Kirkman IowaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Kirkman, Iowa.
1. Shelby County Historical Museum
LOCAL HISTORY PRESERVED
The Shelby County Historical Museum showcases the rich heritage of Shelby County, where Kirkman is located. Visitors can explore exhibits featuring artifacts, photographs, and documents that tell the story of the area's settlement and development. The museum provides an educational experience for those interested in understanding the local history and culture of this Iowa region.
2. Prairie Rose State Park
OUTDOOR RECREATION PARADISE
Prairie Rose State Park offers a variety of outdoor recreational activities near Kirkman. The park features a 218-acre lake perfect for fishing, boating, and swimming during warmer months. Visitors can also enjoy hiking trails, camping facilities, picnic areas, and wildlife viewing opportunities throughout the year.
3. Lonely Oak Distillery
LOCAL CRAFT SPIRITS
Lonely Oak Distillery produces handcrafted spirits in the vicinity of Kirkman. Visitors can take tours of the distillery to learn about the production process and sample various spirits made on-site. The distillery offers a unique taste of local craftsmanship and agricultural products transformed into quality beverages.
4. Museum of Danish America
DANISH HERITAGE CELEBRATION
The Museum of Danish America celebrates the Danish immigrant experience and Denmark's ongoing influence on American culture. Exhibits showcase artifacts, art, and interactive displays that tell the story of Danish settlements in the Midwest, including areas near Kirkman. The museum also features beautiful gardens and architectural elements reflecting Danish design and traditions.
5. Harlan Historic Downtown
CHARMING TOWN CENTER
Harlan Historic Downtown offers a charming shopping and dining experience near Kirkman. The area features well-preserved historic buildings housing local businesses, restaurants, and specialty shops. Visitors can enjoy the small-town atmosphere while exploring the county seat of Shelby County.
6. Grandpa's Pumpkin Farm
FAMILY FALL FUN
Grandpa's Pumpkin Farm provides seasonal family entertainment in the Kirkman area. The farm offers pumpkin picking, corn mazes, hayrides, and other fall-themed activities during the harvest season. Children and adults alike can enjoy the festive atmosphere and create lasting memories at this rural attraction.
7. Market Street Gifts
UNIQUE LOCAL SHOPPING
Market Street Gifts offers a curated selection of unique items and souvenirs near Kirkman. The shop features locally made crafts, home décor, gourmet foods, and gift items reflecting Iowa's culture and heritage. Visitors can find special mementos of their time in the region while supporting local artisans and businesses.
8. Milk & Honey
FARM-TO-TABLE DINING EXPERIENCE
Milk & Honey provides a delightful culinary experience featuring locally sourced ingredients in the Kirkman vicinity. The establishment emphasizes farm-to-table dining with seasonal menus highlighting the agricultural bounty of Iowa. Visitors can enjoy freshly prepared dishes in a comfortable atmosphere that reflects the region's rural heritage.
9. The Anchored Collective
ARTISAN MARKETPLACE HUB
The Anchored Collective serves as a marketplace for local artisans and creators near Kirkman. The collective showcases handcrafted items, artwork, and specialty products made by talented individuals from the surrounding area. Visitors can browse unique merchandise while connecting with the creative community of Shelby County.
10. Amana Colonies
HISTORIC GERMAN VILLAGES
The Amana Colonies consist of seven historic villages founded by German immigrants as a religious communal society in 1855. Designated as a National Historic Landmark District, the colonies preserve their traditional crafts, architecture, and cultural heritage while offering visitors a glimpse into Iowa's past. Tourists can explore over 450 historic buildings, scenic landscapes, and enjoy locally crafted goods throughout the colonies.
11. Farm House Museum
ISU'S FIRST BUILDING
The Farm House Museum was built in 1860 as the first building at Iowa State Agricultural College and Model Farm. The museum houses more than 6,000 pieces of Victorian decorative art and antique furnishings that offer insight into 19th century university life. Visitors can experience the living conditions of the university's first two presidents while learning about Iowa's agricultural education history.
12. George M. Verity Riverboat
HISTORIC PADDLEWHEEL STEAMBOAT
The George M. Verity paddlewheel steamboat was built in 1927 in Dubuque and retired in 1960 after years of service on the Mississippi River. Visitors can explore the original boiler, machinery, crew quarters, and pilothouse of this historic vessel. The steamboat also features displays of photos from 19th century riverboats and artifacts from the steamboat era that highlight Iowa's river transportation heritage.
13. Blood Run Site
ANCIENT NATIVE AMERICAN CENTER
Blood Run was an intertribal and ceremonial center for the Oneota and Prairie Dakota tribes from 900 to 1720 A.D. Located along the Big Sioux River and Blood Run Creek, the site includes ancient burial mounds and village sites that visitors can explore on foot. This National Historic Landmark provides insight into the Indigenous cultures that thrived in the region long before European settlement.
14. Harlan Inn & Suites
COMFORTABLE COUNTY LODGING
Harlan Inn & Suites provides comfortable accommodations for visitors exploring Kirkman and the surrounding Shelby County area. The hotel offers modern amenities and convenient access to local attractions, dining, and shopping options. Guests can use the property as a base for discovering the natural beauty and cultural heritage of western Iowa.
15. Shelby County Fairgrounds
COMMUNITY CELEBRATION VENUE
The Shelby County Fairgrounds hosts numerous events throughout the year including the annual county fair near Kirkman. The venue features exhibition buildings, an arena, and outdoor spaces that showcase agricultural traditions, livestock competitions, and local entertainment. Visitors can experience authentic rural Iowa culture through the various celebrations and gatherings held at this community hub.