A 30-Hour Escape to “Little Chicago”: Music, Murals, and Midwestern Marvels
We knew we were heading north to celebrate a milestone—a dear friend’s 50th birthday and a concert by one of our favorite bands, The Nadas, at the Hard Rock in Sioux City. That much was certain.
What we didn’t know was what else the city had in store.
Spoiler Alert: Sioux City delivered.
Jenny by the bigger-than-super-size Twin Bing candy
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Dani’s Birthday Party Crew
And something unexpected happened along the way: those suggestions gave the places we visited more meaning. Every sandwich, mural, and museum suddenly had a name or face attached to it—people we know who had once been there, enjoyed it, and wanted us to do the same. That kind of sharing turns travel into connection.
So with a list of ideas, a bag tossed in the trunk, and Jenny happily taking the wheel, we left Omaha around 10 a.m. on Friday morning and pointed ourselves toward Sioux City for what would become a rich, memorable 30-hour getaway.
With Jenny behind the wheel (her happy place), I got to play navigator, roadside spotter, and occasional napper. She’s the ideal travel partner—curious, calm, and always game to turn a simple plan into a great story.
Stop #1: Miles Inn – A Sandwich Worth the Drive
Our first order of business was Miles Inn, a name that had come up more than once in whispered reverence. “The Charlie Boy,” their signature loose meat sandwich, sits somewhere between a burger and a Sloppy Joe with a college degree. Add sweet onion potato chips and a schooner of IPA served in a glass colder than February in Nebraska, and you’ve got a near-perfect kickoff meal.
No frills. Cash only. Just good food done right.
Popcorn Royalty and a Five-Generation Sugar Fix
Next stop: Jolly Time Pop Corn. Around since 1914 and still run by the founding family, this place has earned its title as “The Official Snack of Happiness.” The shop is part museum, part gift store, and 100% nostalgia. Old poppers, tins, and decades of tradition line the shelves. It’s a reminder that when something is done with care, it lasts.
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Comics and Community at Acme
We couldn’t resist a visit to Acme Comics to celebrate their 30th anniversary. Kevin and Fran have created more than a store—they’ve built a hub. The kind of comic shop where you can talk shop for an hour and still leave with a recommendation and a smile. No gloss, no pretense—just heart.
Visit to the famous Palmer Candy Store
Just a few blocks away, we dropped into Palmer Candy—home of the Twin Bing and a fifth-generation confectionery powerhouse. The shop feels like stepping into a simpler time, where sugar reigned and the air always smelled like caramel. Their museum of vintage equipment and photos is a treat all its own.
Friday Night Lights at the Hard Rock
That evening, we crossed the street to the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino for a concert by The Nadas—a band that’s been in our musical rotation for years. Our birthday friend and the rest of the group were staying at the Hard Rock, spending most of their trip enjoying the casino, while Jenny and I were out exploring the town. It was a joy to meet up for the show and share in the celebration of such a special milestone.
After the music, we spent a little time catching up before heading back to our hotel, Stoney Creek, which feels like what would happen if a Bass Pro Shop had a cozy, lodge-loving cousin. Beautiful taxidermy on the walls, a chandelier made from a giant fishing bobber, and just the right amount of modern comfort. A quick dip in the indoor/outdoor pool and a relaxing soak in the hot tub were the perfect punctuation marks on a day that already felt like a fully lived weekend.
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Saturday Morning on Two Wheels
While most of our crew slept in, I did what I love most when exploring a new town—I rode. Sioux City’s downtown is flat, quiet, and peppered with murals in the unlikeliest corners. It’s a bike rider’s dream, and a reminder that you don’t always need a plan to find something special. While they weren’t open for business yet, I stopped by the beautiful Orpheum Theatre to snap a pic with my bike “Sparkles.”
A highlight was Albrecht Cycle Shop, a bike-lover’s haven where craftsmanship is alive and well. I grabbed some chain oil and had a great conversation with the owners. It’s the kind of place that reminds you why small businesses matter – and why we should always support them.
Public Museum Goals
Later that morning, we regrouped and visited the Sioux City Public Museum. From the Dinosaurs of the Hell Creek exhibit to student-led local history displays, the museum packs a punch. There’s a thoughtful video on the city’s evolution, artifacts from Native cultures and pioneer times, and even a nod to its musical roots. I LOVED this museum. What a great way to present the history of a community. Highly recommended!
And yes—Sioux City once referred to itself as Little Chicago. Growing up as a kid just outside the real deal, I found that endearingly bold.
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Quiet Reflections at the Monuments
We made time for two of the city’s most meaningful landmarks: the Sergeant Floyd Monument and the War Eagle Monument.
Sergeant Floyd was the only member of the Lewis and Clark expedition to die on the journey. His final resting place sits under a 100-foot sandstone obelisk, overlooking the Missouri River. It’s simple, elegant, and quietly powerful.
The War Eagle Monument, not far from there, honors a Native leader who spent his life building peace. War Eagle helped unite cultures, married diplomacy with courage, and was buried—along with his daughters—on the bluff where the monument now stands. The view alone is worth the visit, but the story stays with you long after.
Final Stop: La Juanita Mexican Restaurant
Before heading home, we made one last stop at La Juanita. No flash, no gimmicks—just fresh tortillas, seasoned meats, and salsa that meant business. My chimichanga? One of the best I’ve ever had. It was a fitting final bite before driving home—full, happy, and a little reluctant to leave.
What a Few Good Hours Can Do
What stuck with me wasn’t just the food or the concert or the scenery. It was the richness of experience that came from being curious and present. We were gone for just over a day, but came back with new stories, sweet souvenirs, and a deeper appreciation for a town that had only ever been a signpost.
You don’t need a weeklong vacation to find something wonderful. Sometimes, you just need a Friday off and a willingness to explore. Adventure isn’t about the miles—it’s about the mindset.
To all the friends who chimed in on Facebook with recommendations—thank you. Your suggestions turned a loose plan into a memorable journey. That kind of shared wisdom is what makes travel feel less like tourism and more like community.
Here’s to more quick trips, full hearts, and saying yes to what’s around the next corner.