Ogden IowaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Ogden, Iowa.
1. Harrier Marsh
NATURE AND WILDLIFE
Harrier Marsh is one of the top attractions in Ogden, offering visitors a beautiful natural setting for wildlife observation and outdoor activities. The marsh provides habitat for various bird species, making it a popular destination for birdwatchers and nature photographers. Visitors can enjoy walking trails and the peaceful atmosphere of this wetland environment.
2. Spinning Wheels Skating Rink
FAMILY FUN ACTIVITY
Spinning Wheels Skating Rink is a beloved recreational facility in Ogden that provides entertainment for visitors of all ages. The rink offers roller skating sessions, special events, and birthday party packages throughout the year. Visitors appreciate the nostalgic atmosphere and family-friendly environment that makes this a popular local attraction.
3. Seven Oaks Recreation
OUTDOOR ADVENTURE CENTER
Seven Oaks Recreation is a popular outdoor adventure center near Ogden that offers year-round activities for outdoor enthusiasts. During winter, visitors can enjoy skiing and snowboarding on various slopes designed for different skill levels. In warmer months, the facility transforms to offer canoeing, kayaking, tubing, and other seasonal outdoor activities.
4. Honey Creek Golf Club
PREMIER GOLFING EXPERIENCE
Honey Creek Golf Club offers golf enthusiasts a well-maintained course with scenic views around Ogden. The club features challenging holes suitable for various skill levels, making it accessible to both beginners and experienced golfers. Visitors appreciate the friendly atmosphere and quality facilities that include a clubhouse with dining options.
5. The Lucky Pig Pub & Grill
LOCAL FOOD FAVORITE
The Lucky Pig Pub & Grill is a popular dining establishment located in the heart of Ogden on West Walnut Street. The restaurant is known for its welcoming atmosphere and menu featuring hearty American fare and specialty drinks. Visitors and locals alike enjoy gathering here for good food, socializing, and experiencing the small-town charm of Ogden.
6. Lincoln Highway Heritage Byway
HISTORIC SCENIC DRIVE
The Lincoln Highway Heritage Byway passes through Ogden, offering travelers a chance to experience America's first coast-to-coast highway. This historic route is lined with landmarks, monuments, and interpretive signs that tell the story of early automobile travel in the United States. Visitors can follow the byway to discover both Ogden's local attractions and connect to other historic sites throughout the region.
7. Battin Chapel
HISTORIC WOODEN CHURCH
Battin Chapel is a quaint wooden church built in 1887 located just 3 miles east of Ogden along the old Lincoln Highway. The well-preserved historic structure offers visitors a glimpse into the religious life of Iowa's early rural communities. Visitors appreciate the chapel's architectural details and the peaceful setting that transports them to a bygone era.
8. Hickory Grove School
ONE-ROOM RURAL SCHOOLHOUSE
Hickory Grove School is a classic example of a rural one-room schoolhouse located 3 miles east of Ogden on the old Lincoln Highway. The historic building showcases educational facilities and teaching methods from Iowa's earlier days, providing visitors with insight into frontier education. The schoolhouse stands alongside Battin Chapel, creating a small historic complex that's worth visiting when exploring Ogden's surrounding area.
9. Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad
VINTAGE TRAIN EXPERIENCE
The Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad offers unique dinner train experiences departing from nearby Boone, Iowa. Passengers enjoy scenic rides through the Des Moines River Valley while dining in vintage train cars. The railroad also features special seasonal events throughout the year, including holiday-themed rides that attract visitors from throughout the region.
10. Ledges State Park
NATURAL CANYON LANDSCAPE
Ledges State Park features dramatic sandstone formations and canyons carved by glacial melt, making it one of Iowa's most unique natural attractions near Ogden. Visitors can hike scenic trails that wind through wooded areas and alongside the Des Moines River with varying difficulty levels. The park offers picnicking areas, campgrounds, and opportunities to observe diverse plant and animal species in their natural habitat.
11. Boone Speedway
HIGH-ENERGY RACING VENUE
Boone Speedway is a popular racing venue that hosts exciting dirt track competitions throughout the racing season. The track is known for its weekly Saturday night races and special events like the prestigious IMCA Super Nationals that draw competitors and spectators from across the country. Visitors enjoy the high-energy atmosphere, concessions, and family-friendly environment that makes this a regional entertainment destination.
12. Bells Mill Park Mill Turbine
HISTORIC WATER POWER
Bells Mill Park Mill Turbine displays an original turbine wheel from the historic mill that once operated along the Boone River. The artifacts are housed in an informative kiosk building located within the park grounds, providing educational context for visitors. This historic site offers insights into the industrial heritage of the region and the importance of water power in early Iowa settlements.
13. Blanden Art Museum
FINE ART COLLECTION
The Blanden Art Museum, built in 1932 in the Oak Hill Historic District, houses an impressive permanent collection of modern American and European paintings, African sculptures, glassworks, and prints spanning from the 16th to 20th centuries. The museum regularly hosts adult and youth classes, art education programs, and special events where visitors can meet artists. Families particularly enjoy the interactive activities designed to engage visitors of all ages with the world of fine art.
14. Boone County Courthouse
RENAISSANCE REVIVAL ARCHITECTURE
The Boone County Courthouse, built in 1917 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1981, showcases stunning Renaissance Revival architecture in the heart of Boone. Visitors can admire the building's impressive marble walls, terrazzo floors, coffered ceilings, and beautiful stained-glass skylights that exemplify early 20th-century craftsmanship. The courthouse continues to serve as both a functioning government building and a significant architectural landmark for the region.
15. Boone County Historical Museum
LOCAL HERITAGE COLLECTION
The Boone County Historical Museum houses the largest collection of artifacts and personal items representing important people, periods, and events in the area's history. Exhibits showcase the development of the region from pioneer days through various historical periods, providing context for understanding Boone County's cultural heritage. Visitors gain insights into local history through well-curated displays and informative presentations about the area's significant historical contributions.