Haverhill IowaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Haverhill, Iowa.
1. Big Treehouse
UNIQUE ARBOREAL ADVENTURE
The Big Treehouse is one of Haverhill's most unique attractions, drawing visitors who appreciate unusual structures. Visitors can explore this impressive wooden creation that showcases architectural creativity. The treehouse offers a distinctive experience that stands out among Iowa's rural attractions.
2. Watson's Grocery Store Museum
HISTORIC SMALL-TOWN COMMERCE
Watson's Grocery Store Museum preserves the history of small-town commerce in rural Iowa. The museum showcases authentic artifacts from the era when local grocery stores were community hubs. Visitors can step back in time and experience the nostalgic atmosphere of early 20th century shopping.
3. The Harvester Golf Club
PREMIER RURAL GOLFING
The Harvester Golf Club offers an exceptional golfing experience in the serene countryside near Haverhill. The well-maintained course features challenging holes that accommodate players of various skill levels. Golfers appreciate the picturesque landscapes and professional facilities that make this a standout destination in central Iowa.
4. Historical Society of Marshall County
LOCAL HERITAGE PRESERVATION
The Historical Society of Marshall County preserves and showcases the rich heritage of the region including Haverhill. The society maintains exhibits featuring artifacts, photographs, and documents that tell the story of the area's development. Visitors can gain insights into local history through guided tours and special events hosted throughout the year.
5. Rock Creek State Park
OUTDOOR RECREATION HUB
Rock Creek State Park offers abundant outdoor recreational opportunities near Haverhill with its 1,697 acres of natural beauty. The park centers around a 491-acre lake perfect for fishing, boating, and swimming during warmer months. Visitors can also enjoy hiking, picnicking, camping, and wildlife observation throughout the diverse landscape.
6. Herbert Hoover Birthplace
PRESIDENTIAL HISTORICAL SITE
Herbert Hoover Birthplace in West Branch showcases the humble beginnings of America's 31st president. The grounds include Hoover's birthplace cottage, grave sites, a reconstructed blacksmith shop, a one-room schoolhouse, and a 76-acre tall-grass prairie. The visitor center interprets the early life of Hoover in Iowa through exhibits relating to American history.
7. Terrace Hill
GOVERNOR'S VICTORIAN MANSION
Terrace Hill is an opulent 1869 Victorian mansion built by Iowa's first millionaire, Benjamin F. Allen, and currently serves as Iowa's governor's residence. The impressive structure overlooks downtown Des Moines and is situated on eight acres with a Victorian formal garden. Visitors can tour this magnificent historic home to witness its architectural grandeur and historical significance.
8. Toolesboro Mounds
ANCIENT CULTURAL SITE
Toolesboro Mounds features well-preserved remnants of the Hopewellian culture that flourished from around 200 B.C. to 300 A.D. The five-acre site includes several large surviving mounds that provide insight into ancient Native American burial practices. Visitors can explore the education center and prairie demonstration plot to learn about this significant archaeological treasure.
9. Amana Colonies
HISTORIC GERMAN SETTLEMENT
The Amana Colonies is a National Historic Landmark consisting of seven villages founded by German Pietists seeking religious freedom. Visitors can explore the well-preserved 19th-century buildings, shops, and restaurants that showcase the community's unique heritage. The colonies offer authentic German cuisine, handcrafted goods, and cultural experiences that transport guests to another era.
10. Historic General Dodge House
CIVIL WAR GENERAL'S HOME
The Historic General Dodge House is a 14-room, three-story Victorian mansion constructed in 1869 by Civil War general Grenville Dodge and his wife. This impressive home showcases advanced features for its time, including central heating and hot and cold running water. Visitors can tour this architectural gem to learn about Dodge's significant contributions as a railroad builder, banker, and politician.
11. Farm House Museum
IOWA AGRICULTURAL HERITAGE
The Farm House Museum in Ames stands as the first building on Iowa State University's campus and now serves as a National Historic Landmark. Built in 1860, this historic structure offers visitors a glimpse into 19th century rural life and the early days of agricultural education in Iowa. The museum features period furnishings and exhibits that tell the story of farming families and the development of agricultural sciences in the Midwest.
12. Blood Run Site
NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE
The Blood Run Site is an important archaeological area that once served as a major trading center for Native American tribes. This National Historic Landmark contains numerous mounds, village areas, and other features dating back to the Oneota Indigenous culture from 1500 to 1700 AD. Visitors can explore the site to learn about the rich Native American heritage that flourished along the Big Sioux River before European settlement.
13. Grinnell Historical Museum
VICTORIAN ERA PRESERVATION
The Grinnell Historical Museum is housed in a beautifully preserved 1895 Victorian home that showcases the town's rich history. Visitors can explore multiple floors filled with period furnishings, clothing, photographs, and artifacts from Grinnell's early days. The museum offers a glimpse into 19th-century life with exhibits highlighting local industries, education at Grinnell College, and the progressive values that shaped the community.
14. Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge
PRAIRIE RESTORATION PROJECT
The Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge encompasses over 8,000 acres dedicated to restoring native tallgrass prairie and oak savanna ecosystems. Visitors can observe herds of bison and elk that roam the reconstructed prairie landscape as they would have centuries ago. The Prairie Learning Center provides educational exhibits about Iowa's natural heritage and conservation efforts to preserve these vital ecosystems for future generations.
15. Meskwaki Cultural Center & Museum
INDIGENOUS CULTURE SHOWCASE
The Meskwaki Cultural Center & Museum preserves and celebrates the heritage of Iowa's only federally recognized tribe. Exhibits showcase traditional crafts, clothing, tools, and photographs that document the history and cultural practices of the Meskwaki people. Visitors can learn about the tribe's journey from displacement to establishing their own settlement in 1857, where they continue to maintain their unique identity and sovereignty.