Greenville IowaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Greenville, Iowa.
1. Lost Island Nature Center
NATURAL OASIS FOR EXPLORATION
Lost Island Nature Center offers visitors a chance to explore the natural beauty of Iowa's landscape. Visitors can enjoy walking trails through diverse ecosystems and observe local wildlife in their natural habitat. The nature center also provides educational programs about conservation and environmental stewardship.
2. Prairie Heritage Center
IOWA'S PRAIRIE HISTORY
Prairie Heritage Center showcases the rich prairie history and ecosystem of Iowa. Visitors can learn about native prairie plants, wildlife, and the cultural significance of the grasslands to Iowa's development. The center features interactive exhibits and scenic overlooks of restored prairie landscapes.
3. Bogenrief Studios
HANDCRAFTED GLASS ART
Bogenrief Studios is a renowned glass art studio where visitors can witness the creation of handcrafted glass pieces. Artists at the studio demonstrate traditional glassblowing techniques and create unique works of art. Visitors can purchase one-of-a-kind glass pieces as souvenirs of their visit.
4. Woodlyn Hills Golf Course
SCENIC GOLFING EXPERIENCE
Woodlyn Hills Golf Course offers a picturesque golfing experience in the rolling hills of Iowa. The well-maintained course features challenging holes suitable for golfers of various skill levels. Visitors can enjoy the peaceful countryside views while playing a round of golf.
5. Clark Museum
LOCAL HISTORY COLLECTION
Clark Museum preserves and displays artifacts related to Greenville's local history and heritage. The museum houses collections of historical photographs, documents, and items that tell the story of the area's development. Visitors can gain insight into the lives of early settlers and the evolution of the community over time.
6. Covered Bridges Scenic Byway
HISTORIC BRIDGE ROUTE
The Covered Bridges Scenic Byway takes visitors on a journey through picturesque landscapes featuring historic covered bridges. These architectural treasures, made famous by the novel and film 'The Bridges of Madison County,' showcase unique wooden construction techniques. Travelers can enjoy the pastoral scenery and photographic opportunities along this scenic route.
7. Pella Historical Village & Vermeer Windmill
DUTCH HERITAGE SITE
Pella Historical Village & Vermeer Windmill celebrates the Dutch heritage of the area with authentic architecture and cultural displays. The working windmill, imported from the Netherlands, stands as the tallest working grain windmill in the United States. Visitors can explore multiple historic buildings, gardens, and exhibits showcasing Dutch traditions and crafts.
8. Ledges State Park
NATURAL SANDSTONE FORMATIONS
Ledges State Park features dramatic sandstone formations carved by glacial melt and creek erosion over thousands of years. Hiking trails wind through deep canyon walls, offering spectacular views of the Des Moines River valley. Visitors can enjoy picnicking, camping, and wildlife viewing in this scenic natural area.
9. Warren Cultural Center
HISTORIC OPERA HOUSE
Warren Cultural Center is housed in a beautifully restored opera house featuring a distinctive copper turret that has dominated Greenfield's skyline for over a century. This 26,000 square foot center for art, culture, and commerce includes a gallery, auditorium, guest suite, and private meeting rooms. The center hosts exhibits, performances, and educational opportunities while preserving the historic glory of the E.E. Warren Opera House.
10. Greenfield Public Square Historic District
UNIQUE LANCASTER SQUARE
The Greenfield Public Square Historic District features a rare Lancaster Square design, one of only a few in the United States. In this unique layout, incoming streets connect to the center of the block and alleys run from the corners, creating a distinctive urban pattern. The square underwent a comprehensive streetscape project in 2007 to upgrade infrastructure and enhance the landscape of the downtown area.
11. Iowa Aviation Museum
VINTAGE AIRCRAFT COLLECTION
The Iowa Aviation Museum celebrates the early days of flight in Iowa with an impressive collection of vintage aircraft and aviation artifacts. Notable exhibits include a 1929 Stearman, a 1931 Kari Keen, and a 1928 Curtiss Robin, which is the oldest known Curtiss Robin in existence. Located at the Greenfield Municipal Airport, the museum also provides a conference room and aviation library for researchers and enthusiasts.
12. Adair County Heritage Museum Complex
HISTORIC BUILDING COLLECTION
The Adair County Heritage Museum Complex features a collection of historic buildings including a country schoolhouse, Penn Avenue Church, and a depot. The complex also includes the former home of Governor George Wilson and two museums dedicated to preserving local history. Visitors can step back in time as they explore these well-preserved structures that showcase Iowa's rural heritage.
13. Herbert Hoover Birthplace
PRESIDENTIAL HISTORY SITE
Herbert Hoover Birthplace in West Branch preserves the humble cottage where the 31st U.S. President was born, along with the grave sites of President Hoover and First Lady Lou Henry Hoover. The 76-acre grounds include a reconstructed blacksmith shop, one-room schoolhouse, and tall-grass prairie that represent Hoover's early Iowa environment. The visitor center, managed by the National Park Service, interprets Hoover's formative years through exhibits and educational programs.
14. 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. This architectural gem featured advanced amenities for its time, including central heating and hot and cold running water. Visitors can tour the meticulously preserved rooms that showcase the lifestyle of one of Iowa's most influential historical figures.
15. Amana Colonies
GERMAN CULTURAL HERITAGE
The Amana Colonies comprise seven historic villages established by German Pietists seeking religious freedom in the 1850s. Visitors can explore well-preserved communal buildings, shops featuring traditional handcrafted goods, and restaurants serving authentic German cuisine. The colonies have been designated as a National Historic Landmark for their unique representation of communal living and preservation of cultural traditions.