Cumming IowaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Cumming, Iowa.
1. Iowa Distilling Company
LOCAL CRAFT SPIRITS
Iowa Distilling Company is a popular destination in Cumming where visitors can tour the facility and learn about the craft spirit-making process. Guests can sample various locally-made spirits including whiskey, vodka, and bourbon during tastings. The distillery showcases Iowa's agricultural heritage by using locally-sourced grains in their products.
2. Maffitt Lake Equestrian Center
PREMIER HORSE RIDING FACILITY
Maffitt Lake Equestrian Center offers world-class horse riding facilities and training for equestrians of all levels. The center hosts various equestrian competitions and events throughout the year that draw participants from across the region. Visitors can enjoy watching horse shows or take riding lessons in a picturesque countryside setting.
3. Cumming Tap
LOCAL FAVORITE GASTROPUB
Cumming Tap is a beloved local establishment serving craft beers and hearty pub fare in a relaxed atmosphere. The gastropub offers a rotating selection of local and regional beers alongside a menu of elevated comfort food favorites. It serves as a community gathering spot where locals and visitors alike can enjoy good food and friendly conversation.
4. Great Western Trail
HISTORIC RAIL TRAIL
The Great Western Trail is a converted railway line offering miles of paved paths for hiking and biking through diverse Iowa landscapes. Trail users can experience prairie and wetland areas while observing Iowa's native wildlife and plant species. The trail connects Cumming with neighboring communities, making it a perfect route for outdoor enthusiasts to explore the region.
5. St. Patrick's Irish Settlement Church
HISTORIC RURAL CHURCH
St. Patrick's Irish Settlement Church is a historic church built around 1870 that replaced an earlier log church constructed by Cumming's initial settlers. The quintessential rural community church has served the Cumming area for over 150 years and was notably visited by Pope John Paul II in 1979. The church continues to operate today, preserving its rich history while serving as an active place of worship.
6. Middlebrook Mercantile
RUSTIC DINING EXPERIENCE
Middlebrook Mercantile offers visitors a unique dining experience in a charming rustic setting in Cumming. The establishment hosts special events like brunches and live music performances throughout the year. Visitors can enjoy locally-sourced food and beverages while experiencing the warm hospitality that defines this community gathering place.
7. Tom Harkin Home
POLITICAL HERITAGE SITE
The Tom Harkin Home in Cumming represents the humble beginnings of the influential Iowa senator who served the state for decades. Senator Harkin grew up in this modest two-bedroom home with his parents and five siblings, embodying the small-town values that shaped his political career. Today, the Harkin family continues to maintain connections to Cumming through farming and community involvement.
8. Maffitt Lake Park
OUTDOOR RECREATION AREA
Maffitt Lake Park offers outdoor enthusiasts a variety of recreational activities including fishing, boating, and swimming in the picturesque lake. Visitors can enjoy hiking trails that wind through natural areas showcasing Iowa's native landscapes. The park provides picnic facilities and open spaces perfect for family gatherings and relaxation in nature.
9. Summerset State Park
SCENIC OUTDOOR GETAWAY
Summerset State Park, located near Cumming in neighboring Indianola, offers visitors over 80 acres of natural beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities. The park features hiking trails, fishing spots, and camping facilities that allow visitors to immerse themselves in Iowa's natural environment. Birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts particularly enjoy the diverse ecosystem that supports numerous species of plants and animals.
10. Winterset Cidery
ARTISANAL CIDER PRODUCTION
Winterset Cidery is a short drive from Cumming and offers visitors a taste of locally-produced hard ciders in a beautiful orchard setting. Visitors can tour the facility to learn about the cider-making process from apple to bottle while enjoying the picturesque countryside views. The cidery hosts tastings and special events throughout the year, making it a popular destination for those exploring Madison County.
11. Covered Bridges of Madison County
HISTORIC ARCHITECTURAL TREASURES
The Covered Bridges of Madison County, made famous by the novel and film, are a collection of historic bridges located a short drive from Cumming. These architectural treasures, built in the late 19th century, showcase unique craftsmanship and engineering techniques of their era. Visitors can drive a scenic route to visit all six remaining bridges, each with its own distinct character and history.
12. National Balloon Classic
COLORFUL SKY FESTIVAL
The National Balloon Classic is an annual hot air balloon festival held in nearby Indianola that draws visitors from across the region. The nine-day event features daily mass ascensions with over 100 colorful balloons filling the sky in a spectacular display. Attendees can enjoy balloon rides, live entertainment, and food vendors in addition to the breathtaking aerial displays.
13. National Motorcycle Museum
VINTAGE TWO-WHEEL COLLECTION
The National Motorcycle Museum houses an impressive collection of over 450 motorcycles spanning more than a century of two-wheeled history. Visitors can explore exhibits featuring rare and vintage motorcycles, memorabilia, and interactive displays that tell the story of motorcycle culture in America. The museum's extensive collection includes everything from early pioneer machines to modern racing bikes and custom choppers.
14. Living History Farms
INTERACTIVE AGRICULTURAL MUSEUM
Living History Farms is an interactive outdoor museum that tells the story of how Iowans transformed the fertile prairies of the Midwest into the most productive farmland in the world. The 500-acre open-air museum includes working historical farms from different time periods where visitors can experience authentic farm life and agricultural practices. Costumed interpreters demonstrate daily farm activities, crafts, and cooking techniques from Iowa's agricultural history.
15. Blank Park Zoo
WILDLIFE CONSERVATION CENTER
Blank Park Zoo is Iowa's only accredited zoo, offering visitors close encounters with over 800 animals representing more than 100 species from around the world. The zoo features immersive exhibits like the Discovery Center, African Grasslands, and Australian Adventure that recreate natural habitats. Educational programs and conservation initiatives make this attraction both entertaining and informative for visitors of all ages.