Harper IowaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Harper, Iowa.
1. Wooden Wheel Vineyards
LOCAL WINE EXPERIENCE
Wooden Wheel Vineyards offers visitors a taste of locally produced wines in a charming rural setting. The vineyard features wine tastings, special events, and a relaxing atmosphere for guests to enjoy. Visitors can sample various wine varieties while taking in the scenic countryside views.
2. Lake Belva Deer Park
OUTDOOR RECREATION AREA
Lake Belva Deer Park provides numerous outdoor recreational opportunities centered around a 260-acre lake. The park features camping facilities, fishing spots, hiking trails, and picnic areas for visitors to enjoy. Nature enthusiasts can observe local wildlife while boating or relaxing along the shoreline.
3. Kewash Nature Trail
SCENIC RAIL TRAIL
Kewash Nature Trail is a converted railroad corridor offering 14 miles of recreational pathways between Keota and Washington. The trail provides opportunities for walking, biking, and seasonal cross-country skiing through diverse landscapes. Visitors can enjoy wildflowers, bird watching, and peaceful countryside views along this well-maintained path.
4. American Gothic House Center
ICONIC ART SITE
The American Gothic House Center celebrates Grant Wood's famous painting American Gothic, inspired by the small white house with its distinctive gothic window. The center features an exhibition gallery detailing the history of the artwork and Wood's life. Visitors can enjoy photo opportunities with a gothic window-shaped selfie stand and explore a gift shop offering local crafts and souvenirs.
5. Effigy Mounds National Monument
ANCIENT NATIVE EARTHWORKS
Effigy Mounds National Monument features over 200 prehistoric animal-shaped mounds built by Native Americans during the Late Woodland Period. The site spans 2,500 acres along the Mississippi River and offers 14 miles of hiking trails with interpretive signs explaining its historical significance. Visitors can enjoy breathtaking river views while learning about the cultural heritage preserved at this unique location.
6. Lake Darling State Park
LAKESIDE RECREATION AREA
Lake Darling State Park offers diverse outdoor activities around a 302-acre artificial lake named after conservationist Ding Darling. The park features sandy beaches, fishing opportunities, boat rentals, and numerous hiking trails through woodland areas. Campers can choose from modern cabins or traditional campsites while enjoying the natural beauty of this well-maintained state park.
7. Kalona Historical Village
LIVING HISTORY MUSEUM
The Kalona Historical Village preserves the area's unique heritage with 14 historic buildings and thousands of artifacts representing local history. Visitors can explore restored structures including a one-room schoolhouse, train depot, and pioneer homes furnished with period pieces. The village regularly hosts special events, demonstrations, and educational programs showcasing traditional crafts and customs.
8. Lake Iowa Park
FAMILY-FRIENDLY RECREATION
Lake Iowa Park offers a wide range of outdoor activities centered around an 86-acre lake in Iowa County. The park features modern camping facilities, fishing opportunities, boat rentals, and numerous hiking trails through diverse natural areas. Families can enjoy the playground equipment, disc golf course, and wildlife observation opportunities throughout the seasons.
9. Kalona Creamery
LOCAL FOOD DESTINATION
Kalona Creamery offers visitors a taste of locally produced dairy products and specialty foods in a welcoming retail environment. The creamery is famous for its cheese curds, ice cream, and various other farm-fresh products made using traditional methods. Visitors can shop for unique food gifts, enjoy treats at the ice cream counter, and learn about the area's strong agricultural heritage.
10. Stringtown Grocery
AUTHENTIC AMISH MARKET
Stringtown Grocery provides an authentic Amish shopping experience with bulk foods, baked goods, and handcrafted items. The store specializes in hard-to-find ingredients, homemade treats, and traditional products reflecting the area's strong Amish influence. Visitors appreciate the reasonable prices, friendly service, and opportunity to purchase unique items not available in conventional stores.
11. Yellow River State Forest
PRISTINE WILDERNESS AREA
Yellow River State Forest encompasses over 8,500 acres of diverse terrain including hardwood forests, open meadows, and limestone bluffs. The forest offers extensive trail systems for hiking, horseback riding, and cross-country skiing through some of Iowa's most scenic landscapes. Visitors can enjoy primitive camping, trout fishing in stocked streams, and abundant wildlife viewing opportunities throughout the year.
12. Kalona Chocolates
SWEET ARTISANAL TREATS
Kalona Chocolates delights visitors with handcrafted confections made using high-quality ingredients and traditional methods. The shop offers a wide selection of truffles, caramels, fudge, and seasonal specialties prepared on-site. Chocolate lovers can watch the creation process, purchase gift boxes, and sample unique flavor combinations reflecting the owner's creativity.
13. Pikes Peak State Park
STUNNING MISSISSIPPI VIEWS
Pikes Peak State Park offers some of Iowa's most spectacular views from 500-foot bluffs overlooking the Mississippi River. The park features over 11 miles of hiking trails, unique geological formations, and Native American burial mounds scattered throughout its 970 acres. Visitors can explore Bridal Veil Falls, observe diverse wildlife, and enjoy camping facilities while taking in the breathtaking panoramic vistas.
14. Driftless Area Education and Visitor Center
REGIONAL NATURE SHOWCASE
The Driftless Area Education and Visitor Center provides insights into the unique geological features and natural history of this distinctive region. The 10,000-square-foot facility offers interactive displays, educational exhibits, and panoramic views of the Mississippi River. Visitors can learn about local wildlife, conservation efforts, and the cultural heritage of this ecologically significant area.
15. Reiman Gardens
BOTANICAL PARADISE
Reiman Gardens encompasses 17 acres of diverse horticultural displays, including formal gardens, tropical plant collections, and a stunning butterfly wing. The facility serves as both a recreational destination and an educational resource affiliated with Iowa State University. Visitors can enjoy seasonal themed exhibits, impressive garden art installations, and the tranquil beauty of this meticulously maintained botanical showcase.