Marysville IowaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Marysville, Iowa.
1. Whippoorwill Creek Farm
AGRICULTURAL TOURISM EXPERIENCE
Whippoorwill Creek Farm offers visitors a unique agricultural tourism experience in the Capital Country Region near Marysville. Visitors can explore the working farm and learn about sustainable farming practices while enjoying the beautiful rural Iowa landscape. The farm provides an authentic glimpse into Iowa's agricultural heritage with hands-on activities for all ages.
2. Marysville Covered Bridge
HISTORIC 1891 STRUCTURE
The Marysville Covered Bridge is a historic structure dating back to 1891 featuring distinctive crisscrossed planks on its sides. In the late 1960s, the bridge underwent a significant modification when it was cut in half, creating a unique historical landmark in the Red Rock Area. Today, the bridge stands as a testament to Iowa's transportation history and serves as a picturesque attraction for visitors interested in historical architecture.
3. Jordan Creek Town Center
IOWA'S LARGEST MALL
Jordan Creek Town Center is Iowa's largest shopping mall, offering over A 150 stores alongside various dining options from casual eateries to upscale restaurants with lakefront views. The mall features attractions including a Cinemark movie theater and hosts seasonal events such as fireworks and holiday celebrations throughout the year. Its spacious layout and vibrant atmosphere make it ideal for shopping enthusiasts or families looking for entertainment in the Des Moines metropolitan area.
4. Herbert Hoover National Historic Site
PRESIDENTIAL HERITAGE SITE
The Herbert Hoover National Historic Site celebrates the life of America's 31st president with exhibits on his early years, humanitarian efforts, and presidency. Visitors can tour his birthplace cottage, a Quaker meeting house, and beautifully maintained grounds that reflect Hoover's Midwestern roots. The museum offers interactive exhibits that provide deep insights into Hoover's contributions to American history in a serene setting that combines education with reflection.
5. Jester Park
OUTDOOR RECREATION HAVEN
Jester Park offers 1,675 acres of diverse outdoor experiences along Saylorville Lake's west shore, with activities ranging from hiking trails to wildlife observation. Visitors can observe migrating pelicans or explore the park's bison and elk enclosure for a glimpse into Iowa's natural heritage. The Jester Park Nature Center serves as an educational hub, connecting guests to restored woodlands and interactive exhibits while offering opportunities for archery, bouldering, and equipment rentals.
6. Ewing Park
URBAN GREEN SPACE
Ewing Park is a beloved urban green space offering visitors a refreshing retreat from city life near Marysville. The park features well-maintained trails, recreational facilities, and lush landscapes suitable for picnics, sports, and family outings. Nature enthusiasts appreciate the park's diverse flora and seasonal displays that change throughout the year, making it worth repeated visits.
7. Amana Colonies
HISTORIC GERMAN SETTLEMENT
The Amana Colonies consist of seven historic villages established by German Pietists who settled in Iowa in 1855, creating a communal society that lasted until 1932. Visitors can experience the colonies' rich cultural heritage through preserved historical buildings, traditional craft shops, and restaurants serving authentic German cuisine. Today, the Amana Colonies are a National Historic Landmark and popular tourist destination where the past is celebrated through seasonal festivals, guided tours, and demonstrations of traditional crafts.
8. Big Creek State Park
LAKE RECREATION AREA
Big Creek State Park centers around a 866-acre lake that offers excellent opportunities for boating, fishing, and swimming during the warmer months. The park features extensive multi-use trails, picnic areas, and sandy beaches that attract outdoor enthusiasts throughout the year. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound within the park's diverse habitats, making it a favorite destination for birdwatchers and nature photographers.
9. Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad
HISTORIC RAILWAY EXPERIENCE
The Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad offers visitors a chance to experience train travel as it was during the golden age of railroading. Passengers ride in vintage coaches pulled by steam or diesel locomotives across the picturesque Des Moines River Valley, including a journey over the breathtaking Bass Point Creek High Bridge. The railroad museum at the depot houses an impressive collection of artifacts and rolling stock that tell the story of Iowa's rich railroad history.
10. Ledges State Park
DRAMATIC SANDSTONE CLIFFS
Ledges State Park is known for its dramatic sandstone cliffs that rise nearly 100 feet above the Des Moines River valley, creating one of Iowa's most distinctive landscapes. Hikers can explore an extensive network of trails that wind through forested areas and alongside canyon walls, offering spectacular views and access to unique ecological niches. The park's CCC-era stone shelters, bridges, and staircases add historical interest to this natural area that has been a popular destination for generations of Iowans.
11. Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge
TALLGRASS PRAIRIE PRESERVE
Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge encompasses over 5,600 acres dedicated to restoring Iowa's native tallgrass prairie and oak savanna ecosystems. Visitors can observe free-roaming bison and elk herds from their vehicles along the Prairie Parkway auto tour route or get closer views from hiking trails that wind through the reconstructed prairie. The Prairie Learning Center offers interactive exhibits about prairie ecology, wildlife, and the human history of the area, making the refuge both an educational and recreational destination.
12. Living History Farms
AGRICULTURAL TIME TRAVEL
Living History Farms is an interactive outdoor museum that tells the story of Iowa agriculture through working historical farms from three different time periods: 1700, 1850, and 1900. Costumed interpreters demonstrate period-appropriate farming techniques, domestic skills, and crafts, creating an immersive experience that brings agricultural history to life. The 500-acre open-air museum also includes a frontier town where visitors can explore a variety of businesses and services typical of an early Iowa community.
13. Pappajohn Sculpture Park
URBAN ART OASIS
Pappajohn Sculpture Park displays 31 world-class sculptures by internationally acclaimed artists across a 4.4-acre green space in downtown Des Moines. The open-air art gallery represents a philanthropic gift valued at more than $40 million, making it one of the most significant donations of outdoor art in the nation. Visitors can wander freely among the monumental works at any time of day or join guided tours that provide insights into the artists' intentions and the stories behind these contemporary masterpieces.
14. Blank Park Zoo
WILDLIFE CONSERVATION CENTER
Blank Park Zoo is Iowa's only accredited zoo, housing over 800 animals representing more than 100 species from around the world. Visitors can experience close encounters with exotic wildlife through exhibits like the Discovery Center, African Grasslands, and Australia Adventure, which recreate natural habitats for the animals. The zoo emphasizes conservation education and participates in breeding programs for endangered species, making it both an entertaining destination and an important contributor to global wildlife preservation efforts.
15. State Historical Museum of Iowa
IOWA'S CULTURAL TREASURY
The State Historical Museum of Iowa houses a vast collection of artifacts, documents, and interactive exhibits that chronicle the state's development from prehistoric times to the present day. Visitors can explore galleries featuring topics like Native American heritage, pioneer life, military history, and Iowa's industrial and agricultural achievements. The museum's striking modern architecture in the heart of Des Moines makes it a cultural landmark that preserves and interprets the complete story of Iowa's people and places.