Just a 30 minute drive from Riverside, there are seven Amana villages to visit. Don't expect a community with horse-drawn buggies. The Amana Colonies have never been Amish. We recommend a visit to Middle Amana, where you can shop for antiques, quilting supplies, crafts, toys, meat, baked goods and sweets. Stop by the Ox Yoke Inn for the finest German family style dining, including wiener schnitzel or Amana brats. Then walk off that meal with a short stroll down to the Amana Woolen Mill and the Amana Furniture and Clock Shop, where you will be amazed at the wonders crafted right in front of you. Once you're done shopping, take a walk right across the street to the Millstream Brewery and Millstream Brauhaus, where you can relax with an Iowa-made IPA, lager, pilsner or one of their seasonal surprises. If you have the kids with you, Millstream makes their own fantastic root beer and cream soda.
Website Call For InformationLake MacBride State Park is Iowa's largest state park. Its 2,180 acres offer a variety of outdoor activities, including fishing, boating, swimming, camping, hiking, mountain biking, picnicking, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and much more. There are playgrounds for the kids, and the beach area is a beautiful spot to catch some sun and cool off in the water. Lake MacBride is also a birdwatcher's paradise. At last count, 307 different species have been spotted. See if you can spot Iowa's state bird, the American Goldfinch.
Website Call For InformationModern, expansive, and convenient. With five department stores, more than 100 specialty stores, Coral Ridge Mall is an easy 20-minute drive from Riverside Casino. Get away to the regulation-sized ice rink or the 10-screen movie theater, then choose from the wide array of dining options.
Website Call For InformationDespite being one of the most famous literary cities in the world, what makes Iowa City stand out is the variety of activities available for everyone. Downtown offers great shopping, whether you're seeking the latest fashions, Hawkeye gear, books, locally-made art, or just a fun t-shirt. The Old Capital Museum is a fascinating trip back to the days when Iowa City was the state's capital. Right next door is the Museum Of Natural History, where you can say hi to famous Rusty the Giant Sloth. The nightlife in Downtown Iowa City is unparalleled in the region, with plenty of bars, pubs, restaurants, movie theaters and several music venues. Iowa City is home to three major hospitals - The University of Iowa Hospital (you may know the Stead Family Children's Hospital from its national coverage of "The Wave"), Mercy, and the Iowa City VA Health Care System.
Website Call For InformationWilson's Orchard is one of the greatest afternoon getaways in the area. This is apple picking taken to the extreme. With over 100 varieties of apples, in addition to strawberries, blackberries, cherries, blueberries, and more, you can fill your basket with fruit you know is fresh. And located among the apple trees is the Rapid Creek Cidery, where you can eat something savory to go with all those apples you just picked. This is the perfect spot to unwind with one of Wilson's excellent hard ciders and seltzers.
Website Call For InformationWashington's downtown square is a must-see trip back in time. Washington is proud of the square, and for good reason. The nationally recognized historic district has been beautifully restored and maintained. You'll want to grab a bench and enjoy being right where you are. But this isn't just a stroll down memory lane. The square is a hub of activities, with outdoor concerts, farmer's markets, boutiques, flea markets, art, gifts and dining for any palate.
Website Call For InformationNestled in the heart of the Iowa River Landing and just a quarter mile off Interstate 80 in Coralville, the Xtream Arena and GreenState Family Fieldhouse is the area's newest multipurpose indoor facility. The 5,100-seat arena (increased up to 6,600 for concerts) is home to the University of Iowa women's volleyball team and the Iowa Heartlanders professional ice hockey team. The venue also hosts concerts, live entertainment, and other special events. While you are in the area, be sure to check out the local restaurants, craft breweries, and retail shops, all in walking distance of the arena.
Website Call For Information"Take me out to the ball game..." Hop on Highway 218/Interstate 380 and take about a 35-minute drive up to Cedar Rapids to catch a Cedar Rapids Kernels baseball game at Veterans Memorial Stadium. A minor league affiliate of the Minnesota Twins, the Kernels play 60 home games against other Midwest teams between May and September. As if great baseball was not enough, the Kernels run a number of gameday promotions, such as Bring Your Dog to the Park Night, Two-for-One Drinks, and Post-Game Fireworks. Say hello to Mr. Shucks the mascot while you're there!
Website Call For InformationTerry Trueblood Recreation Area is a popular stop for outdoor enthusiasts who want to fish, kayak, hike, or bird-watch. Just a quick ten-minute drive from Riverside Casino, you can enjoy an afternoon in the sun, soak in some nature, have a picnic and then make it back in time to catch a band on our Show Lounge stage.
Website Call For InformationCoralville Lake offers a wide variety of recreational activities, including fishing, picnic areas with group shelters, boat ramps, accessible fishing pier, river & lake fishing, hunting, mountain bike trails, hiking trails, lake swimming, sand volleyball and boating activities. The real star of Coralville Lake is the Devonian Fossil Gorge, just below the dam. Imagine walking on a 375 million year old ocean floor! When recent floods abated, this glimpse into Iowa's geologic past was first exposed. The fossils and limestone bedrock date back almost 200 million years before the dinosaurs.
WebsiteA short drive to the west takes you to charming Kalona, one of the largest Amish settlements west of the Mississippi. Stroll through the restored 1800's historical buildings in Kalona Historical Village before making your way to Downtown Kalona to shop at antique stores, bakeries, quilt shops, and more. Now head north a few miles to visit the Kalona Creamery, where you can fill up on cheese curds or ice cream. If you're not full yet, why not stop in at Golden Delight Bakery for fresh donuts and pies. You can thank us for this recommendation when you get back to the casino.
Call For InformationWith just a short 35-minute drive from Riverside Casino, the Eastern Iowa Airport in Cedar Rapids is where you want to take off and land. Airlines serving CID include United, American, Allegiant, Delta and Frontier. Passenger pick-up or drop-off are a breeze for travelers, with none of the inconvenience, traffic and confusion of a big city airport. There is also plenty of parking. Or rent a car from any of your favorite rental services.
Call For InformationThe home of the legendary Hawkeyes is just 15 minutes away. Founded in 1847, it is the state's oldest institution of higher education and is located alongside the picturesque Iowa River in Iowa City. Catch a Big 10 football game at Kinnick Stadium, or enjoy Hawkeye basketball and wrestling at Carver-Hawkeye Arena. Then visit University of Iowa Athletics Hall of Fame with its three floors of Hawkeye memories. Top the day off with awe-inspiring performing arts at the newly remodeled Hancher Auditorium.
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