Dedham IowaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Dedham, Iowa.
1. Templeton Rye Distillery
HISTORIC IOWA WHISKEY
Templeton Rye Distillery offers visitors a glimpse into Iowa's whiskey-making heritage. The distillery produces the famous Templeton Rye whiskey, which gained notoriety during prohibition. Visitors can tour the facility to learn about the distilling process and sample the renowned spirits.
2. Manning Heritage Park
LOCAL HISTORY PARK
Manning Heritage Park preserves the local history and culture of the Manning area. The park features historic buildings, exhibits, and artifacts that showcase the region's past. Visitors can explore the grounds and learn about the agricultural and cultural heritage of rural Iowa.
3. Whiterock Conservancy
NATURAL IOWA LANDSCAPE
Whiterock Conservancy encompasses thousands of acres of diverse Iowa landscape along the Middle Raccoon River. The conservancy offers outdoor recreation activities including hiking, biking, fishing, and horseback riding on its extensive trail system. Visitors can experience Iowa's natural beauty while participating in conservation efforts.
4. Leet-Hassler Farmstead
HISTORIC IOWA FARM
Leet-Hassler Farmstead provides a window into Iowa's agricultural past with its preserved historic farm buildings. The farmstead showcases the rural lifestyle and farming practices of early settlers in the region. Visitors can tour the property to experience authentic farm life from Iowa's formative years.
5. The Market Place
LOCAL SHOPPING EXPERIENCE
The Market Place offers a unique shopping experience featuring local products and crafts. The venue showcases the work of area artisans, farmers, and producers in a charming rural setting. Visitors can browse and purchase authentic Iowa-made goods while supporting the local economy.
6. AVAD Hunt Club
OUTDOOR SPORTING VENUE
AVAD Hunt Club provides hunting enthusiasts with guided experiences in Iowa's abundant wild game areas. The club offers various hunting packages for pheasant, deer, and other game throughout the hunting seasons. Visitors appreciate the professional guides and well-managed hunting grounds that create memorable outdoor adventures.
7. Carrollton Heritage Park
HISTORICAL COMMUNITY PARK
Carrollton Heritage Park preserves the history of the original Carroll County seat. The park features restored buildings and exhibits that tell the story of early settlement in the area. Visitors can experience the region's pioneer days through interpretive displays and seasonal events.
8. Coon Rapids Aquatic Center
FAMILY WATER RECREATION
Coon Rapids Aquatic Center offers refreshing water activities for visitors of all ages. The center features swimming pools, water slides, and splash areas perfect for hot summer days. Families appreciate the clean facilities and variety of aquatic options for cooling off and having fun.
9. Coon Rapids Sports Complex
COMMUNITY ATHLETIC FACILITIES
Coon Rapids Sports Complex provides modern athletic facilities for various sporting activities. The complex includes baseball fields, soccer pitches, and other sports venues for community events and tournaments. Visitors can enjoy watching local competitions or participating in recreational sports activities throughout the year.
10. Carroll County Fairgrounds
ANNUAL FAIR LOCATION
Carroll County Fairgrounds hosts the annual county fair and numerous other community events throughout the year. The fairgrounds feature exhibition halls, livestock barns, and entertainment venues that showcase local agriculture and talent. Visitors can experience authentic rural Iowa culture through fairs, rodeos, and seasonal celebrations.
11. Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad
HISTORIC TRAIN RIDES
The Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad offers nostalgic train rides through the picturesque Des Moines River Valley. Passengers travel on historic railcars pulled by diesel and steam locomotives across the 156-foot Bass Point Creek High Bridge. The railroad provides dinner trains, special themed excursions, and regular scenic tours that highlight Iowa's natural beauty.
12. Historic Cutler-Donahoe Covered Bridge
ICONIC HISTORIC STRUCTURE
The Historic Cutler-Donahoe Covered Bridge is one of Madison County's famous covered bridges built in 1870. The 79-foot bridge was moved to its current location in Winterset's City Park in 1970 to preserve this important piece of Iowa history. Visitors can walk through the bridge and appreciate its traditional timber construction and historical significance.
13. Farm House Museum
IOWA'S AGRICULTURAL HERITAGE
The Farm House Museum was built in 1860 as the first building at Iowa State Agricultural College and Model Farm. More than 6,000 pieces of Victorian decorative art and antique furnishings are on display, offering glimpses into 19th century university life. Visitors can explore this National Historic Landmark to learn about Iowa's agricultural education history.
14. Amana Colonies
HISTORIC GERMAN VILLAGES
The Amana Colonies consist of seven historic villages founded by German immigrants as a religious communal society in 1855. These National Historic Landmark villages preserve traditional crafts, cuisine, and architecture that reflect their unique cultural heritage. Visitors can explore museums, shops, restaurants, and wineries while experiencing one of Iowa's most famous travel attractions.
15. George M. Verity Riverboat
HISTORIC MISSISSIPPI STEAMBOAT
The George M. Verity Riverboat is a paddlewheel steamboat built in 1927 in Dubuque and retired in 1960. Visitors can view the vessel's original boiler, machinery, crew quarters, and pilothouse to understand river transportation history. The National Historic Landmark also displays photos of 19th century riverboats and artifacts from the steamboat era that shaped Iowa's development.