Sanborn Round House & Turntable Mural – Downtown Sanborn, IA
I remember visiting my aunt and uncle when I was a kid – and I remember coming to Sanborn where they settled into retirement. Hank (my uncle) lived his life working on the railroad – and it’s how I remembered Sanborn, the town with orange-red caboose! It’s still on display today – you can’t miss it! In fact, you DON’T want to miss it. It brings memories back to me as a child – maybe a quick visit to Sanborn will begin new memories for you! Below are 5 Reasons why Sanborn, Iowa should be on your travel bucket list!
5. It’s on your way!
Let’s be honest – Sanborn probably isn’t the first name that pops into your head for a summer destination. In fact, unless you are from this neck of the woods in Northwest Iowa – you probably haven’t even heard of Sanborn. Well – it’s time that you get to know this little town – mainly because it’s not that far off the main path to other significant headline destinations that you might find yourself traveling towards in upcoming months.
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Sitting only 40 minutes south of I-90 in Southern Minnesota – it’s a uniquely positioned community for a side-stop destination – or if you are just looking for a weekend day trip idea. The rural setting is perfect for a nice, quiet, getaway.
- Sioux Falls, South Dakota – 1.5 hours away
- Sioux City, Iowa – 1.5 hours away
- Minneapolis, Minnesota – 3 hours away
- Des Moines, Iowa – 3 hours away
- Kansas City, Missouri – 5 hours away
- Badlands – South Dakota – 5 hours away
Perfect side trip adventure if you are heading East or West along I-90 either to or from the Black Hills, South Dakota.
4. Unique Place to Stay
The Sanborn Carnegie Library
Try staying at an original Historical Carnegie Library – whether you are looking for a one-night stay or a quiet weekend retreat – you can stay at the library! If you have a chance to read up on the history of Carnegie Libraries, it’s a fascinating one. Sanborn happens to be one of the rare small communities that not only secured a Carnegie grant to obtain the library – but one that literally SAVED their historical landmark – and the best part – you can book a night or two! Wait until you see what they did inside this beautiful piece of history.
OR
Maybe Camping is more your style?
Check out Miller Park in Sanborn – right next to the golf course – they have approximately 18 spots available (no pull-throughs) but all have hookups! And the best part? You are right next to the golf course – so you can have your nightly entertainment a few steps away!
or
Stay in a camping cabin that sleeps 10 people!
Lots of fun and unique choices on where to stay in Sanborn!
3. Beautiful Parks – and Trains, Trains, Trains!
Do you like trains? If you do – Sanborn has a history of the railroad running through its veins. You might get that feeling simply by walking downtown – and if you love murals – Sanborn has a dandy with their downtown painting of the roundhouse and turntable mural.
The mural – which can be found on the corner of W 3rd Street and Main Street – sets the tone for other railroad celebrations. If you head north down Main Street a few blocks, a park will sit nested against Highway 18 and Main Street – Sanborn City Park, but I like to call it railroad pack due to the beautiful orange/red caboose that dominates the northeast corner of the park and calls itself home. It’s a beautiful standing railroad car piece from the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad. You can get up close to the Caboose – and give yourself a chance to soak in a piece of railroad history.
Freedom Rock
Sitting on the opposite corner of the park – sits another piece of history – pointing to the story of American patriotism and the veterans around the area that it memorializes. The O’Brien County Freedom Rock – and Veteran Memorial. Sometimes a picture is worth a thousand words.
Veteran Memorial
Experience a beautiful rural county park!
Douma County Park
Just a few miles southwest of Sanborn – and located just off Polk Avenue – you’ll find a nice, quiet, and pretty park! If you have a camper or RV – this might be the perfect place for you to settle in O’Brien County – and the best part? – They have a little pond – perfect for outdoor activities including swimming, small boating, and especially fishing!
Features
- 14 Full Hook up Camping Sites
- Modern Shower Building
- Swimming Beach
- Fishing
- Electric
- Water
- Open Shelter House
- Fishing Jetty
- Boating Ramp
What about GOlf? – Try the Sanborn Golf & Country Club
The thing that really makes the Sanborn Golf course so special – is the mixture of golf, a clubhouse where there is AWESOME food to eat – and last but not least – Sanborn built a small trail system around their course -so you can get out and have a walk, enjoy the scenery while not going too far out of your way from restrooms – and a nice place to stop for a drink! – Did I mention food? All in all – this makes a great spot to rejuvenate or just a nice weekend rural getaway.
2. Good Eats! Great Entertainment!
You can’t go wrong stopping for a little bite to eat in Sanborn – in fact, if you want to enjoy a nice cup of coffee while filling your plate with a nice hot meal (morning, afternoon, or night) – I’d recommend Jay’s.
You know right away where the popular spot to hang out is – when all the locals are camped out at Jay’s and their parking lot is wall-to-wall cars and trucks. Trust me – locals have it figured out – not to mention it’s one of the easiest places to find! Right off Highway 18 – just a few blocks away from Veteran Memorial Park. You can’t miss it!
I love eating at this diner – because it gives you all the small-town atmosphere with the classic feel of the local diner – the food choices will sort themselves out – because you can’t go wrong at Jay’s – whether you are having a classic burger, or a classic breakfast with all the fixings! Pro Tip: You can never go wrong with Biscuits & Gravy – but if that’s not your cup of tea – don’t miss ordering one of “Jay’s Omeletts”. It’s a feel-good place – with a feel-good story – which doesn’t shock most people when they learn Jay’s has been family owned for over 70 years! It’s a Sanborn special!
How about some Bowling?
Sometimes you might need a fun inside activity – and who can go wrong with Bowling? Locomotion Lanes are conveniently located in downtown Sanborn – and offer both entertainment AND food! If you are in the mood for something quick, easy, and good at the same time – try either a pizza, a burger, or some chicken strips!
This is a really cool place – especially knowing that there aren’t a lot of bowling allies left in Northwest Iowa – whether you are looking to bowl a few games, or are in the market for a new bowling ball (because there is a really neat pro shop inside). This is a perfect nightly entertainment – and would go well whether you are just passing through, or staying for a few nights. Pro Tip: Make sure you reserve lanes early – as it can get busy!
One Cool Bar & Grill – DownTown! “Rails”
You know the old saying? Never judge a book by its cover? If you go driving downtown Sanborn – you might be taken back a bit like you are traveling down memory lane – You might think some of the area businesses look rough and tough from the outside – but then you go inside and experience the best thing ever! (I’m not joking – go experience these places) Don’t miss out on Rails Bar & Grill! You can’t miss this bar and grill – right downtown in Sanborn and hopping with life! I didn’t get to experience a concert while I was there – but they have a pretty big side stage inside – I can tell that it would be a rockin’ place to hang out during live music nights – simply by checking out their social media pages. And when the music isn’t playing – they still have the food and drinks flowing, with enough action occurring around the pool tables! You can’t go wrong with a burger here! They have GLOWING reviews – go bold and try this place out – worth it! You’ll love the food, the atmosphere, and the people! Think small-town hospitality – Iowa Nice! That’s Rails!
1. Take a Trip Down Memory Lane!
If you love history and love one-of-a-kind museums – Sanborn has it! Yesterday’s Memories and Truck Museum – where you can get lost looking at a piece of automobile and truck history! This was easily my top attraction in Sanborn – not to mention – probably one of my tops in NorthWest Iowa. It’s stunning and shocking to think that a museum of this magnitude is located right in the heart of rural America. But – there’s no better place for a museum with this theme to be located. It brings it all together in the quiet setting of Sanborn, Iowa.
Of course, there is a lot more than vehicles displayed throughout the 100,000-plus square feet museum facility. Just when you feel you’ve seen the last building – another door opens to a wonderland of old vehicles – and memories! Trucks, Cars, Pick-ups, and one of the largest collections of firetrucks (over 60) in the Midwest! And with over 250 vehicles inside – you’ll quickly realize that you have discovered a hidden gem – right in Sanborn, Iowa!
HOURS
The museum is open 8 AM to 4 PM Monday through Friday. They are also open on Saturday by appointment only. (Closed Sunday)
ADMISSION
$10.00 for Adults. Children 12 and under are free.
School and Care Facility groups are free.
Sanborn is the perfect rural destination, whether you are wandering off the beaten path – or quite simply choosing it as the ONE stop! This is a prime location for both – and if you are looking for a weekend getaway, or a short weekend trip, where it’s quiet with a sense of laid-back subtleness in the air – Sanborn has it and is a great place to have on your bucket list!