Lacona IowaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Lacona, Iowa.
1. Lake Ahquabi State Park
OUTDOOR RECREATION PARADISE
Lake Ahquabi State Park is a beautiful outdoor destination near Lacona offering fishing, boating, and swimming opportunities. The park features scenic hiking trails through wooded areas with abundant wildlife viewing opportunities. Visitors can also enjoy camping facilities, picnic areas, and a sandy beach during the warmer months.
2. Grape Escape Winery
LOCAL WINE TASTING EXPERIENCE
Grape Escape Winery offers visitors a delightful wine tasting experience near Lacona. The winery produces a variety of locally crafted wines using grapes grown in their own vineyard. Visitors can enjoy tastings in a relaxed atmosphere while learning about the winemaking process.
3. Annelise Winery
FAMILY-OWNED WINE ESTATE
Annelise Winery is a family-owned establishment offering a selection of handcrafted wines in a picturesque setting. The winery features a tasting room where visitors can sample their award-winning wines while enjoying scenic views of the surrounding countryside. Guests can also attend special events and live music performances held throughout the year.
4. Charger Country Light Show
DAZZLING HOLIDAY DISPLAY
Charger Country Light Show transforms Lacona into a winter wonderland with its spectacular holiday light displays. The show features synchronized lights, festive decorations, and holiday music creating a magical experience for visitors of all ages. This seasonal attraction has become a beloved tradition for locals and tourists alike during the holiday season.
5. Crossroads Ranch
AUTHENTIC RURAL EXPERIENCE
Crossroads Ranch offers visitors an authentic glimpse into rural Iowa life with its working farm operations. The ranch provides guided tours showcasing traditional farming methods, livestock care, and sustainable agricultural practices. Visitors can participate in seasonal activities like hayrides, corn mazes, and pumpkin picking depending on the time of year.
6. Miss Spenser's of Longview Farms B&B and Tea Room
CHARMING VICTORIAN RETREAT
Miss Spenser's of Longview Farms B&B and Tea Room welcomes guests to a charming Victorian-style bed and breakfast experience in Lacona. The establishment is known for its elegant afternoon tea service featuring homemade scones, finger sandwiches, and desserts served on fine china. Visitors can stay overnight in beautifully appointed rooms and enjoy the tranquil countryside setting.
7. Hunter Bros Tree Farm
SEASONAL CHRISTMAS TRADITION
Hunter Bros Tree Farm invites visitors to experience the traditional joy of selecting and cutting their own Christmas tree during the holiday season. The farm features a variety of evergreen species cultivated specifically for the perfect holiday centerpiece. Families can enjoy complimentary hot chocolate, wagon rides, and festive activities while searching for their ideal Christmas tree.
8. John L. Lewis Mining & Labor Museum
IOWA'S COAL MINING HERITAGE
The John L. Lewis Mining & Labor Museum preserves the rich coal mining history of south-central Iowa through exhibits and artifacts. Named after the prominent labor leader who was born in Lucas County, the museum documents the struggles and accomplishments of miners and their families. Visitors can learn about mining techniques, labor movements, and the cultural impact of coal mining on the region's development.
9. Pikes Peak State Park
MAJESTIC RIVER VIEWS
Pikes Peak State Park offers breathtaking views from a 500-foot bluff overlooking the confluence of the Mississippi and Wisconsin Rivers. The park features extensive hiking trails that wind through forested areas and past unique geological formations including prehistoric Native American mounds. Visitors can enjoy camping, picnicking, and wildlife observation while taking in some of Iowa's most spectacular natural scenery.
10. McKinley Hall
HISTORIC COMMUNITY CENTER
McKinley Hall stands as a historic landmark in Lacona, having served the community in multiple capacities since its construction. Originally used for balls, dances, and parties, the hall also hosted church services, lectures, and theatrical performances throughout its history. Today, visitors can appreciate the architectural significance of this building that played a central role in Lacona's social and cultural development.
11. Mt. Zion Cemetery
HISTORIC RURAL BURIAL GROUND
Mt. Zion Cemetery offers a glimpse into local history with its well-preserved gravestones dating back to the early settlement period. The cemetery was established alongside the primitive Baptist Church, which was completed in 1869 and stood until 1978. Visitors interested in genealogy and local history can explore this peaceful site to discover the stories of Lacona's early residents.
12. Bell Fjord
SCENIC BAPTISMAL SITE
Bell Fjord is a natural water feature near Lacona that became historically significant as a popular baptismal site. The fjord's distinctive rock formations created an ideal setting for religious ceremonies in the community's early days. Today, visitors can appreciate both the natural beauty and cultural significance of this unique geological formation.
13. National Balloon Classic Field
COLORFUL AERIAL SPECTACLE
National Balloon Classic Field hosts one of Iowa's most visually stunning events featuring colorful hot air balloons launching into the sky. The annual National Balloon Classic draws participants and spectators from across the country for competitive balloon races and nightly glows. Visitors can watch morning launches, evening illuminations, and even book their own hot air balloon rides during this spectacular festival.
14. Summerset Trail
SCENIC RAIL-TRAIL PATH
Summerset Trail is a 12-mile recreational path built on a former railroad corridor connecting communities near Lacona. The trail winds through diverse landscapes including woodlands, wetlands, and prairie areas offering excellent opportunities for hiking, biking, and wildlife observation. During winter months, the trail transforms into a popular route for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
15. Warren County Historical Museum
LOCAL HERITAGE COLLECTION
Warren County Historical Museum houses an extensive collection of artifacts and exhibits chronicling the history of the region including Lacona. The museum features displays on pioneer life, agricultural development, and the cultural evolution of Warren County communities. Visitors can explore historical documents, photographs, and preserved items that tell the story of generations who shaped this part of Iowa.