With some awesome road trip options in the surrounding area, renting a car makes good sense. Without one, it’d be much harder to soak up everything that Austin, 35 miles away, has to offer. Among your first stops here should be Paramount Theatre, Hormel Historic Home and Jay C. Hormel Nature Center. Charles City is another popular destination. It’s 40 miles away and offers a range of interesting things to do. Carrie Chapman Catt Girlhood Home and Museum, Charles City Arts Center and Charles City Whitewater at Riverfront Park are just the start.