Franklin IowaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Franklin, Iowa.
1. Science Center of Iowa
HANDS-ON LEARNING EXPERIENCE
The Science Center of Iowa offers interactive exhibits that make science accessible and enjoyable for visitors of all ages. Guests can explore various hands-on learning stations covering topics from astronomy to biology. The center also features special programming and events throughout the year to engage curious minds.
2. Driftless Area Scenic Byway
NATURAL BEAUTY DRIVE
The Driftless Area Scenic Byway winds through the unique landscape of northeastern Iowa that escaped glaciation during the last ice age. Visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of limestone bluffs, dense forests, and rolling hills along the route. The byway offers numerous stops at overlooks, small towns, and natural attractions throughout the journey.
3. Franklin County Historical Museum
LOCAL HISTORY PRESERVED
The Franklin County Historical Museum houses a diverse collection of artifacts showcasing the region's rich heritage. Exhibits cover everything from early gas stations and 4-H to kitchens through the 1800s and 1900s, as well as an impressive display of farm equipment. The museum features a notable military history section dedicated to Admiral William Leahy, a Hampton native who served as Chief of Staff for President Franklin Roosevelt.
4. Field of Dreams Movie Site
ICONIC BASEBALL LANDMARK
The Field of Dreams Movie Site preserves the iconic baseball diamond made famous in the 1989 film starring Kevin Costner. Visitors can walk the same field where the movie was filmed and experience the magic of this cinematic landmark. The site includes the original farmhouse and cornfield that have become symbolic of baseball nostalgia and American dreams.
5. National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium
RIVER HISTORY EXPLORATION
The National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium offers an immersive experience into the cultural and environmental significance of America's greatest river system. Visitors can explore aquatic habitats featuring native river species and learn about the Mississippi's role in shaping American history. The museum complex includes historical exhibits, interactive displays, and outdoor features that bring the river's story to life.
6. Grotto of the Redemption
RELIGIOUS ART MARVEL
The Grotto of the Redemption is a massive religious shrine constructed with precious stones and minerals valued at millions of dollars. Visitors can tour the nine grottos that depict scenes from the life of Christ, all built by hand over a 42-year period by Father Paul Dobberstein. The site includes a museum and gift shop with guided and self-led tours available through the historical religious tableaux.
7. Iowa State Capitol Building
HISTORIC GOVERNMENT LANDMARK
The Iowa State Capitol Building stands majestically on a hilltop overlooking Des Moines with its distinctive gold dome visible from miles away. Visitors can take guided tours through ornate chambers, a grand law library, and even access the famous gold-leafed dome. The historic building showcases 19th-century architecture with hand-painted murals, intricate woodwork, and an impressive collection of artifacts from Iowa's past.
8. Downtown Farmers Market
LOCAL PRODUCE SHOWCASE
The Downtown Farmers Market in Des Moines brings together over 300 vendors offering fresh produce, artisan foods, and handcrafted goods. Visitors can stroll through multiple city blocks filled with Iowa's agricultural bounty and meet the farmers who grow their food. The market operates seasonally and has become a beloved community gathering place that celebrates local food culture.
9. 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 experience preserved crafts and culture while exploring museums, shops, restaurants, and wineries that celebrate the area's unique heritage. The colonies are one of Iowa's most famous travel attractions and represent an important chapter in the state's immigrant history.
10. Sergeant Floyd Monument
HISTORIC LEWIS & CLARK MEMORIAL
The Sergeant Floyd Monument stands as a 100-foot-tall white stone obelisk overlooking Sioux City and the Missouri River valley. It marks the burial place of Sergeant Charles Floyd, the only fatality of the 1804 Lewis and Clark Expedition. The monument holds the distinction of being the first registered National Historic Landmark in the United States.
11. Sergeant Floyd Towboat
HISTORIC RIVER VESSEL
The Sergeant Floyd Towboat served as a diesel inspection ship that plied inland waterways for 50 years as the flagship of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers construction fleet. Visitors can explore the history of Missouri River transportation through rare photos, artifacts, and dioramas located on the vessel. The towboat features one of America's largest displays of scale Missouri River steamboat and keelboat models.
12. Blood Run Site
ANCIENT NATIVE AMERICAN SITE
The Blood Run Site was an intertribal and ceremonial center for the Oneota and Prairie Dakota tribes from 900 to 1720 A.D. Located along the Big Sioux River and Blood Run Creek, this archaeological treasure includes burial mounds and village sites that tell the story of early Native American civilization. Visitors can access the site by foot to explore this important piece of Iowa's pre-European history.
13. Farm House Museum
AGRICULTURAL HERITAGE PRESERVED
The Farm House Museum stands as the first building on what would become the Iowa State University campus and served as home to the first college farm tenants and later, deans of agriculture. Visitors can tour this beautifully preserved 1860s residence to see how early Iowa farm families lived during the pioneer era. The museum showcases period furnishings and artifacts that represent the agricultural foundation of the state.
14. George M. Verity Riverboat
HISTORIC MISSISSIPPI VESSEL
The George M. Verity Riverboat is a historic sternwheel towboat that operated on the Mississippi River from 1927 to 1960. Visitors can tour the preserved vessel to learn about river transportation and life aboard a working riverboat during the early 20th century. The boat is now permanently moored in Keokuk and serves as a museum dedicated to the maritime history of the Mississippi River.
15. Hampton Main Street
CHARMING DOWNTOWN DISTRICT
Hampton's Main Street offers visitors a quintessential small-town American experience with its historic buildings and local businesses. Shoppers can browse through unique stores while experiencing the warm hospitality that defines this Franklin County community. The downtown area embodies the charm and character of rural Iowa with its well-preserved architecture and community-focused atmosphere.