iowa roads carry a story. Along this stretch of highway 141, there's a story of courage, service, and a life that left a lasting mark on a community. This is the George Soumas Memorial Highway. 

[Kohlsdorf] In the final days of World War II, Perry native Captain George Soumas guided his tank battalion across the Ludendorff Bridge in Germany, securing the bridge, saving countless lives and helping put an end to the war.

[Mary Nelson] The Germans were going to blow up the bridge. They didn't want anybody coming in to where they were because that would have been like take over. And dad had his tanks and he was supposed to go across. He got out of his tank. It was in the dark and walked across so that he could tell his tanks where not to go. And they made comment a lot of times that made the war end sooner because of what those guys did over there. He received the Bronze Star, a Purple Heart and Distinguished Service Cross. 

[Kohlsdorf] When Soumas returned home to Perry, his mission shifted from defending a nation to improving daily life for his community. After many years working as an attorney, he became mayor and passionately advocated to modernize highway 141.

[Bill Clark] We needed a four lane highway between here in Des Moines. Anybody who commuted knew that it was not a fun ride coming back and forth from Des Moines until that highway was done. And so George was successful in lobbying the DOT to get it done. It was only fitting that they named the highway after him.

[Kohlsdorf] The transformation strengthened connections between communities, opened doors for local businesses, and help Central Iowa and Perry grow.

[Bill Clark] He loved Perry. He grew up in Perry and grew up in this building right here. Myself and another group would come up every day around 10:00 for coffee, and we'd meet in the coffee room up there.

[Kohlsdorf] Those daily coffee meetings created an everlasting friendship. After Soumas passed away in 1994, those friends decided an additional tribute was needed next to the Hotel Pattee.

[Bill Clark] I was all about, you know, let's do a wonderful memory of George here in what we call Soumas Court. Of course, we said that sculpture has to be George sitting at a table with a cup of coffee, on the edge of his chair, because no matter where he was, he was in charge of the room. And so if you'll notice that sculpture, he's in charge of this courtyard.

[Kohlsdorf] So as you travel along highway 141 or find yourself near Soumas Court, remember, this isn't just another stretch of road. It's a lasting tribute to a man who served, had a vision, and devoted his life to his community.

[Bill Clark] He loved people and people loved him back. 

[Kohlsdorf] Our next stop takes us to a century old landmark, offering travelers an historic place for comfort and community.

[Ashley Anderson] We are inside the Hotel Pattee in Perry, Iowa. 

[Ashley Anderson] The hotel was actually built in about 1912, 1913, and a local group now actually operates it. So it's been more successful having Perry people represent Perry at the Hotel Pattee.

[Kohlsdorf] Hotel Pattee celebrates Iowa's rich heritage with handcrafted woodwork, historic architectural detail and a stunning collection of original artwork displayed throughout the building.

[Ashley Anderson] The hotel itself has a museum worthy collection of art, so there's over 130 pieces in the public space, with over 30 artists represented in these spaces as well.

[Kohlsdorf] Guests can stay in one of 40 rooms, each uniquely themed, based on Perry's history and culture.

[Ashley Anderson] A lot of them have a lot of art scenes in them, too, so we have a lot of local artists that put their love into the rooms. 

[Ashley Anderson] We have a bowling alley downstairs. There's two lanes. Guests are welcome to utilize it. They rent it out. We have at least seven versatile event spaces that we can cater to like businesses. We can cater to weddings.

[Kohlsdorf] Just off the lobby, the Pattee Cafe serves as the hotel's full service restaurant and lounge. The recently added coffee shop keeps locals and travelers fueled for the day enjoying a cup of Joe in Soumas Court.

[Ashley Anderson] We are located in the heart of Perry, so you can walk just steps away to multiple restaurants, there's boutiques and art galleries and just different things to do downtown, tons of public art to look at.

[Kohlsdorf] It is also a perfect hub for cyclists.

[Ashley Anderson] They actually just finished the connector to the High Trestle Trail. The trailhead is just steps away from here. So we're a perfect hub for cyclists.

[Ashley Anderson] From artwork to entertainment to relaxation, the Hotel Pattee in Perry is a destination unto itself. 

[Kohlsdorf] Next, we're getting off the road and onto the trails. Iowa has a massive network of bike trails connecting town and country all over the state. Today, we're pedaling the High Trestle Trail, a popular route named for its awe inspiring bridge. 

[Kohlsdorf] We're here with Luke Hoffman with the Iowa Bicycle Coalition. Let's start with where are we right now?

[Luke Hoffman] Yeah, we're here in Woodward, right next to the Whistling Donkey, which is an awesome spot for cyclists next to the Trestle Trail, which is one of the best trails in the entire country, simply iconic. And we're just excited to be here on a really beautiful day and get a bike ride in. 

[Kohlsdorf]  How is the state of Iowa improving its trail system? It seems like it's getting bigger all the time.

[Luke Hoffman] Yeah, yeah. In fact, we work with Iowa Economic Development Authority to talk about how we are the world capital of trails, because there's no other place in the entire world that we know of that has more trails, whether it's water trails or bike trails, than Iowa.

[Kohlsdorf]  How would you convince someone to get off the road, get out of their car, and experience this part of the state on a bike trail?

[Luke Hoffman] One of the things I love about biking is the interconnectivity that that mode of transportation has. 90% of cyclists own a license and are a car driver too. If you just think of yourself in a different mode of transportation and about the interconnectivity of all these different things, where this highway can take you, where this byway can take you, and how it can actually get you to a new fun experience that you can unlock for yourself and having that sense of adventure and excitement and just taking that pause to experience that. I think it's just something that anyone would cherish if they took a moment to experience it. 

[Kohlsdorf]  Let's go hit the trails. What do you say?

[Luke Hoffman] Awesome. I'm excited. Let's go check out the trail and the trestle bridge and then head to the Flat Tire.

[Kohlsdorf]  Okay, let's do it.

[Luke Hoffman] Cool. 

[Kohlsdorf] The High Trestle Trail stretches 25 miles along a path that was once an old railroad line. The ride from Woodward to Madrid is just under six miles, allowing almost anyone to explore Iowa's nature in the open air. Along the way, cyclists will pass through quiet stretches of woods and open countryside, the kind of ride where cyclists can slow down and enjoy the scenery. But there's one spot along this route that everyone looks forward to, the High Trestle Bridge. 

[Kohlsdorf] Stretching nearly half a mile across the Des Moines River Valley, the High Trestle Bridge transforms an ordinary bike ride into something unforgettable. 

[Kohlsdorf] Allowing travelers to take it all in and enjoy one of Iowa's most remarkable views. 

[Kohlsdorf] The end of our ride takes us into Madrid to the Flat Tire Lounge, welcoming trail riders with cold drinks, hearty bites and a laid back atmosphere, the perfect stop at the end of our journey.

[Holly Kilstrom] This is Flat Tire, the best place to get a flat tire. We've been here since the High Trestle Bridge opened in 2011, and we are a hometown establishment. Everybody here is family. We love the biking community. They bring such diversity and such fun with them.

[Kohlsdorf]  How do you encourage people to get off the trail and stop here?

[Holly Kilstrom] Well, I think some of the best views are off of the beaten path, right. And some of the best views in Iowa can only be seen from a bike seat. We are very blessed to have such an expansive trail network that goes right by the Flat Tire Lounge, and it's just a great place to stop, grab a cold beverage. We have a ton of food options, ice cream for the kids. Our misters are typically on cooling everybody off, so it's a great place to just chill and relax. Everybody's welcome here and it's just a big family. 

[Kohlsdorf]  Get enough energy to keep moving on down the road.

[Holly Kilstrom] That's right, that's right. We want to be your pit stop for refueling. 

[Kohlsdorf]  You rode along with us today. Is this, one of your favorite spots?

[Bill Waggoner] Absolutely. It's a great trail. There's lots to see. I like the the bridge. It's wonderful. If you've got short segments you can do so you can you can park your car or whatever, you can get on a bike and you can go a short distance to go across the High Trestle. So you can see a lot of things without necessarily having to, to ride for a long distance. Yeah, you can do it. Anybody can do it. You just need to put their mind to it. 

[Kohlsdorf]  The High Trestle Trail, sometimes the best road trips aren't driven. They're pedaled. 

[Kohlsdorf] We're heading a few miles north of highway 141, where small town Iowa brings big time flavor. To travelers looking for Texas style barbecue fresh from the pit.

[Gwen Page] We are in the wonderful town of Luther, Iowa. 

[engine running] 

[Gwen Page] It's just a hop, skip and up highway 17 and well worth it. You'll walk in the front door. You'll check in with our host stand right where you can see our open kitchen. You can see our cutter.

[Man] 75 pounds is what we did today.

[Gwen Page] So you can see your fresh meat just being sliced right before your eyes. And then you walk into what is called our patio and it has our open air dining.

[Woman] Hi guys. How are we doing today?

[Gwen Page] And then we also have our clubhouse, which is extra seating behind the way connected by our outdoor picnic area. We are well known for our brisket, so make sure you try that brisket. We also have amazing ribs. Our turkey is one of my favorites. And then pulled pork. You can't go wrong with that. And then we have pork loin as well, which does offer a little bit of heat. Then we have all of our comfort sides.

[Waitress] And then keep in mind we do have burnt ends today.

[Gwen Page] There are people here from all ages, families, sports teams. We have the Y camp that's nearby. So we often have camp adventures, the Ledges, Seven Oaks. We have the Iowa Arboretum. So there's just all kinds of people coming here.

[Pam Powers] Our friend heard about the place, had tried the barbecue, said it was excellent. So we're excited to try it.

[Dave Leclair] I've had the brisket here, the pulled pork. It's amazing. It's tremendous.

[Kohlsdorf]  Whatcha Smokin is open Tuesday through Sunday, 11 a.m. until 8 p.m.. But if you can't make it to Luther during regular hours, they can bring the smoke to you, offering full service catering that turns any backyard or event into a central Iowa barbecue feast.

[Gwen Page] We can take care of groups of 30 up to 5000 coming here soon. Reach out to catering. We'd love to be a part of your event.

[Kohlsdorf]  From pit to plate, Whatcha Smokin is the perfect stop to tempt travelers’ taste buds.

[Gwen Page] You're going to have the best meal of your life. And all surrounded by the Iowa cornfields. It's beautiful here. 

[Kohlsdorf] Just outside Granger, travelers will find a boundless natural playground and an invitation to explore. 

[Kohlsdorf] This is Jester Park, where adventure meets heritage and every season writes a new visual story.

[Missy Smith] The Nature Center is an excellent place to start your journey. We call it your front porch. Upstairs, we talk about the history of the park and the way the land was. And then downstairs, it takes you into all the hands on exhibits and the different habitats that you find here at Jester Park.

[Kohlsdorf]  Outside, visitors can traverse over eight miles of scenic hiking trails that wind through woodlands and natural prairies.

[Missy Smith] The trailheads are extremely easy to find. We have signage at each spot where you enter the trail. You can kind of choose your own adventure based on mileage, on how far you want to go and where you want to end up.

[Kohlsdorf]  Nestled within the trees and trails, the biological spirit of the prairie lives on.

[Missy Smith] We have a bison and elk complex where you can get out on boardwalks and see the bison and elk in in their habitat, but there's also a playscape there. You can climb on logs. You can be in the little pond, you can find critters in there from tadpoles to frogs. And it's surrounded by native plantings as well. Everything out here is native prairie. And then you go down further to the trees and to our pond. The pond has a beautiful boardwalk that goes around it, so you can really get in touch with the frogs and everything else. It's a great place to fish. We also have canoe and kayak rentals. 

[Kohlsdorf]  Scattered throughout the park, creative works of art blend seamlessly with prairie grasses, winding trails and towering timber, turning an ordinary walk into an open air gallery. And the adventure doesn't stop there. All across Jester, visitors can jump into a wide range of activities, from horseback riding and archery to camping and even a round of golf tucked into the landscape.

[Missy Smith] It's a great stop just to be able to explore Iowa's outdoors. It's just the perfect place to spend a day with your family. 

[Kohlsdorf]  Iowa might be known for its endless rows of corn and soybeans, but just outside the Des Moines metro, a family farm is growing something a little sweeter.

[Bryan Etchen] Our strawberries are grown at the Granger location, and it is probably the largest or one of the largest strawberry farms in the state of Iowa.

[Kohlsdorf]  In June, eight acres of lush strawberry fields burst with fruit from over 100 original plants, inviting passers by to pull over, wander the rows and pick their own sweet produce as long as they have a reservation in advance.

[Bryan Etchen] We've gone to this appointment system, which is super simple. The customers love it. We do have hundreds and hundreds and hundreds of appointments per day.

[Kohlsdorf]  And just getting to the berries is part of the experience.

[Bryan Etchen] Yeah, so there's our hayride going right now. It's transporting people to and from the field. And if you can see big flats of full berries on there, that's so people don't have to spill them when they carry them back. 

[Kohlsdorf]  In July, the height of midsummer sunshine brings a new kind of harvest to Iowa orchard.

[Bryan Etchen] We have our raspberry picking and our sunflower field, home grown raspberries and a beautiful sunflower field with possibly a sunset behind you. I mean, it's cool. It's really neat.

[Kohlsdorf]  In the fall, pumpkins and apples are the main attraction at Iowa Orchards main location in Urbandale. 

[Bryan Etchen] We usually have 3000 to 5000 pumpkins on display for jack o lanterns and all your Halloween activities and all of that. That's where our bakery is as well. So, we make 35 kinds of pies. We make fresh apple cider. We have a little play area as well, but that's our that's our main location for apple season.

[Kohlsdorf] From springs first berries to autumn's pumpkin harvest, Iowa Orchard encourages travelers along highway 141 to taste the rhythm of the seasons one berry, one sunflower, and one pumpkin at a time. 

[Kohlsdorf] Bringing town and country together, Highway 141 is a great way to get off the interstate and experience the roots of Iowa communities. 

[Kohlsdorf] We explored the trails, rivers, and wildlife at the Whiterock Conservancy. Paid tribute to a legacy of courage and service on George Soumas Memorial Highway. Soared over the Des Moines River Valley on the High Trestle Trail. And we took in the food and the fun at Iowa Orchard. 

[Kohlsdorf] We hope you discovered something new on highway 141. If so, pull up a map and plan your road trip today. For more on the history, culture, and landscapes along Iowa's highways, join us next time on Road Trip Iowa. 

[Announcer] Musco Lighting is an Iowa company that travels across the US and to more than 125 countries to light community recreation fields, stadiums, airports, monuments and more. While our reach is global, we're committed to our local communities. 

[Announcer] Beverly Thomassen Schultz -- honored to support local programming on Iowa PBS.