Earling IowaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Earling, Iowa.
1. Lonely Oak Distillery
LOCAL SPIRITS AND TASTINGS
Lonely Oak Distillery is a popular attraction in Earling where visitors can sample locally crafted spirits. The distillery offers tours explaining their production process and the history behind their unique recipes. Visitors can purchase bottles of their favorite spirits to take home as souvenirs.
2. Farmhand Brewing Company
CRAFT BEER EXPERIENCE
Farmhand Brewing Company offers visitors a taste of Iowa's growing craft beer scene. The brewery features a variety of handcrafted beers made with locally sourced ingredients when possible. Visitors can enjoy flights of beer in the taproom while learning about the brewing process.
3. Saint Joseph Catholic Church
HISTORIC RELIGIOUS ARCHITECTURE
Saint Joseph Catholic Church stands as an important historical and architectural landmark in Earling. The church features beautiful stained glass windows and traditional religious architecture that reflects the community's heritage. Visitors can appreciate the peaceful atmosphere and craftsmanship of this local treasure.
4. The Market Place
LOCAL SHOPPING EXPERIENCE
The Market Place in Earling offers a charming shopping experience with locally made goods and products. Visitors can browse through a variety of items including crafts, food products, and souvenirs unique to the region. The market serves as a hub for local artisans to showcase their talents and connect with customers.
5. Western Skies Scenic Byway
PICTURESQUE DRIVING ROUTE
The Western Skies Scenic Byway offers travelers breathtaking views of Iowa's countryside near Earling. This scenic route winds through rolling hills, farmland, and small towns, showcasing the natural beauty of the region. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely drive while discovering hidden gems along this picturesque pathway.
6. Shelby County Historical Museum
LOCAL HERITAGE PRESERVED
Shelby County Historical Museum preserves and displays the rich history of the region surrounding Earling. The museum houses artifacts, photographs, and documents that tell the story of the area's settlement and development. Visitors can explore exhibits spanning multiple eras of local history in this educational attraction.
7. Prairie Rose State Park
OUTDOOR RECREATION PARADISE
Prairie Rose State Park offers visitors a variety of outdoor recreational activities near Earling. The park features a 218-acre lake perfect for fishing, boating, and swimming during the warmer months. Hiking trails, camping facilities, and picnic areas make this an ideal destination for nature lovers throughout the year.
8. Hausbarn
GERMAN HERITAGE SITE
The Hausbarn is a unique cultural attraction showcasing German architectural heritage near Earling. This authentic structure combines living quarters and barn space under one roof, representing the traditional German-style buildings brought to Iowa by immigrants. Visitors can tour the restored building and learn about the German settlers who influenced the region's development.
9. Historic General Dodge House
VICTORIAN ARCHITECTURAL MARVEL
The Historic General Dodge House is an impressive 14-room, three-story Victorian mansion built in 1869. General Grenville Dodge, a Civil War general and railroad builder, incorporated advanced features for the time including central heating and running water. Visitors can tour this National Historic Landmark to glimpse the lifestyle of one of Iowa's most influential historical figures.
10. Herbert Hoover Birthplace
PRESIDENTIAL HERITAGE SITE
Herbert Hoover Birthplace in West Branch preserves the humble beginnings of America's 31st president. The site includes Hoover's birthplace cottage, grave sites of President and Mrs. Hoover, a reconstructed blacksmith shop, and a one-room schoolhouse. Visitors can explore the 76-acre tall-grass prairie and visit the presidential library and museum to learn about Hoover's early life in Iowa.
11. Amana Colonies
HISTORIC GERMAN VILLAGES
The Amana Colonies consist of seven historic villages founded by German immigrants as a religious communal society in 1855. This National Historic Landmark preserves traditional crafts, architecture, and cultural practices of the original settlers. Visitors can explore museums, shops, restaurants, and wineries that showcase the unique heritage of this communal experiment.
12. Blood Run Site
ANCIENT NATIVE AMERICAN CENTER
The Blood Run Site served as an intertribal and ceremonial center for Oneota and Prairie Dakota tribes from 900 to 1720 A.D. Located along the Big Sioux River and Blood Run Creek, this National Historic Landmark features burial mounds and village sites of historical significance. Visitors can explore the area by foot to connect with this important piece of Native American history.
13. Farm House Museum
AGRICULTURAL HERITAGE CENTER
The Farm House Museum in Ames is the oldest building on Iowa State University's campus and a National Historic Landmark. Built in 1860, it was home to the first presidents of the university and later to deans of agriculture. Visitors can tour the meticulously restored rooms featuring period furniture and artifacts that depict rural Iowa life in the 19th century.
14. George M. Verity Riverboat
HISTORIC MISSISSIPPI VESSEL
The George M. Verity Riverboat is a preserved steamboat that once plied the waters of the Mississippi River. Now permanently docked in Keokuk, this National Historic Landmark offers visitors a glimpse into the golden age of river transportation. Tourists can explore the engine room, pilot house, and living quarters to understand the importance of riverboats in Iowa's commercial development.
15. Stone City Art Colony
HISTORIC ARTS COMMUNITY
The Stone City Art Colony was an influential arts community established during the Great Depression era. Founded by painter Grant Wood, the colony attracted artists from across the region to create and collaborate in this picturesque setting. Visitors today can see the inspirational landscape that influenced American Regionalist painting and learn about this important chapter in Iowa's cultural history.