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Backyard Travelers of Greater Burlington

Explore Greater Burlington's Hidden Gems Through The Eyes Of Those Who Live Here

As travelers, we often rely on guidebooks and online reviews to find the best places to eat, drink, and explore in a new city. But what if we could get recommendations straight from the locals themselves? Welcome to the new Backyard Travelers series, where residents of Greater Burlington share their favorite local spots. From hidden-gem restaurants to off-the-beaten-path hiking trails, you'll get the insider tips from people who know their cities best. So come explore Greater Burlington, one local recommendation at a time.

Five Photo-Worthy Spots in Greater Burlington

Published on May 1, 2026
Greater Burlington is a must-visit destination for shutter bugs. *** NOTE: The lack of photos in this blog post is intentional. Visitors are encouraged to seek out the following...

The Witte Observatory

Published on April 23, 2026
Enjoy a night (or day!) among the stars.   Tucked into the rolling hills of southeast Iowa, the John H. Witte Jr. Observatory Complex gives visitors something genuinely hard to find...

Sperry, Iowa: An Outdoor Enthusiast’s Destination

Published on April 16, 2026
Tucked in the heart of Des Moines County, the small community of Sperry, Iowa sits at the edge of one of Southeast Iowa's most rewarding outdoor destinations. community of Sperry, Iowa sits...

Crave-Worthy Eateries with Outdoor Seating

Published on April 9, 2026
If you're coming to visit, do yourself a favor and plan at least a few meals outside. Greater Burlington is one of those places where the setting genuinely adds to the experience, whether...

Three Must-Attend Summer Events in Greater Burlington

Published on April 3, 2026
Summer events in Greater Burlington has a way of pulling people away from their screens and getting them outside. The river is always there as a backdrop, the downtown fills up with...

Top Five Ways for Families to Get Outside This Summer

Published on March 24, 2026
Summer in Greater Burlington has a way of sneaking up on you in the best possible way. The days stretch long and warm, the parks fill with the sound of kids playing, and suddenly every...

Burlington Bees Baseball: A Timeless Summer Tradition

Published on March 19, 2026
There is something about a summer evening at the ballpark that is hard to put into words.   The hum of conversation, the crack of the bat, the glow of stadium lights against a darkening...

We Love William Frawley

Published on March 10, 2026
Before millions of television viewers came to know him as the lovable and grumpy Fred Mertz on I Love Lucy, William Frawley was just a boy growing up in Burlington, Iowa.   The gravelly...

Four Ways to Enjoy the Mississippi River in Greater Burlington

Published on March 5, 2026
The Mississippi River is the defining natural feature of Greater Burlington. For generations, it has shaped the community's history, culture, and outdoor traditions, and today it remains...

Three Hidden-Gem Parks in Des Moines County

Published on February 27, 2026
When outdoor enthusiasts think about Greater Burlington, well-known destinations like Starr’s Cave Park & Preserve and Big Hollow Recreation Area tend to come to mind first. But scattered...

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