Emmetsburg Iowa
ATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Emmetsburg, Iowa.
1. Ewing Park
OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES | DES MOINES IA
Ewing Park in Des Moines offers diverse recreational options including playgrounds, nature trails, BMX tracks, disc golf courses, and even a soapbox derby track. Families can explore shaded shelters or visit Ashley Okland Star Playground across the street for inclusive play areas designed for children of all abilities. The park's Lilac Arboretum adds a touch of floral beauty to its expansive grounds featuring ponds and streams perfect for relaxation or picnicking. Ewing Park provides something enjoyable for everyone amidst its picturesque setting.
2. Reiman Gardens
HORTICULTURAL WONDERLAND | AMES IA
Located at Iowa State University, Reiman Gardens showcases stunning themed gardens like the Rose Garden and Hillside Water-wise Garden. Visitors can explore interactive exhibits in the Children's Garden or observe plant experiments in the Trial Garden. Lake Helen adds tranquility with its water lilies and aquatic wildlife. Open year-round with guided tours available, Reiman Gardens combines beauty with educational opportunities in horticulture.
3. American Gothic House Center
ICONIC ART SITE | ELDON IA
The American Gothic House Center celebrates Grant Wood's famous painting American Gothic, inspired by the small white house with its distinctive gothic window. Adjacent to the house, the center features an exhibition gallery detailing the history of the artwork and Wood's life. Visitors can enjoy photo opportunities with a gothic window-shaped selfie stand and explore a gift shop offering local crafts and souvenirs. This charming site is a cultural gem for art enthusiasts and history buffs alike.
4. Jester Park
NATURE & WILDLIFE | GRANGER IA
Jester Park offers 1,675 acres of diverse outdoor experiences along Saylorville Lake's west shore. Visitors can enjoy hiking trails, observe migrating pelicans, or explore the park's bison and elk enclosure for a glimpse into Iowa's natural heritage. The Jester Park Nature Center serves as an educational hub, connecting guests to restored woodlands and interactive exhibits. With options for archery, bouldering, and equipment rentals, this park is perfect for adventurers seeking recreation or tranquility.
5. Living History Farms
TIME TRAVEL EXPERIENCE | URBANDALE IA
Living History Farms immerses visitors in Iowa's agricultural past with interactive exhibits at three working farm sites spanning 300 years of history: the Ioway Farm (1700), Pioneer Farm (1850), and Horse-Powered Farm (1900). The historic town of Walnut Hill adds another layer with interpreters showcasing life in 1876 through demonstrations and storytelling. Tractor cart rides connect sites, making it accessible for all ages while providing an engaging educational experience.
6. Herbert Hoover National Historic Site
PRESIDENTIAL LEGACY | WEST BRANCH IA
The Herbert Hoover National Historic Site celebrates the life of America's 31st president with exhibits on his early years, humanitarian efforts, and presidency. Visitors can tour his birthplace cottage, a Quaker meeting house, and beautifully maintained grounds that reflect Hoover's Midwestern roots. The museum offers interactive exhibits that provide deep insights into Hoover's contributions to history. This serene site combines education with reflection in a picturesque setting.
7. Science Center of Iowa
HANDS-ON LEARNING | DES MOINES IA
The Science Center of Iowa inspires visitors with interactive exhibits focused on STEM education in its downtown facility. From space exploration to dinosaur displays, SCI engages children and adults alike through dynamic programming and special-format theaters. It also serves as a community hub with outreach programs that promote cultural awareness statewide. A visit here promises fun-filled learning experiences for families and science enthusiasts.
8. Pikes Peak State Park
SCENIC BLUFFS & TRAILS | MCGREGOR IA
Pikes Peak State Park offers breathtaking views from a 500-foot bluff overlooking the confluence of the Mississippi and Wisconsin Rivers. Visitors can explore over eleven miles of shaded hiking trails, including paths leading to Bridal Veil Falls and ancient Native American effigy mounds. The park provides excellent picnicking spots and camping facilities, making it ideal for a day trip or an extended stay. October is especially popular for its vibrant fall colors, complemented by nearby arts festivals in McGregor and Marquette.
9. Outlets & Marketplace Williamsburg
SHOPPING DESTINATION | WILLIAMSBURG IA
Situated along Interstate 80, Outlets & Marketplace Williamsburg provides shoppers with access to top brands like Nike Clearance and Under Armour Factory Store at discounted prices. This shopping center blends national retailers with local businesses such as Bryant's Chill & Grill to create a unique experience for visitors. Recent redevelopment efforts aim to enhance the property with creative event programming and placemaking initiatives that attract both interstate travelers and community residents. Its convenient location makes it a must-visit stop for bargain hunters traveling across Iowa.
10. Prairie Meadows Casino, Racetrack, & Hotel
ENTERTAINMENT HUB | ALTOONA IA
Prairie Meadows is Iowa's premier destination for gaming, live horse racing, and entertainment. Guests can enjoy thrilling casino games, seasonal racing events, and a variety of dining options ranging from casual cafes to fine dining at AJ's Steakhouse. The hotel offers modern amenities like a saltwater pool and Tesla charging stations, ensuring a comfortable stay. Year-round concerts and special events make Prairie Meadows a vibrant attraction for locals and tourists alike.
11. Breakout Games
ESCAPE ROOM | URBANDALE IA
Breakout Games in Urbandale provides an adrenaline-filled escape room experience where teams solve puzzles to complete their chosen adventure within 60 minutes. Each room features unique storylines that challenge problem-solving skills while delivering excitement and teamwork opportunities. Ideal for group outings or date nights, this attraction promises immersive entertainment for participants of all ages. With high ratings from visitors, Breakout Games is a top choice for interactive fun.
12. Ledges State Park
GEOLOGICAL WONDER | MADRID IA
Ledges State Park captivates visitors with its dramatic sandstone cliffs carved by glacial meltwater over thousands of years. The park's canyon drive offers breathtaking views of Pea's Creek and the Des Moines River valley, while hiking trails lead to overlooks like Inspiration Point and Crow's Nest. Structures built by the Civilian Conservation Corps add historical charm to this natural haven. With camping facilities available, Ledges is ideal for both day trips and extended stays in nature.
13. Des Moines' Downtown Farmers' Market
LOCAL FLAVOR | DES MOINES IA
Since 1976, Des Moines' Downtown Farmers' Market has connected urban and rural communities while showcasing Iowa's finest local produce, meats, cheeses, and artisan goods. This bustling market offers visitors a vibrant atmosphere filled with live entertainment and opportunities to meet local farmers and artists. Patrons can shop for fresh ingredients or enjoy breakfast while soaking in the lively ambiance. Open rain or shine, this nationally recognized market is a must-visit for anyone seeking an authentic Iowa experience.
14. Pella Historical Village & Vermeer Windmill
DUTCH HERITAGE EXPERIENCE | PELLA IA
Step into Dutch culture at Pella Historical Village & Vermeer Windmill in Pella-a charming town steeped in tradition. The centerpiece is the towering Vermeer Windmill, an authentic Dutch structure rebuilt in Iowa that offers guided tours showcasing its craftsmanship and operation. Surrounding it are 21 restored historical buildings featuring exhibits on early Dutch settlers' lives alongside tulip-filled gardens that bloom seasonally. Events celebrating Dutch music, food, and art make this destination perfect for families seeking cultural enrichment year-round.
15. Amana Colonies
HISTORIC VILLAGES | MIDDLE AMANA IA
The Amana Colonies consist of seven picturesque villages steeped in history and communal heritage. Originally settled by German Pietists in the mid-1800s, these villages showcase preserved architecture, cultural traditions, and tri-lingual residents who speak English, High German, and Amana German. Visitors can explore over 450 historic buildings, scenic landscapes, and enjoy locally crafted goods. Designated as a National Historic Landmark District, the Amana Colonies offer a unique glimpse into Iowa's utopian past.