Lewis IowaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Lewis, Iowa.
1. Reverend George B Hitchcock House
UNDERGROUND RAILROAD HISTORY
The Reverend George B Hitchcock House is a historic site that played a significant role in the Underground Railroad. Visitors can explore this preserved house and learn about its importance in helping enslaved people escape to freedom. The site also includes additional historical context through exhibits about the abolitionist movement.
2. Cold Springs State Park
LAKESIDE RECREATION AREA
Cold Springs State Park offers outdoor recreation centered around Lewis Cold Springs Lake. The park provides opportunities for fishing, picnicking, and enjoying nature in a serene setting. Visitors can appreciate views of the Nishnabotna River valley from this hilltop location.
3. Indian Creek Wildlife Area
NATURE AND WILDLIFE
Indian Creek Wildlife Area provides a natural habitat for local flora and fauna in the Lewis region. The area offers opportunities for wildlife watching, hiking, and photography throughout the seasons. Nature enthusiasts can observe various native species in their natural environment.
4. Mormon Pioneer National Historic Trail
HISTORIC MIGRATION ROUTE
The Mormon Pioneer National Historic Trail passes through the Lewis area, marking the historic 1,300-mile route traveled by Mormons fleeing religious persecution. Visitors can learn about the challenges faced by these pioneers during their journey west to Utah. The trail offers historical markers and interpretive information about this significant migration in American history.
5. Griswold Golf Course
RURAL GOLFING EXPERIENCE
Griswold Golf Course offers a pleasant golfing experience near Lewis in a peaceful rural setting. The course provides challenges for golfers of various skill levels with well-maintained fairways and greens. Visitors can enjoy affordable rounds of golf with scenic views of the Iowa countryside.
6. Cass County Historical Museum
LOCAL HISTORY PRESERVED
The Cass County Historical Museum showcases the rich history and cultural heritage of the region including Lewis and surrounding communities. The museum houses artifacts, photographs, and documents that tell the story of early settlers and the development of the area. Visitors can gain insight into rural Iowa life through various time periods and exhibits.
7. Sunnyside Range
SHOOTING SPORTS FACILITY
Sunnyside Range provides a dedicated facility for shooting sports enthusiasts near the Lewis area. The range offers various shooting disciplines and safety instruction for beginners and experienced shooters alike. Members and visitors can practice their marksmanship in a controlled and supervised environment.
8. Rock Creek State Park
LAKESIDE RECREATION HUB
Rock Creek State Park features a 602-acre lake surrounded by beautiful natural landscapes near the Lewis region. The park offers numerous recreational activities including boating, fishing, swimming, camping, and hiking trails. Visitors can observe abundant wildlife while enjoying the peaceful atmosphere of this well-maintained state park.
9. Watson Station Steam Train and Depot Museum
HISTORIC RAILWAY EXPERIENCE
The Watson Station Steam Train and Depot Museum offers visitors rides on a restored coal-fired miniature steam train. The museum houses an impressive collection of 160 replicas of every Union Pacific engine ever built. Located on the Harrison County Fairgrounds, this attraction provides a delightful experience for railroad enthusiasts of all ages.
10. Wisecup Farm Museum
RURAL LIFE RECREATED
Wisecup Farm Museum features replica 19th and 20th century buildings including a schoolhouse, church, gas station, and doctor's office. Visitors can step back in time and experience rural Iowa life as it once was through these meticulously created historical reproductions. The museum preserves the cultural heritage and everyday experiences of previous generations in the region.
11. Missouri Valley Post Office Mural
NEW DEAL ART
The Missouri Valley Post Office features an interior mural titled "Iowa Fair" that was commissioned as part of the New Deal stimulus projects. Created in 1938 by local artist Francis Robert White, the mural represents an important piece of American art history. The artwork captures Iowa culture and serves as a reminder of government-sponsored art during the Great Depression era.
12. Rialto Theatre
HISTORIC SINGLE-SCREEN CINEMA
The Rialto Theatre is a historic one-screen movie theater located in downtown Missouri Valley near Lewis. After being closed, the theater was renovated and reopened by community members in the early 1990s and continues to show first-run movies. The Rialto represents small-town America's dedication to preserving cultural institutions through community effort.
13. Missouri Valley Aquatic Center
MODERN COMMUNITY POOL
The Missouri Valley Aquatic Center provides a first-rate facility for swimming and water recreation near the Lewis area. The center offers a refreshing escape during hot summer months with modern amenities for visitors of all ages. Families can enjoy various water features and swimming areas in a clean, safe environment.
14. Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail
LEGENDARY EXPEDITION ROUTE
The Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail passes through Missouri Valley, commemorating the historic journey of the Corps of Discovery. Visitors can learn about the expedition that explored the newly acquired Louisiana Purchase territory from 1804 to 1806. Interpretive displays and markers help travelers understand the significance of this momentous westward exploration.
15. Inis Grove Park
NATURAL URBAN RETREAT
Inis Grove Park offers a natural retreat with beautiful landscapes and recreational amenities within driving distance of Lewis. The park features walking trails, picnic areas, and sports facilities for visitors to enjoy. Nature lovers can appreciate the scenic setting along the Skunk River with abundant trees and wildlife viewing opportunities.