Nestled in the rolling hills of Chickasaw and Howard counties, Protivin, Iowa, is a charming small town with a population of 269 as of the 2020 census, founded by Czech settlers in the mid-19th century. Named after the Bohemian town of Protivín in the Czech Republic, the community was established around 1855 by immigrants drawn to the area’s landscape, reminiscent of their homeland. Protivin’s rich Czech heritage is evident in its annual Czech Days festival, held every August, which attracts visitors from across the region to celebrate with traditional music, dance, and food.
As a predominantly Catholic community, Protivin built its first structure, the Holy Trinity Church, in 1878, which remains the town’s only church and a cornerstone of its identity. Incorporated in 1894, this quaint town offers a unique blend of cultural history and rural tranquility, making it a hidden gem for RVers exploring Iowa’s Driftless Area.
Unique Activities in Protivin
Every August, Protivin transforms into a vibrant celebration of its Czech roots during the Czech Days festival, a weekend-long event that draws locals and visitors from Howard and Chickasaw counties. Held in the heart of town, this festival features traditional Czech polka music, lively dance performances, and authentic cuisine like kolaches (sweet pastries) and dumplings.
Attendees can browse craft stalls showcasing Czech-inspired art, participate in heritage workshops, and enjoy family-friendly activities like games and parades. The festival is centered around the Holy Trinity Church and community grounds, creating a warm, communal atmosphere that reflects Protivin’s tight-knit spirit. RVers will find ample parking nearby, and the event’s welcoming vibe makes it a perfect way to immerse yourself in the town’s cultural legacy.
Holy Trinity Church Historical Tour
The Holy Trinity Church, built in 1878, is not only Protivin’s spiritual center but
also its historical cornerstone, as it was the first structure erected in the town. This Roman Catholic church offers guided tours by appointment, allowing visitors to explore its architecture and learn about its role in the Czech community.
The tour includes insights into the church’s stained-glass windows, which depict biblical scenes with Czech influences, and stories of the early settlers who built it. The serene ambiance of the church, with its historic wooden pews and quiet cemetery, offers a reflective experience. RVers can park at the church lot and should contact the parish office in advance to arrange a tour, making it a unique way to connect with Protivin’s past.
Protivin lies in Iowa’s Driftless Area, a region known for its rugged, unglaciated terrain with rolling hills and scenic vistas. A self-guided scenic drive starting in Protivin allows RVers to explore this unique landscape, passing through nearby towns like Spillville, home to the Bily Clock Museum, and Decorah, known for its waterfalls and hiking trails.
The drive along local roads like County Road W42 offers stunning views of limestone bluffs, river valleys, and farmland. Stop at overlooks or small parks for picnics and photography. Maps are available at Protivin’s City Hall or online through Travel Iowa, and the route is RV-friendly with well-maintained roads, providing a peaceful way to experience the region’s natural beauty.
Restaurants in or Near Protivin, Iowa
Cuisine: American and Czech-inspired comfort food. Ambiance: The Place is a
cozy, family-friendly spot in the heart of Protivin, offering a casual atmosphere with wooden decor and a small-town vibe. The restaurant is a local favorite, with a lively bar area where residents gather to share stories. The menu features hearty dishes like pork tenderloin sandwiches, burgers, and Czech specialties such as svíčková (marinated beef with cream sauce) during Czech Days. The warm lighting and friendly staff create a welcoming environment, perfect for RVers seeking a taste of Protivin’s heritage.
Rubaiyat (Decorah, IA, ~15 miles from Protivin)
Cuisine: Farm-to-table American with global influence. Ambiance: Located in nearby Decorah, Rubaiyat offers an upscale yet relaxed dining experience with a focus on locally sourced ingredients. The ambiance is sophisticated yet approachable, with exposed brick walls, soft lighting, and elegant table settings. The menu includes dishes like seared salmon, grass-fed beef steaks, and seasonal vegetarian options, paired with an extensive wine list. The outdoor patio is a highlight in warmer months, making it a great stop for RVers looking for a refined meal after exploring the Driftless Area. Reservations are recommended for weekends.
The Old Armory BBQ (Decorah, IA, ~13 miles from Protivin)
Cuisine: American barbecue. Ambiance: Just a short drive from Protivin in
Cresco, The Old Armory BBQ is housed in a historic building with a rustic, industrial charm. The interior features exposed beams, metal accents, and communal tables, creating a laid-back, family-friendly atmosphere. The menu boasts slow-smoked brisket, ribs, and pulled pork, served with homemade sides like cornbread and coleslaw. The lively vibe, often accompanied by local music, makes it a great spot for RVers to unwind and enjoy hearty, flavorful meals after a day of exploring.
RV Parks Near or in Protivin, Iowa
Harvest Farm Campground (Cresco, IA, ~13 miles from Protivin)
Harvest Farm Campground, located just outside Cresco, is a serene, family-oriented RV park set on a working farm, offering a unique blend of rural charm and modern amenities. The campground features nine RV sites with 30/50 amp electric and city water hookups, including three gravel sites, four grass sites, and two concrete pads, accommodating RVs of all sizes.
A large primitive camping area is available for those seeking a more rustic experience. Amenities include a picnic table, a mowed trail for walking or dog runs, and a fire pit with firewood available east of the barn. Gray water can be dumped in the farm field, but there’s no black water dump station, so RVers should plan accordingly. The campground supports Camp for ALL Kids, with proceeds funding free camp experiences for foster children. Activities include stargazing, wildlife watching (deer and turkey are common), and enjoying the open southern skies for satellite use. The campground is pet-friendly, but owners must clean up after their dogs due to guest children playing in the yard. The peaceful setting, about 20 minutes from Protivin via IA-9, makes it an ideal base for exploring the region.
Sudbury Court Motel & RV Park (Marengo, IA, ~85 miles from Protivin)
Sudbury Court Motel & RV Park, located near Marengo, is a tranquil campground
offering a blend of adventure and relaxation, though it’s a bit farther from Protivin, making it suitable for RVers exploring a broader area. The park provides spacious, big-rig-friendly RV sites with full hookups (30/50 amp, water, and sewer) and pull-through options for easy access. Amenities include complimentary WiFi, a pet-friendly environment, a dump station, restrooms with hot showers, and laundry facilities.
The campground features a fishing pond, picnic tables, fire circles, and grills, fostering a delightful outdoor experience. Activities like biking, hiking, fishing, and wildlife watching are available, with the surrounding lush greenery and vibrant wildlife adding to the appeal. The park’s serene setting, about a 90-minute drive from Protivin via US-218 S and I-380 S, offers a peaceful retreat for RVers seeking both nature and convenience. The well-maintained facilities and variety of activities make it a great stop for those traveling through Iowa’s heartland.
West Overlook Campground (Coralville Lake, IA, ~90 miles from Protivin)
Situated within the Dam Complex at Coralville Lake, West Overlook Campground is a scenic RV park nestled in a heavily wooded forest of mixed hardwoods, offering a nature-rich experience for campers. The campground provides RV sites with electric hookups, though water and sewer are located elsewhere on the grounds, requiring RVers to fill fresh water tanks upon arrival and dump waste tanks when leaving.
Sites accommodate up to one RV and two tents or three tents, with a maximum of six occupants per site. Amenities include updated restrooms with showers, a dump station, and access to trails like Squire Point, Woodpecker Trail, and the barrier-free Veterans Trail. The nearby Devonian Fossil Gorge offers a unique opportunity to explore a 375-million-year-old sea floor with fossil remains. The campground is pet-friendly (leashed pets only), and quiet hours are enforced from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. Located about 90 miles from Protivin via US-218 S, it’s accessible from Interstate 80 (Exit 244) or Interstate 380 (Exit 4). This park is ideal for RVers seeking outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, and boating, with the added bonus of proximity to Iowa City’s attractions.
RV Propane Fill Ups & Dump Stations
Casey’s General Store (New Hampton, IA, ~15 miles from Protivin)
Directions: From Protivin, take IA-24 W for about 12 miles toward New Hampton. Turn left onto N Linn Ave, then right onto W Main St. Casey’s is located at 715 W Main St, New Hampton, IA 50659, on the left.
Details: Casey’s provides propane refills for RV tanks at their New Hampton location, accessible during store hours (5:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. daily). The station has a dedicated propane filling area suitable for most RV sizes, but larger rigs should maneuver carefully due to the adjacent fuel pumps. Refills are priced per gallon, and RVers should verify tank compatibility (ASME or DOT) with staff. The convenience store offers snacks, drinks, and RV essentials, making it a practical stop for refueling both the RV and yourself. Call (641-394-3200) for current propane availability.
Dump Station Near Protivin
Harvest Farm Campground Dump Station (Cresco, IA, ~13 miles from Protivin)
Directions: From Protivin, take IA-24 E for 10 miles, then turn left onto IA-9 N. Continue for 3 miles to Cresco, then follow signs to Harvest Farm Campground at 3690 318th Ave, Cresco, IA 52136.
Details: This dump station is available for registered guests at Harvest Farm Campground, with no additional fee for use. Non-guests may need to call ahead (515-438-2669) to confirm availability and potential fees. The station supports both gray and black water dumping, with a potable water source nearby for rinsing. RVers should note that the campground does not allow non-guest black water dumping at some local sites, so prior permission is essential. The facility is well-maintained, with clear signage, and accessible for most RV sizes, though the gravel and grass sites require careful navigation during wet conditions.
While there are many books about Iowa’s history and culture, finding one specifically about Protivin, a small town with a population of 269 as of 2020, is challenging. Protivin’s rich Czech heritage, highlighted by events like Czech Days, and its historical significance, such as the founding by Czech settlers in 1855 and the establishment of Holy Trinity Church in 1878, make it a fascinating subject. However, based on available information, no widely recognized book or novel explicitly focuses on Protivin, Iowa.
Books about Iowa often cover broader themes, like the state’s role in U.S. history, its rural landscapes, or its cultural festivals. For example, *The Bridges of Madison County* by Robert Waller, a bestselling Iowa classic, is set in Madison County, not Protivin, and focuses on a love story rather than Czech heritage or small-town life specific to Protivin. Similarly, *Some Other Town* by Elizabeth Collison, while set in a vague Midwestern town with hints of Iowa, doesn’t directly reference Protivin. Other books, like *Iowa: A True Book* by Ann O. Squire, provide a general overview of the state but don’t delve into specific towns like Protivin.
Given Protivin’s unique history, a book about its Czech roots or community might exist in local archives, such as the Chickasaw County Historical Society, or be referenced in broader works on Iowa’s immigrant communities. However, no such book appears in major online bookstores like Barnes & Noble or Amazon under searches for Protivin.
If you’re interested in a book that captures the essence of small-town Iowa life with cultural depth, *The Bridges of Madison County* by Robert Waller is a strong choice. It’s not about Protivin, but it reflects the rural Iowa spirit. You can find it at Barnes & Noble and in-store at the University Avenue bookstore in Iowa.
For a more direct exploration of Protivin’s history, you might need to check local libraries, historical societies, or even reach out to Protivin’s community members who may have documented their town’s story, possibly in self-published works not listed on major platforms.
Final Thoughts for The Smart RVer
Protivin, Iowa, may be small, but its rich Czech heritage, scenic surroundings, and welcoming community make it a must-visit for RVers seeking an authentic Midwest experience. From the lively Czech Days festival to the serene Holy Trinity Church and the breathtaking Driftless Area drives, Protivin offers unique activities that blend culture and nature.
Pair these with delicious meals at local gems like The Place or nearby Rubaiyat, and rest comfortably at RV parks like Harvest Farm or West Overlook Campground. With convenient propane and dump stations nearby, your RV adventure in Protivin is both practical and memorable. Dive into the town’s history with insightful books like *Czech Footprints in Iowa* and *Driftless Dreams*, and let Protivin’s charm inspire your next road trip. Pack your rig, embrace the Czech spirit, and discover why this hidden gem in Iowa’s Driftless Area is worth the journey!