Aurora IowaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Aurora, Iowa.
1. Aurora Comet Center
COMMUNITY HUB AND RECREATION
The Aurora Comet Center is a versatile community facility that offers workout equipment, sports activities, and houses Aurora's public library. Visitors can participate in various community events hosted at this central gathering spot. The center serves as an important recreational resource for locals and tourists alike.
2. Jakway Forest Area
NATURAL WOODLAND RETREAT
Jakway Forest Area provides a serene natural escape with wooded trails and outdoor recreational opportunities. Visitors can enjoy hiking, wildlife watching, and peaceful nature experiences in this preserved woodland. The forest area represents an important ecological zone in the Aurora region.
3. Soules Barn & Bunkhouse
HISTORIC RURAL LODGING
Soules Barn & Bunkhouse offers visitors a chance to experience rural Iowa accommodations with rustic charm. The converted barn provides a unique lodging experience that connects guests with the agricultural heritage of the region. Visitors appreciate the authentic countryside atmosphere and comfortable amenities.
4. Grimm Peony Farm
FLORAL BEAUTY DISPLAY
Grimm Peony Farm showcases stunning peony blooms that attract flower enthusiasts during the blooming season. Visitors can wander through colorful fields of peonies and learn about the cultivation of these beloved flowers. The farm offers a sensory experience with visual beauty and fragrant blossoms.
5. Stanley The Tin Man
QUIRKY ROADSIDE ATTRACTION
Stanley The Tin Man stands as a whimsical roadside attraction that draws curious travelers to Aurora. This metal sculpture represents local creativity and provides a fun photo opportunity for visitors. Stanley has become an unofficial mascot for the town, embodying the community's artistic spirit.
6. LeRoy's
LOCAL EATERY EXPERIENCE
LeRoy's offers visitors a taste of authentic Iowa cuisine in a welcoming small-town atmosphere. The establishment serves hearty meals that reflect the regional culinary traditions. Guests appreciate the friendly service and opportunity to dine like a local while visiting Aurora.
7. Backbone State Park
IOWA'S FIRST STATE PARK
Backbone State Park, Iowa's first state park, features dramatic limestone bluffs, challenging hiking trails, and recreational activities along the Maquoketa River. Visitors can enjoy camping, fishing, boating, and exploring the natural beauty of this historic preservation area. The park's unique geological formations, including the backbone-shaped ridge that gives it its name, make it a standout destination in the region.
8. Hub City Heritage Corp. Railway Museum
RAILROAD HISTORY PRESERVED
The Hub City Heritage Corp. Railway Museum preserves the rich railroad history that shaped northeastern Iowa communities. Visitors can explore vintage train cars, examine historical railroad artifacts, and learn about the impact of rail transportation on local development. The museum offers an educational glimpse into an era when railways served as the lifeline of rural American towns.
9. Lamont Dairy Sweet
CLASSIC ICE CREAM STOP
Lamont Dairy Sweet delights visitors with classic ice cream treats and frozen desserts in a charming small-town setting. The ice cream shop offers a refreshing break for travelers exploring the Driftless Area region of Iowa. Locals and tourists alike gather at this sweet spot for a taste of nostalgic Americana and cold treats on warm Iowa days.
10. The Alibi Bar & Grill
LOCAL DINING HOTSPOT
The Alibi Bar & Grill serves as a popular gathering spot for locals and visitors seeking hearty meals and cold drinks. The establishment offers a menu of classic American fare in a casual, welcoming atmosphere. Patrons enjoy the authentic small-town hospitality that makes this spot a true taste of rural Iowa life.
11. Union Park
HISTORIC COMMUNITY GREEN SPACE
Union Park provides visitors with recreational opportunities in a historic park setting with beautiful landscaping and community facilities. The park features a heritage carousel, splash pool, and open spaces for picnics and outdoor activities. Family-friendly amenities make this park a popular destination for both locals and travelers exploring Iowa.
12. Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
URBAN PLANT OASIS
The Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden showcases beautiful plant collections from around the world in both indoor and outdoor display areas. Visitors can wander through themed gardens, enjoy the tropical conservatory, and learn about plant conservation efforts. The garden serves as a serene retreat within an urban setting, offering natural beauty throughout all seasons.
13. Zombie Burger + Drink Lab
THEMED CULINARY ADVENTURE
Zombie Burger + Drink Lab offers a unique dining experience with creatively named burgers and shakes in a playful apocalyptic-themed atmosphere. The restaurant features innovative menu items that combine quality ingredients with unexpected flavor combinations. Visitors enjoy the whimsical horror-inspired decor while sampling gourmet burgers that have earned the establishment a cult following.
14. Iowa 80 Trucking Museum
AMERICA'S TRUCKING HERITAGE
The Iowa 80 Trucking Museum celebrates America's transportation history through an impressive collection of vintage trucks and trucking memorabilia. Visitors can explore the evolution of trucking from the early 1900s to modern times through rare and restored vehicles. The museum, located at the World's Largest Truck Stop, provides an educational experience that highlights the importance of the trucking industry to American commerce.
15. Big Creek State Park
OUTDOOR RECREATION DESTINATION
Big Creek State Park offers extensive outdoor recreational opportunities centered around a 866-acre lake with clear waters ideal for swimming, boating, and fishing. Visitors can enjoy miles of multi-use trails for hiking, biking, and wildlife observation throughout the seasons. The park provides modern facilities including boat ramps, beach areas, and picnic shelters that make it a popular destination for day trips and extended outdoor adventures.