Hopkinton IowaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Hopkinton, Iowa.
1. Delaware County Historical Museum Complex
HISTORIC LENOX COLLEGE CAMPUS
The Delaware County Historical Museum Complex is centered around the former Lenox College with buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The centerpiece of the campus is the Civil War Monument, dedicated on November 17, 1865. The museum complex features nine beautifully restored college buildings containing exhibits on Civil War memorabilia, an old-fashioned drug store, a 1930's print shop, and many other historical displays.
2. Bailey's Ford Recreation Area
NATURE & WILDLIFE AREA
Bailey's Ford Recreation Area is a popular outdoor destination in Hopkinton rated 4.9 out of 5 by visitors. The area offers opportunities to explore nature and observe local wildlife in their natural habitat. Visitors can enjoy recreational activities while immersed in the scenic beauty of Iowa's countryside.
3. The Grizzlly Den
LOCAL BAR & CLUB
The Grizzlly Den is a well-regarded bar and club in Hopkinton with a 4.5 rating from visitors. It serves as a social gathering spot for locals and tourists alike. The establishment offers drinks and entertainment in a friendly small-town atmosphere.
4. Civil War Monument
HISTORIC WAR MEMORIAL
The Civil War Monument is the centerpiece of the former Lenox College campus in Hopkinton. Dedicated on November 17, 1865, it stands as one of the earliest Civil War memorials in the country. The monument honors the sacrifices made during the American Civil War and is an important historical landmark in Delaware County.
5. Delaware Crossing Scenic Byway
PICTURESQUE DRIVING ROUTE
The Delaware Crossing Scenic Byway passes through Hopkinton along Highway 38, offering spectacular views of Iowa's countryside. The byway takes travelers through historic towns, past farms, and alongside natural areas in the Driftless Area region. Visitors can enjoy the scenic drive while discovering the cultural and historical attractions along the route.
6. Tipperary Fiber & Art Studio
LOCAL ARTS & CRAFTS
Tipperary Fiber & Art Studio is a creative space located in the Hopkinton area showcasing fiber arts and other artistic works. The studio offers visitors a chance to view and potentially purchase unique handcrafted items. It represents the artistic community of Delaware County and contributes to the cultural landscape of the region.
7. Manchester Fish Hatchery
AQUATIC CONSERVATION CENTER
The Manchester Fish Hatchery is a popular attraction near Hopkinton with a 4.6 rating from visitors. The facility focuses on fish conservation and breeding programs to support Iowa's aquatic ecosystems. Visitors can learn about fish rearing processes and the importance of maintaining healthy fish populations in local waterways.
8. Backbone State Park
IOWA'S FIRST STATE PARK
Backbone State Park, located near Hopkinton in the Driftless Area, is Iowa's oldest state park and features dramatic limestone bluffs. The park offers outdoor recreational activities including hiking, fishing, boating, and camping amid beautiful natural surroundings. Visitors can explore the unique geological formations that give the park its name and enjoy the diverse wildlife in the area.
9. Maquoketa Caves State Park
UNIQUE CAVE SYSTEM
Maquoketa Caves State Park is a short drive from Hopkinton and features a spectacular system of caves and rock formations. Visitors can explore numerous caves connected by scenic trails through wooded areas. The park includes picnic areas, campgrounds, and interpretive exhibits about the geological and natural history of the region.
10. Whitewater Canyon Wildlife Area
PRISTINE NATURAL PRESERVE
Whitewater Canyon Wildlife Area is a natural preserve located in the region surrounding Hopkinton. The area encompasses steep limestone bluffs, dense woodlands, and meandering streams creating a diverse habitat for wildlife. Visitors can enjoy hiking, bird watching, fishing, and hunting in this scenic conservation area.
11. Heritage Trail
HISTORIC RAILWAY TRAIL
Heritage Trail is a 26-mile recreational trail converted from an abandoned railway line near the Hopkinton area. The trail winds through picturesque countryside, offering views of farmland, limestone bluffs, and wooded areas. Visitors can walk, bike, or cross-country ski along the trail while experiencing the natural beauty of eastern Iowa.
12. Field of Dreams Movie Site
ICONIC BASEBALL LANDMARK
The Field of Dreams Movie Site, located a short drive from Hopkinton, is the actual filming location of the beloved 1989 baseball movie. Visitors can walk on the famous baseball diamond carved out of a cornfield and experience the magic that inspired the film. The site preserves the farmhouse and baseball field exactly as they appeared in the movie, allowing fans to create their own 'Field of Dreams' memories.
13. National Farm Toy Museum
AGRICULTURAL MINIATURE COLLECTION
The National Farm Toy Museum showcases thousands of farm toys and miniature agricultural implements representing America's farming heritage. Located within driving distance of Hopkinton, the museum houses rare and antique farm toy collections dating back to the 1920s. Visitors can view detailed dioramas, pedal tractors, and rotating exhibits that celebrate rural America's agricultural traditions.
14. Basilica of St. Francis Xavier
HISTORIC GOTHIC CHURCH
The Basilica of St. Francis Xavier is a magnificent Gothic-style church built in the 1880s and located near the Hopkinton area. Its twin spires reach 212 feet into the sky and can be seen for miles across the surrounding countryside. The interior features 64 stained glass windows, hand-carved altars, and stunning architectural details that earned it recognition as a Minor Basilica by Pope Pius XII in 1956.
15. Dyer-Botsford Doll Museum
VINTAGE DOLL COLLECTION
The Dyer-Botsford Doll Museum houses an impressive collection of dolls dating from the 1860s to modern times near the Hopkinton area. Visitors can view more than 2,000 dolls including antique bisque, china, cloth, and modern collectibles arranged in themed displays. The museum celebrates the history of doll-making and the cultural significance of dolls throughout different eras.