Siouxland Families

It's apple season! Whether you like them sweet or tart, baked into a pie or freshly sliced, apples are one of the quintessential fall flavors. And there's just something extra special about picking your own apples. Luckily, there are several lovely places near Sioux City and Siouxland where you can do just that. So, here's my guide to where to pick apples within 2 hours of Sioux City, freshly updated with autumn 2026 details:  Apple Orchards in Sioux City Autumn Grove Apple Orchard 1658 180th Street, Sioux City, IA Currently Autumn Grove Apple Orchard is the only you-pick apple orchard I am aware of within Sioux City itself. There is no admission charge to Autumn Grove Apple Orchard, and the apples are sold by volume, so just buy your bag and pick what you want as long as it fits! For 2026, Autumn Grove has unfortunately announced that they had extensive tree damage this year, so the apple crop this fall will be small and opening day will be later than expected. Watch their...

The Durham Museum in Omaha's historic Union Station is a Midwest treasure trove, with a spectacular permanent collection but also home to can't-miss temporary exhibitions, and the summer 2026 visiting exhibits are SO good! I went with my family in summer 2026 and amongst other things, got to check out the Disney Archives: Heroes & Villains costume exhibit and the Nebraskaland 100 exhibit exploring the iconic local magazine. Both were well worth the visit, and big hits with my family. Here are some things families should know about the summer 2026 fun at the Durham: Nebraskaland: Celebrating 100 Years Outdoors In 1926, the first issues of Outdoor Nebraska magazine were published, kicking off a century of stunning photography and inspiring writing about the natural beauty of Nebraska. The magazine was renamed Nebraskaland in 1964 and continues its mission of encouraging conservation and appreciation of Nebraskan nature into the 2020s.  The ...

The Sioux City Art Center is a must-see for anyone living in or visiting Siouxland who likes art, and their new exhibit Pasture to Present elevates it even further. The short version is that it's a really nicely done exhibit that you should go see. The long version is: in conjunction with the re-installation of the newly restored Grant Wood Corn Room, the Sioux City Art Center is displaying a variety of other works of American Regionalism by the 20th century masters of that movement, plus more modern works that touch on rural themes. The resulting exhibit exceeded my expectations and was just really pretty and fun to see. Here's what you should know about this great exhibit: When and where to see the Pasture to Present exhibit The Pasture to Present exhibit is on display at the Sioux City Art Center from June 13th through December 6th, 2026. Admission to the Sioux City Art Center, including the Pasture to Present exhibit, is free for all ages.  The Sioux City Art Ce...

When the iconic Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C. was built in the 1910s and 1920s before opening officially in 1922, giant pillars were placed under the main structure to mitigate the swampy terrain. And from that time, the space between those pillars was mostly empty. Until now. In June 2026, the Lincoln Memorial Undercroft Museum opened to the public, and in July 2026 I was able to visit with my family, including my 4 kids. Based on lots of research online and my personal experience visiting with my family, here's what I think families should know about visiting this cool new museum: Where is the Lincoln Memorial Undercroft Museum? The Lincoln Memorial Undercroft Museum is located under the Lincoln Memorial, which sits on the National Mall at 2 Lincoln Memorial Circle NW in Washington DC.  The entrance to the undercroft museum specifically is to the right of the stairs if you are looking at Abraham Lincoln with the reflecting pool to your back, through the sam...

An exciting new event is being held in Iowa this fall in honor of our nation's 250th birthday! On October 24th, 2026, head to the Iowa State Capitol for America's Harvest Festival and celebrate autumn in the US like never before. Here's what we know about this cool event so far (and I'll be sure to update throughout the summer and fall as new details are shared!) Where is America's Harvest Festival happening? America's Harvest Festival is happening at the Iowa State Capitol in Des Moines, Iowa. There's ample free parking on the capitol grounds, but I'd anticipate that at least some of it may be used as event space for this festival. If they share alternative parking and/or shuttle options, I'll share that once I hear about it! When is America's Harvest Festival happening? America's Harvest Festival is happening on Saturday, October 24th, 2026 from 1pm to sunset, around 7pm.  What is America's...

Every month I bring you the best things to do in Sioux City and Siouxland, from storytimes and crafts to music festivals, streaming concerts, and holidays from silly to serious. This month, some of the highlights include  Fourth of July , Saturday in the Park , and tons of summer fun! You might also be interested in my posts about  pools  and  splash pads  in Siouxland or  summer day camps in Siouxland .  I hope these event listings help inspire you to go make some happy memories with your family this month! *July 2026 update in progress!* Recommended Reads for July 2026 Of Thee I Sing: Poems that Celebrate our American Spirit edited by Ryan G. Van Cleave (poetry and songs for all ages) In this treasure of an anthology, Van Cleave guides readers through classics of America's poetic literary tradition including Paul Revere's Ride, the Star Spangled-Banner (Defence of Fort M'Henry), Chicago by Carl Sandburg, The Negro S...

Every month I share some of the best things to do in Sioux City and Siouxland, from storytimes and crafts to music festivals, streaming concerts, and holidays from silly to serious. This June, you might also be interested in my guide to pools & swim lessons in Siouxland , my post about Siouxland Splash Pads , or my post about summer day camps in Siouxland . I hope this event list inspires you to go make some happy memories with your family this month!  *Now updated for June 2026!* Recommended Midwesty Reads for June 2026 Critters of Iowa by Alex Troutman (nonfiction guidebook for kids.) Full review coming soon! Fishing With Dad by Kevin Lovegreen (picture book.) Full review coming soon! Who's Hiding Under the Sea? by Janet Lawler (lift-the-flap-book.) Full review coming soon! *** Jump to a Week in June 2025 June 1 - June 6 June 8 - June 14 June 15 - June 21 June 22 - June 28 ...