Hartley IowaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Hartley, Iowa.
1. Bogenrief Studios
ARTISTIC GLASS CREATIONS
Bogenrief Studios is an art gallery in Hartley featuring beautiful glass creations. Visitors can observe artisans at work and purchase unique handcrafted pieces. The studio showcases the intricate process of glass blowing and stained glass design.
2. Patch-Eeten House Museum
HISTORIC QUEEN ANNE HOME
The Patch-Eeten House Museum is a restored 1890s Queen Anne style home in Hartley. The museum features a military collection focusing on WWII with pictures of Hartley veterans and memorabilia. Visitors can step back in time while exploring this well-preserved piece of local history.
3. Neebel Park
RECREATION AND RELAXATION
Neebel Park is a 10-acre recreational area located next to the Hartley Swimming Pool. The park features walking trails, two shelter houses, a playground, camping area, and sand volleyball courts. It serves as a central gathering place for community events and outdoor activities.
4. Hartley Swimming Pool
COMMUNITY WATER RECREATION
The Hartley Swimming Pool provides a refreshing escape during warm Iowa summers. Adjacent to Neebel Park, the pool offers recreational swimming for all ages. It serves as a popular gathering spot for local families and visitors alike.
5. Grounded Coffee Shop
LOCAL COFFEE HAVEN
Grounded is a beloved coffee shop offering great coffee and eats in downtown Hartley. The shop provides a cozy atmosphere for locals and visitors to relax and socialize. Their menu features a variety of coffee drinks, pastries, and light meals.
6. Crazy Bob's BBQ
FABULOUS BARBECUE JOINT
Crazy Bob's is known for serving fabulous BBQ in the Hartley area. The restaurant specializes in slow-cooked meats and homestyle sides that satisfy hungry diners. Visitors and locals alike recommend this spot for authentic barbecue flavors.
7. Stoplight Lounge
HISTORIC BUILDING EATERY
Stoplight Lounge is a restaurant housed in a renovated historic building in Hartley. The lounge serves lunch and dinner in a charming atmosphere that honors the building's history. It has become a popular gathering place for locals and travelers passing through the area.
8. Ocheyedan Mound
NATURAL LANDMARK POINT
Ocheyedan Mound is a significant natural landmark near Hartley that offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. Once thought to be the highest point in Iowa, this glacial kame stands as a testament to the region's geological history. Visitors can hike to the top and enjoy the scenic vistas of the prairie landscape.
9. Prairie Heritage Center
NATURAL HISTORY EDUCATION
The Prairie Heritage Center showcases the natural history and ecosystem of Iowa's prairies. Interactive exhibits educate visitors about native plants, animals, and the cultural significance of the prairie landscape. The center also offers hiking trails that wind through restored prairie habitat, giving visitors a firsthand experience of this important ecosystem.
10. Trappers Bay State Park
LAKESIDE NATURAL RETREAT
Trappers Bay State Park offers visitors access to beautiful natural areas and wildlife viewing opportunities. The park features lakeside recreation, including fishing, boating, and swimming activities. Its scenic trails provide excellent opportunities for hiking and bird watching throughout the seasons.
11. Clark Museum of Okoboji Area & Iowa History
REGIONAL HISTORICAL COLLECTION
The Clark Museum showcases the rich history of the Okoboji area and Iowa through extensive exhibits and artifacts. Visitors can explore collections that document the development of the region from prehistoric times to the present. The museum provides educational programming that connects people to the cultural heritage of the area.
12. Treasure Village
FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT DESTINATION
Treasure Village is a family entertainment venue featuring theatrical performances and interactive activities. The attraction includes a challenging mini-golf course and other family-friendly amusements. Its charming atmosphere has made it a beloved destination for generations of visitors to the Okoboji area.
13. Okoboji Classic Cars
VINTAGE AUTO MUSEUM
Okoboji Classic Cars houses an impressive collection of vintage automobiles in a museum setting. The specialty museum features meticulously restored vehicles spanning several decades of automotive history. Visitors can admire the craftsmanship and design evolution of classic American cars in this popular attraction.
14. Gull Point State Park
LAKESIDE RECREATION AREA
Gull Point State Park offers beautiful lake access and outdoor recreation opportunities on West Okoboji Lake. The park features camping facilities, picnic areas, and beaches for visitors to enjoy. Its location makes it an ideal base for exploring the Iowa Great Lakes region.
15. Woodlyn Hills Golf Course
SCENIC GOLFING EXPERIENCE
Woodlyn Hills Golf Course provides golfers with a challenging and scenic playing experience near Hartley. The course features well-maintained fairways and greens set among the rolling Iowa countryside. Golfers of all skill levels can enjoy a round while taking in the peaceful rural setting.