Dana IowaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Dana, Iowa.
1. Spring Lake Park
SERENE OUTDOOR RECREATION
Spring Lake Park is a popular outdoor recreation area near Dana, Iowa that offers visitors a peaceful lakeside experience. The park features walking trails, picnic areas, and opportunities for fishing and wildlife observation. Visitors consistently rate this park highly with a 4.4 rating, making it one of the top attractions in the area.
2. Sierra Community Theater
HISTORIC SMALL-TOWN CINEMA
Sierra Community Theater is a charming local cinema that serves as a cultural hub in Dana, Iowa. The theater has earned a perfect 5.0 rating from visitors who appreciate its nostalgic atmosphere and community focus. It offers an authentic small-town movie-going experience that has become increasingly rare in modern times.
3. Mahanay Bell Tower
ICONIC BELL TOWER
The Mahanay Bell Tower is a distinctive landmark located near Dana that offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. With a solid 4.6 rating from 28 reviewers, this bell tower has become one of the region's most photographed attractions. Visitors can climb to the observation deck for spectacular vistas of Iowa's rural landscape.
4. Greene County Farmer's Market
FRESH LOCAL PRODUCE
Greene County Farmer's Market provides a vibrant showcase of local agriculture and artisanal products near Dana, Iowa. The market has earned a perfect 5.0 rating from visitors who appreciate the fresh produce and friendly atmosphere. It offers a genuine taste of Iowa's agricultural heritage and community spirit.
5. Thomas Jefferson Gardens
HISTORICAL BOTANICAL DISPLAY
Thomas Jefferson Gardens celebrates the horticultural legacy of its namesake with beautiful displays of plants and educational exhibits. The gardens feature varieties that Jefferson himself cultivated at Monticello, creating a living historical exhibit. Visitors can enjoy the peaceful setting while learning about early American gardening traditions.
6. Gray's Lake Park
URBAN LAKESIDE RETREAT
Gray's Lake Park offers a stunning urban oasis with a 1.9-mile trail circling a beautiful lake near Dana, Iowa. The park features a lighted walking path, boat rentals, and swimming areas that attract visitors throughout the warmer months. Its proximity to downtown Des Moines makes it a popular destination for both tourists and locals seeking outdoor recreation.
7. Lakeside Golf Club
SCENIC GOLFING EXPERIENCE
Lakeside Golf Club provides golf enthusiasts with a well-maintained course in a picturesque setting near Dana, Iowa. The club features challenging holes with water hazards and strategic bunkers that test golfers of all skill levels. Its lakeside location offers beautiful views that enhance the golfing experience.
8. Lincoln Highway Heritage Byway
HISTORIC AMERICAN ROAD
The Lincoln Highway Heritage Byway passes near Dana, Iowa as part of America's first transcontinental highway. This historic route offers travelers a journey through Iowa's past, with numerous historical markers and preserved roadside attractions. Driving this byway provides insight into early American automobile culture and the development of the nation's highway system.
9. Lincoln Highway Garden
ROADSIDE HISTORICAL GARDEN
Lincoln Highway Garden commemorates the historic transcontinental route with beautiful plantings and educational displays. The garden serves as both a rest stop for travelers and a living museum that tells the story of America's first coast-to-coast highway. Visitors can enjoy the peaceful setting while learning about this important piece of transportation history.
10. The Hill Golf Course
CHALLENGING ELEVATED PLAY
The Hill Golf Course offers golfers a challenging experience with its elevated terrain and strategic layout near Dana, Iowa. The course features well-maintained fairways and greens that provide satisfying play for golfers of various skill levels. Its hilltop location provides scenic views of the surrounding countryside throughout the round.
11. Southridge Mall
REGIONAL SHOPPING DESTINATION
Southridge Mall is a comprehensive shopping center that serves residents of Dana and surrounding communities with a variety of retail options. The mall features national chain stores, local boutiques, and dining establishments under one convenient roof. It serves as a commercial hub for the region and a popular destination during inclement weather.
12. Iowa 80 Trucking Museum
AMERICA'S TRUCKING HERITAGE
The Iowa 80 Trucking Museum celebrates America's transportation history with an impressive collection of antique trucks and trucking memorabilia. Located at the world's largest truck stop, this museum showcases the evolution of the trucking industry from its earliest days to the present. Visitors can explore dozens of meticulously restored vehicles that tell the story of how trucking shaped the American economy.
13. George Wyth State Park
RIVERSIDE NATURAL ESCAPE
George Wyth State Park offers visitors a diverse natural area along the Cedar River with opportunities for numerous outdoor activities. The park features hiking trails, fishing lakes, and boat access points that attract nature enthusiasts year-round. Its designation as a National Urban Wildlife Sanctuary highlights the park's importance as a habitat for diverse plant and animal species.
14. Copper Creek Lake Park
URBAN FISHING PARADISE
Copper Creek Lake Park centers around a 40-acre lake that provides excellent fishing opportunities near Dana, Iowa. The park features walking trails, picnic shelters, and playground equipment that make it ideal for family outings. Its urban location makes it easily accessible while still offering a sense of connection with nature.
15. Ernie Pyle World War II Museum
WARTIME JOURNALISM MEMORIAL
The Ernie Pyle World War II Museum honors the legacy of the famous war correspondent who brought the realities of combat to American homes. The museum displays artifacts, photographs, and writings that showcase Pyle's significant contribution to journalism during a pivotal period in world history. Visitors can gain insight into both military history and the evolution of war reporting through this thoughtfully curated collection.