Benton IowaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Benton, Iowa.
1. Dunn Ranch
NATURAL PRAIRIE LANDSCAPE
Dunn Ranch is a highly-rated natural attraction in Benton with a perfect 5.0 rating from visitors. Visitors can experience the beauty of Iowa's prairie landscapes and diverse wildlife in their natural habitat. The ranch offers opportunities for hiking, bird watching, and connecting with nature in a pristine setting.
2. Amish Country Store
TRADITIONAL AMISH GOODS
The Amish Country Store is a popular shopping destination in Benton with a 3.9 rating from 75 visitors. The store offers traditional Amish-made products including handcrafted furniture, quilts, and homemade foods. Visitors can experience authentic Amish culture and purchase unique, high-quality goods directly from local craftspeople.
3. Eagleville Welcome Center
VISITOR INFORMATION HUB
The Eagleville Welcome Center serves as an informational gateway for visitors to the Benton area with a 4.6 rating. The center provides maps, brochures, and local knowledge to help tourists make the most of their visit. Staff members are available to answer questions and provide recommendations for local attractions and activities.
4. Corning American Theatre
HISTORIC ENTERTAINMENT VENUE
The Corning American Theatre is a cultural landmark in Benton with a 4.0 visitor rating. This historic venue hosts a variety of performances including films, live theater, and musical events throughout the year. The theater's charming architecture and community atmosphere provide visitors with an authentic small-town entertainment experience.
5. French Icarian Village
HISTORIC UTOPIAN COMMUNITY
The French Icarian Village is a historical site in Benton with a perfect 5.0 visitor rating. This preserved settlement tells the story of a 19th-century utopian community established by French immigrants. Visitors can explore the remaining structures and learn about the fascinating social experiment that once thrived in this location.
6. Bentonsport Bridge
HISTORIC RIVER CROSSING
The Bentonsport Bridge across the Des Moines River first opened in 1883 and is now the longest and oldest standing truss bridge across the river. Originally built for horse and buggy traffic, the bridge has been restored and is now restricted to pedestrians and bikers only. The historic bridge was restored by the Bentonsport Improvement Association in 1994 and offers beautiful views of the surrounding area.
7. Indian Artifact Museum
NATIVE AMERICAN HISTORY
The Indian Artifact Museum in Bentonsport is ranked as the top attraction in the village. The museum houses an impressive collection of Native American artifacts that tell the story of the area's original inhabitants. Visitors can explore exhibits featuring tools, pottery, clothing, and other items that provide insight into indigenous cultures and history.
8. Bentonsport Quilt Company
TRADITIONAL TEXTILE ARTS
Bentonsport Quilt Company showcases the rich tradition of quilting in this historic village. Visitors can view and purchase handcrafted quilts made using both traditional and contemporary techniques. The shop serves as both a retail space and a celebration of the region's textile arts heritage.
9. Mason House Inn and Caboose Cottage
HISTORIC RIVERFRONT LODGING
Bentonsport's Mason House Inn and Caboose Cottage offers visitors a chance to stay in a piece of Iowa history. This historic bed and breakfast dates back to the village's heyday as a riverport in the 19th century. Guests can experience period accommodations including the unique opportunity to spend the night in a converted railroad caboose.
10. Addie May Fudge
SWEET HANDMADE TREATS
Addie May Fudge is a beloved sweet shop in the historic village of Bentonsport. Visitors can watch skilled confectioners create delicious handmade fudge using traditional methods. The shop offers a variety of flavors that make perfect souvenirs or treats to enjoy while exploring the village.
11. Iron & Lace
ARTISAN POTTERY & IRONWORK
Iron & Lace specializes in Queen Anne's Lace Pottery and ironwork from the Bentonsport Blacksmiths. The shop showcases the talents of resident artisans who create beautiful handcrafted items using traditional techniques. Visitors can purchase unique pottery pieces and ironwork as memorable souvenirs of their visit to this historic village.
12. Historic Presbyterian Church
19TH CENTURY WORSHIP
The Historic Presbyterian Church was built in 1855 and was one of at least four churches to serve the Bentonsport community throughout its history. The church continues to operate and welcomes visitors during its weekly Sunday morning services. This well-preserved building offers a glimpse into 19th-century religious life in rural Iowa.
13. Bentonsport Cemetery
HISTORIC FINAL RESTING PLACE
Bentonsport Cemetery contains headstones dating back to the early 1800s when the community was first established. The cemetery provides a peaceful place for reflection and an opportunity to learn about the area's early settlers. Visitors interested in genealogy or local history will find the historic markers particularly fascinating.
14. Bentonsport National Historic District
PRESERVED RIVER VILLAGE
The Bentonsport National Historic District preserves one of the 11 historic Villages of Van Buren County. Visitors can discover historic bed & breakfasts, rental cottages, antique and craft shops, and meet resident artisans including potters, blacksmiths, quilters, and sculptors. The former mill site has been transformed into a beautiful Rose Garden that adds to the charm of this well-preserved riverside village.
15. American Gothic House Center
ICONIC ART LANDMARK
The American Gothic House Center in nearby Eldon features the iconic house depicted in Grant Wood's famous 1930 painting "American Gothic." Visitors can see the actual white house with its distinctive gothic window that inspired one of America's most recognized artworks. The center offers exhibits about the painting, the artist, and provides props for visitors to take their own version of the famous pose.