Kanawha IowaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Kanawha, Iowa.
1. Eagle Lake State Park
NATURAL BEAUTY AND RECREATION
Eagle Lake State Park is a serene natural area in Kanawha offering outdoor recreation opportunities. Visitors can enjoy fishing, hiking, and wildlife viewing throughout the year. The park features beautiful lakeside scenery that makes it perfect for photography and picnicking.
2. Heartland Museum
PRESERVING IOWA'S HERITAGE
The Heartland Museum showcases the rich cultural and agricultural history of the Kanawha area. With its extensive collection of artifacts, the museum offers visitors a glimpse into Iowa's past. The highly-rated attraction (4.9/5) provides educational exhibits that appeal to history enthusiasts of all ages.
3. Timbukbrü
CRAFT BEER EXPERIENCE
Timbukbrü is a popular craft brewery in Kanawha with a perfect 5.0 rating. Visitors can sample locally-brewed beers in a welcoming atmosphere. The brewery offers a unique tasting experience that showcases Iowa's growing craft beer scene.
4. Chappy's On Main
LOCAL DINING FAVORITE
Chappy's On Main is a beloved local restaurant serving hearty meals to Kanawha residents and visitors alike. The establishment offers a taste of authentic Iowa cuisine in a friendly, welcoming environment. With a solid 4.2 rating, it's a recommended spot for travelers looking to experience local flavors.
5. Grand View Beef Farm to Table Experience
AUTHENTIC FARM EXPERIENCE
Grand View Beef Farm to Table Experience offers visitors an authentic look at Iowa's agricultural heritage. Located just a short drive from Kanawha in Clarion, this attraction provides educational tours about sustainable beef farming. Visitors can learn about the entire farm-to-table process while enjoying the scenic rural landscape.
6. National Hobo Museum
UNIQUE AMERICAN SUBCULTURE
The National Hobo Museum preserves the fascinating history of America's train-riding workers and wanderers. Located near Kanawha in Britt, this unique museum houses an impressive collection of hobo artifacts, art, and stories. The 4.3-rated attraction offers visitors a glimpse into this distinctive aspect of American cultural history.
7. Historic Squirrel Cage Jail
UNIQUE HISTORIC ARCHITECTURE
The Historic Squirrel Cage Jail is one of the only rotating jailhouses of its type still in existence. Built in 1885, this unique architectural marvel in Council Bluffs offers tours of its innovative rotating cell design. Visitors can learn about the prisoners once held here and the fascinating history of this unusual correctional facility.
8. Dunnings Springs
SPECTACULAR NATURAL WATERFALL
Dunnings Springs features a spectacular 200-foot-tall waterfall that must be seen to be believed. Located just minutes from downtown Decorah, this natural wonder provides a perfect backdrop for picnicking and hiking. The surrounding park offers serene natural beauty throughout all seasons of the year.
9. Avenue of Flags
PATRIOTIC COMMUNITY DISPLAY
The Avenue of Flags is a patriotic display in Brooklyn, a town known as "Iowa's Community of Flags". This illuminated year-round exhibition includes flags from all 50 states, the Armed Services, and special interests surrounding a large United States flag. The display represents the community's pride and patriotism in a visually striking manner.
10. Fenelon Place Elevator
HISTORIC SCENIC RAILWAY
The Fenelon Place Elevator is the shortest, steepest railway in the world that elevates passengers almost 200 feet in the length of one city block. From the top, visitors can enjoy the unique experience of seeing three states at once. This historic attraction in Dubuque provides both a thrilling ride and spectacular panoramic views.
11. Capitol Building
IOWA'S HISTORIC CAPITOL
The Capitol Building in Des Moines stands as an architectural masterpiece and the center of Iowa's government. Its distinctive golden dome, visible from miles away, is just one highlight of this historic structure. Visitors can tour the impressive interior featuring beautiful art, historical exhibits, and the functioning chambers of state government.
12. Grotto of the Redemption
RELIGIOUS ARTISTIC MARVEL
The Grotto of the Redemption is a religious shrine built from precious stones, minerals, and petrifications valued at over $4 million. This massive composite of nine grottos depicts scenes from the life of Christ and is considered the largest man-made grotto in the world. Visitors from around the globe come to West Bend to witness this extraordinary artistic and spiritual achievement.
13. Buddy Holly Crash Site
MUSIC HISTORY LANDMARK
The Buddy Holly Crash Site marks the location where music legends Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and J.P. "The Big Bopper" Richardson tragically died in a plane crash on February 3, 1959. Located near Clear Lake, this solemn memorial attracts music fans who make pilgrimages to pay respects at the site known as "the day the music died." A pair of steel glasses, similar to Holly's trademark spectacles, and a guitar mark this significant piece of rock and roll history.
14. All Iowa Lawn Tennis Club
GRASSCOURT TENNIS EXPERIENCE
The All Iowa Lawn Tennis Club features a meticulously maintained grass tennis court modeled after Wimbledon's Centre Court. Located in Charles City, this unique attraction allows tennis enthusiasts to experience playing on a surface typically reserved for professional tournaments. Visitors can book court time and enjoy the novelty of playing on one of the few public grass courts in the United States.
15. Swinging Bridge
HISTORIC RIVER CROSSING
The Swinging Bridge in Columbus Junction offers visitors a thrilling way to cross Monkey Run Creek on foot. This historic pedestrian suspension bridge gently sways as people walk across, providing both excitement and scenic views. Originally built in 1886 and rebuilt several times since, the bridge continues to be both a practical crossing and a beloved local landmark.