Lockridge IowaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Lockridge, Iowa.
1. Jefferson Antique Mall
VINTAGE TREASURE HUNT
Jefferson Antique Mall offers visitors a fascinating journey through time with its extensive collection of vintage items and antiques. The mall features numerous vendor booths showcasing everything from furniture and household items to collectibles and memorabilia. Treasure hunters and history enthusiasts alike can spend hours exploring the diverse offerings at this local gem.
2. Maasdam Barns
HISTORIC AGRICULTURAL HERITAGE
Maasdam Barns preserves an important piece of Iowa's agricultural history through its well-maintained historic barns and equipment displays. Visitors can explore the unique round barn and learn about the Maasdam family's contributions to farming innovation in the region. The site offers educational tours that highlight rural life and agricultural practices from the past century.
3. Midwest Central Railroad
VINTAGE RAIL EXPERIENCE
Midwest Central Railroad offers visitors an authentic steam train experience on lovingly restored vintage locomotives and cars. The railroad operates scenic rides that transport passengers back to the golden age of rail travel. History buffs and families alike enjoy the opportunity to see these magnificent machines in action and learn about their significance to Iowa's development.
4. Midwest Old Threshers
AGRICULTURAL HISTORY MUSEUM
Midwest Old Threshers celebrates rural heritage through its extensive collection of antique tractors, steam engines, and farming equipment. The museum complex includes demonstrations of vintage machinery, historical buildings, and interactive exhibits that bring agricultural history to life. Their annual reunion event draws thousands of visitors who come to experience traditional farming methods and early 20th century rural life.
5. Midwest Electric Railway
HISTORIC TROLLEY RIDES
Midwest Electric Railway preserves the history of electric transportation through its collection of restored trolleys and streetcars. Visitors can take nostalgic rides on vintage trolleys that once served cities across America. The railway offers a unique glimpse into early urban transportation and the technological innovations that transformed travel in the early 20th century.
6. Johnny Clock Museum
TIMEKEEPING THROUGH AGES
Johnny Clock Museum houses an impressive collection of timepieces spanning different eras and styles. Visitors can marvel at everything from antique grandfather clocks to delicate pocket watches that showcase the evolution of timekeeping. The museum provides fascinating insights into the craftsmanship and technological advancements in clock-making throughout history.
7. Whitetail Country Estates
OUTDOOR RECREATION HAVEN
Whitetail Country Estates offers nature enthusiasts access to scenic landscapes and wildlife viewing opportunities in rural Iowa. The estate features well-maintained trails where visitors can observe local flora and fauna, including the estate's namesake whitetail deer. Outdoor activities ranging from hiking to photography make this a perfect destination for those seeking a peaceful retreat in nature.
8. Oakland Mills Cabins
RIVERSIDE WOODLAND RETREAT
Oakland Mills Cabins provide cozy accommodations nestled along the scenic Skunk River in southeast Iowa. The rustic cabins offer visitors a comfortable base from which to explore the surrounding natural areas and engage in outdoor activities. Guests can enjoy fishing, hiking, and wildlife watching while experiencing the tranquility of Iowa's woodland environment.
9. Oakland Mills Park
RIVERSIDE NATURAL PLAYGROUND
Oakland Mills Park encompasses beautiful riverside landscapes with recreational opportunities for the whole family. The park features fishing access, picnic areas, and trails that wind through diverse habitats along the Skunk River. Visitors can observe local wildlife, enjoy water activities, or simply relax in the peaceful natural setting.
10. Morris Park & Campgrounds
OUTDOOR FAMILY RECREATION
Morris Park & Campgrounds offers visitors a full range of outdoor recreational facilities in a beautiful natural setting. The park includes camping sites, fishing areas, and trails suitable for hikers of all skill levels. Families particularly enjoy the playground facilities and open spaces that make this park a popular destination for weekend getaways.
11. Overland Sheepskin Co.
PREMIUM HANDCRAFTED GOODS
Overland Sheepskin Co. showcases high-quality leather and sheepskin products handcrafted using traditional techniques. Visitors can browse through an impressive selection of jackets, footwear, and home goods made from premium materials. The store offers a shopping experience that combines craftsmanship appreciation with the opportunity to purchase unique, durable items.
12. Stone City Art Colony
HISTORIC ARTS CENTER
Stone City Art Colony stands as an important cultural landmark in Iowa's artistic heritage. The colony once hosted notable American painters including Grant Wood and was instrumental in developing the regionalist art movement. Today, visitors can explore the historic site and appreciate its significance to American art history while enjoying the same picturesque landscapes that inspired artists nearly a century ago.
13. Hurstville Lime Kilns
INDUSTRIAL HISTORY SITE
Hurstville Lime Kilns preserves a fascinating piece of Iowa's industrial past through its well-preserved 19th-century limestone processing facilities. The historic site features massive stone kilns where limestone was once burned to produce lime for construction and agricultural use. Visitors can learn about the lime production process and the community that grew around this once-thriving industry.
14. Grotto of the Redemption
SPIRITUAL ROCK MASTERPIECE
Grotto of the Redemption is believed to be the largest grotto in the world, attracting over 100,000 visitors annually. This magnificent religious site was painstakingly constructed over 42 years using precious stones, minerals, and fossils arranged into intricate biblical scenes. The Grotto was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places in 2001, recognizing its cultural and artistic significance.
15. Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge
ICONIC RIVER CROSSING
Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge connects Iowa and Nebraska with its graceful 3,700-foot span across the Missouri River. The bridge, with its distinctive twin spires and elegant curvature, has been recognized by Travel+Leisure Magazine as one of the world's most beautiful pedestrian bridges. Visitors can enjoy spectacular views of the river and skyline while walking between Council Bluffs and Omaha.