Houghton IowaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Houghton, Iowa.
1. East Grove Farms
WINERY AND MEADERY
East Grove Farms is a popular destination in Houghton offering both a winery and meadery experience. Visitors can enjoy tasting locally produced wines and meads in a charming farm setting. The establishment combines agricultural heritage with modern wine-making techniques to create a unique visitor experience.
2. Lewelling Quaker Museum
HISTORIC UNDERGROUND RAILROAD SITE
The Lewelling Quaker Museum preserves an important piece of Iowa's abolitionist history in Houghton. This historic site showcases the role of Quakers in the Underground Railroad movement that helped enslaved people escape to freedom. Visitors can explore exhibits that tell the story of the Lewelling family and their contributions to American history.
3. Christian Herschler Winery
HISTORIC VINEYARD EXPERIENCE
Christian Herschler Winery welcomes visitors to experience Iowa's wine heritage in Houghton. The historic site combines winemaking traditions with a glimpse into the past through its preserved structures and equipment. Guests can sample locally produced wines while learning about the history of viticulture in the region.
4. Mt. Hamill Tap
LOCAL GATHERING SPOT
Mt. Hamill Tap serves as a beloved local gathering place in the Houghton area. This establishment offers visitors a taste of authentic Iowa small-town culture and hospitality. Travelers can enjoy local cuisine and beverages while mingling with residents to get a true sense of the community.
5. Shuckfest
ANNUAL CORN CELEBRATION
Shuckfest is an annual event celebrating Iowa's corn heritage in Houghton. The festival brings together locals and visitors for corn-themed activities, food, and entertainment. Attendees can participate in corn shucking contests, enjoy fresh corn dishes, and experience the agricultural traditions of the region.
6. West Point Library & Museum
LOCAL HISTORY COLLECTION
The West Point Library & Museum houses an impressive collection of local historical artifacts near Houghton. Visitors can explore exhibits showcasing the development of Lee County and its communities through photographs, documents, and memorabilia. The facility serves as both an educational resource and a celebration of the area's rich cultural heritage.
7. Kim's Confections
SWEET LOCAL TREATS
Kim's Confections delights visitors with homemade sweet treats and baked goods in Houghton. This charming shop offers a variety of confections made with traditional recipes and local ingredients. Travelers often stop by to satisfy their sweet tooth while experiencing the warm hospitality characteristic of small-town Iowa.
8. Christian Herschler Historic District
PRESERVED HISTORIC AREA
The Christian Herschler Historic District preserves a collection of historically significant buildings in Houghton. Visitors can stroll through this area to admire architecture that reflects the town's development and cultural heritage. The district offers a glimpse into Iowa's past through its well-maintained structures and informative displays.
9. Pikes Peak State Park
SCENIC MISSISSIPPI OVERLOOKS
Pikes Peak State Park offers breathtaking views of the Mississippi River from its dramatic overlooks near the Houghton area. The park features hiking trails through wooded areas that lead to spectacular vistas and natural features like Bridal Veil Falls. Visitors can explore Native American effigy mounds while enjoying one of Iowa's most scenic outdoor destinations.
10. Herbert Hoover Birthplace
PRESIDENTIAL HISTORICAL SITE
The Herbert Hoover Birthplace in West Branch preserves the humble cottage where the 31st President of the United States was born. This National Historic Landmark includes the presidential library, museum, and the grave sites of President Hoover and First Lady Lou Henry Hoover. Visitors can explore the grounds featuring a reconstructed blacksmith shop, one-room schoolhouse, and a 76-acre tall-grass prairie restoration.
11. Old Capitol
IOWA'S FIRST STATEHOUSE
The Old Capitol in Iowa City stands as a testament to Iowa's early statehood as both the last territorial capitol and first state capitol building. This National Historic Landmark has been meticulously restored to reflect its appearance during its service from 1842 to 1857. Visitors can take self-guided tours through the historic chambers and explore exhibition galleries that showcase Iowa's rich history and heritage.
12. The Reverend George B. Hitchcock House
UNDERGROUND RAILROAD STATION
The Reverend George B. Hitchcock House, built in 1856, served as a vital station on the Underground Railroad helping enslaved people escape to freedom. This National Historic Landmark has been recognized by the National Park Service as an Underground Railroad Network to Freedom Site. Visitors can learn about Reverend Hitchcock's courageous work as a Congregational minister who risked his safety to help others achieve liberty.
13. Historic General Dodge House
VICTORIAN ARCHITECTURAL GEM
The Historic General Dodge House in Council Bluffs showcases the elegant 14-room Victorian mansion constructed in 1869 for Civil War General Grenville Dodge. This National Historic Landmark features innovative elements for its time, including central heating and hot and cold running water. Visitors can tour the beautifully preserved home of this significant historical figure who was instrumental in railroad development and served as a banker and politician.
14. Amana Colonies
HISTORIC GERMAN SETTLEMENT
The Amana Colonies comprise seven historic villages established by German Pietists seeking religious freedom in the 1850s. This National Historic Landmark district preserves the communal society that thrived for nearly 80 years before transitioning to a capitalist structure during the Great Depression. Visitors can explore museums, shops, restaurants, and wineries that celebrate the unique cultural heritage and craftsmanship of this religious community.
15. Farm House Museum
IOWA'S AGRICULTURAL HERITAGE
The Farm House Museum at Iowa State University stands as the first building on what would become the university campus. This National Historic Landmark built in 1860 served as a home for the first presidents of the institution and later the deans of agriculture. Visitors can tour the meticulously restored farmhouse to learn about early agricultural education and rural life in Iowa during the 19th century.