Hills IowaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Hills, Iowa.
1. Riverside Casino & Golf Resort
ENTERTAINMENT AND GOLF DESTINATION
Riverside Casino & Golf Resort offers guests a vibrant mix of casino gaming, live entertainment, and a championship golf course. The resort features luxurious accommodations, multiple dining options, and a relaxing spa, making it a regional draw for visitors seeking both excitement and comfort. Its golf course was designed by Rees Jones and is known for its scenic beauty and challenging holes.
2. Pleasant Valley Golf Course
SCENIC PUBLIC GOLF COURSE
Pleasant Valley Golf Course is a well-maintained public golf facility, popular for its varied layout and beautiful setting. Golfers of all abilities can enjoy its challenging fairways and friendly atmosphere. The course also offers a driving range and a clubhouse with refreshments.
3. Terry Trueblood Recreational Area
LAKESIDE OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
Terry Trueblood Recreational Area features a 167-acre park surrounding Sand Lake, where visitors can kayak, fish, hike, and enjoy wildlife watching. The park includes paved trails, boat rentals, and picnic shelters, making it ideal for outdoor recreation year-round. Its natural scenery and accessibility attract both locals and tourists.
4. Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum
PRESIDENTIAL HISTORY MUSEUM
Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum preserves and presents the life of America's 31st president, including his birthplace, exhibits, and final resting place. The museum complex features artifacts from Hoover's career and rotating historical displays. Visitors also enjoy the peaceful tall-grass prairie and reconstructed blacksmith shop on the grounds.
5. Loess Hills State Forest
UNIQUE LANDFORM HIKING
Loess Hills State Forest is renowned for its distinctive wind-blown soil formations, known as loess, found in few places globally. Outdoor enthusiasts can hike, bike, or horseback ride along extensive trails surrounded by rolling hills and prairie grasses. The forest's scenic overlooks provide breathtaking views and photo opportunities.
6. Star Trek Voyage Home Museum
SCIENCE FICTION ATTRACTION
The Star Trek Voyage Home Museum celebrates the fictional birthplace of Captain James T. Kirk with memorabilia, exhibits, and a fun photo op at the future birthplace marker. Fans can explore artifacts from the beloved TV and film franchise and learn about Riverside's connection to Star Trek lore. Special events are held each year, drawing Trekkies from around the region.
7. Hitchcock Nature Center
WILDLIFE AND SCENIC VIEWS
Hitchcock Nature Center offers over 1,200 acres of Loess Hills habitat, with interpretive trails, an observation tower, and educational programs. It's a prime destination for hiking, birding, and learning about the unique geology and ecology of western Iowa. Seasonal events and a nature center enhance the visitor experience.
8. Amana Colonies
HISTORIC GERMAN SETTLEMENT
The Amana Colonies comprise seven historic villages founded by German immigrants, noted for their preserved communal culture, artisan shops, and hearty cuisine. Visitors can explore museums, craft breweries, and traditional bakeries, all with unique European charm. Festivals and craft fairs make the colonies a lively year-round destination.
9. Manning Hausbarn Heritage Park
GERMAN HERITAGE EXPERIENCE
Manning Hausbarn Heritage Park features an authentic 17th-century German barn, historic church, and schoolhouse, offering an immersive heritage experience. Guided tours provide insights into pioneer and European immigrant life on the Iowa prairie. The site hosts cultural events, workshops, and seasonal festivals.
10. Union Pacific Railroad Museum
RAILROAD HISTORY DISPLAYS
Union Pacific Railroad Museum chronicles the history of American railroads through interactive exhibits and historical artifacts. It highlights the people and technology that shaped transportation across the Midwest. The museum is a must-visit for history enthusiasts and families.
11. Toolesboro Indian Mounds
ANCIENT NATIVE MOUNDS
Toolesboro Indian Mounds preserves several Hopewellian burial mounds, dating from 200 B.C. to 300 A.D., among Iowa's oldest archaeological sites. The site has a visitor center that educates about ancient Native American culture and mound-building. The peaceful prairie setting is ideal for reflection and photography.
12. Maquoketa Caves State Park
CAVE EXPLORATION PARK
Maquoketa Caves State Park is famous for its network of caves, limestone formations, and forest trails. Visitors can explore numerous caves, hike scenic trails, and picnic amid rugged beauty. The park also features interpretive signage detailing the area's fascinating geology and natural history.
13. Terry Trueblood Lake
POPULAR RECREATION LAKE
Terry Trueblood Lake is the centerpiece of the Terry Trueblood Recreation Area, offering boating, fishing, and kayak rentals. Its paved trail encircles the lake, making it a favorite spot for walking, running, and bird watching. The surrounding parkland supports frequent community events and gatherings.
14. Prairie Lights Bookstore
LITERARY HOTSPOT
Prairie Lights Bookstore is a beloved independent bookstore known for hosting readings by renowned authors and poets. The shop features an excellent selection of books and a cozy café upstairs. It's a cultural hub for book lovers and creative minds in Iowa City.
15. Iowa Avenue Literary Walk
WRITERS HONORED SIDEWALK
Iowa Avenue Literary Walk consists of bronze panels embedded in the sidewalks, honoring more than 40 writers with ties to Iowa. The walk celebrates Iowa City's designation as a UNESCO City of Literature and includes quotes from noted poets and novelists. It's a free, self-guided urban stroll through the city's literary legacy.