Davis City IowaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Davis City, Iowa.
1. Nine Eagles State Park
NATURAL BEAUTY AND RECREATION
Nine Eagles State Park is a popular outdoor recreation destination near Davis City. The park features hiking trails, a pond, and various opportunities for nature enthusiasts to explore. Visitors can enjoy camping, fishing, and wildlife observation in this serene natural setting.
2. Amish Country Store
TRADITIONAL AMISH GOODS
The Amish Country Store is a specialty shop offering authentic Amish-made products and goods. Visitors can browse through handcrafted items, homemade foods, and traditional crafts unique to Amish culture. The store provides a glimpse into the simple lifestyle and craftsmanship of the local Amish community.
3. Little River Lake Recreation Area
LAKESIDE FUN AND RELAXATION
Little River Lake Recreation Area offers visitors a picturesque setting for outdoor activities. The area features a beautiful lake surrounded by natural landscapes perfect for fishing, boating, and picnicking. Nature lovers can enjoy wildlife viewing and peaceful walks along the shoreline.
4. Eagleville Welcome Center
GATEWAY TO LOCAL ATTRACTIONS
The Eagleville Welcome Center serves as an informational hub for visitors to the region. Travelers can gather maps, brochures, and local insights about attractions in Davis City and surrounding areas. The center's knowledgeable staff provides recommendations for dining, accommodations, and activities throughout the region.
5. Dunn Ranch
PRAIRIE CONSERVATION AREA
Dunn Ranch is a protected tallgrass prairie conservation area just south of the Iowa border. The ranch preserves native prairie ecosystems and serves as a habitat for diverse wildlife including bison and prairie chickens. Visitors can explore hiking trails and observe the natural beauty of this significant ecological preserve.
6. Prairie Trails Museum
LOCAL HISTORY PRESERVED
The Prairie Trails Museum showcases the rich history and heritage of the region surrounding Davis City. Exhibits feature artifacts, photographs, and stories that highlight pioneer life and the development of local communities. Visitors can explore various historical displays that bring to life the cultural and agricultural legacy of southern Iowa.
7. East Lake County Park
OUTDOOR RECREATION HAVEN
East Lake County Park provides a scenic destination for outdoor enthusiasts near Davis City. The park features a lake for fishing and boating, along with hiking trails through wooded areas. Visitors can enjoy picnic areas, camping facilities, and opportunities to observe local wildlife in their natural habitat.
8. Red Haw State Park
SCENIC LAKE AND FORESTS
Red Haw State Park is centered around a beautiful 72-acre lake surrounded by lush forests. The park offers fishing, boating, camping, and hiking opportunities for outdoor recreation enthusiasts. Spring visitors are treated to spectacular displays of redbud trees in bloom, which gave the park its distinctive name.
9. Crowder State Park
WILDERNESS AND RECREATION
Crowder State Park offers over 1,900 acres of wilderness with diverse recreational opportunities near the Iowa border. The park features extensive hiking trails, fishing at Crowder Lake, and camping facilities for overnight stays. Visitors can explore Thompson River and observe abundant wildlife while enjoying the natural beauty of the Missouri landscape.
10. Slip Bluff County Park
CAMPING AND SCENIC VIEWS
Slip Bluff County Park provides excellent level camping spots in a peaceful natural setting near Davis City. The park features a pond for fishing and well-maintained hiking trails through the rolling countryside. Nature enthusiasts appreciate the park's serene atmosphere and opportunities for outdoor recreation.
11. Herbert Hoover Birthplace
PRESIDENTIAL HISTORICAL SITE
The Herbert Hoover Birthplace includes the cottage where the 31st President of the United States was born, along with his and Mrs. Lou Henry Hoover's grave sites. The 76-acre grounds feature a reconstructed blacksmith shop, one-room schoolhouse, and tall-grass prairie. Administered by the National Park Service, the site interprets the early life of President Hoover in Iowa.
12. Historic General Dodge House
VICTORIAN ARCHITECTURAL TREASURE
The Historic General Dodge House is a 14-room, three-story Victorian mansion constructed in 1869 by Civil War general Grenville Dodge. The house features advanced amenities for its time, including central heating and hot and cold running water. Visitors can tour this architectural treasure to learn about the life of General Dodge, who was a prominent railroad builder, banker, and politician.
13. Old Capitol
HISTORIC GOVERNMENT BUILDING
The Old Capitol served as the last capitol of Iowa Territory from 1842-1846 and the first State Capitol building from 1846-1857. The restored building now functions as The University of Iowa's first building, offering self-guided tours to visitors. Exhibition galleries reflect Iowa's rich history, culture, and heritage through changing displays.
14. The Reverend George B. Hitchcock House
UNDERGROUND RAILROAD STATION
The Reverend George B. Hitchcock House was built in 1856 by a Congregational minister and served as a station on the Underground Railroad. In 2001, the historic home was recognized as a National Park Service Underground Railroad Network to Freedom Site. Visitors can learn about the important role this house played in helping enslaved people escape to freedom.
15. Jefferson Highway Heritage Byway
HISTORIC SCENIC DRIVE
The Jefferson Highway Heritage Byway passes through Davis City, offering a scenic drive through Iowa's countryside. This historic route was one of America's earliest interstate highways, connecting New Orleans to Winnipeg, Canada. Travelers can enjoy points of interest, small towns, and natural beauty along this heritage corridor.