The Heart of the Heartland and Life in Iowa
Dating in Iowa isn't just about the destination; it's about the slow drives, the local fairs, and finding someone who appreciates the simple warmth of a small-town sunset as much as I do.
GO CYCLONES • JACK TRICE STADIUM • GAME DAY VIBES • SMALL TOWN SPIRIT •
Game Day at the Jack
There is an electricity in Ames that you just can't find anywhere else. From the sea of cardinal and gold in the parking lots to the roar of the crowd as the team takes the field, Iowa State athletics are about more than just the score—they're about community, shared history, and that warm small-town pride that brings us all together.
Ewing Park Disc Golf Course
Set in Des Moines, this spot offers a lovely mix of wooded trails and rolling hills. It’s an engaging little challenge that stays relaxed enough for a cozy stroll with someone new. This is also a nice course for beginners as well. This is one of the better courses in Iowa as well.
Fairways and First Dates
There’s something uniquely Iowan about a walk through the woods with a disc in hand. Here are a few of my favorite spots around Central Iowa that make for a perfect, low-pressure date afternoon.
Big Creek State Park
The views of the lake are unbeatable. It’s a bit more challenging, but even if your aim is off, the scenery makes it worth it. A great spot to pack a picnic for after the round. This is also a good course for playing glow golf in the fall.
Pickard Park Course
Located in Indianola, this course offers a quiet, peaceful atmosphere. It’s tucked away enough that it feels like your own private park—perfect for getting to know someone special. This is also my home course and it is about a 5-10 minute drive from where I live. This is also home to the Discmania challenge that is a part of the Disc Golf Pro Tour. This is one of the top 10 courses in Iowa to play as well.
The Butter Cow & Beyond
There is a specific kind of magic when August heat meets the smell of mini-donuts and the hum of the Midway. Growing up here, the State Fair is a rite of passage, but my favorite tradition is finding the Winn and Sara’s Kitchen stand. Grabbing their famous egg rolls feels like a warm hug from my hometown of Indianola, where their main restaurant sits. Sharing those crispy favorites while people-watching under the grandstand makes the whole fair feel personal. It is the ultimate nostalgic small-town date.
Iowa Favorites That Feel Like Home
Knoxville Raceway Nights
The Sprint Car Capital of the World offers a loud, thrilling date sharing snacks and earplugs under the stadium lights.
Lake Ahquabi State Park
Just south of Indianola, Lake Ahquabi is one of those places that feels like a deep breath. Shaded trails, quiet water, and simple picnic spots make it an easy, low-pressure date. It’s the kind of place where you can walk, talk, skip a few rocks, and actually hear yourself think. It is also near where I grew up as well.
Small Town Cafes
The best stories are shared over a slice of wood-fired pizza in a town you've never heard of before. Milo Iowa has a place called Houston's On Main that makes a good wood fire pizza.