Denison (25 miles south) is the largest nearby town and the seat of Crawford County. It is the birthplace of Donna Reed and has a small museum dedicated to the actress. The town itself has more dining options than Ida Grove and a pleasant main street.
Cherokee (30 miles northeast) is another small county seat worth a quick stop. The Sanford Museum and Planetarium there has a surprisingly strong collection of regional archaeology and natural history, along with one of Iowa's few public planetariums.
Sioux City (60 miles southwest) is the major regional city and offers the full range of urban amenities: shopping, a larger restaurant scene, the Sergeant Floyd Monument, and the Sioux City Art Center. It makes for a comfortable half-day or full-day excursion.