Boxholm IowaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Boxholm, Iowa.
1. Boxholm Museum
LOCAL HISTORY EXHIBITS
The Boxholm Museum showcases an impressive array of artifacts reflecting the history of Boxholm and Boone County. Visitors will find meticulously curated displays of household items, local church memorabilia, and even rare items like a mastodon rib bone. The museum also houses a significant archive of historical newspapers, providing a deep dive into the area's past.
2. Spring Lake Park
RECREATION AND WILDLIFE
Spring Lake Park is a scenic destination for nature lovers, featuring a picturesque lake, hiking trails, and abundant opportunities for fishing and picnicking. The park is known for its tranquil environment and is a popular spot for birdwatching and family outings. Its natural beauty makes it a favored getaway for both locals and visitors.
3. Don Williams Recreation Area
LAKESIDE OUTDOOR FUN
The Don Williams Recreation Area offers a vast 600-acre park with a beautiful lake, campground, and golf course. Visitors can enjoy boating, fishing, swimming, and trails for hiking and biking. This park is a family-friendly location perfect for outdoor adventures and leisurely weekends.
4. Don Williams Golf Course
CHALLENGING RURAL GOLF
Don Williams Golf Course is an inviting 9-hole course set within the Don Williams Recreation Area. The course offers well-maintained fairways and greens suitable for golfers of all skill levels. It provides a peaceful setting surrounded by natural beauty for a relaxing day on the links.
5. Boone and Scenic Valley Railroad & James H. Andrew Railroad Museum
HISTORIC TRAIN RIDES
The Boone and Scenic Valley Railroad & James H. Andrew Railroad Museum is a renowned attraction offering vintage train rides through picturesque Iowa landscapes. The museum highlights the region's railroading heritage with extensive exhibits and restored railway cars. Families and railroad enthusiasts will enjoy both the scenic excursions and the stories of transportation history.
6. Ledges State Park
DRAMATIC SANDSTONE CLIFFS
Ledges State Park is famous for its carved sandstone cliffs and lush wooded areas, providing stunning scenery year-round. It offers hiking trails, picnic areas, and a creek to wade in, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The park's dramatic landscapes and rich biodiversity draw visitors from across the region.
7. Valkommen House
SWEDISH HERITAGE SITE
The Valkommen House in Boxholm celebrates the town's Swedish roots with period furnishings and cultural displays. Visitors can explore exhibits on local immigrant history and traditional Swedish-American customs. The house stands as a charming tribute to the community's founding families.
8. Dayton Oaks Camp & Conference Center
RETREAT AND RECREATION
Dayton Oaks Camp & Conference Center is a multi-purpose venue that hosts retreats, youth camps, and family gatherings in a peaceful, wooded setting. The center features modern facilities and numerous activity options, from hiking to team-building exercises. It provides a welcoming atmosphere for spiritual growth and community events.
9. Skillet Creek Indian Mounds
ANCIENT NATIVE HERITAGE
Skillet Creek Indian Mounds are archaeological sites that preserve the remnants of prehistoric Native American earthworks. Guided night hikes offer a unique way to explore the area's natural and cultural history. The mounds are a significant testament to the ancient peoples who once inhabited the region.
10. Mamie Doud Eisenhower Birthplace
FIRST LADY'S CHILDHOOD HOME
The Mamie Doud Eisenhower Birthplace preserves the childhood home of Mamie Eisenhower, wife of President Dwight D. Eisenhower. Visitors can tour the restored Victorian house and view family artifacts. The site offers insights into the personal life of one of America's First Ladies.
11. Lincoln Highway Scenic Byway
HISTORIC ROADWAY TOUR
The Lincoln Highway Scenic Byway winds through Boone County, offering a glimpse into the heyday of early American road travel. Motorists enjoy picturesque farmland views, roadside attractions, and interpretive stops along the route. The byway is ideal for road-trippers seeking history and Iowa's rural charm.
12. Seven Oaks Recreation
YEAR-ROUND ADVENTURE PARK
Seven Oaks Recreation is a popular destination for both winter and summer outdoor sports. Visitors can go skiing, snowboarding, and tubing in winter or kayaking and mountain biking in warmer months. The facility caters to all ages and offers equipment rentals and lessons.
13. Kate Shelley High Bridge
ICONIC RAILROAD LANDMARK
The Kate Shelley High Bridge is one of the highest and longest double-track railroad bridges in the United States. It honors the heroism of Kate Shelley, a local girl who saved a train from disaster in 1881. The bridge is an impressive feat of engineering and a point of pride for the region.
14. Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad Museum
RAILROAD HERITAGE DISPLAYS
The Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad Museum features interactive exhibits and restored train cars reflecting the importance of railroads to Iowa's growth. The museum complements the train rides with educational opportunities about railway technology and history. It's an engaging stop for families and train enthusiasts alike.
15. Swede Point Park
PANORAMIC BLUFF VIEWS
Swede Point Park offers scenic vistas over the Des Moines River valley from its wooded bluff-top setting. The park provides camping, playgrounds, and hiking trails, making it a great spot for a rustic retreat. It celebrates the Swedish heritage of the region, blending history with natural beauty.