About this event
Three-Day Adventure to Iowa
Friday, September 13th thru Sunday, September 15
Plans for our annual Three-Day Adventure are shaping up. This year we are headed south to IOWA! We have two interesting destinations to explore, the Mason City/Clear Lake area and the Dutch community of Pella.
Subject to revision, here's a general idea of what we plan to see along the way. We will depart from Apple Valley on Friday, September 13 at 9:00 a.m. We’ll meander down through southern Minnesota on our way to Iowa with a stop or two along the way.
Once we arrive in Mason City, we’ll tour Music Man Square located “Right Here in River City”. The Music Man movie was written by Mason City native Meredith Willson and the museum features a 1912 replica Streetscape, historical exhibits and, of course, seventy-six trombones. (themusicmansquare.org)
Downtown Mason City is also home to the last remaining hotel in the world designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. It's called the Historic Park Inn Hotel and that’s where we’ll be staying the night. We have 10 rooms reserved and the discounted rate hotel block expires on August 19th. Details on how to book your room are provided below.
Later that afternoon we will take the short drive to Clear Lake, a charming city alongside a beautiful lake. If Clear Lake sounds familiar, it’s probably because of the legendary plane crash that occurred in 1959 where Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and “The Big Bopper” J.P. Richardson lost their lives. The event became known as the “Day the Music Died” and was immortalized in the Don McLean song “American Pie”. The accident occurred after the trio performed at the Surf Ballroom, and the ballroom is still there and in business (surfballroom.com). We’ll tour the place and, if interested, perhaps attend a show by Mickey Dolenz (formerly of the Monkees) who will be performing at 7:00 p.m. ($39 per person, general admission). We’ll have dinner in either Clear Lake or Mason City.
Following a relaxing stay at the Park Inn in Mason City, on Saturday morning we’ll be on our way to Clarion, home of Hagie Manufacturing, a maker of enormous agricultural sprayer equipment. It also happens to be where Tom's son works, so we will be treated to a personal tour of the plant. A photo op with our BMWs next to the massive equipment would be spectacular.
Next we’ll be headed south to Pella. If you haven’t been there before, you are in for a treat. Pella, the home of Pella Windows, is a city with character that has gone “all in” on the Dutch theme and is referred to as “American’s Dutch Treasure”. It’s too late in the season for many tulips, but the city has charming architecture, windmills, and even a canal, similar to Amsterdam. Speaking of which, our hotel for the night will be the Amsterdam Hotel, a European classic, thoroughly modern place located right in the downtown. Booking details are provided below. We’ll tour the town and enjoy a group dinner at Butcher’s Brewhuis located on the town square. (butchersbrewhuis.com)
On Sunday morning we’ll have breakfast at the hotel (included) and continue exploring the town. We’ll then head north and it’s a 4-5 hour trip home, depending on the route we decide to take and the number of stops along the way.
Interested in joining your BMW friends on this special three-day road trip? If so, here are your next steps:
1) Book Reservation at the Historic Park Inn in Mason City
Call 641-422-0015 and ask for “Lawell Block”
Rate is $175 + tax
2) Book Reservation at Amsterdam Hotel in Pella
Call 641-620-8400 and ask for “Northstar BMW” block
Rate is $179 + tax
3) Register for the Trip on MotorsportReg
No cost to register, but we need to know you're coming. Again, trip is limited to 10 couples, so don't delay!
As always, trip details are subject to modification based on unforeseen circumstances. At least one member in each vehicle needs to be a current member of the BMW Car Club of America. All participants will be required to sign a liability waiver form as required by the BMW Car Club of America. You are responsible for all costs incurred on the trip.
Before long the snowflakes will be flying. Come treat your BMW (and yourself) to this special road trip. You won't want to miss it!
Event requirements
At least one member in each vehicle needs to be a current member of the BMW Car Club of America. All participants (drivers and passengers) are required to sign a Release and Waiver of Liability form prior to departure
When you register, be sure to add your passengers too. This will assist in planning meals and activities for the long weekend. Thanks!