Fostoria IowaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Fostoria, Iowa.
1. Judd Wildlife Area
NATURE AND WILDLIFE RESERVE
Judd Wildlife Area offers visitors a chance to experience Iowa's natural habitats in their pristine form. The area provides opportunities for wildlife viewing, hiking, and bird watching throughout the seasons. Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the diverse ecosystem and tranquil environment away from urban bustle.
2. Horseshoe Bend County Wildlife Preserve
SCENIC OUTDOOR RECREATION
Horseshoe Bend County Wildlife Preserve features beautiful natural landscapes and diverse wildlife habitats near Fostoria. Visitors can enjoy hiking trails that wind through prairie, woodland, and wetland environments. The preserve offers excellent opportunities for photography, bird watching, and connecting with Iowa's natural heritage.
3. Century Farms Distillery
LOCAL CRAFT SPIRITS
Century Farms Distillery produces handcrafted spirits using locally sourced ingredients from Iowa farms. Visitors can tour the facility to learn about the distilling process from grain to bottle. The distillery offers tastings of their unique spirits that reflect the agricultural heritage of the region.
4. University of Okoboji Cycling Classic
ANNUAL BIKING EVENT
The University of Okoboji Cycling Classic is a popular annual event that draws cycling enthusiasts from across the region to Fostoria. Participants enjoy scenic routes through the beautiful Iowa countryside and lakes area. The event combines athletic challenge with community spirit and showcases the natural beauty of the region.
5. Blank Park Zoo
FAMILY WILDLIFE ADVENTURE
Blank Park Zoo offers visitors an up-close experience with over 800 animals from around the world. The zoo features various exhibits including the Discovery Center, Australian Adventure, and the popular African Grasslands. Families can enjoy educational programs, feeding experiences, and seasonal events throughout the year.
6. Merle Hay Mall
PREMIER SHOPPING DESTINATION
Merle Hay Mall is one of Iowa's largest shopping centers featuring a wide variety of retail stores, dining options, and entertainment venues. The mall houses major department stores, specialty shops, and a modern movie theater complex. Visitors can enjoy a complete shopping experience with numerous amenities and regular community events.
7. Outlets of Des Moines
DISCOUNT DESIGNER SHOPPING
Outlets of Des Moines offers premium outlet shopping with significant discounts on name-brand and designer merchandise. The open-air shopping center features over 50 stores ranging from fashion and accessories to home goods and specialty items. Shoppers can enjoy a pleasant atmosphere with pedestrian-friendly walkways and seasonal sales events throughout the year.
8. Grant Wood Scenic Byway
ARTISTIC RURAL LANDSCAPES
The Grant Wood Scenic Byway traverses the landscapes that inspired famous American artist Grant Wood, creator of 'American Gothic.' The 68-mile route winds through rolling hills, picturesque farms, and historic small towns in eastern Iowa. Travelers can experience the rural beauty that characterizes Wood's iconic paintings while discovering local historic sites and cultural attractions along the way.
9. Coral Ridge Mall
SHOPPING AND ENTERTAINMENT COMPLEX
Coral Ridge Mall combines shopping, dining, and entertainment in one convenient location near Iowa City. The mall features over 100 stores alongside attractions including an NHL-sized ice arena, carousel, and state-of-the-art movie theater. Visitors can shop at major retailers, enjoy diverse dining options, and participate in various entertainment activities for all ages.
10. Amana Colonies
HISTORIC GERMAN VILLAGE
The Amana Colonies consist of seven historic villages founded by German immigrants as a religious communal society in 1855. Visitors can explore preserved crafts, culture, and traditional German architecture throughout the colonies. The area offers unique shopping for handcrafted items, family-style dining experiences, and seasonal festivals celebrating the rich cultural heritage.
11. Herbert Hoover Birthplace
PRESIDENTIAL HISTORICAL SITE
The Herbert Hoover Birthplace preserves the modest cottage where the 31st President of the United States was born in 1874. The grounds include President Hoover's birthplace cottage, grave sites, a reconstructed blacksmith shop, one-room schoolhouse, and 76-acre tall-grass prairie. The visitor center interprets Hoover's early life in Iowa through exhibits relating to American history.
12. Fenelon Place Elevator
HISTORIC INCLINE RAILWAY
The Fenelon Place Elevator is the world's shortest, steepest scenic railway, originally built in 1882 for a wealthy banker's commute. The funicular climbs 189 feet in length, elevating passengers 189 feet from Fourth Street to Fenelon Place. From the top, visitors enjoy spectacular panoramic views of the historic downtown, the Mississippi River, and three states.
13. Grotto of the Redemption
RELIGIOUS ROCK WONDER
The Grotto of the Redemption is one of the largest man-made grottos in the world, constructed from precious stones and minerals valued at over $4 million. This religious shrine depicts scenes from the life of Jesus Christ through nine separate grottos built over a 42-year period. The impressive structure contains the world's most complete collection of minerals, fossils, shells, and petrifications in one place.
14. Iowa State Capitol
GOLDEN DOME ARCHITECTURE
The Iowa State Capitol showcases stunning 19th-century architecture crowned by its iconic 23-karat gold-covered dome. Inside, visitors can admire the beautiful hand-painted murals, rare book collections, and elaborate marble staircases. Free guided tours highlight the building's historical significance, artistic treasures, and the functioning government chambers where Iowa's laws are made.
15. Iowa State Fairgrounds
ICONIC ANNUAL FESTIVAL
The Iowa State Fairgrounds host one of America's oldest and largest state fairs each August, drawing over a million visitors annually. The 450-acre complex features historic buildings, agricultural exhibitions, and entertainment venues showcasing the best of Iowa's heritage. Throughout the year, the grounds also host numerous events including concerts, trade shows, and specialty expositions.