Allerton IowaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Allerton, Iowa.
1. Inn of the Six-Toed Cat
HISTORIC INN & LANDMARK
The Inn of the Six-Toed Cat serves as a comfortable resting site and starting point for walking tours around Allerton. Its front porch offers visitors a place to relax at the end of the day or between trips exploring the area. This historic inn provides a charming base for travelers wanting to experience Allerton's local attractions.
2. Old Time Soda Fountain
VINTAGE BEVERAGE EXPERIENCE
Old Time Soda Fountain offers visitors a nostalgic trip back in time with authentic vintage beverages. Visitors can enjoy classic sodas and treats in a charming historical setting that captures the essence of small-town America. This beloved establishment stands as one of Allerton's most cherished attractions for both locals and tourists.
3. Bobwhite State Park
OUTDOOR NATURE PRESERVE
Bobwhite State Park provides a natural retreat with historical buildings for visitors to explore. The park offers outdoor recreational activities amidst Iowa's beautiful landscape and wildlife. Nature enthusiasts can enjoy hiking trails, picnic areas, and opportunities to observe the local flora and fauna in their natural habitat.
4. Wall Dog Murals
ARTISTIC STREET PAINTINGS
The Wall Dog Murals are artistic paintings adorning buildings throughout Allerton, created in the early 1990s by the "Wall Dog" artists who spent several weeks in town. These colorful murals depict local history, culture, and landmarks, transforming the town into an open-air art gallery. Visitors can take self-guided walking tours to appreciate these unique artistic expressions that add character to Allerton's streetscape.
5. Chautauqua Park
HISTORIC CULTURAL SITE
Chautauqua Park, located just south of town, was one of the first Chautauqua sites in Iowa, hosting famous dignitaries including William Jennings Bryan, Billy Sunday, and Helen Keller. This historic site was the center of popular Chautauqua meetings in the early 20th century that spread cultural education throughout the Midwest. Today, visitors can explore the grounds where these significant cultural gatherings once brought knowledge and entertainment to rural America.
6. Allerton Public Library
COMMUNITY KNOWLEDGE CENTER
Allerton Public Library, open daily from 2 to 5 p.m., is housed in the multipurpose Centennial Building. Beyond offering books and resources, the building serves as a community hub hosting banquets, dances, and shows. Visitors can enjoy the quiet reading spaces while appreciating the historical significance of this local landmark.
7. Allerton World Fair
ANNUAL COMMUNITY CELEBRATION
The Allerton World Fair takes place every September, bringing together current and former residents for a community celebration. Festivities include a parade, street games, food vendors, live music performances, and spectacular fireworks displays. This special annual event serves as a homecoming for many, with family reunions and class gatherings adding to the small-town charm.
8. Audubon Society Area
BIRD WATCHING PARADISE
The Audubon Society area near Allerton offers excellent bird watching opportunities for nature enthusiasts. Visitors can observe diverse avian species in their natural habitat while enjoying the tranquility of Iowa's countryside. This conservation area provides educational opportunities about local wildlife while promoting environmental awareness.
9. Round Barn Historic Site
UNIQUE AGRICULTURAL ARCHITECTURE
The Round Barn Historic Site in nearby Corydon showcases a rare example of circular barn architecture that once dotted Iowa's rural landscape. This unique structure represents an important part of the region's agricultural heritage and innovative farming practices of the past. Visitors can admire the impressive engineering and craftsmanship that went into creating this distinctive landmark.
10. Prairie Trails Museum
REGIONAL HERITAGE COLLECTION
The Prairie Trails Museum houses extensive collections celebrating the heritage and history of Southern Iowa. Exhibits showcase artifacts, photographs, and documents that tell the story of pioneer settlement and agricultural development in the region. Visitors can step back in time through immersive displays that honor the area's cultural legacy and the people who shaped it.
11. Medicine Creek Wildlife Management Area
NATURAL HABITAT PRESERVE
Medicine Creek Wildlife Management Area provides protected habitat for diverse Iowa wildlife species and native plants. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy activities such as hiking, wildlife observation, photography, and seasonal hunting in accordance with local regulations. The natural landscapes offer a glimpse into Iowa's original prairie and woodland ecosystems that once covered the region.
12. Log Chain Apiary
LOCAL HONEY PRODUCTION
Log Chain Apiary in Allerton produces local honey and bee-related products while educating visitors about the importance of pollinators. Visitors can learn about beekeeping practices and the crucial role bees play in agriculture and ecosystem health. The apiary offers a sweet taste of Iowa with its locally harvested honey products.
13. Corydon Lake Park
LAKESIDE RECREATION AREA
Corydon Lake Park offers visitors a serene lakeside setting for outdoor recreation near Allerton. Amenities include fishing opportunities, picnic areas, and walking paths around the peaceful waters. This community park provides a refreshing escape where families can connect with nature and enjoy leisure activities throughout the seasons.
14. Red Haw State Park
SCENIC OUTDOOR DESTINATION
Red Haw State Park features a beautiful 72-acre lake surrounded by rolling hills and vibrant redbud trees that bloom spectacularly each spring. Visitors can enjoy fishing, boating, camping, picnicking, and hiking along scenic trails that showcase Iowa's natural beauty. The park is especially known for its fishing opportunities with populations of largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, and channel catfish.
15. Pikes Peak State Park
MAJESTIC RIVER OVERLOOK
Pikes Peak State Park offers breathtaking views from a 500-foot bluff overlooking the confluence of the Mississippi and Wisconsin Rivers. Visitors can explore over eleven miles of shaded hiking trails, including paths leading to Bridal Veil Falls and ancient Native American effigy mounds. The park provides excellent picnicking spots and camping facilities, with October being especially popular for viewing vibrant fall colors.