Calamus IowaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Calamus, Iowa.
1. Sherman Park
RIVERSIDE RECREATION HAVEN
Sherman Park offers 232 acres of natural beauty along the Wapsipinicon River in Calamus. Visitors can enjoy camping, hiking, picnicking, hunting, and boating with amenities including a dump station and boat ramp. The park also features an observatory for stargazing enthusiasts.
2. Desperado's Bar and Grill
LOCAL DINING HOTSPOT
Desperado's Bar and Grill is a highly-rated local establishment serving the Calamus community. The venue combines quality dining with a relaxed bar atmosphere, earning positive reviews from visitors. It serves as a social hub for both locals and travelers passing through the area.
3. TYCOGA Winery & Distillery
LOCAL SPIRITS & WINES
TYCOGA Winery & Distillery offers visitors a chance to sample locally produced wines and spirits near Calamus. The facility features tasting rooms where guests can experience a variety of handcrafted beverages. Its proximity to Calamus makes it a popular destination for those seeking a taste of Iowa's growing craft beverage scene.
4. Emma Rae's Antiques & Uniques
VINTAGE TREASURES COLLECTION
Emma Rae's Antiques & Uniques is a specialty shop featuring a curated collection of antiques and one-of-a-kind items. Shoppers can explore a variety of vintage treasures and unique gifts in this charming establishment. The store provides a nostalgic shopping experience for collectors and casual browsers alike.
5. Wapsipinicon River Water Trail
SCENIC WATERWAY ADVENTURE
The Wapsipinicon River Water Trail offers paddlers a scenic journey through the natural beauty surrounding Calamus. The waterway provides opportunities for canoeing, kayaking, and fishing along its peaceful course. Wildlife viewing is exceptional along the banks, making it a favorite for nature photographers and outdoor enthusiasts.
6. 61 Drive In Theatre
NOSTALGIC OUTDOOR CINEMA
The 61 Drive In Theatre offers a nostalgic movie-watching experience under the stars near Calamus. This classic outdoor cinema maintains the retro charm of America's drive-in movie tradition. Families and couples alike enjoy current films from the comfort of their vehicles at this beloved regional attraction.
7. Dan Nagle Walnut Grove Pioneer Village
LIVING HISTORY EXPERIENCE
Dan Nagle Walnut Grove Pioneer Village transports visitors back in time to experience Iowa's pioneer days. The village features historical buildings, artifacts, and demonstrations showcasing early settler life in the region. Special events throughout the year bring this fascinating historical site to life with period-appropriate activities and reenactments.
8. Iowa 80 Trucking Museum
TRUCKING HERITAGE SHOWCASE
The Iowa 80 Trucking Museum celebrates America's rich trucking history with an impressive collection of vintage trucks and transportation memorabilia. Visitors can explore exhibits featuring antique vehicles, industry artifacts, and interactive displays that tell the story of trucking's evolution. The museum's comprehensive collection makes it a must-visit destination for transportation enthusiasts and history buffs alike.
9. Iowa 80, World's Largest Truck Stop
ULTIMATE ROADSIDE ATTRACTION
Iowa 80, known as the World's Largest Truck Stop, offers an extraordinary roadside experience with over 900 parking spaces and 100,000 square feet of amenities. This massive complex features multiple restaurants, specialty shops, a trucking museum, and even a movie theater. Travelers from around the world make special trips to visit this iconic American highway landmark near Calamus.
10. Scott County Park
OUTDOOR RECREATION PARADISE
Scott County Park provides over 1,280 acres of recreational opportunities within driving distance of Calamus. The park features camping facilities, hiking trails, fishing lakes, and picnic areas surrounded by beautiful woodland scenery. Year-round programming includes nature education events and seasonal outdoor activities for visitors of all ages.
11. Rustic Ridge Golf Course
SCENIC GOLFING EXPERIENCE
Rustic Ridge Golf Course offers golfers a challenging and scenic playing experience near Calamus. The well-maintained course features rolling terrain, strategic water hazards, and beautiful views of the surrounding countryside. Golfers of all skill levels appreciate the friendly atmosphere and quality course conditions throughout the playing season.
12. Wapsie Oaks Country Club
PREMIER GOLF DESTINATION
Wapsie Oaks Country Club provides golfers with a quality course experience right in Calamus. The club features well-maintained fairways and greens surrounded by the natural beauty of the Iowa landscape. Golfers enjoy the challenging layout while appreciating the peaceful rural setting away from urban distractions.
13. DeWitt Chamber and Development Company
LOCAL HISTORY SHOWCASE
The DeWitt Chamber and Development Company maintains a history museum highlighting the region's rich heritage near Calamus. Visitors can explore exhibits featuring artifacts, photographs, and stories from the area's past. The museum provides valuable insights into the development of Clinton County and the communities within it.
14. Stone City Art Colony
HISTORIC ARTS LANDMARK
Stone City Art Colony represents an important cultural landmark in Iowa's art history near Calamus. The colony was once home to renowned American Gothic artist Grant Wood and other prominent regional artists. Today, visitors can appreciate the scenic limestone landscape that inspired these artists and learn about the colony's significant contribution to American art.
15. Lincoln Highway Heritage Byway
HISTORIC ROAD JOURNEY
The Lincoln Highway Heritage Byway passes through Calamus, offering travelers a journey along America's first coast-to-coast highway. This historic route features interpretive signs, vintage roadside attractions, and charming small towns that showcase Iowa's transportation heritage. Driving the byway provides a nostalgic glimpse into early American automobile culture and the development of modern roadways.