If you live anywhere near the center of our great nation, then you really need to come on over and see it for yourself. It’s right here, in Soldier, Iowa. Coincidentally we also think it’s the center of the universe.
Why visit Soldier? If you’re reading this, it’s a 50/50 bet that you might have family or friends here or you may have even grown up here. In addition to that excellent reason to visit, here are five other reasons I can think of.
1. Year-Round Activities. In warm summer months, we have active people of all ages doing all kinds of things. For example, Sunday evenings provide summer softball opportunities. All ages and skill levels are welcome at the local ball diamond. The townspeople are readying the ballpark for another summer with some extra special TLC this year. Throughout the year, there are always outdoor opportunities available either in town or at the nearby Oldham Recreation area, including bicycling, hiking, birdwatching, hunting, fishing, camping, swimming and even horseback riding. And if you aren’t really the outdoor type, there is a bookstore in town stocking over 20000 titles, there is a community center with an indoor fitness center / Yoga classes and winter fish fry Fridays, and there are ample opportunities for driving tours of the Loess Hills, a one-of-a-kind land mass that forms the geographical backdrop for Soldier.
2. Cultural Curiosities. Soldier was founded by a small group of Norwegian immigrants over a century ago. The town’s history provides the backdrop for the many cultural opportunities located here. Traveling around town will provide opportunities to view historic Scandinavian architecture (including the historic country church), observe unique reproductions of Norwegian Rosemale painting on some of the commercial buildings, and maybe even run into an old-timer and take the opportunity to trade greetings in Norwegian.
3. Historical Rarities. Soldier is home to many unique historical tidbits. The oldest continuously operating 4H club in the USA calls Soldier home. The local Community Building, itself a cultural gem and a memorial to World War I veterans, played host to Lawrence Welk when he came to town to perform for the townspeople. Indeed the town’s name itself, Soldier, was given because of the legend of a Union Soldier apparently found lying near the river, also named for this soldier (Soldier River).
4. Friendly Neighborhoods and Business District. Soldier has two beautiful parks inside the city limits, and a baseball / softball field at the eastern edge of town. Interwoven with these green spaces are tidy shops, clean streets, and well-kept homes all tended to by friendly, welcoming people. A wide assortment of shops and services is available in town and the immediately outlying areas, from picture framing to automotive service, from banking to archery supplies.
5. Accesible and Affordable. Soldier is easy to get to and easy to get around, and a trip to Soldier won’t set you back much. There aren’t many tourist traps in Soldier, just honest value for your dollar. You can fill the tank with gas, find a quick snack or a more complete meal, visit one or more of the unique shops (gifts, consigned items, books, and much more), and meet some of the most interesting and engaging people on earth, without the big city expense or theme park “captive pricing” that you might be used to. Soldier will send you back home with best wishes for another visit soon, and with much of the money you came with!
There you have it – my top five. Two airports serve the area, each about an hour away (Omaha’s Eppley Airfield and Sioux City’s Sioux Gateway Airport).
If you’ve been to Soldier and you can think of some points I missed, please comment!