Oakland IowaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Oakland, Iowa.
1. Nishna Heritage Museum
LOCAL HISTORY PRESERVED
The Nishna Heritage Museum offers an organized collection that keeps the history of Oakland and the surrounding area alive. Visitors can explore artifacts and exhibits that showcase the rich cultural heritage and development of the community. The museum provides valuable insights into the region's past, making it a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts.
2. Riverside Golf Course
SCENIC GOLFING EXPERIENCE
Riverside Golf Course is a popular recreational facility that attracts golf enthusiasts from Oakland and beyond. The course features well-maintained greens and fairways set against the natural beauty of the Iowa landscape. Golfers of various skill levels can enjoy a challenging yet relaxing experience at this local favorite.
3. Pottawattamie County Freedom Rock
PATRIOTIC MEMORIAL ART
The Pottawattamie County Freedom Rock stands as a powerful tribute to veterans and military service members in Oakland. This painted boulder is part of a statewide initiative to honor those who served in the armed forces with unique artwork. The memorial serves as both a tourist attraction and a place for reflection on the sacrifices made for freedom.
4. Eagle of Honor Plaza
VETERANS MEMORIAL SITE
Eagle of Honor Plaza offers a dedicated space to honor and remember local veterans who served their country. The plaza features commemorative elements including sculptures and plaques that tell the stories of service and sacrifice. Visitors can experience a moment of quiet reflection while appreciating the tributes to military personnel from the Oakland area.
5. Oakland Fitness Center
COMMUNITY HEALTH HUB
The Oakland Fitness Center provides residents and visitors with modern exercise facilities and wellness programs. The center features a variety of fitness equipment and classes designed to accommodate different fitness levels and interests. It serves as an important community resource promoting health and active lifestyles in the Oakland area.
6. Stone City Art Colony
HISTORIC ARTS COMMUNITY
Stone City Art Colony represents a significant part of Iowa's artistic heritage located near Oakland. The colony was established in the 1930s and attracted prominent regional artists who sought inspiration in the rolling hills and natural beauty of the area. Today, visitors can explore the historic site and appreciate its contribution to Midwest art history.
7. Hurstville Lime Kilns
INDUSTRIAL HISTORY SITE
The Hurstville Lime Kilns offer a fascinating glimpse into Iowa's industrial past near the Oakland region. These historic structures were once used to process limestone into lime for agricultural and construction purposes during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Visitors can view the preserved kilns and learn about the important role they played in local economic development.
8. Loess Hills National Scenic Byway
BREATHTAKING NATURAL VIEWS
The Loess Hills National Scenic Byway offers travelers spectacular views of a rare geological formation just a short drive from Oakland. The winding route showcases the unique landforms created from wind-deposited silt during the last ice age, creating dramatic bluffs and ridges. Nature enthusiasts can enjoy hiking trails, wildlife viewing, and photography opportunities along this scenic drive.
9. Western Historic Trails Center
PIONEER MIGRATION HISTORY
The Western Historic Trails Center chronicles the journeys of pioneers who traveled westward through Iowa. Located in nearby Council Bluffs, the center features exhibits about the Lewis and Clark Expedition, Mormon Trail, Oregon Trail, and California Trail. Visitors can explore interactive displays that bring to life the challenges and triumphs of 19th-century westward expansion.
10. Union Pacific Railroad Museum
RAILWAY HISTORY SHOWCASE
The Union Pacific Railroad Museum preserves the rich history of America's first transcontinental railroad in Council Bluffs, a short drive from Oakland. Housed in a historic Carnegie Library building, the museum features artifacts, photographs, and interactive exhibits spanning over 150 years of railroad history. Visitors can learn about how the railroad transformed the nation and connected East to West.
11. Hitchcock Nature Center
LOESS HILLS WILDERNESS
Hitchcock Nature Center offers over 1,200 acres of preserved Loess Hills wilderness near Oakland. The center features miles of hiking trails, a bird conservation area, and a 45-foot observation tower providing panoramic views of the Missouri River Valley. Nature enthusiasts can participate in educational programs, view diverse wildlife, and experience the unique ecology of this distinctive landform.
12. Danish Immigrant Museum
SCANDINAVIAN HERITAGE CENTER
The Danish Immigrant Museum celebrates the history and contributions of Danish immigrants to American culture. Located in Elk Horn not far from Oakland, the museum houses extensive collections of artifacts, photographs, and personal stories documenting the Danish-American experience. Visitors can explore exhibits on immigration, settlement, and the preservation of Danish traditions in the Midwest.
13. Danish Windmill
AUTHENTIC EUROPEAN LANDMARK
The Danish Windmill stands as an authentic piece of European heritage in Elk Horn, within driving distance of Oakland. Originally built in Denmark in 1848, the windmill was dismantled, shipped to Iowa, and reassembled in 1976 to celebrate America's bicentennial and the area's Danish heritage. Visitors can tour the working mill, learn about traditional milling processes, and browse Danish goods in the gift shop.
14. Lewis and Clark Monument
HISTORIC EXPEDITION OVERLOOK
The Lewis and Clark Monument commemorates the historic expedition's council meeting with Native American tribes in 1804. Perched atop a bluff in Council Bluffs, the site offers spectacular views of the Missouri River Valley and Omaha skyline. The monument features interpretive displays that tell the story of the Corps of Discovery's important stop in the area during their journey westward.
15. Desoto National Wildlife Refuge
MIGRATORY BIRD HAVEN
Desoto National Wildlife Refuge protects critical habitat for migratory birds and wildlife along the Missouri River floodplain near Oakland. The refuge is famous for its fall migration of snow geese and houses the Bertrand steamboat collection, artifacts from an 1865 steamboat excavated from the riverbed. Visitors can enjoy wildlife viewing, hiking trails, fishing, and the interpretive visitor center throughout the year.