So we drove to southern IA and wanted to see if we would see the California Zephyr Amtrak train. Unfortunately we missed it, but really liked a short visit at the old depot in Osceola, IA. The kiddos really enjoyed the quiet depot and ensured it sounded as if a train was barreling through.

Then we went to explore the rest of the downtown square. Osceola is the county seat of Clarke county which means that many services for the county occur in Osceola. In county seats there is a square rather than a main street/high street. While walking along the square, we heard the familiar sound of a fast freight train coming and turned to see the three engines and all the train cars going by on the tracks.

Afterwards, we discovered a really nice gift shop that also was a cafe that sold locally made goods. I did not take photos of the food, but it was so tasty we gobbled it up for our picnic on the courthouse grounds. This is a great place for a food based gift basket.

It was nice to be out and about in a new area. Maybe next time we’ll see the massive Amtrak train to LA another time.

Bye for now.