Known as the “Coca-Cola Capital of Iowa,” Atlantic offers a charming slice of Americana with plenty of ways to stay active, including kayaking at Schildberg Recreation Area and cycling the 20-mile T-Bone Trail. It is a surprisingly engaging home base where you can enjoy historic architecture and local festivals rather than just staring at cornfields.
For a big-city fix, you are less than an hour (49 miles) from Omaha, Nebraska, where you can explore the world-famous Henry Doorly Zoo and the vibrant Old Market dining district.