Huxley IowaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Huxley, Iowa.
1. Nordkalsem Park
OUTDOOR RECREATION SPOT
Nordkalsem Park is a popular recreational area in Huxley offering outdoor activities for residents and visitors. The park features various amenities including playground equipment and open spaces for family gatherings. Visitors can enjoy picnics, sports, and community events throughout the year.
2. Centennial Park
COMMUNITY GATHERING SPACE
Centennial Park serves as a central community space in Huxley with facilities for various recreational activities. The park provides amenities for families and groups to enjoy outdoor leisure time together. It hosts community events and offers a peaceful setting for relaxation throughout the seasons.
3. Chicken Shed Primitives
UNIQUE SHOPPING EXPERIENCE
Chicken Shed Primitives offers a distinctive shopping experience focusing on primitive and rustic home décor items in Huxley. Visitors can browse through a collection of handcrafted goods, antiques, and unique gifts. The shop provides a charming atmosphere that celebrates rural aesthetics and artisanal craftsmanship.
4. Heart of Iowa Nature Trail
SCENIC OUTDOOR PATH
The Heart of Iowa Nature Trail is a popular recreational path that passes through Huxley, offering opportunities for hiking, biking, and nature observation. The trail stretches across the scenic Iowa countryside, providing users with beautiful views of prairies, woodlands, and rural landscapes. Nature enthusiasts can enjoy wildlife watching while fitness enthusiasts appreciate the well-maintained pathway for exercise.
5. Fenceline Beer Lab
CRAFT BEER DESTINATION
Fenceline Beer Lab is a craft brewery in Huxley that offers a variety of unique, locally-brewed beers for visitors to enjoy. The establishment provides a welcoming atmosphere where beer enthusiasts can sample different brews and learn about the brewing process. Guests can relax in the taproom while experiencing the flavors that make this brewery a standout attraction in the community.
6. Huxley Prairie Fest
ANNUAL COMMUNITY CELEBRATION
Huxley Prairie Fest is an annual celebration that has been bringing the community together since 1994. The festival features a variety of activities including food vendors, inflatable attractions, live music performances, sand volleyball competitions, a parade, and a petting zoo. Visitors can also enjoy the beer tent while participating in this cherished local tradition that showcases Huxley's community spirit.
7. 45-acre Wildlife Refuge
NATURAL WILDERNESS ESCAPE
The 45-acre wildlife refuge in Huxley offers a pristine natural environment for outdoor enthusiasts to explore and enjoy. Visitors can build campfires, observe local flora and fauna, and engage in birdwatching activities throughout the preserve. In mid-June, the refuge becomes especially popular when wild raspberries and mulberries are available for picking.
8. Jefferson Highway Heritage Byway
HISTORIC DRIVING ROUTE
The Jefferson Highway Heritage Byway passes through Huxley as part of a historic route that once connected New Orleans to Winnipeg. Travelers can drive along this scenic byway to experience the rural landscapes and communities that represent Iowa's heritage. The route offers opportunities to explore historical sites and landmarks that showcase the region's cultural significance.
9. Reiman Gardens
BOTANICAL BEAUTY DISPLAY
Reiman Gardens is a stunning 17-acre public garden located in nearby Ames, featuring diverse plant collections, seasonal displays, and the Christina Reiman Butterfly Wing. Visitors can wander through themed gardens, including the popular rose garden, herb garden, and children's garden areas. The attraction also houses a collection of garden art and hosts educational programs and special events throughout the year.
10. Jack Trice Stadium
COLLEGE FOOTBALL VENUE
Jack Trice Stadium is Iowa State University's football stadium in nearby Ames, hosting exciting Big 12 Conference games throughout the fall season. The venue has a capacity of over 61,000 fans and creates an electric atmosphere during game days with its cardinal and gold-clad supporters. Named after Jack Trice, Iowa State's first African American athlete, the stadium honors his legacy while providing a premier sports entertainment experience.
11. Stephens Auditorium
PERFORMING ARTS VENUE
Stephens Auditorium is a renowned performing arts venue located in Ames that hosts a diverse range of cultural performances including Broadway shows, symphony orchestras, and dance companies. The auditorium features exceptional acoustics and elegant architecture that has earned it recognition as one of the "100 Most Significant Buildings of the Century" by the American Institute of Architects. Visitors can enjoy world-class entertainment in this cultural centerpiece that has been enriching the region since its opening in 1969.
12. McFarland Park
NATURAL RECREATION AREA
McFarland Park encompasses over 200 acres of diverse natural habitats near Ames, offering hiking trails, fishing opportunities, and picnic facilities. The park features a Conservation Center with educational exhibits about local ecology and environmental conservation efforts. Visitors can observe wildlife, explore prairie restorations, and enjoy seasonal activities like cross-country skiing in winter.
13. Story County Conservation Center
ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION HUB
The Story County Conservation Center serves as an educational facility focused on natural resources and environmental stewardship within Story County. The center offers interpretive displays, educational programs, and serves as a gateway to exploring the county's conservation areas and trails. Visitors can learn about local ecosystems, wildlife management, and participate in nature-based activities for all ages.
14. Ada Hayden Heritage Park
URBAN LAKE RETREAT
Ada Hayden Heritage Park features a 130-acre lake surrounded by prairies, wetlands, and over 5 miles of recreational trails in north Ames. The park offers fishing piers, boat ramps for non-motorized watercraft, and wildlife observation areas for nature enthusiasts. Named after Ada Hayden, a noted botanist and Iowa State University's first female PhD recipient, the park serves as both a natural recreational area and a water resource for the city.
15. Hickory Grove Park
LAKESIDE OUTDOOR RECREATION
Hickory Grove Park is a 445-acre recreational area in Story County featuring a 98-acre lake surrounded by woodlands, prairie areas, and camping facilities. Visitors can enjoy swimming, fishing, boating, and hiking while exploring the diverse natural habitats within the park. The park provides year-round opportunities for outdoor recreation including picnicking, camping, and winter activities like ice fishing and sledding.