Panama IowaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Panama, Iowa.
1. Lonely Oak Distillery
LOCAL CRAFT SPIRITS
Lonely Oak Distillery is a craft spirits producer located in Panama, Iowa. Visitors can tour the facility to learn about the distillation process and sample locally-made spirits. The distillery has received positive reviews, earning a perfect 5.0 rating from visitors.
2. Western Skies Scenic Byway
PICTURESQUE DRIVING ROUTE
Western Skies Scenic Byway passes through Panama, offering travelers stunning views of Iowa's countryside. The route showcases the natural beauty of the region and connects visitors to various local attractions. Travelers can enjoy the changing scenery throughout the seasons while exploring the area's cultural heritage.
3. Prairie Rose State Park
OUTDOOR RECREATION AREA
Prairie Rose State Park is a popular outdoor destination near Panama with a 4.3 rating from visitors. The park features a lake, camping facilities, hiking trails, and opportunities for fishing and boating. Nature lovers can observe local wildlife and enjoy picnicking in this scenic recreational area.
4. Shelby County Historical Museum
LOCAL HISTORY COLLECTION
Shelby County Historical Museum preserves the heritage of the region with exhibits on local history and military artifacts. The museum has earned a perfect 5.0 rating from visitors who appreciate its well-curated collections. Visitors can explore displays that tell the story of Shelby County's development and the people who shaped it.
5. Farmhand Brewing Company
CRAFT BEER DESTINATION
Farmhand Brewing Company offers craft beer enthusiasts a taste of locally-brewed beverages in a welcoming atmosphere. The brewery serves a variety of beer styles made with quality ingredients and regional flavors. Visitors can enjoy the tasting room experience while learning about the brewing process from knowledgeable staff.
6. Grandpa's Pumpkin Farm
FAMILY AUTUMN ATTRACTION
Grandpa's Pumpkin Farm is a seasonal attraction offering fall-themed activities for visitors of all ages. The farm features pumpkin picking, corn mazes, hayrides, and other traditional autumn experiences. Families return year after year to create memories and participate in harvest celebrations at this charming rural destination.
7. Warren Cultural Center
HISTORIC ARTS VENUE
Warren Cultural Center serves as a hub for arts and entertainment in a beautifully restored historic building. The center hosts performances, exhibitions, and cultural events throughout the year for the community and visitors. Its architecture and interior details showcase the preservation of Iowa's cultural heritage while providing modern amenities for guests.
8. Greenfield Historic Town Square
CHARMING SHOPPING DISTRICT
Greenfield's Historic Town Square features antique boutiques and specialty shops surrounding a traditional courthouse square. Visitors can browse unique merchandise while enjoying the nostalgic atmosphere of small-town Iowa. The well-preserved architecture creates a picturesque backdrop for shopping and exploring local history.
9. Western Skies Scenic Byway - Westphalia
HISTORIC VILLAGE ROUTE
The Westphalia segment of the Western Skies Scenic Byway takes travelers through a historic German settlement near Panama. This portion of the route showcases well-preserved architecture and cultural heritage of the area's early European immigrants. Visitors can experience the charm of rural Iowa while learning about the region's agricultural traditions.
10. Loess Hills
UNIQUE GEOLOGICAL FORMATION
The Loess Hills are a distinctive landform stretching along western Iowa, including areas near Panama. These wind-deposited soil formations create dramatic landscapes with unique ecosystems and hiking opportunities. Visitors can explore interpretive centers and scenic overlooks to learn about this rare geological feature found in only a few places worldwide.
11. Farm House Museum
HISTORIC AGRICULTURAL LANDMARK
Farm House Museum in Ames is recognized as a National Historic Landmark showcasing Iowa's agricultural heritage. The building was the first erected on the Iowa State University campus and now contains period furnishings and exhibits. Visitors can step back in time to experience rural life during Iowa's formative years through guided tours of this well-preserved homestead.
12. Amana Colonies
HISTORIC GERMAN VILLAGES
The Amana Colonies consist of seven historic villages founded by German immigrants as a religious communal society in 1855. As one of Iowa's most famous travel attractions, these settlements preserve traditional crafts, cuisine, and cultural practices. Visitors can explore museums, shops, restaurants, and historic buildings that tell the story of this unique community's development.
13. George M. Verity Riverboat
HISTORIC MISSISSIPPI VESSEL
The George M. Verity Riverboat is a National Historic Landmark that allows visitors to experience Mississippi River maritime history. This preserved steamboat has been converted into a museum showcasing the era of river transportation that shaped Iowa's development. Visitors can tour the vessel's working areas and passenger quarters to understand life and commerce on America's inland waterways.
14. Blood Run Site
ANCIENT NATIVE SETTLEMENT
Blood Run Site was an intertribal and ceremonial center for Oneota and Prairie Dakota tribes from 900 to 1720 A.D. Located along the Big Sioux River, this National Historic Landmark contains burial mounds and village sites with significant archaeological importance. Visitors can access the area by foot to explore this preserved landscape that connects to Iowa's indigenous heritage.
15. Hitchcock Nature Center
LOESS HILLS WILDERNESS
Hitchcock Nature Center offers expansive views of the Missouri River Valley from within the Loess Hills near Panama. The center features interpretive exhibits, hiking trails, and observation towers for wildlife watching and landscape photography. Visitors can participate in educational programs about the unique ecology of this rare landform throughout the year.