We DARE you to conquer
our NEW Iowa Tenderloin Trail!

Iowans’ favorite pork dish is the breaded pork tenderloin. And you can be rewarded for traveling the state and sampling these delicious sandwiches at 10 of 14 designated locations on the newest version of the Iowa Tenderloin Trail.

Inspired by the success of the original Iowa Tenderloin Trail, we’ve launched version “2.0,” an update of the 2017 trail.

Now, here in Iowa—the nation’s leader in pork production—a tenderloin isn’t something that comes out of the freezer and is dropped into a fryer. We take pride in hand-pounded or tenderized, center-cut pork loin that is blanketed in a custom breadcrumb mixture or dipped in a savory batter and fried to golden perfection!

Is your mouth watering? There are many ways to craft this iconic Midwest sandwich, and this trail features some of Iowa’s BEST!

How to participate:

Receive a stamp on your “passport” when you order a tenderloin at any of the restaurants on the new trail. (Ask your server for the custom stamp!). Earn 10 stamps within 24 months, and we’ll send you an “I Conquered the Iowa Tenderloin Trail 2.0” T-shirt!

Download and print the official passport below. You can also pick one up at the Iowa Pork Producers Association in Clive, or at any restaurant along the trail.

 

The 14 trail stops include:

1. The Emerald Isle *Iowa Pork President’s Pick, Dennis Liljedahl* 100 397 Avenue, Imogene, Iowa 51645 712-386-2337

2.  Darrell’s  Place *Secretary of Agriculture Pick, Mike Naig* 4010 1st Street, Hamlin, Iowa 50117 712-563-3922

3. The Feed Mill Restaurant at Waspy’s Truck Stop *Iowa State Athletic Director Pick, Jamie Pollard* 2079 U.S. Highway 71, Audubon, Iowa 50025 712-563-5406

4. Birdies, Burgers & Brews at Hillcrest Golf Course 701 S Cedar Avenue, Graettinger, Iowa 51342 712-859-3766

5. Iowa Taproom 215 E. 3rd Street, Des Moines, Iowa 50309 515-243-0827

6. Jethro’s BBQ Drake Location UPDATE: The Drake location has permanently CLOSED. Tenderloin purchase receipts will now be accepted from ANY Jethro’s BBQ location. *Drake Athletic Director’s Pick, Brian Hardin* 3100 Forest Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50311 515-279-3300

7. Whatcha Smokin’ BBQ + Brew    403 Iowa Avenue, Luther, Iowa 50152 515-257-7490

8. Grid Iron Sports Bar & Grill      1121 E 2nd Street, Webster City, Iowa 50595 515-832-2255

9. Stumble Inn       107 2nd Street, Bradford, Iowa 50041 641-648-0053

10. Wood Iron Grille       2214 S 11th Street, Oskaloosa, Iowa 52577 641-676-3322

11. The Pub at the Pinicon  2205 S Linn Avenue, New Hampton, Iowa 50659 641-394-4430

12. PrairieMoon On Main    103 E Main Street, Prairieburg, Iowa 52219 319-437-6006

13. Bump’s Restaurant at Finkbine Golf Course Iowa Athletic Director’s Pick, Gary Barta 1380 Melrose Avenue, Iowa City, Iowa 52246 319-335-9662

14. Buffalo Tavern 2016 S Main Street, Burlington, Iowa 52601 319-754-4338

Unique destinations

To sweeten your journey even more, we’ve added bonus experiences to each destination. Whether it’s a slice of homemade pie, hand-battered portabella fries or a boat ride down the Mississippi, you’re sure to uncover something new to enjoy in Iowa as your conquer the tenderloin trail!

The Iowa Tenderloin Trail features 14 unforgettable sandwiches while celebrating the passionate families around the state who work diligently to provide safe, affordable and delicious pork for you to enjoy. You don’t have to take our word for it though, take on the trail and experience the tasty tenderloin goodness for yourself!