Things To Do

Walking & Hiking Trails

A favorite activity for guests who stay at the Granary are the several miles of walking and hiking trails on this 120 acre farm.

This video was taken by our guests when they accompanied us for an early morning buggy ride as we exercise the horses over these pathways.

Originally Indian trails that evolved into wagon trails for Iowa's immigrant population in 1846, then Township roads in 1900.

Now, left abandoned, these trails and roads still wind through our woods and pastures. The paths are kept mowed for easy travel.

Immegrants came by river to MaGregor, unloaded and started inland. One days travel brought them to a rock bottom crossing on the Paint Creek river. After spending the night where my farm bridge is now they moved North to Elon ridge and out fanned out on to the plains.

Pack a lunch and enjoy stopping at one of the picnic tables along the way. We have extra backpacks and water bottles if you don't have yours with you.

Guests have commented they 'Could almost hear and see those that traveled these roads years before'

Buggy Ride & Picnic Lunch

Ever wanted to ride in an Amish buggy and stop to have a picnic lunch next to fresh water trout stream? One of my Amish neighbors will take you in his buggy. The route follows Paint Creek where it's beautiful in the summer, a camera is a must have item.

It takes about an hour each way with a stop at the park outside the small town of Waterville for lunch. Plan on being gone three hours.

Let us know a week ahead so we can make arrangements. It's a free will offering, (no set charge) , but often a 'Thank You' of around $75.00 is offered to the Amish driver.

In addition to your fine lunch and ride, your gift covers his hitching up, driving over to the Granary, and his drive back to his home where the horse is brushed out, feed and cared for.

Logging with Draft Horses

Complimentary firewood is supplied for our guests. As seen in this video, the wood is logged from the trees on our farm.

Maybe you would like to join us and experiance what life was like in the 1900's working with 'Heavy Horses'.

• Be transported back to a place in time
• When there where no tractors
• Just the sounds of the leather harness
• The soft rattle of chain and the sliding sound of wood on grass
• Come to know the deep satisfaction of spending time with horses who will do their best, just for the asking.
• Earning the name 'Gentle Giants' .

Sleigh Ride

In winter many of our guests enjoy going with us on sleigh rides around the farm. This video captures one of those snowy days in mid-January.

Afterward, warm drinks are a welcome treat in the Tack room in the lower barn.

If going on a sleigh ride sounds like fun, simply ask when you're here and, weather permitting, we will hitch up and go.

Fall Colors

This area of Iowa is known for its stunning fall colors. Take a day trip in the local area or a drive along the Mississippi River on the Iowa Great River Road. Most river towns have fall festivals, antique shops, open air markets and more.

Local Dinning

"You know you're in Iowa when the pork chops are pillow size." Quote: Road Food - Regional Eats

Just three miles away is the 'Old Rossville Store'. The Old Rossville Store is a classic midwest supper club serving the rural farming community in remote Northeastern Iowa. Entering the bar, you’ll find Josh, the owner, serving as bartender.

Folks drive from miles around to eat here. Nice bar, fast sevice and quality food have made this the "Go To" place for years.

Josh's menu offers steaks, chops, sea food, BBQ ribs and a large salad bar.

Fishing & Hunting

Trout fishing starts at the bridge on the lower end of my drive way. Paint creek is stocked by the state of Iowa and offers miles of places to try your luck.

The Mississippi River is 20 minutes to the east. At the Granary we have ample parking for your boat and trailer.

For deer and turkey hunters the Granary is the perfect location. Bed down a party of six. Fix meals in a full size kitchen.

Note: I recommend booking early, as hunting season is a busy time.

Evening Camp Fires

Conversation around a camp fire is one of life's joys. We supply the wood for our guests; you simply enjoy the evening. We use horses in the Spring and Fall logging wood for the season. Your welcome to join us and experiance what life was like years ago working with "Heavy Horses"

The stars in the night sky are brilliant here.

If this is your first visit the sound of coyotes calling in the surrounding hills can be eerie. Yet it is an enchanting memory to take home.

Eagle Watching

Winter, Spring and Fall are good times to watch the eagles that return to the Granary here at Paint Creek Farm.

They glide in silently.

You'll see a shadow on the ground, or a movement in your peripheral vision.

Look up and there they are, wings outstretched, moving slowly, effortlessly.

Often they sit in the tall pine trees in the farm yard just 200 feet from the Granary.