Bristow Iowa
ATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Bristow, Iowa.
1. Covered Bridges Scenic Byway
ICONIC AMERICAN LANDSCAPE | WINTERSET IA
The Covered Bridges Scenic Byway takes travelers on an 82-mile journey through Madison County's picturesque countryside, famous for its historic covered bridges. Winterset serves as the cultural heart of the route, offering attractions like the John Wayne Birthplace Museum and the Iowa Quilt Museum. Visitors can explore charming shops and eateries around the National Historic District town square or enjoy outdoor activities such as kayaking and hiking in nearby parks. This scenic drive combines history, architecture, and natural beauty for an unforgettable experience.
2. Big Creek State Park
LAKE ESCAPE | POLK CITY IA
Big Creek State Park boasts an 814-acre lake surrounded by lush greenery, offering year-round outdoor recreation. Visitors can enjoy fishing for species like walleye and muskie, boating on six ramps, or picnicking in scenic spots. The park also features designated hunting areas for wildlife enthusiasts and tranquil trails for hiking or biking. Its serene environment makes it an ideal destination for nature lovers seeking relaxation or adventure.
3. Adventureland Park
THEME PARK | ALTOONA IA
Adventureland Park is a sprawling 180-acre theme park known for delivering thrills and family fun. With over 50 attractions, including seven roller coasters and 24 water rides, visitors can explore themed areas like County Fair, Dragon Island, and Outlaw Gulch. The park offers seasonal events, such as drone shows and coaster enthusiast gatherings, along with unique dining experiences like Oink's restaurant featuring Iowa-sourced pork. Adventureland combines nostalgia and innovation, making it a must-visit destination for amusement park enthusiasts.
4. Reiman Gardens
HORTICULTURAL WONDERLAND | AMES IA
Located at Iowa State University, Reiman Gardens showcases stunning themed gardens like the Rose Garden and Hillside Water-wise Garden. Visitors can explore interactive exhibits in the Children's Garden or observe plant experiments in the Trial Garden. Lake Helen adds tranquility with its water lilies and aquatic wildlife. Open year-round with guided tours available, Reiman Gardens combines beauty with educational opportunities in horticulture.
5. Jordan Creek Town Center
SHOPPING DESTINATION | WEST DES MOINES IA
Jordan Creek Town Center is Iowa's largest shopping mall, offering over 150 stores alongside dining options ranging from casual eateries to upscale restaurants with lakefront views. The mall features attractions like a Cinemark movie theater and seasonal events such as fireworks and holiday celebrations. Its spacious layout and vibrant atmosphere make it ideal for shopping enthusiasts or families looking for entertainment in Des Moines' bustling district.
6. Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail
EXPLORATION LEGACY | WESTERN IOWA
The Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail traces the expedition's journey along Iowa's Missouri River corridor with interpretive signage marking key points of interest. Scenic drives along Interstate 29 reveal landscapes reminiscent of what explorers encountered over 200 years ago. This paved trail invites travelers to reflect on America's early exploration history while enjoying panoramic views of river valleys and grasslands.
7. Prairie Meadows Casino, Racetrack, & Hotel
ENTERTAINMENT HUB | ALTOONA IA
Prairie Meadows is Iowa's premier destination for gaming, live horse racing, and entertainment. Guests can enjoy thrilling casino games, seasonal racing events, and a variety of dining options ranging from casual cafes to fine dining at AJ's Steakhouse. The hotel offers modern amenities like a saltwater pool and Tesla charging stations, ensuring a comfortable stay. Year-round concerts and special events make Prairie Meadows a vibrant attraction for locals and tourists alike.
8. Mormon Pioneer National Historic Trail
HISTORIC JOURNEY | SOUTHERN IOWA
The Mormon Pioneer National Historic Trail commemorates the epic migration of over 70,000 Mormons from Nauvoo, Illinois, to Utah between 1846 and 1869. Spanning 1,300 miles across various states, including Iowa, the trail offers opportunities for auto-touring, hiking, and visiting interpretive sites that highlight this monumental journey. Key landmarks along the Iowa section include river crossings and historical markers that tell stories of perseverance and community. Visitors can immerse themselves in history through museums and centers dedicated to preserving the legacy of this westward migration.
9. Driftless Area Scenic Byway
NATURAL BEAUTY | NORTHEASTERN IA
The Driftless Area Scenic Byway winds through northeastern Iowa's rugged terrain untouched by glaciers, showcasing limestone bluffs, forested valleys, and winding rivers carved by nature's forces. Outdoor enthusiasts can hike forest trails, fish in cold-water streams, or explore rivers by boat while enjoying panoramic vistas of this distinctive landscape. The byway also features historic sites like Effigy Mounds National Monument and charming towns offering local cuisine and cultural experiences. Fall foliage adds extra charm to this already breathtaking drive.
10. Blank Park Zoo
EXOTIC ANIMALS | DES MOINES IA
Blank Park Zoo is Iowa's only accredited zoo, home to over 800 exotic creatures from around the world. Visitors can explore diverse exhibits like the Discovery Center with birds and marine life or outdoor habitats featuring African wildlife and Australian species. The zoo's mission focuses on conservation and education while providing an engaging experience for families. Its blend of interactive displays and natural settings ensures memorable encounters with wildlife.
11. Pella Historical Village & Vermeer Windmill
DUTCH HERITAGE EXPERIENCE | PELLA IA
Step into Dutch culture at Pella Historical Village & Vermeer Windmill in Pella-a charming town steeped in tradition. The centerpiece is the towering Vermeer Windmill, an authentic Dutch structure rebuilt in Iowa that offers guided tours showcasing its craftsmanship and operation. Surrounding it are 21 restored historical buildings featuring exhibits on early Dutch settlers' lives alongside tulip-filled gardens that bloom seasonally. Events celebrating Dutch music, food, and art make this destination perfect for families seeking cultural enrichment year-round.
12. Living History Farms
TIME TRAVEL EXPERIENCE | URBANDALE IA
Living History Farms immerses visitors in Iowa's agricultural past with interactive exhibits at three working farm sites spanning 300 years of history: the Ioway Farm (1700), Pioneer Farm (1850), and Horse-Powered Farm (1900). The historic town of Walnut Hill adds another layer with interpreters showcasing life in 1876 through demonstrations and storytelling. Tractor cart rides connect sites, making it accessible for all ages while providing an engaging educational experience.
13. Devonian Fossil Gorge
ANCIENT GEOLOGICAL TREASURES | IOWA CITY IA
The Devonian Fossil Gorge in Iowa City showcases rock formations dating back over 375 million years, offering visitors a glimpse into ancient marine life. Well-marked trails guide guests through this unique geological site filled with fossils embedded in limestone. Perfect for families and geology enthusiasts alike, the gorge combines educational opportunities with scenic hiking paths surrounded by lush greenery. A picnic amidst this fascinating natural wonder makes for an unforgettable day outdoors.
14. Gray's Lake Park
URBAN OASIS | DES MOINES IA
Gray's Lake Park is a vibrant recreational hub located just southwest of downtown Des Moines. Covering 166 acres, it features a 1.9-mile trail encircling the lake and the iconic Kruidenier Trail pedestrian bridge illuminated with colorful lights at night. Visitors can enjoy activities like kayaking, fishing, or relaxing on the sandy beach while taking in stunning views of the city skyline. Its well-connected trails make it a favorite destination for both locals and tourists seeking outdoor fun in an urban setting.
15. Palisades-Kepler State Park
NATURES RETREAT | MOUNT VERNON IA
Nestled along the Cedar River in Linn County, Palisades-Kepler State Park boasts dramatic bluffs, lush hardwood forests, and trails perfect for exploring its rugged terrain. Visitors can fish or launch boats from modern ramps while enjoying views of wildlife-rich sandbars along the riverbanks. The park also features historic limestone lodges ideal for weddings or gatherings alongside cabins equipped for comfortable stays year-round. Nearby attractions include Mount Vernon's quaint shops and Cedar Rapids' urban amenities just minutes away from this natural haven.