Fort Atkinson IowaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Fort Atkinson, Iowa.
1. Fort Atkinson State Preserve
HISTORIC MILITARY OUTPOST
Fort Atkinson State Preserve is a restored historic fort that depicts life on the 1840s Iowa frontier. Visitors can explore the wooden and stone stockade encompassing the site, as well as remaining structures including the North Barracks, Northeast Cannon House, Southwest Cannon House, and a Powder Magazine. The fort is open from Memorial Day weekend through the end of September with no admission charge.
2. Lake Meyer Park
OUTDOOR RECREATION AREA
Lake Meyer Park offers camping and outdoor recreation opportunities near Fort Atkinson. The park features a lake suitable for fishing and other water activities. Visitors can enjoy the natural beauty of northeastern Iowa while camping or spending time outdoors.
3. Rendezvous Days
LIVING HISTORY FESTIVAL
Rendezvous Days is an annual festival held during the last full weekend of September at Fort Atkinson State Preserve. The event recreates life on the 1840s Iowa frontier with authentic buckskinners, U.S. Army dragoons, black powder shoots, crafts, contests, and demonstrations. This living history weekend gives visitors the opportunity to witness and experience frontier life as it was in the 19th century.
4. St. Anthony of Padua Chapel
HISTORIC RELIGIOUS SITE
St. Anthony of Padua Chapel is a historic religious site located in Fort Atkinson. The chapel represents the religious heritage of the community and serves as a cultural landmark. Visitors interested in religious architecture and local history will find this site worth exploring.
5. Bily Clocks
UNIQUE TIMEPIECE MUSEUM
Bily Clocks is a fascinating museum featuring intricate wooden clocks handcrafted by the Bily brothers in nearby Spillville. The museum showcases the brothers' remarkable craftsmanship and artistic talent through their collection of hand-carved wooden clocks. Each clock tells a story of Czech heritage and demonstrates incredible skill in woodworking.
6. Saint James Church
HISTORIC CHURCH SITE
Saint James Church is a historic church site maintained by the state park system west of the Fort Atkinson tree nursery. The church represents an important part of the religious history of the Fort Atkinson community. Visitors can appreciate the historical architecture and cultural significance of this preserved religious site.
7. First Congregational Church
HISTORIC RELIGIOUS BUILDING
The First Congregational Church is a historic religious building located southwest of the Fort Atkinson Library. The church is maintained by the state park system as part of Fort Atkinson's historic sites. It represents an important aspect of the community's religious heritage and architectural history.
8. Knotty Pine Guest House
CHARMING LOCAL ACCOMMODATION
The Knotty Pine Guest House offers visitors a place to stay while exploring Fort Atkinson and the surrounding area. This accommodation provides a local lodging option with proximity to the town's historical attractions. Guests can enjoy a comfortable stay while immersing themselves in the charm of this historic community.
9. Calmar Train Depot
HISTORIC RAILWAY STATION
The Calmar Train Depot is a historic railway station located in nearby Calmar, Iowa. This preserved depot reflects the importance of railways in the development of northeastern Iowa communities. Visitors interested in transportation history will appreciate this glimpse into the region's past.
10. Winneshiek County B.A.R.K. Ranger Program
DOG-FRIENDLY PARK INITIATIVE
The Winneshiek County B.A.R.K. Ranger Program is an initiative that promotes responsible pet ownership in county parks. The program features special events like the B.A.R.K. Ranger Kick-Off, encouraging visitors to enjoy outdoor activities with their canine companions. This family-friendly program adds an additional dimension to enjoying the natural areas of Winneshiek County.
11. Decorah Fish Hatchery
AQUATIC CONSERVATION CENTER
The Decorah Fish Hatchery is a facility dedicated to raising trout for stocking Iowa's streams and rivers. Located in nearby Decorah, the hatchery offers visitors a chance to learn about fish conservation and aquatic ecosystems. Visitors can observe the fish-raising process and enjoy the beautiful grounds surrounding the facility.
12. Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum
HERITAGE AND CULTURE
Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum in Decorah houses the most comprehensive collection of Norwegian-American artifacts in the world. The museum includes over 33,000 artifacts, 12 historic buildings, a Folk Art School, and a research library. It celebrates the living heritage of Norwegian immigrants to America and fosters appreciation for the enduring connections between Norway and the United States.
13. Porter House Museum
HISTORIC HOME COLLECTION
The Porter House Museum is a historic home in Decorah filled with fascinating collections gathered by Adelbert and Grace Porter during their world travels. The house features natural history specimens, artifacts from around the globe, and beautiful gardens that reflect the Porters' wide-ranging interests. This unique museum provides visitors with insight into the life of this remarkable couple and their contributions to the cultural life of northeastern Iowa.
14. Dunning's Spring Park
NATURAL WATERFALL OASIS
Dunning's Spring Park features a stunning 200-foot waterfall cascading down limestone bluffs in Decorah. This natural area offers hiking trails, picnic spots, and photographic opportunities in a peaceful woodland setting. The park provides a refreshing escape and showcases the unique driftless topography of northeastern Iowa.
15. Seed Savers Exchange
HERITAGE FARM PRESERVE
Seed Savers Exchange is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving America's diverse garden heritage on an 890-acre farm near Decorah. Visitors can explore display gardens, historic orchards, and heritage livestock breeds while learning about the importance of genetic diversity in agriculture. The beautiful grounds include hiking trails, scenic vistas, and opportunities to purchase heirloom seeds from their vast collection.