Dow City IowaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Dow City, Iowa.
1. Dow City Park
RECREATION AND LEISURE HUB
Dow City Park serves as a central gathering spot for residents and visitors, featuring amenities such as a splash pad, shelter house, gazebo, tennis and basketball courts, walking paths, and playground equipment. The park is also home to a historic one-room schoolhouse and the 1909 Rock Island Railroad Depot, offering a glimpse into the area's heritage. Its various facilities make it an ideal destination for family outings, sports, and community events.
2. Lonely Oak Distillery
AWARD-WINNING CRAFT DISTILLERY
Lonely Oak Distillery is a popular spot near Dow City known for its craft whiskeys, bourbons, and vodkas, all produced on-site using locally sourced grains. The distillery offers guided tours and tastings, providing visitors an inside look at the distilling process and the opportunity to sample unique spirits. Its friendly atmosphere and dedication to quality have earned it high praise among both locals and tourists.
3. Loess Hills Hospitality Association and Gift Shop
GATEWAY TO LOESS HILLS
The Loess Hills Hospitality Association and Gift Shop introduces visitors to the scenic Loess Hills region, offering guides, maps, and locally made products. Knowledgeable staff help travelers discover the area's hiking trails, wildlife viewing spots, and historic sites. The shop is a perfect starting point for exploring one of Iowa's most unique landscapes.
4. Hausbarn Heritage Park
HISTORIC GERMAN BARN SITE
Hausbarn Heritage Park in Manning preserves a rare early 1600s German Hausbarn relocated from Schleswig-Holstein, Germany. The site also features other historic buildings, beautiful gardens, and interpretive displays on the area's German immigrant heritage. Visitors can tour the structures and participate in educational programs that bring history to life.
5. Shelby County Historical Museum
REGIONAL HISTORY COLLECTIONS
The Shelby County Historical Museum houses diverse collections detailing the area's past, from pioneer days to the present. Exhibits feature artifacts, photographs, and genealogical resources, making it a valuable stop for history enthusiasts. The museum regularly hosts events and educational programs for all ages.
6. Dow House
HISTORIC LOCAL LANDMARK
The Dow House, built in 1872, is a notable historic residence in Dow City that reflects the town's early settlement era. It is associated with Judge S. E. Dow, the community's founder, and is representative of 19th-century architecture in rural Iowa. While primarily viewed from the exterior, the property remains a point of local pride and historic interest.
7. Preparation Canyon State Park
NATURE AND HIKING DESTINATION
Preparation Canyon State Park offers extensive hiking trails, quiet picnic spots, and scenic prairie overlooks within the Loess Hills area. The park's remote setting provides opportunities to observe native wildlife and enjoy peaceful natural surroundings. It is favored by hikers, photographers, and those seeking solitude just a short drive from Dow City.
8. Dow City Boyer River
RIVERSIDE RECREATION AREA
The Boyer River runs along Dow City, offering scenic views and opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and nature observation. Riverside walks and access points provide a tranquil escape within the city limits. Local residents appreciate the river as a year-round locale for wildlife watching and relaxation.
9. Yellow Smoke Park
LAKE AND OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
Yellow Smoke Park near Denison features a picturesque lake, campground, trails, and picnic areas, making it a favorite destination for outdoor recreation. Anglers enjoy fishing for bass and bluegill, while families take advantage of the spacious playgrounds and swimming beach. The park is well-maintained and highly rated for weekend getaways.
10. Dunlap Golf Club
SCENIC 9-HOLE COURSE
The Dunlap Golf Club offers a relaxed setting for golfers of all skill levels with its scenic 9-hole layout surrounded by Iowa countryside. The course is known for its welcoming atmosphere and affordable rates. It is a popular spot for both casual play and local golf tournaments.
11. Donna Reed Center for the Performing Arts
HISTORIC THEATER EXPERIENCE
The Donna Reed Center for the Performing Arts honors actress Donna Reed and hosts a variety of live performances, from theater productions to musical concerts. The building itself is a restored movie palace and also includes a museum dedicated to Reed's career. Visitors can enjoy both the arts and a bit of Hollywood history in the heart of Denison.
12. Schleswig Freedom Rock
PATRIOTIC PUBLIC ART
The Schleswig Freedom Rock is part of an Iowa statewide mural series honoring veterans and patriotic themes, painted on a large boulder in Schleswig. The mural is updated periodically and serves as a place of reflection and community pride. It attracts visitors interested in public art and Iowa's history of service.
13. Crawford County Courthouse
ARCHITECTURAL AND CIVIC LANDMARK
The Crawford County Courthouse in Denison is an imposing structure known for its classic architectural style and central role in county government. Visitors are drawn to its stately façade and the opportunity to learn more about local civic history. The courthouse square often hosts community events and markets.
14. Manilla City Park
FAMILY-FRIENDLY OUTDOOR SPACE
Manilla City Park offers playgrounds, picnic shelters, sports courts, and open green spaces, making it a favorite spot for families and community gatherings. The park is well-maintained and serves as the site for local events and celebrations throughout the year. Its variety of facilities accommodates visitors of all ages.
15. Arion Wildlife Area
WILDLIFE VIEWING AND TRAILS
Arion Wildlife Area provides visitors with opportunities to observe native Iowa wildlife in a natural, preserved environment just a short drive from Dow City. Trails and observation points cater to birdwatchers, hikers, and nature lovers. The landscape showcases the rural beauty and biodiversity of Crawford County.