Bernard IowaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Bernard, Iowa.
1. Whitewater Canyon Preserve
SCENIC NATURAL WONDER
Whitewater Canyon Preserve offers visitors breathtaking views of picturesque farmland hills in every direction. The preserve allows visitors to connect with nature while enjoying the beautiful landscapes that showcase Iowa's natural beauty. Visitors can visualize Grant Wood's iconic American Gothic painting as they take in the rolling countryside.
2. Timberline Golf Course
GOLFER'S RURAL RETREAT
Timberline Golf Course provides golfers with a highly-rated experience in the Bernard area. The course features well-maintained greens set against the backdrop of Iowa's pastoral landscapes. Golfers of all skill levels can enjoy a challenging yet approachable round in this picturesque setting.
3. Swiss Valley Park
FAMILY-FRIENDLY OUTDOOR RECREATION
Swiss Valley Park is a popular recreational area offering visitors a variety of outdoor activities. The park features well-maintained trails, picnic areas, and natural spaces for families to enjoy. Visitors appreciate the park's accessibility and the opportunity to experience Iowa's natural environment.
4. Barrel Head Winery
LOCAL WINE TASTING
Barrel Head Winery welcomes visitors to sample locally produced wines in a charming countryside setting. The highly-rated winery offers tastings and tours that showcase the region's winemaking traditions. Visitors can enjoy the relaxed atmosphere while learning about the winemaking process and sampling a variety of wines.
5. Tri County Historical Society Red Faber Museum
BASEBALL HISTORY SHOWCASE
The Tri County Historical Society Red Faber Museum celebrates the life and career of baseball Hall of Famer Red Faber. Exhibits showcase memorabilia, photographs, and information about the Cascade native who pitched for the Chicago White Sox. Visitors can learn about local history and the impact of this important sports figure from the area.
6. Fillmore Recreation Area
OUTDOOR ADVENTURE SPOT
Fillmore Recreation Area provides visitors with opportunities for outdoor activities in a beautiful natural setting. The area features trails, fishing spots, and picnic facilities for day visitors to enjoy. Nature enthusiasts appreciate the chance to observe local wildlife and plant species in their natural habitat.
7. Swiss Valley Nature Center & Preserve
EDUCATIONAL NATURE EXPERIENCE
Swiss Valley Nature Center & Preserve offers educational programming about the local ecosystem and wildlife. The center features interactive exhibits and well-maintained trails through the preserve. Visitors can learn about conservation efforts while experiencing the natural beauty of Iowa's landscape.
8. Riverview Ridge Campgrounds
SCENIC OVERNIGHT DESTINATION
Riverview Ridge Campgrounds provides campers with scenic spots to pitch tents or park RVs with views of the surrounding countryside. The campgrounds offer basic amenities in a peaceful natural setting away from urban distractions. Visitors can use this location as a base for exploring the many natural attractions in the Bernard area.
9. Crystal Lake Cave
UNDERGROUND NATURAL WONDER
Crystal Lake Cave invites visitors to explore a fascinating underground world beneath an charming old-fashioned gift shop. The cave features a 1-1.5 mile loop that takes approximately one hour to complete, showcasing impressive rock formations. Explorers should be prepared for cool temperatures and potentially up to an inch of standing water in certain areas of the cave.
10. Maquoketa Caves State Park
SPECTACULAR CAVE SYSTEM
Maquoketa Caves State Park offers access to 16 remarkable caves connected by scenic hiking trails. Visitors can explore a variety of cave formations including Wide Mouth Cave, Twin Arch Cave, and Upper Dancehall Cave. The park provides a unique opportunity to experience both underground wonders and beautiful above-ground landscapes.
11. Horseshoe Bluff Trail
SCENIC HIKING EXPERIENCE
Horseshoe Bluff Trail offers hikers a 1.6-mile trek with 208 feet of elevation gain through the beautiful Mines of Spain recreation area. The well-maintained trail features wooden stairs at the trailhead and provides options for route variations. Hikers are rewarded with stunning views of the surrounding landscape and opportunities to observe local flora and fauna.
12. Verena Street Coffee Co.
LOCAL COFFEE EXPERIENCE
Verena Street Coffee Co. welcomes visitors to its factory outlet where they can purchase freshly roasted coffee beans. The popular destination allows coffee enthusiasts to learn about the roasting process and sample various blends. Visitors appreciate the opportunity to take home locally produced coffee products as souvenirs or gifts.
13. Storybook Hill Children's Zoo
FAMILY-FRIENDLY ANIMAL EXPERIENCE
Storybook Hill Children's Zoo combines playground activities with opportunities to interact with animals in a child-friendly environment. The zoo features various animal exhibits designed to educate and entertain young visitors. Families enjoy the hands-on experiences and beautiful park setting that makes for a perfect day trip destination.
14. Devonian Fossil Gorge
ANCIENT GEOLOGICAL WONDER
Devonian Fossil Gorge reveals an ancient seabed dating back 375 million years, exposed by flood waters in 1993 and 2008. Visitors can walk across limestone bedrock containing well-preserved fossils of marine creatures that once inhabited a tropical sea. The site offers interpretive displays that help explain the geological and paleontological significance of this unique natural attraction.
15. Iowa Wine Tours
REGIONAL VINEYARD EXPERIENCE
Iowa Wine Tours provides guided excursions to the region's finest wineries including those near Bernard. The tours offer transportation, tastings, and expert commentary on local wine production techniques and history. Participants enjoy a social atmosphere while sampling diverse wines that showcase Iowa's growing reputation for quality viticulture.