Ralston IowaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Ralston, Iowa.
1. Deal's Orchard
LOCAL APPLES AND CIDER
Deal's Orchard is a highly-rated attraction in Ralston with a 4.9 rating from visitors. Visitors can enjoy fresh apples, homemade cider, and seasonal activities like apple picking. The orchard provides a quintessential Iowa agricultural experience for families and visitors of all ages.
2. Seven Hills County Park
NATURAL OUTDOOR RECREATION
Seven Hills County Park is a natural retreat near Ralston offering outdoor recreation opportunities. The park features scenic hiking trails and areas for picnicking surrounded by Iowa's rolling landscape. Visitors appreciate the peaceful environment, earning the park a solid 4.0 rating from travelers.
3. Whiterock Conservancy
NATURE CONSERVATION AREA
Whiterock Conservancy is a popular ecological destination with an impressive 4.5 visitor rating. The conservancy protects natural habitats while offering outdoor activities like hiking, mountain biking, and wildlife viewing. Its commitment to conservation education makes it a meaningful stop for environmentally-conscious travelers.
4. Greene County Community Center
RECREATION AND FITNESS HUB
Greene County Community Center serves as a recreational focal point for the Ralston area with a 4.0 visitor rating. The center offers fitness facilities, community gatherings, and various recreational programs for locals and visitors. It represents the heart of community activity in the region, providing year-round indoor recreation options.
5. Mahaney Bell Tower
HISTORIC LANDMARK STRUCTURE
Mahaney Bell Tower stands as a distinctive landmark in the Ralston area. The tower's architectural design and bell chimes create a nostalgic atmosphere for visitors exploring the region. It serves as both a functional timekeeper and a symbol of the community's heritage.
6. John 15 Vineyard Conference & Event Center
RUSTIC WINE EXPERIENCE
John 15 Vineyard Conference & Event Center offers a sophisticated wine experience in the heart of Iowa. The vineyard combines wine production with event hosting capabilities in a picturesque rural setting. Visitors can enjoy wine tastings while appreciating the rolling vineyard landscapes surrounding Ralston.
7. JV Vineyard and Retreat
WINE AND RELAXATION
JV Vineyard and Retreat provides a serene escape in the countryside near Ralston. The venue combines wine production with peaceful retreat accommodations for a complete relaxation experience. Visitors appreciate the opportunity to unwind among the grapevines while sampling locally-produced wines.
8. Lincoln Highway Heritage Byway
HISTORIC AMERICAN ROAD
Lincoln Highway Heritage Byway passes through Ralston as part of America's first transcontinental highway. The historic route offers travelers a glimpse into early 20th century American road culture and transportation history. Driving this byway connects visitors with small towns and landmarks that tell the story of America's automotive heritage.
9. Effigy Mounds National Monument
ANCIENT NATIVE AMERICAN SITE
Effigy Mounds National Monument preserves more than 200 prehistoric mounds built by Native American cultures. The site features remarkable earth mounds shaped like bears, birds, and other animals created between 500 BCE and 1300 CE. Visitors can explore interpretive trails offering views of these ancient ceremonial and burial structures while learning about the indigenous peoples who created them.
10. Merle Hay Mall
REGIONAL SHOPPING DESTINATION
Merle Hay Mall is one of Iowa's largest shopping centers located within driving distance of Ralston. The mall features numerous retail stores, dining options, and entertainment venues under one roof. Shoppers appreciate the convenience of having major retailers and specialty shops gathered in a climate-controlled environment.
11. Buddy Holly Crash Site
MUSIC HISTORY MEMORIAL
The Buddy Holly Crash Site memorializes the location where rock and roll pioneers Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and J.P. Richardson (The Big Bopper) tragically died in a 1959 plane crash. A guitar-shaped monument marks this solemn spot often referred to as 'the day the music died' from Don McLean's song 'American Pie.' Music enthusiasts make pilgrimages to this humble memorial in a cornfield to pay respects to these influential early rock and roll figures.
12. Raccoon River Park
OUTDOOR RECREATION COMPLEX
Raccoon River Park offers 632 acres of outdoor recreation opportunities including a 232-acre lake for fishing, swimming, and boating. The park features extensive trail systems, sports fields, and picnic areas perfect for family outings. Nature enthusiasts appreciate the diverse habitats supporting wildlife viewing throughout the seasons.
13. Scranton Water Tower
HISTORIC TOWN LANDMARK
The Scranton Water Tower stands as a distinctive landmark in neighboring Scranton, Iowa. The tower represents the historical infrastructure development of small Iowa towns in the region. Visitors interested in local history often appreciate this practical yet symbolic structure that has served the community for generations.
14. Big Papio Trail
SCENIC PAVED PATHWAY
Big Papio Trail offers a fully paved 20-mile round-trip path following the Big Papillion Creek. The trail connects numerous parks and recreational areas, making it ideal for cycling, running, and walking. Outdoor enthusiasts appreciate the well-maintained route that provides both natural scenery and convenient access points throughout the region.
15. Elmwood Park
HISTORIC URBAN GREENSPACE
Elmwood Park features numerous sports fields, well-maintained trails, and picnic areas near a scenic creek. The park holds historical significance as the site of Nebraska's first-ever court trial regarding land ownership. Visitors enjoy the combination of recreational facilities and historical context in this well-established urban park.