Garwin IowaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Garwin, Iowa.
1. Meskwaki Bingo & Casino
GAMING AND ENTERTAINMENT DESTINATION
Meskwaki Bingo & Casino is a popular gaming and entertainment venue near Garwin. The facility offers a variety of casino games, including bingo, slots, and table games. Visitors can also enjoy dining options such as Luckys Grill & Taproom and The Buffet.
2. Matchstick Marvels Museum
INTRICATE WOODEN SCULPTURES
Matchstick Marvels Museum showcases the incredible work of artist Patrick Acton who has created dozens of intricate models and sculptures since 1977. All exhibits are constructed entirely of ordinary wooden matchsticks, including scale models of the Challenger spacecraft and Notre Dame Cathedral. The museum features millions of matchsticks transformed into remarkable works of art.
3. Union Grove State Park
OUTDOOR RECREATION AREA
Union Grove State Park offers visitors a serene natural setting for outdoor recreation near Garwin. The park features a 110-acre lake perfect for fishing, boating, and swimming activities. Visitors can also enjoy hiking trails, camping facilities, and picnic areas throughout the park.
4. Garwin City Park
LOCAL RECREATIONAL SPACE
Garwin City Park is one of two parks maintained by the City of Garwin for local residents and visitors. The park provides facilities and programs to accommodate various recreational needs and interests. Visitors can enjoy open green spaces, playground equipment, and community gatherings throughout the year.
5. Cutler-Donahoe Covered Bridge
HISTORIC WOODEN BRIDGE
The Cutler-Donahoe Covered Bridge is a historic covered bridge located in Winterset City Park. This picturesque bridge represents an important piece of Iowa's architectural heritage. Visitors can walk through the bridge and enjoy the scenic surroundings of the 76-acre park.
6. National Sprint Car Hall of Fame
RACING HISTORY MUSEUM
The National Sprint Car Hall of Fame preserves the rich history of sprint car racing and its notable achievers. The museum houses an impressive collection of racing memorabilia, vehicles, and interactive exhibits. Each August, the venue hosts the Knoxville Nationals, which draws thousands of racing enthusiasts from across the country.
7. American Gothic House
ICONIC ART LANDMARK
The American Gothic House is the actual house made famous by Grant Wood's iconic painting. Visitors can grab a prop pitchfork and strike a pose in front of this famous architectural backdrop. The adjacent visitor center offers costumes for guests to create their own unique American Gothic portrait.
8. Maharishi Vedic City
UNIQUE CULTURAL EXPERIENCE
Maharishi Vedic City, established in 2001, was created as a model of ideal city life and is Iowa's newest incorporated city. The Maharishi Vedic Observatory within the city displays the whole structure of the universe in one compact form. Visitors can also experience The Raj, an internationally acclaimed health center and spa focused on Ayurvedic treatments.
9. All Iowa Lawn Tennis Club
GRASSCOURT TENNIS EXPERIENCE
The All Iowa Lawn Tennis Club offers a unique sporting experience as one of the few grass tennis courts in the United States. This privately-owned court was built to resemble the famous Centre Court at Wimbledon. Tennis enthusiasts can arrange to play on this meticulously maintained grass surface for a truly distinctive athletic outing.
10. Buddy Holly Crash Site
MUSIC HISTORY MEMORIAL
The Buddy Holly Crash Site marks the location where rock and roll legends Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and J.P. Richardson (The Big Bopper) tragically died in a plane crash on February 3, 1959. A memorial featuring a steel guitar and three records marks this solemn site known as "the day the music died." Visitors make pilgrimages to this historic spot to pay tribute to these influential musicians.
11. Reed/Niland Corner
HISTORIC ROUTE LANDMARK
Reed/Niland Corner is a restored historic gas station, cafe, and motel complex that once served travelers at the junction of the Lincoln and Jefferson Highways. This preserved slice of Americana showcases the golden age of automobile travel in the early 20th century. Today, visitors can explore the museum and even grab a bite at the functioning Niland's Cafe.
12. Swinging Bridge
HISTORIC PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE
The Swinging Bridge in Columbus Junction is a historic pedestrian suspension bridge that gently sways as visitors walk across. Originally built in 1886, the bridge has been rebuilt several times while maintaining its charming, rustic character. This unique structure offers both historical significance and a touch of adventure for those crossing it.
13. Historic Squirrel Cage Jail
UNIQUE ROTATING PRISON
The Historic Squirrel Cage Jail is one of only a handful of revolving jails ever built and the only three-story one remaining. This architectural oddity features a unique carousel-style cell system that rotated to allow access to prisoners while maintaining security. Visitors can tour this National Register of Historic Places site to experience this unusual piece of American correctional history.
14. Winterset City Park
HISTORIC RECREATIONAL AREA
Winterset City Park spans 76 acres and features numerous historical landmarks and recreational amenities. Visitors can explore several historic structures including the Cutler-Donahoe Covered Bridge and navigate through a challenging hedge maze. The park provides a perfect blend of historical significance and modern recreational opportunities for families and history enthusiasts alike.
15. Garwin Community Center
LOCAL GATHERING SPACE
The Garwin Community Center serves as a focal point for local events and activities in this small Iowa town. The center hosts various community gatherings, meetings, and recreational programs throughout the year. Visitors and residents alike can participate in scheduled events or inquire about renting the space for private functions.