Hastings IowaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Hastings, Iowa.
1. Indian Creek Historical Society
LIVING RURAL HISTORY MUSEUM
The Indian Creek Historical Society offers a great opportunity to learn about Southwest Iowa's agricultural and natural history. This working museum is open Thursday through Sunday and provides immersive experiences for visitors of all ages. Guests can explore exhibits that showcase the rich heritage and farming traditions of the region.
2. Bodega Victoriana Winery
LOCAL WINE TASTING
Bodega Victoriana Winery welcomes visitors to sample locally produced wines in a charming setting. The winery offers tastings of their unique varieties made from grapes grown in the region. Guests can enjoy the peaceful atmosphere while learning about the winemaking process.
3. Washburn Landing
RIVER ACCESS POINT
Washburn Landing provides access to the Nishnabotna River for canoeing and kayaking enthusiasts. From this point, water lovers can enjoy 6.5 miles of scenic water trails through Iowa's beautiful landscape. The landing is maintained by Mills County Conservation and serves as a gateway to outdoor river adventures.
4. Ray Thomas Wildlife Preserve
PEACEFUL PRAIRIE ESCAPE
Ray Thomas Wildlife Preserve encompasses 90 acres of natural beauty including 23 acres of restored prairie. Visitors can stroll along mowed paths while enjoying the peaceful prairie landscape and diverse wildlife. The preserve offers fun for all ages with opportunities for bird watching, photography, and connecting with nature.
5. Art Church Airbnb
CREATIVE LODGING EXPERIENCE
Art Church Airbnb offers a unique lodging experience in a converted church building filled with artistic charm. Guests can immerse themselves in creativity while enjoying comfortable accommodations in this distinctive space. The venue combines historical architecture with artistic sensibilities for a memorable stay.
6. Art House Iowa
LOCAL ARTS CENTER
Art House Iowa serves as a cultural hub showcasing the work of local and regional artists. The center hosts exhibitions, workshops, and events that celebrate various artistic expressions and mediums. Visitors can appreciate diverse creative works while connecting with Iowa's vibrant arts community.
7. Wabash Trace Nature Trail
HISTORIC RAIL TRAIL
The Wabash Trace Nature Trail offers outdoor enthusiasts a scenic path through southwest Iowa's countryside on a converted railroad corridor. This multi-use trail provides opportunities for hiking, biking, and wildlife observation in all seasons. The trail connects several communities and showcases the natural beauty of the region.
8. Fine Arts on Fifth Gallery
LOCAL ART SHOWCASE
Fine Arts on Fifth Gallery displays a curated collection of works by talented Iowa artists. The gallery features rotating exhibitions spanning various artistic styles and mediums. Visitors can purchase original artwork while supporting the local creative community.
9. 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 treasure features innovative elements for its time, including central heating and hot and cold running water. Visitors can tour this National Historic Landmark to learn about General Dodge's significant contributions to American history and experience 19th-century elegant living.
10. Terrace Hill
GOVERNOR'S MANSION
Terrace Hill is an opulent Victorian mansion built in 1869 by Iowa's first millionaire, Benjamin F. Allen, and now serves as the governor's residence. The mansion sits on eight beautiful acres featuring Victorian formal gardens and overlooks downtown Des Moines. This National Historic Landmark offers visitors a glimpse into Iowa's architectural and political heritage through guided tours.
11. Herbert Hoover Birthplace
PRESIDENTIAL HISTORIC SITE
The Herbert Hoover Birthplace in West Branch preserves the modest cottage where the 31st President of the United States was born and spent his early years. This National Historic Landmark includes the graves of President Hoover and First Lady Lou Henry Hoover, a reconstructed blacksmith shop, a one-room schoolhouse, and a 76-acre tallgrass prairie. The visitor center, managed by the National Park Service, interprets Hoover's Iowa childhood and features changing exhibits related to American history.
12. Toolesboro Mounds
ANCIENT CULTURAL SITE
Toolesboro Mounds preserves some of the best-maintained remnants of the Hopewellian culture that flourished from approximately 200 BC to 300 AD. This five-acre National Historic Landmark features several large surviving burial mounds that offer insights into ancient Native American traditions and practices. Visitors can explore the education center and prairie demonstration plot to learn about this significant archaeological site.
13. Mississippi River Scenic Overlooks
MAJESTIC RIVER VIEWS
The Mississippi River Scenic Overlooks provide breathtaking views of America's most iconic waterway as it forms Iowa's eastern border. These carefully positioned viewpoints allow visitors to witness the grandeur of the mighty Mississippi and observe river traffic, wildlife, and changing seasons. Many overlooks include interpretive panels explaining the river's historical, cultural, and ecological significance.
14. Great River Road Interpretive Centers
RIVER HISTORY MUSEUMS
The Great River Road Interpretive Centers form a network of nearly 100 designated educational sites along the Mississippi River. These centers share the natural, cultural, and historical stories of the river through engaging exhibits and programs. Visitors can explore different aspects of river life, from ecology and wildlife to transportation and settlement history.
15. Loess Hills Scenic Byway
UNIQUE GEOLOGICAL FORMATION
The Loess Hills Scenic Byway winds through a distinctive landform created by wind-deposited silt during the last ice age, found in only two places in the world. This picturesque route offers spectacular views, hiking opportunities, and access to prairies supporting rare plant and animal species. Travelers can explore charming small towns along the way while experiencing one of Iowa's most remarkable natural landscapes.