Arlington IowaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Arlington, Iowa.
1. Brush Creek Canyon State Park Preserve
WILD AND BEAUTIFUL NATURE
Brush Creek Canyon State Park Preserve is one of Iowa's most wild and beautiful natural areas. The park features stunning landscapes that are somewhat hard to find and navigate but reward visitors with pristine natural beauty. It offers hiking trails through unspoiled wilderness for nature enthusiasts.
2. Backbone State Park
IOWA'S OLDEST STATE PARK
Backbone State Park holds the distinction of being Iowa's oldest state park, located near Arlington. The park offers outdoor enthusiasts hiking trails, fishing opportunities, and beautiful natural scenery. Visitors can enjoy trout fishing in the streams that run through this historic natural area.
3. Turkey River Corridor
SCENIC RIVER RECREATION
The Turkey River Corridor provides recreational river trails and bike paths near Arlington. Visitors can enjoy kayaking and canoeing along the scenic Turkey River. The corridor offers outdoor enthusiasts multiple ways to experience the natural beauty of Northeast Iowa.
4. Arlington Community Event Center
HUB FOR LOCAL EVENTS
The Arlington Community Event Center serves as the main venue for community gatherings and celebrations throughout the year. The center regularly posts upcoming events for residents and visitors alike. It plays a central role during the annual Arlington Days Celebration held on the second weekend of July.
5. Big Rock Country Club
LOCAL GOLFING EXPERIENCE
Big Rock Country Club offers golfing opportunities for visitors and residents of Arlington. The country club maintains well-kept greens and fairways for golf enthusiasts. It provides a recreational outlet for those looking to enjoy a round of golf in a small-town setting.
6. Fayette County Parks and Campgrounds
OUTDOOR RECREATION AREAS
Fayette County Parks and Campgrounds offer multiple outdoor recreation opportunities throughout the county. These parks provide camping facilities for visitors wanting to experience Northeast Iowa's natural beauty. The varied locations give access to hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing in the region.
7. Northeast Iowa Trout Streams
PREMIER FISHING DESTINATIONS
Northeast Iowa Trout Streams around Arlington are considered some of the best fishing spots in the state. These streams offer excellent opportunities for trout fishing in scenic natural settings. Fishing enthusiasts can access detailed maps and information to locate the best fishing spots in the area.
8. Arlington Days Celebration
ANNUAL COMMUNITY FESTIVAL
Arlington Days Celebration is the city's premier annual event held on the second weekend of July. The festival brings together residents and visitors for community activities, food, and entertainment. It showcases the small-town charm and community spirit that makes Arlington special.
9. Amana Colonies
HISTORIC GERMAN VILLAGES
The Amana Colonies consist of seven historic villages founded by German immigrants as a religious communal society in 1855. These colonies are one of Iowa's most famous travel attractions, preserving traditional crafts and culture. Visitors can experience the unique heritage through various attractions in this National Historic Landmark.
10. Old Capitol
IOWA'S FIRST STATEHOUSE
The Old Capitol served as the last capitol of Iowa Territory from 1842-1846 and the first State Capitol building from 1846-1857. The restored historic building now offers self-guided tours and changing exhibition galleries reflecting Iowa's history and culture. This National Historic Landmark provides visitors with insights into Iowa's early governmental foundations.
11. The Reverend George B. Hitchcock House
UNDERGROUND RAILROAD STATION
The Reverend George B. Hitchcock House was built in 1856 and served as a station on the Underground Railroad. In 2001, the home was recognized as a National Park Service Underground Railroad Network to Freedom Site. This National Historic Landmark preserves an important piece of Iowa's role in American civil rights history.
12. Blood Run Site
ANCIENT INDIGENOUS CENTER
Blood Run Site was an intertribal and ceremonial center for the Oneota and Prairie Dakota tribes from 900 to 1720 A.D. Located along the Big Sioux River and Blood Run Creek, the site includes burial mounds and village sites accessible by foot. This National Historic Landmark preserves important archaeological evidence of indigenous cultures in Iowa.
13. Farm House Museum
HISTORIC AGRICULTURAL HERITAGE
The Farm House Museum in Ames is a National Historic Landmark showcasing Iowa's agricultural heritage. The museum preserves one of the earliest structures associated with Iowa State University's agricultural programs. Visitors can explore the historic home to learn about rural Iowa life and the development of agricultural education in the state.
14. George M. Verity Riverboat
HISTORIC MISSISSIPPI VESSEL
The George M. Verity Riverboat is a preserved historic vessel located in Keokuk, Iowa. This National Historic Landmark represents an important part of Mississippi River transportation history. Visitors can tour the riverboat to learn about the significant role of river commerce in Iowa's development.
15. Turkey River Canoeing
SCENIC WATER ADVENTURE
Turkey River Canoeing offers visitors a chance to paddle along one of Northeast Iowa's scenic waterways near Arlington. The river provides both peaceful stretches and occasional gentle rapids for varying skill levels. Canoeing enthusiasts can enjoy the natural beauty of the surrounding countryside from a unique water-based perspective.