Maysville IowaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Maysville, Iowa.
1. Iowa 80 Trucking Museum
TRUCKING HISTORY ON DISPLAY
The Iowa 80 Trucking Museum showcases the rich history of trucking in America. Visitors can explore a vast collection of vintage trucks, trucking memorabilia, and industry artifacts. The museum is conveniently located near the Iowa 80 Truckstop, known as the world's largest truck stop.
2. Devonian Fossil Gorge
ANCIENT SEABED EXPOSED
The Devonian Fossil Gorge offers visitors a unique glimpse into Iowa's prehistoric past with exposed 375-million-year-old fossils. Flooding in 1993 and 2008 stripped away soil to reveal an ancient sea floor containing numerous marine fossils. Visitors can walk directly on the fossil bed and observe evidence of ancient sea creatures that once inhabited the area.
3. Buddy Holly Crash Site
MUSIC HISTORY MEMORIAL
The Buddy Holly Crash Site marks the tragic location where rock and roll legends Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and J.P. 'The Big Bopper' Richardson perished in a plane crash on February 3, 1959. A memorial featuring a steel guitar and three records commemorates the event known as 'The Day the Music Died.' Visitors make pilgrimages to this solemn location to pay respects to these influential musicians.
4. Herbert Hoover National Historic Site
PRESIDENTIAL BIRTHPLACE AND LIBRARY
The Herbert Hoover National Historic Site preserves the birthplace and childhood home of America's 31st president. The 187-acre park includes Hoover's modest two-room cottage, a blacksmith shop, schoolhouse, and the presidential library and museum. Visitors can explore the Tallgrass Prairie and learn about Hoover's journey from humble beginnings to the White House.
5. Breakout Games
INTERACTIVE ESCAPE ROOM FUN
Breakout Games offers immersive escape room experiences where teams solve puzzles to complete missions within a time limit. Each themed room presents unique challenges requiring teamwork, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. This attraction provides entertainment for families, friends, and corporate groups looking for an engaging activity.
6. Cinnamon Ridge Dairy Farm
WORKING FARM EXPERIENCE
Cinnamon Ridge Dairy Farm offers visitors an authentic glimpse into modern farming operations. The farm features robotic milking systems, crop production, and award-winning dairy cows. Tours allow guests to learn about sustainable agriculture practices and sample farm-fresh products.
7. The Fun Station Quad Cities
FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT CENTER
The Fun Station Quad Cities offers a variety of entertainment options including arcade games, laser tag, and mini-golf. Visitors can enjoy go-karts, batting cages, and other attractions suitable for all ages. The venue provides party packages making it ideal for birthdays and group celebrations.
8. Centennial Park
OUTDOOR RECREATION HUB
Centennial Park provides numerous recreational opportunities including sports fields, playgrounds, and picnic areas. The park features walking trails and natural spaces perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. Seasonal events and activities make this park a community gathering place throughout the year.
9. Ben Butterworth Parkway
RIVERFRONT TRAIL SYSTEM
Ben Butterworth Parkway offers a scenic trail system along the Mississippi River with stunning waterfront views. The paved pathway connects several parks and provides opportunities for walking, running, and cycling. Visitors can observe river traffic, wildlife, and enjoy public art installations along the route.
10. Elevate Trampoline Park
BOUNCING INDOOR ADVENTURE
Elevate Trampoline Park features wall-to-wall trampolines for jumping enthusiasts of all ages. The facility includes foam pits, dodgeball courts, and basketball dunking lanes for added excitement. Special events like glow nights and fitness classes make this an entertaining destination year-round.
11. High Trestle Trail Bridge
ILLUMINATED ARCHITECTURAL MARVEL
The High Trestle Trail Bridge stands as a magnificent 130-foot-tall structure spanning half a mile across the Des Moines River valley. At night, the bridge transforms with stunning blue LED lighting creating a magical tunnel effect for visitors. This architectural marvel combines art and nature, offering breathtaking views for cyclists, walkers, and joggers alike.
12. Treehouse Village
ACCESSIBLE NATURE PLAY
Treehouse Village at the Iowa Arboretum features elevated and ground-level treehouses designed to be accessible for children of all abilities. The attraction includes wheelchair-accessible swings, slides, a ground-level zipline, and hammock netting for diverse play experiences. Visitors can explore the suspension bridge and enjoy scenic views from the observation treehouses.
13. Iowa 80 Truckstop
WORLD'S LARGEST TRUCK STOP
Iowa 80 Truckstop holds the title of world's largest truck stop, spanning 225 acres with amenities for travelers and truckers alike. The massive complex features multiple restaurants, a convenience store, trucking merchandise, and even a dentist office and chiropractor. Visitors can explore the connected trucking museum, making this more than just a rest stop but a true roadside attraction.
14. DEFY Iowa City
EXTREME AIR SPORTS PARK
DEFY Iowa City offers an indoor adventure park with trampolines, ninja courses, and extreme air sports. Visitors can test their skills on challenging obstacles or simply enjoy freestyle jumping in a safe environment. The facility hosts special events and provides programs for different age groups from toddlers to adults.
15. Hobo Museum & Gift Shop
UNIQUE AMERICAN HISTORY
The Hobo Museum & Gift Shop stands as the only museum dedicated to hobo culture and history in existence. Visitors can learn about how American hobos lived and worked throughout history through artifacts, photographs, and personal stories. The museum is particularly lively during Britt's annual Hobo Days celebration, which honors this unique aspect of American culture.