Sutherland, Iowa – is a town of approximately 629 people – which fits the definition of rural Iowa – (which is typically towns smaller than 2,500) – You could quadruple the size of Sutherland and STILL not hit that population mark! But being rural is something that Sutherland prides itself on – and it should! For a town of 600 – it feels bigger (in terms of things to do) – In this latest Rural Adventure (episode 2.) we’ll show you where to go stay and play!
Where To Stay
Try the Willoway – they have rooms available and I love the progressive idea to save the old high school! Walking around the halls – gives you that old-school vibe – but then you get to witness some of the other cool things they did to the place – LIKE BUILDING AN INDOOR POOL! Not many towns can claim that they saved the old school – let alone claim an indoor pool for the community! It’s a great concept – not to mention having the opportunity to place host for visitors passing through for reunions, graduations, or other area activities.
Experiencing Sutherland by Video – RURAL ADVENTURE
Where to SHOP and EAT
There are plenty of places to shop and eat in Sutherland – and I feel bad that I ran out of time while visiting – so I’ll have to have a PART II – but the cool thing about this town is how progressive they are for a small town of 629! Some of the shops downtown were places that one could easily visit in a larger town – check out Keep Aim – a stylish boutique with fun fashion and home decor, and much, much more – not to forget their online presence as well!
They have more shops around the town – including a local grocery store (Main Market-HomeTown Variety) – but what really grabbed my attention was the shop attached next to it – It had anything you needed – from yarn to bandaids. It was like walking through a small town – LIVE version of Amazon online.
FOOD – FOOD – FOOD!
While visiting Sutherland (or even if you just want to take the round trip for a delicious burger or some of the best broasted chicken around) try Rumors Bar and Grill. It’s a really cool place – with the word on the street that it used to be the old movie theatre? I love it when towns save their old buildings and do something with them – keep the town alive! Sutherland is more than alive – and Rumors is not just some ordinary Bar Food. The food was delicious, and I loved that I could sit down and have locals treat me like I grew up in town. You might have heard words like Midwest Nice? Sutherland fits that description and so does the food! Check it out below – this is the Barnyard Burger – which is 1/3 pound of ground beef with American Cheese, Ham, Bacon, and a Fried Egg, and it was nothing short of amazing.
WHERE TO PLAY?
There is plenty to do in Sutherland – from walking across the street from Rumors – you can enjoy a nice drink and game of indoor golf at Sweeney’s Clubhouse – I’ll have more on this cool place to play “a round of golf” in a different upcoming video – but it’s a perfect thing to do (whether it’s hot or cold outside) they have the virtual golf to keep you below PAR! – There is the city park, a local museum, an art studio, and an old vinyl record shop to check out at First Street Thrift and Vinyl – plus 4 and 8 miles outside of town – Sutherland boasts some of the best rural adventures in NW Iowa – with Dog Creek and the Prairie Heritage Center. Both places are an outstanding escape and weekend trip for the family.
From Left to Right – Dog Creek Grain Bin Cabin, Prairie Heritage Sculpture, and Pioneer Wagon.
M-115 8-inch Howitzer – set in the City Park in honor of all veterans in the area.
Sutherland – a Rural Adventure worth taking –
Whether you are looking for a short break away from the city – or whether you are looking for a more permanent stay – Sutherland is a great small-town choice. It has all the key things you are looking for in a smaller package – and plenty of things to do on a budget! Come out to the countryside around Sutherland – and discover why Sutherland-nice packs a perfect little rural adventure for you. Go explore the parks, check out the bison at the heritage center, take a drive along one of Iowa’s best scenic by-ways (the Glacial Trail Scenic Byway) – take a dip in the pool at the Willoway, play a few rounds of virtual golf at Sweeney’s and feed yourself at Rumors before you call it a day! – OH! And don’t forget to go pick out a gift or two at Keep Aim Boutique – and tell them I sent you!