Moorhead IowaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Moorhead, Iowa.
1. Preparation Canyon State Park
SCENIC NATURAL PRESERVE
Preparation Canyon State Park offers beautiful hiking trails through the unique Loess Hills landscape. Visitors can explore the rugged terrain formed by wind-deposited silt during the last ice age. The park provides opportunities for camping, wildlife viewing, and enjoying panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
2. Loess Hills National Scenic Byway
STUNNING SCENIC DRIVE
The Loess Hills National Scenic Byway passes through Moorhead offering a breathtaking drive through Iowa's unique landforms. Travelers can enjoy sweeping vistas, rolling hills, and prairie landscapes along this designated scenic route. The byway provides numerous pull-offs and interpretive sites that explain the geological and cultural significance of the area.
3. Moorhead Cultural Center
LOCAL HERITAGE DISPLAYS
The Moorhead Cultural Center showcases curated displays highlighting the town's rich history and cultural heritage. The center operates throughout summer and early fall, offering visitors insight into local traditions and historical events. It serves as an important community hub for preserving and sharing Moorhead's unique story.
4. Loess Hills Hospitality Association and Gift Shop
REGIONAL TOURISM CENTER
The Loess Hills Hospitality Association and Gift Shop provides personalized tours of the Moorhead area and surrounding Loess Hills region. Visitors can purchase local crafts, souvenirs, and informational materials about the unique geography and attractions. The association serves as an excellent starting point for travelers wanting to explore the natural and cultural offerings of the area.
5. Moorhead 125th Celebration
HISTORIC TOWN ANNIVERSARY
The Moorhead 125th Celebration is scheduled for June 25-27, 2025, commemorating the town's founding and rich history. Coordinated by the Moorhead Outdoor Spaces Team (MOST), the event will feature community activities, historical exhibits, and special performances. Visitors can experience small-town Iowa hospitality while learning about Moorhead's development since it was platted in 1899.
6. Soldier River
SCENIC WATERWAY EXPERIENCE
The Soldier River flows through Moorhead offering opportunities for kayaking, canoeing, and fishing. The river provides a peaceful setting for nature enthusiasts to observe local wildlife and riparian ecosystems. Its winding path through the Loess Hills creates picturesque views and outdoor recreation possibilities throughout the seasons.
7. Monona County Veteran's Memorial Museum
HONORING MILITARY SERVICE
The Monona County Veteran's Memorial Museum preserves and honors the military service of local residents through displays of artifacts, photographs, and personal stories. Visitors can learn about the contributions and sacrifices made by Monona County veterans throughout America's conflicts. The museum's highly-rated exhibits provide a moving and educational experience for guests of all ages.
8. Loess Hills Hideaway Cabins and Campground
RUSTIC OUTDOOR LODGING
Loess Hills Hideaway Cabins and Campground offers comfortable accommodations nestled within the unique landscape of the Loess Hills. Guests can choose from cabin rentals or camping sites while enjoying amenities and access to nearby natural attractions. The property provides a perfect base for exploring the scenic beauty and outdoor activities available throughout the region.
9. The Cottage in Moorhead
CHARMING RURAL RETREAT
The Cottage in Moorhead provides visitors with a cozy accommodation option in the heart of Iowa's Loess Hills. This charming lodging offers a peaceful retreat from busy schedules while maintaining proximity to local attractions and dining options. Guests can experience authentic small-town hospitality while exploring the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape.
10. Moorhead Mini Mart
LOCAL SNACKS STOP
The Moorhead Mini Mart serves as a convenient stop for travelers to grab snacks and refreshments while exploring the area. This local establishment provides essentials for visitors and residents alike in the small community. The mart represents a slice of authentic rural Iowa life and culture in the heart of Monona County.
11. Maquoketa Caves State Park
UNDERGROUND NATURAL WONDER
Maquoketa Caves State Park features an extensive network of 13 caves for visitors to explore alongside towering bluffs and scenic hiking trails. Adventure seekers can navigate through limestone formations that range from small crawl spaces to large walk-through caverns. The park's unique geological features make it one of Iowa's most distinctive natural attractions within driving distance of Moorhead.
12. Lewis and Clark State Park
HISTORIC RIVER RECREATION
Lewis and Clark State Park commemorates the famous expedition's journey through the region with a replica keelboat and interpretive displays. Located near Moorhead in Monona County, the park offers camping, fishing, and boating on Blue Lake, an oxbow lake formed by the Missouri River. Visitors can enjoy recreational activities while learning about the important historical significance of the explorers' passage through Iowa territory.
13. DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge
MIGRATORY BIRD HAVEN
DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge protects vital habitat for migratory birds and other wildlife along the Missouri River floodplain. The refuge is famous for housing the Bertrand steamboat collection, featuring thousands of perfectly preserved 1860s artifacts excavated from a sunken steamboat. Visitors can enjoy wildlife viewing, hiking trails, fishing opportunities, and the impressive visitor center displaying historical treasures recovered from the riverbed.
14. The Guesthouse
COMFORTABLE COUNTRYSIDE LODGING
The Guesthouse in Moorhead provides visitors with a welcoming accommodation option when exploring the Loess Hills region. Located in proximity to natural attractions and scenic drives, this lodging option offers a convenient base for travelers. Guests can experience Iowa hospitality while relaxing in comfortable surroundings after a day of sightseeing.
15. Turin Prairie Preserve
NATIVE GRASSLAND ECOSYSTEM
Turin Prairie Preserve protects a remnant of Iowa's native Loess Hills prairie ecosystem near Moorhead. Visitors can hike through the preserve to observe rare plant species, native grasses, and wildlife that once dominated the region's landscape. The site offers excellent opportunities for nature photography, birdwatching, and experiencing the unique biological diversity of this specialized habitat.