Calmar IowaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Calmar, Iowa.
1. Prairie Farmer Recreational Trail
SCENIC 20-MILE BIKE PATH
Prairie Farmer Recreational Trail is a 20-mile bike trail extending from Calmar to Cresco. The trail was constructed on the abandoned Milwaukee Railroad Line. It offers cyclists and hikers a scenic route through Iowa's countryside.
2. Iowa's Dairy Center
INTERACTIVE DAIRY FARM EXPERIENCE
Iowa's Dairy Center is a family-friendly attraction where visitors can experience the sights, sounds, and smells of a real dairy farm. Inside the barn, guests can watch robots milk cows and learn about modern dairy farming. The interactive tour is available for all ages with guided tours by appointment and robotic viewing areas open 24/7.
3. South Winn Golf & Country Club
PICTURESQUE GOLF COURSE
South Winn Golf & Country Club offers golfers a beautiful course in the Calmar area. The club provides recreational opportunities for both locals and visitors. It is one of the popular attractions in the Calmar region for golf enthusiasts.
4. Lake Meyer County Park
OUTDOOR RECREATION PARADISE
Lake Meyer County Park is known for its excellent camping and fishing opportunities near Calmar. The park offers visitors a chance to connect with nature in a serene setting. It serves as a popular outdoor recreation destination for locals and tourists alike.
5. Bily Clocks Museum & Dvorak Residence
HISTORIC TIMEPIECE COLLECTION
Bily Clocks Museum & Dvorak Residence showcases an impressive collection of handcrafted clocks in Calmar. The museum preserves the legacy of the Bily brothers who created intricate wooden clocks. Visitors can marvel at the craftsmanship and historical significance of these unique timepieces.
6. Calmar Train Depot
HISTORIC RAILWAY HUB
The Calmar Train Depot is a historical landmark reflecting the town's past as a major railroad hub. This well-preserved structure gives visitors a glimpse into the transportation history of the region. The depot stands as a reminder of Calmar's important role in Iowa's railway system.
7. Effigy Mounds National Monument
ANCIENT NATIVE AMERICAN SITE
Effigy Mounds National Monument preserves more than 200 prehistoric mounds built by Native American cultures. The monument features mounds in the shape of bears, birds, and other creatures across a stunning natural landscape. Visitors can explore hiking trails with spectacular views of the Mississippi River Valley while learning about ancient cultures.
8. Fort Atkinson State Preserve
HISTORIC MILITARY OUTPOST
Fort Atkinson State Preserve features the restored remains of a military fort built in the 1840s. This historic site was established to protect the Winnebago (Ho-Chunk) tribe from other Native American groups and encroaching settlers. Visitors can explore the fort's structure and learn about an important chapter in Iowa's frontier history.
9. Lake Meyer Park & Campground
PEACEFUL NATURE RETREAT
Lake Meyer Park & Campground offers visitors a serene setting for camping, fishing, and hiking near Calmar. The park features a beautiful lake stocked with various fish species for anglers of all skill levels. Nature enthusiasts can enjoy wildlife viewing, picnicking, and other outdoor activities in this tranquil environment.
10. Decorah Fish Hatchery
FASCINATING AQUATIC CONSERVATION
The Decorah Fish Hatchery is a facility dedicated to raising trout for stocking Iowa's streams and lakes. Visitors can observe the fish-rearing process and learn about conservation efforts in the region. The hatchery offers self-guided tours where guests can see different stages of trout development.
11. Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum
RICH IMMIGRANT HERITAGE
Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum is the most comprehensive museum in the United States dedicated to a single immigrant group. The museum features over 33,000 artifacts that tell the story of Norwegian immigration to America and their contributions to American culture. Visitors can explore the main building and an open-air division with 12 historical structures.
12. Porter House Museum
VICTORIAN HOME COLLECTION
The Porter House Museum is a beautifully preserved Victorian home filled with collections of natural specimens, antiquities, and art. Built by Adelbert Porter, a nature enthusiast and world traveler, the house showcases his extensive collections gathered throughout his lifetime. Visitors can step back in time and experience the elegance of this historic home while viewing the eclectic collections it contains.
13. Dunnings Spring Park
MAJESTIC WATERFALL OASIS
Dunnings Spring Park features a spectacular 200-foot waterfall cascading down limestone bluffs in a picturesque setting. The park offers scenic hiking trails, picnic areas, and limestone outcroppings perfect for exploration. Visitors can climb the stone stairway alongside the waterfall for breathtaking views of this natural wonder.
14. Seed Savers Exchange
HERITAGE SEED PRESERVATION
Seed Savers Exchange is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving America's diverse food crop heritage. The 890-acre Heritage Farm features beautiful display gardens, ancient White Park cattle, and historic orchards open to the public. Visitors can explore the visitor center, hiking trails, and learn about the importance of heirloom seeds and biodiversity.
15. Winneshiek County Freedom Rock
PATRIOTIC PAINTED MEMORIAL
The Winneshiek County Freedom Rock is part of a statewide project featuring painted boulders honoring veterans in each of Iowa's 99 counties. This massive stone was painted by artist Ray Sorensen with imagery celebrating local military heroes and history. The memorial serves as a colorful tribute to those who served their country and represents an important piece of public art in the region.