Plans are now in place for the longest running traditional drive for MINI Coopers in Iowa -- the 12th Annual MINICooperIowa Fall Tour (known by many as the "fall colors" drive). This is a joint event with our brethren from CIMC and EIM is leading the planning for this year's event. This route has many "curvy sweepers;" the scenery at any time of the year is superb and may be really fantastic if the fall colors are near their peak this weekend.

The morning rendezvous and departure point is in La Porte City. The rendezvous location is at the Cedar Valley Trail Head Gazebo on 8th Street directly north of town. We will gather together ~8:30 am for preparations and a planned departure at 9:00 am sharp.

Our route takes us in and out of the Cedar River Valley with a morning rest stop in Pleasant Creek State Park. We'll continue east with planned stop on the east side of Anamosa at 11:15 am. This stop will accommodate both lunch and an optional quick visit to the co-located National Motorcycle Museum ($10 admission). The principal lunch option is the McOtto's Family Restaurant adjacent to the museum; however, other options right next door for those who prefer something different include McDonalds, Subway, and the Zio Johno's Spaghetti House. Departure time from this spot is 12:45 pm.

From there we continue east through the countryside, eventually ending up in Maquoketa (for a rest stop at the Casey's ~1:45 pm). Then it's up the road to Maquoketa Caves State Park for some extended cave spelunking or just enjoying the park. We depart the park at 3:15 pm for the quick trip over to the Hurstville Interpretive Center (free admission). Finally, we take a scenic loop east and back, ending up back in Maquoketa for a final meal stop ~4:45 pm at the historic Decker Hotel 1875 Restaurant.

For a closer look at the route, check out the 12th Annual MINICooperIowa Route Map (<--link)

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***You can help us provide an accurate head count (especially needed for the Decker) by clicking on the "I'm coming" link available in our Event Calendar Entry (<--link).

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Hope you can join us!

 

Im am pretty sure I'm in for the entire trip. If I have to work OT that Saturday morning, then I will only do the Anamosa-Maquoketa leg.

 

I know I said this about the swamp fox parade and that didn't pan out..... buuuuuut I might be able to make it to this one!

 

McOttos does have a party room that will seat about 50 people. I called them and reserved to room for us on that day. They said that as a group we would have to order 25.00 or more. Since my wife and I plan on eating there I went ahead and put in a reservation for the party room. Its ours from 11-1. I am not sure if The Decker has a party room or not. I don't know if the Casey's in Maquoketa had 91 octane. But the Kwik star does. On a related note my wife and I may decide to do a side trip down to Bellevue after the Decker stop. Its a pretty nice trip and is really scenic.

Edit: I lied Kwikstar docents have 91 Oct. They have 92.

 

Dave, please do not try to make separate arrangements with the restaurants. We are already communicating with them and making plans and having someone else giving them conflicting information will only confuse things.

We do not want to reserve the room at McOttos because (1) folks will likely be spread out over the four co-located restaurants and we do not want to be committed to a minimum amount; and (2) at the time we arrive there will be plenty of available space in the main room. Please call them back and cancel. Thanks.

 

Sure. Just trying to help that's all

 

I understand...and it's much appreciated.

OBTW, there is a Conoco located just a block down from the Maquoketa Casey's that has 91 Octane.

 

...and it sounds like the route will be near where we live in a Center Point?

 

Looks like fun! I may be there, gotta see what I have going on first.

 

The wife and I will be coming!

 

Hello all - I'm new to the forum, just purchased my 1st Mini 3 weeks ago (and I'm over the moon!).
RSVP: My husband and I will be attending this tour.

 

I like that...First Mini. It sounds like you already know there will be a second in your future.

Feel free introduce yourself here.
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...owa-minis.html

And show off your Mini.

 

"Near" is an understatement...did you check out the route map?

 

We're honored that your very first NAM post is in our forum. Looking forward to meeting you and your MINI.

 

We're still around and thinking about joining everyone for the fall trip

 

We are planning to do the whole route! Can't wait

 

We could meet up in Dyersville and caravan over to this one.

 

Judy and I are planning on doing the route. Looks like we'll be staying in Coralville on Friday night, so will join at the starting point.

We will be passing on supper, however. We have to be back in DSM a little bit earlier than supper will allow.

 

I spoke with 05MINI and we are planning on meeting in Dyersville and caravanning to La Porte City. Dyersville to LPC is about an hour. If anyone else is close and wishes to caravan with us, feel free to meet us there. We plan on leaving Dyersville around 7:30 and we should get to LPC right around 8:30.

On a related note....10 days away!!! Who else is excited?

 

don't want to get up so early to rendezous so we're driving west Friday evening and staying overnite in order to start the trip

 

Yeah, I guess two blocks counts as "near"...

 

Had a Cooling/overheating issue(threw a yellow engine light code, PO599), and now are staying in Des moines , delivering the car tomorrow to be repaired , hope to make it on the trip

 

Hope all goes well.

 

All systems are "go" for Saturday.

Weather looks to be cool and dry, very autumn-like. According to "those guys" on the networks, the fall colors should be peaking.

GMRS/FRS radios will be tuned to Channel 7, Subchannel 0 (just Ch. 7 for those who don't have subchannel capability).

Fuel prices are at bargain lows. Bonus.

 

Good luck! Hope all goes well.