Monmouth IowaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Monmouth, Iowa.
1. Tabor Home Vineyards and Winery
LOCAL WINE EXPERIENCE
Tabor Home Vineyards and Winery is a charming local winery in Monmouth that offers wine tastings and tours. Visitors can explore the vineyard grounds and learn about the wine-making process from grape to bottle. The winery frequently hosts special events including live music performances in a relaxed countryside setting.
2. Maquoketa Caves State Park
NATURAL CAVE EXPLORATION
Maquoketa Caves State Park features a spectacular system of caves and rock formations that attract nature enthusiasts from across the region. The park offers hiking trails that wind through wooded areas and connect the various caves, making it perfect for day-long adventures. Visitors can explore both massive caves and tiny passages with proper equipment and lighting.
3. Iowa Grape Vines Winery
RUSTIC WINE TASTING
Iowa Grape Vines Winery offers an authentic Midwestern wine tasting experience near Monmouth. The winery specializes in wines made from locally grown grapes, providing a true taste of Iowa's agricultural bounty. Their rustic tasting room creates a welcoming atmosphere for both wine connoisseurs and casual visitors alike.
4. Hurstville Interpretive Center
HISTORICAL LEARNING EXPERIENCE
Hurstville Interpretive Center offers visitors a glimpse into the natural and cultural history of Jackson County. The center features exhibits on local wildlife, ecology, and the area's limestone industry heritage. Interactive displays and educational programs make this an engaging stop for visitors of all ages.
5. Grant Wood Scenic Byway
PICTURESQUE RURAL DRIVE
The Grant Wood Scenic Byway winds through the rolling hills and farmland surrounding Monmouth, offering breathtaking views that inspired the famous American Gothic painter. This scenic route passes through small towns, past historic sites, and alongside natural attractions that showcase eastern Iowa's beauty. Travelers can enjoy the changing scenery through all four seasons, making it a year-round attraction.
6. Effigy Mounds National Monument
ANCIENT NATIVE HERITAGE
Effigy Mounds National Monument preserves more than 200 prehistoric mounds built by Native American cultures. These sacred earthworks, many shaped like bears and birds, offer insights into ancient spiritual practices and cultural traditions. The monument combines archaeological significance with stunning views of the Mississippi River valley from its bluff-top trails.
7. Living History Farms
INTERACTIVE AGRICULTURAL MUSEUM
Living History Farms is an outdoor museum that tells the story of Midwestern rural life and agricultural practices across different time periods. Visitors can explore working historical farms with period-appropriate buildings, tools, and costumed interpreters demonstrating traditional farming methods. The immersive experience allows guests to step back in time and understand how Iowa's agricultural heritage evolved over centuries.
8. Music in the Vineyard
OUTDOOR CONCERT SERIES
Music in the Vineyard is a popular summer concert series featuring performances by groups like the Cedar County Cobras. This outdoor event combines live music with wine tasting in the picturesque setting of a local vineyard near Monmouth. The next scheduled performance is on Sunday, June 8, 2025, making it a perfect weekend activity for visitors and locals alike.
9. Inis Grove Park
SCENIC RECREATIONAL AREA
Inis Grove Park offers extensive recreational opportunities with beautifully maintained green spaces and facilities. The park features tennis courts, picnic areas, and playgrounds nestled among mature trees along the Skunk River. Visitors can enjoy walking trails that connect to the larger trail system throughout the area, making it ideal for nature enthusiasts and outdoor activities.
10. Southridge Mall
REGIONAL SHOPPING DESTINATION
Southridge Mall is a comprehensive shopping center offering retail therapy for visitors from Monmouth and surrounding areas. The mall houses numerous stores ranging from national chains to local boutiques, providing variety for all shopping needs. After shopping, visitors can enjoy dining options or entertainment venues within the complex.
11. Zombie Burger
THEMED DINING EXPERIENCE
Zombie Burger offers a unique horror-themed dining experience with creatively named burgers and shakes that attract food enthusiasts from across the state. The restaurant's apocalyptic decor creates an immersive atmosphere that complements its innovative menu offerings. Their signature specialty burgers and spiked shakes have earned them a reputation as a must-visit eatery for those seeking something beyond the ordinary dining experience.
12. Jackson County Historical Museum
LOCAL HERITAGE COLLECTION
The Jackson County Historical Museum preserves and displays artifacts chronicling the rich history of the region including Monmouth. Exhibits showcase pioneer life, agricultural development, and the cultural evolution of eastern Iowa communities. The museum's collection includes photographs, tools, clothing, and household items that tell the story of generations who shaped this part of Iowa.
13. Bellevue State Park
RIVER BLUFF VISTAS
Bellevue State Park offers spectacular views of the Mississippi River from limestone bluffs that rise dramatically above the water. The park features well-maintained hiking trails, picnic areas, and wildlife observation opportunities throughout its diverse terrain. Visitors can explore both the Dyas Unit and the Nelson Unit, each offering distinct natural features and recreational options.
14. Old Capitol Museum
HISTORIC GOVERNMENT BUILDING
The Old Capitol Museum is housed in Iowa's first capitol building, a National Historic Landmark with distinctive gold dome architecture. Visitors can tour the meticulously restored chambers, offices, and ceremonial spaces that showcase 19th-century governance and design. The museum offers both self-guided and docent-led experiences that illuminate Iowa's territorial and early statehood periods.
15. Field of Dreams Movie Site
ICONIC FILM LOCATION
The Field of Dreams Movie Site preserves the baseball diamond and farmhouse made famous by the 1989 Kevin Costner film, drawing fans from around the world. Visitors can play catch on the same field where the movie was filmed and explore the site that perfectly captures rural Iowa's timeless charm. The attraction maintains the film's magical quality with its simplicity, allowing guests to experience their own "if you build it, they will come" moment.