Grand National Rally 2023

[spierce617]

My wife and I are looking to go the the Grand National Rally in July. This would be our first national rally for us. We will stock our motorhome with the normal food and stuff but just never been to a national rally before.

Would any of you advise to bring the toad with or leave it at home?

We will take any and all advice on this subject please.

[deckape]

Go . It will be worth it . There are rows for different Winnebago's , each state ., no power , or with 30 or 50 amps ,water maybe a long hose away and a turd truck for waste if you need to dump . There is a free dump behind the fire station up the road . Area for those that want their tow with them . Or just park it in parking area for tows. Walk , bike or take shuttle to tents and building for vendors and displays . Entertainment at night and great people everywhere. Take the factory tour . Talk to suppliers and Winnebago staff . We enjoyed the rally and had Lichtsinn RV do our service work after the show . If you want work done call Winnebago now as well as Lichtsinn . Alot of owners go there for service and the Rally . Had a awning repaired as well as TV antenna repaired by suppliers at no cost while there . Just had to ask . Seminars everyday and new coaches on display . Go to the Hyvee store for the fresh corn every morning . Forest City has a parade during the show ,go ,great small town America. Also tour the Heritage Center ,on site , great collection of early steam tractors and farm equipment from the past . Have a great time .

[spierce617]

Deckape
Thank you for the reply. We are looking forward to going just have never been to a national rally. We have been to our state rally.

Looking forward to the opening date of registration.

[deckape]

If you do get service done ,both Lichtsinn and Winnebago have sites to plug in . There is also a small county park just before Forest City ,and a city Rv park in town if you get there early .

[spierce617]

Originally Posted by deckape

If you do get service done ,both Lichtsinn and Winnebago have sites to plug in . There is also a small county park just before Forest City ,and a city Rv park in town if you get there early .

We are looking at getting there on the Friday before the rally starts. I believe that would be the 14th. Just hope to get a good spot.

Do people bring theirs dogs to shows like this also?

[deckape]

Should all be on the site when they open it up . There was dogs there , and one or two dog bites and problems . Just read and figure what you want as far as power , type of row . Very organized .

[Scubadude62]

What kind of rig are you in?



Your biggest decision is where you want to park. You can park in your state row, or with your rig type, or in C-50, which is guaranteed 50amp and you can park by your rig. Actual parking spots are assigned in arrival order.


It's semi-dry camping - you'll have electric at your parking spot, but water is only at the ends of the rows, alongside the road. There is a free dump station, but once you're parked, if you're full, you'll have to pay for the honey truck to come pump you out. There is a large bath house available.



I strongly suggest bringing your toad - we usually make at least one trip to Mason City during rally week. However, it's not a requirement, as there is shuttle service that will take you just about anywhere you need to go in Forest City.


Since you're arriving on Friday, make sure to go to the Puckerbrush Days parade in town on Saturday morning and fireworks Saturday night. See what they did last year at https://www.forestcityia.com/puckerbrushdays2022/


Definitely take advantage of the factory service opportunities while you're at the rally.


Any more questions? Ask away!

[pjensen]

Yes, take your toad. There are multiple items in town that might be of interest to you. some close by town have excellent restaurants.

Yes, bring your canine. they will enjoy it. a well behaved canine is always welcome with fellow RVs.

Im sure you will enjoy.

I always rent a golf car. very handy and my dog loves it.

[spierce617]

Scubadude62,
We are in a 38 foot Adventurer. We are looking forward to going to this for the first time. We will be bringing the toad. I feel we will have a lot to see and do.

[Scubadude62]

I don't think there is a gas A specialty row yet, so your best bet would be to get in to your state row. There are also other interest rows, such as Ham radio. military vets, police and fire. When you sign up (probably opens in April), you can select a state or special interest row for parking.


GNR is lots of fun, and very educational - lots of seminars and manufacturer's reps, and more!

[Orlanvj]

When does registration for the rally start?

[Eagle5]

This official web site still says "early in 2023"
https://www.winnebago.com/owners/grand-national-rally
It seems to me that it should be any day now.
Eagle5