Most folks know that state fairs are usually big events. But did you know there is a fair in Northwest Iowa that rivals many state fairs? It’s called The Clay County Fair and is held each year in Spencer, Iowa. I had a fun time attending this past Saturday, September 7, with two friends I’ve known since age 3. We had a blast! The fair continues until September 15, so there’s still time to go yourself!

I spent the Fourth of July this year in the Okoboji area in Iowa, as I sometimes do. This year, due to flooding in Northwest Iowa (heartbreaking), I had to take a different route than normal to get there. On the way home I was looking for fun stops on Google Maps and I spotted Lost Island Lake Nature Center a ways south of Spencer, Iowa. So I paid it a visit on the Sunday afternoon after the 4th.

If you’ve never been to the Himalayas, you will feel like you have when you visit the Omaha zoo’s Asian Highlands. One of the things that I like best about the Henry Doorly Zoo in Omaha is the immersive nature of all the exhibits. Each area of the zoo is appropriately themed down to the animal enclosures. This includes one of my favorite exhibits - the Asian Highlands. You will really feel like you have been transported to the mountains of Asia when you enter this area.

I’ve always been both fascinated and slightly squeamish about nocturnal animals in general. But not so much anymore! The Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo’s Kingdoms of the Night will introduce you to numerous unusual and sometimes even endearing creatures.

Lots of great locations, activities, and attractions to learn about on my blog this week!

If you’ve never been in a desert, you will feel like you have when you visit the Omaha zoo’s Desert Dome. One of the things that I like best about the Henry Doorly Zoo in Omaha is the immersive nature of all the exhibits. This includes one of my favorite exhibits - the Desert Dome.