Geneva IowaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Geneva, Iowa.
1. Beeds Lake State Park
SCENIC OUTDOOR RECREATION
Beeds Lake State Park is a popular outdoor destination in Geneva, Iowa that offers beautiful lakeside views and recreational activities. Visitors can enjoy fishing, boating, swimming, and picnicking along the shoreline of the serene lake. The park also features hiking trails that wind through wooded areas, providing opportunities for nature lovers to explore the local flora and fauna.
2. Bristow Memories
LOCAL HISTORY MUSEUM
Bristow Memories is a charming history museum that preserves the heritage of the local area near Geneva. The museum houses a collection of artifacts, photographs, and documents that tell the story of early settlers and the development of the region. Visitors can step back in time and experience what life was like for previous generations in this part of Iowa.
3. Little Valley Church
HISTORIC RELIGIOUS SITE
Little Valley Church stands as a historic religious landmark in Geneva, Iowa with its classic architecture and peaceful surroundings. The church has served as a gathering place for the local community for generations, hosting various religious services and events. Visitors appreciate the well-preserved structure and the sense of tranquility that permeates the church grounds.
4. Ackley Country Club
GOLF AND RECREATION
Ackley Country Club offers a well-maintained golf course just a short drive from Geneva, providing a relaxing recreational opportunity for visitors and locals alike. The course features scenic fairways and challenging holes suitable for golfers of various skill levels. Beyond golf, the country club serves as a social hub for the community with dining options and special events throughout the year.
5. Iowa River Water Trail
SCENIC RIVER ADVENTURE
The Iowa River Water Trail in Hardin County provides visitors with opportunities to explore the natural beauty of Iowa's waterways near Geneva. Paddlers can navigate the gentle currents while enjoying scenic views of the surrounding landscape and observing local wildlife. The water trail connects various access points, allowing for trips of different lengths to accommodate both beginners and experienced kayakers or canoeists.
6. Herbert Hoover National Historic Site
PRESIDENTIAL HERITAGE SITE
Herbert Hoover National Historic Site preserves the birthplace and childhood home of the 31st President of the United States. The site includes Hoover's birthplace cottage, grave sites of President Hoover and Mrs. Lou Henry Hoover, a reconstructed blacksmith shop, a one-room schoolhouse, and a 76-acre tall-grass prairie. Visitors can learn about the early life of Herbert Hoover through interpretive exhibits at the visitor center administered by the National Park Service.
7. Historic General Dodge House
VICTORIAN ARCHITECTURAL GEM
The Historic General Dodge House is an impressive 14-room, three-story Victorian mansion built in 1869 by Civil War general and railroad builder Grenville Dodge. The house features innovative amenities for its time, including central heating and hot and cold running water, which were personally specified by General Dodge during construction. Visitors can tour this well-preserved home to glimpse the lifestyle of a prominent 19th-century American figure who was involved in banking, railroads, and politics.
8. Breakout Games
INTERACTIVE ESCAPE ROOMS
Breakout Games offers thrilling escape room experiences for visitors looking for indoor entertainment within driving distance of Geneva. Participants work together to solve puzzles, find clues, and complete challenges to escape themed rooms within a time limit. The interactive nature of these games provides a fun and engaging activity for families, friends, and corporate groups seeking team-building opportunities.
9. Des Moines' Downtown Farmers' Market
FRESH LOCAL PRODUCE
Des Moines' Downtown Farmers' Market is a vibrant gathering place showcasing local produce, artisanal foods, and handcrafted items from across Iowa. The market features hundreds of vendors spread throughout the historic Court District, creating a lively atmosphere with music, food demonstrations, and community interactions. Visitors from Geneva and surrounding areas can enjoy this renowned market as a day trip to experience the best of Iowa's agricultural bounty and creative culture.
10. Shops at Roosevelt
CHARMING SHOPPING DISTRICT
The Shops at Roosevelt offer a delightful shopping experience with a collection of unique boutiques and specialty stores not far from Geneva. This charming retail district features locally-owned businesses selling everything from fashion and home decor to gourmet foods and gifts. Visitors appreciate the personalized service and distinctive merchandise that can't be found in typical mall settings.
11. Blank Park Zoo
FAMILY WILDLIFE ADVENTURE
Blank Park Zoo is a beloved attraction featuring diverse animal exhibits and interactive experiences within driving distance of Geneva. The zoo houses hundreds of animals from around the world, including endangered species, in naturalistic habitats designed for animal welfare and visitor education. Families particularly enjoy the children's zoo area, daily animal demonstrations, and seasonal special events that make each visit unique.
12. Amana Colonies
HISTORIC GERMAN SETTLEMENT
The Amana Colonies is a National Historic Landmark consisting of seven villages founded by German Pietists seeking religious freedom in the 1850s. Visitors can explore the well-preserved 19th-century buildings, sample traditional German cuisine at local restaurants, and shop for handcrafted furniture, woolen goods, and other artisanal products. The colonies offer a glimpse into communal living and self-sufficiency with museums, craft demonstrations, and seasonal festivals celebrating their unique heritage.
13. Blood Run Site
ANCIENT INDIGENOUS VILLAGE
Blood Run Site is a National Historic Landmark that preserves evidence of an ancient Native American settlement dating back to 1300-1700 AD. The archaeological site contains burial mounds, village remains, and artifacts that provide insights into the Oneota culture that once thrived along the Big Sioux River. Visitors can learn about Indigenous history through interpretive displays and walking paths that highlight the cultural significance of this important historical location.
14. Farm House Museum
PIONEER AGRICULTURAL HERITAGE
The Farm House Museum at Iowa State University is the oldest building on campus and a National Historic Landmark showcasing rural life in early Iowa. Built in 1860, it initially served as home to the first president of the agricultural college before becoming the center of farm operations for what would later become Iowa State University. Today, the meticulously restored house contains period furnishings and exhibits that illustrate the daily lives of early faculty members and their families during the formative years of agricultural education in America.
15. George M. Verity Riverboat
HISTORIC MISSISSIPPI VESSEL
The George M. Verity Riverboat is a National Historic Landmark that offers visitors a glimpse into the golden era of Mississippi River transportation. This preserved steamboat, built in 1927, served as a towboat pushing barges of coal and other goods along the inland waterways for decades before being retired and transformed into a museum. Visitors can explore the engine room, pilot house, and living quarters to learn about river commerce and the challenging life of riverboat crews who helped build America's economy.