Matlock IowaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Matlock, Iowa.
1. Bruce Schomaker Recreation Area
OUTDOOR RECREATION PARADISE
Bruce Schomaker Recreation Area offers visitors a chance to enjoy outdoor activities in Matlock. The area provides recreational opportunities for locals and tourists alike. Visitors can experience the natural beauty of Iowa while engaging in various outdoor pursuits.
2. Otter Valley Golf Course
SCENIC FAIRWAYS AND GREENS
Otter Valley Golf Course welcomes golf enthusiasts to enjoy its well-maintained fairways near Matlock. The course offers a challenging yet enjoyable experience for golfers of all skill levels. Beautiful landscapes and professional facilities make this a popular destination for both locals and visitors.
3. Hills Park Campground
SERENE OVERNIGHT ADVENTURE
Hills Park Campground provides a peaceful retreat for outdoor enthusiasts in the Matlock area. Campers can enjoy well-maintained facilities surrounded by Iowa's natural beauty. The campground serves as an excellent base for exploring the region's attractions.
4. Hills Park Disc Golf Course
CHALLENGING DISC PLAY
Hills Park Disc Golf Course offers disc golf enthusiasts a fun recreational option near Matlock. The course features various holes designed to challenge players of different skill levels. Visitors can enjoy this increasingly popular sport while taking in the natural surroundings.
5. Cutler-Donahoe Covered Bridge
HISTORIC ARCHITECTURAL TREASURE
The Cutler-Donahoe Covered Bridge stands as a historical landmark in Winterset City Park not far from Matlock. This covered bridge represents Iowa's rich architectural heritage and provides visitors with a glimpse into the past. The bridge has become an iconic photo opportunity for travelers exploring the region.
6. Winterset City Park
HISTORICAL RECREATIONAL HAVEN
Winterset City Park spans 76 acres featuring historical landmarks and recreational amenities near Matlock. Visitors can explore covered bridges, a hedge maze, and other attractions within this expansive green space. The park serves as a central hub for outdoor activities and cultural exploration in the region.
7. Amana Colonies
HISTORIC GERMAN VILLAGES
The Amana Colonies consist of seven historic villages founded by German immigrants as a religious communal society in 1855. As one of Iowa's most famous travel destinations, these colonies preserve their crafts and culture while offering diverse visitor experiences. Travelers can explore the rich heritage through museums, shops, restaurants, and cultural events throughout the year.
8. Farm House Museum
AGRICULTURAL HERITAGE SITE
The Farm House Museum in Ames showcases Iowa's agricultural heritage as a National Historic Landmark. The museum provides visitors with insights into rural life and farming practices throughout the state's history. Exhibits and preserved spaces illustrate the importance of agriculture to Iowa's development and culture.
9. George M. Verity Riverboat
HISTORIC MISSISSIPPI VESSEL
The George M. Verity Riverboat stands as a preserved piece of Mississippi River history in Keokuk. This historic vessel allows visitors to learn about river transportation and its significance to Iowa's development. The riverboat offers educational exhibits and authentic glimpses into life on America's great waterway.
10. Surf Ballroom and Museum
ROCK & ROLL LANDMARK
The Surf Ballroom and Museum in Clear Lake is one of the last remaining ballrooms in the United States, fully restored and fashioned after a South Seas beach club. This venue holds a significant place in music history as the final concert site of Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and J.P. "The Big Bopper" Richardson. In 2009, it was dedicated as a historic rock and roll landmark by the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and Museum.
11. Sheldon Holiday Inn Express & Suites
COMFORTABLE REGIONAL ACCOMMODATION
The Sheldon Holiday Inn Express & Suites provides comfortable accommodation for travelers exploring the Matlock area. This hotel offers modern amenities and convenient access to regional attractions. Visitors appreciate the comfortable rooms and professional service while discovering northwest Iowa.
12. Blood Run Site
ANCIENT INDIGENOUS HERITAGE
Blood Run Site served as 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, this National Historic Landmark includes important burial mounds and village sites. Visitors can access these historically significant areas by foot to learn about Iowa's indigenous heritage.
13. 1857 Old Jail Museum
HISTORIC LAW ENFORCEMENT
The 1857 Old Jail Museum represents an important piece of Iowa's law enforcement history. This National Historic Landmark preserves the architecture and function of a 19th-century correctional facility. Although not always open to the public, special events and tours provide opportunities to explore this unique historical site.
14. Fort Des Moines
MILITARY TRAINING LEGACY
Fort Des Moines Provisional Army Officer Training School stands as a National Historic Landmark commemorating military history. The site played a crucial role in training African American officers during World War I and women during World War II. This landmark represents important milestones in the advancement of equality within the United States military.
15. William P. Hepburn House
POLITICAL HERITAGE SITE
The William P. Hepburn House preserves the home of an influential Iowa congressman who served from 1881 to 1909. This National Historic Landmark represents the political heritage of the state and its influence on national affairs. The historic residence provides insights into the life and career of a significant figure in Iowa's political history.