Melbourne IowaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Melbourne, Iowa.
1. Watson's Grocery Store Museum
HISTORIC LOCAL RETAIL
Watson's Grocery Store Museum is a speciality museum in Melbourne that preserves the history of local retail establishments. Visitors can explore authentic artifacts and displays that showcase how grocery shopping was conducted in earlier times in rural Iowa. The museum offers a unique glimpse into the commercial history of the small town.
2. The Harvester Golf Club
SCENIC GOLFING EXPERIENCE
The Harvester Golf Club offers a signature golfing experience in the Melbourne area. The course features carefully maintained greens and fairways set against the backdrop of Iowa's rolling countryside. Golfers of various skill levels appreciate the challenging yet enjoyable layout of this local favorite.
3. Hwy 330 Bike Trail
SCENIC RURAL CYCLING
The Hwy 330 Bike Trail provides cyclists with a scenic route through the Melbourne countryside. The trail follows alongside the highway while offering safe passage for bikers wanting to enjoy the rural Iowa landscape. Outdoor enthusiasts appreciate this well-maintained path for exercise and recreation throughout the year.
4. Heart of Iowa Nature Trail
NATURAL PATHWAY ADVENTURE
The Heart of Iowa Nature Trail passes through Melbourne offering hikers and cyclists a natural pathway through central Iowa. This multi-use trail follows a former railroad corridor and showcases the region's native landscapes and wildlife. Visitors enjoy the peaceful surroundings and connection to nature that this trail provides throughout the changing seasons.
5. Timmons Grove County Park
RIVERSIDE NATURAL RETREAT
Timmons Grove County Park offers a natural retreat for visitors near Melbourne. The park features riverside access, picnic areas, and walking paths through mature woodland areas. Families and outdoor enthusiasts enjoy this peaceful setting for day trips and recreational activities.
6. Heart of Iowa Nature Trail - Rhodes Trailhead
TRAIL ACCESS POINT
The Rhodes Trailhead serves as an access point to the Heart of Iowa Nature Trail near Melbourne. This well-maintained facility provides parking, information, and services for trail users beginning their journey. The trailhead marks the starting point for exploring the converted rail-trail that winds through central Iowa's natural landscapes.
7. A Sampling of Quilts
LOCAL TEXTILE ART
A Sampling of Quilts showcases the rich tradition of quilt-making in the Melbourne area. Visitors can admire handcrafted quilts that demonstrate various techniques and patterns significant to Iowa's cultural heritage. The exhibition highlights the artistry and craftsmanship of local artisans who continue this traditional American art form.
8. Arti & Red's
LOCAL CULINARY EXPERIENCE
Arti & Red's offers visitors a taste of local cuisine in Melbourne. The establishment serves up homestyle cooking that reflects the culinary traditions of central Iowa. Guests appreciate the friendly atmosphere and authentic dining experience that captures the essence of small-town Iowa hospitality.
9. Herbert Hoover National Historic Site
PRESIDENTIAL BIRTHPLACE HISTORY
The Herbert Hoover National Historic Site preserves the birthplace cottage and childhood surroundings of America's 31st president. Visitors can explore the humble beginnings of Herbert Hoover in this meticulously restored historic site that includes his birthplace cottage, a blacksmith shop, schoolhouse, and the presidential library and museum. The site offers a fascinating glimpse into rural Iowa life in the late 19th century and the formative environment that shaped a future president.
10. Birdland Park
URBAN WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
Birdland Park offers visitors a chance to observe wildlife in an urban setting not far from Melbourne. The park features walking trails, water features, and designated areas for observing native bird species. Nature enthusiasts appreciate this accessible sanctuary that combines recreational opportunities with environmental education.
11. Great River Road National Scenic Byway
MAJESTIC RIVER JOURNEY
The Great River Road National Scenic Byway traces the mighty Mississippi River through eastern Iowa, offering spectacular views and access to historic river towns. Travelers can experience the natural beauty of the river valley while exploring cultural and historical sites along this famous route. The byway showcases the rich heritage and ecological significance of America's most iconic river system.
12. Marshall County Historical Museum
LOCAL HISTORY SHOWCASE
The Marshall County Historical Museum preserves and showcases the rich history of the region surrounding Melbourne. Exhibits feature artifacts, photographs, and documents that tell the story of the area's development from pioneer days to the present. Visitors gain insight into the agricultural heritage, industrial growth, and cultural evolution of this central Iowa county.
13. Grimes Farm & Conservation Center
EDUCATIONAL NATURE PRESERVE
Grimes Farm & Conservation Center offers environmental education and outdoor recreation opportunities near Melbourne. The center features interpretive trails, wildlife viewing areas, and exhibits about local ecology and conservation practices. Visitors can enjoy the observation tower which provides panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and restored prairie landscapes.
14. Iowa Veterans Home
HISTORIC VETERANS FACILITY
The Iowa Veterans Home stands as a historic facility dedicated to caring for America's veterans since 1887. Visitors can tour the impressive campus with its notable architecture and memorials honoring those who served in the armed forces. The grounds include a museum that chronicles the history of the institution and the contributions of Iowa veterans throughout the nation's conflicts.
15. Meskwaki Settlement
NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE
The Meskwaki Settlement represents the cultural heart of Iowa's Meskwaki Nation, located within driving distance of Melbourne. Visitors can learn about the history and traditions of the Meskwaki people who purchased their own land in 1857, establishing a unique sovereign territory within the state. The settlement includes the Meskwaki Cultural Center & Museum where tribal history, language, and artifacts are preserved and shared with the public.