Tipton, Iowa: Mini-Golf Burger Family

Not sure if the mini golf course is still in operation (it looked a bit dilapidated when we were there), but the A&W Burger Family is still alive and kicking in Tipton, Iowa. Very visible from I-80, smiling out at all who pass by.

The statues have been there for at least three decades and mile marker 267 is a gold mine of classic Americana attractions. First is the Sinclair station which has the defunct petting zoo. That Sinclair station is an OLD STUCKEYS! Even though the weeds have overgrown it, the petting zoo can still clearly be seen along with the original feed dispenser which still has the authentic 25 cents sticker on it. Not bad for a hand full of feed corn. Notice that the giant ears of corn popping up through the grass are actually cement bumpers to mark the parking lot.

Next, we cross the overpass above I-80 to the Cove restaurant. The Cove is a popular grill and restaurant with great home cooked meals since 1966... truly an American classic. What moves the Cove into superstar Americana status is the fact that they have the original Sinclair Dinosaur from the Stuckeys/Sinclair gas station. That dinosaur has been at the Cove for over three decades. Sneaking inside the Cove for some saltwater taffy, we discover a tiny green dinosaur by the checkout and an autograph from Evil Kneivel from when he ate there.

Can it get any better? It does! Crossing back on the overpass, we head one block west on an old gravel road that leads us to what we are looking for. It is THE ENTIRE A&W ROOT BEER FAMILY! Papa burger, Mamma burger, Teen burger and Baby burger! They are with their burgers at the minigolf of Hunt's Cedar River Campground! YES! Seven years ago, the Hunt's purchased the campground. The original owners of the campground purchased the A&W family from A&W.

Visible from I-80 are two large statues. I think these were used at A&W drive-ins to promote "teen burgers" and so on. They're children holding up large hamburgers. Now they reside in a miniature golf area of a campground. BONUS: the exit off the interstate also has a Sinclair station -- that's a bit rough -- but that also has the remnants of a defunct petting zoo...