NOW OPEN
1701 E. 5th Street
Tama, IA 52339
641-484-5970
A quintessential small town diner off Hwy 30. King Tower Cafe features a diverse breakfast to bedtime menu at affordable prices. The atmosphere is relaxed, friendly and communal with custom murals celebrating Tama County’s rich Meskwaki Indian history. Wireless Internet available.
The complex opened in 1937 as a “one-stop” which included a filling station, garage, wrecker service, café, and 18 cabins. Located along the original Lincoln Highway, which was America’s first trans-continental highway.
Tama County Iowa 
Next summer I am planning to re-create a road trip that my great grandparents took in 1937. This will be the 75th anniversary of the event. From her journal, they spent the night at an auto camp in Tama, Iowa. I don’t imagine there were very many choices and this was probably the place. I don’t suppose the little house that is left still provides overnight accommodations? I will give them a call. Looking forward to our trip through you community.
The little house remaining on the site was restored a few years ago, but I’m not sure they provide overnight accommodations. There is a motel just down the street, the Lincoln Bridge Inn Motel. [www.tamacountyiowa.org/accommodation]
Ok, I just turned 42 this month, and when my little brother and I were just kids, we HAD to go to Iowa for family vacations in the summer. Now, as you know, this was boring as all hell, but one thing we DID look forward to was coming to this diner!!! It was a special treat, and I know over the years, it has closed and reopened, so you folks are telling me that it is reopen again??? Please tell me this is not a hoax. I’ve waited long time to get back in there!!
Yes, it is open. I believe they are closed every Tuesday, though.
King tower, great place, always wondered how got the name