Rome IowaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Rome, Iowa.
1. Jefferson Antique Mall
VINTAGE COLLECTIBLES PARADISE
Jefferson Antique Mall offers visitors a diverse selection of vintage items and collectibles in Rome, Iowa. Treasure hunters can explore multiple vendor stalls featuring everything from furniture to nostalgic memorabilia. The mall provides a glimpse into Iowa's past through its carefully curated antique collections.
2. Midwest Central Railroad
HISTORIC RAILWAY EXPERIENCE
Midwest Central Railroad preserves the rich railway heritage of the region with its collection of historic trains and equipment. Visitors can enjoy scenic train rides that showcase the beautiful countryside surrounding Rome, Iowa. The railroad offers a nostalgic journey through time with its meticulously maintained vintage locomotives and passenger cars.
3. Midwest Old Threshers
AGRICULTURAL HERITAGE CELEBRATION
Midwest Old Threshers celebrates Iowa's agricultural history through displays of vintage farm equipment and demonstrations of traditional farming techniques. The attraction hosts an annual reunion event that draws thousands of visitors interested in rural heritage and antique machinery. Visitors can experience hands-on activities and witness the evolution of farming practices that shaped the region.
4. Midwest Electric Railway
VINTAGE TROLLEY RIDES
Midwest Electric Railway offers guests the opportunity to ride on restored vintage trolleys and streetcars through the picturesque Iowa countryside. The railway preserves the history of electric transportation that once connected communities throughout the region. Visitors can learn about the importance of these historic vehicles while enjoying a relaxing journey on authentic restored trolleys.
5. Theatre Museum
PERFORMING ARTS HISTORY
The Theatre Museum showcases the rich history of performing arts in Iowa through its collection of costumes, props, and memorabilia. Visitors can explore exhibits highlighting famous productions, legendary performers, and the evolution of theatrical traditions in the region. The museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the cultural heritage that has entertained generations of Iowans.
6. Johnny Clock Museum
TIMEKEEPING THROUGH HISTORY
Johnny Clock Museum houses an impressive collection of antique timepieces that span multiple centuries and styles. Visitors can marvel at the craftsmanship and engineering of grandfather clocks, pocket watches, and unique timekeeping devices from different eras. The museum offers a fascinating journey through the evolution of timekeeping technology and its cultural significance.
7. Whitetail Country Estates
RURAL OUTDOOR RETREAT
Whitetail Country Estates provides visitors with access to pristine natural landscapes ideal for outdoor recreation and wildlife observation. The property features hiking trails, fishing opportunities, and peaceful settings where guests can connect with Iowa's rural beauty. Nature enthusiasts can spot local wildlife, including the estate's namesake whitetail deer, in their natural habitat.
8. Oakland Mills Cabins
RIVERSIDE ACCOMMODATION EXPERIENCE
Oakland Mills Cabins offer comfortable lodging options nestled along the scenic waterways near Rome, Iowa. Guests can enjoy rustic yet well-appointed accommodations that serve as a perfect base for exploring the natural attractions of the area. The cabins provide easy access to fishing, hiking, and wildlife watching opportunities in the surrounding countryside.
9. Oakland Mills Park
NATURAL RECREATION AREA
Oakland Mills Park offers visitors a variety of outdoor recreational activities including fishing, boating, and hiking along its well-maintained trails. The park showcases the natural beauty of Iowa's landscape with its riverside setting and diverse flora and fauna. Managed by Henry County Conservation, this attraction provides families and nature enthusiasts with opportunities to connect with the outdoors in all seasons.
10. Henry County Heritage Trust
LOCAL HISTORY PRESERVATION
The Henry County Heritage Trust maintains and preserves important historical sites and artifacts that tell the story of the region's development. Visitors can explore exhibits featuring photographs, documents, and objects that highlight the cultural and economic history of Rome and surrounding communities. The trust provides educational programs that connect current generations with their local heritage and traditions.
11. Stone City Art Colony
HISTORIC ARTS COMMUNITY
Stone City Art Colony represents an important chapter in Iowa's artistic heritage as a former gathering place for prominent regional artists. Visitors can explore the historic grounds where artists lived and worked during the colony's heyday in the early 20th century. The site offers insight into the development of Midwestern regional art movements and their cultural significance.
12. Hurstville Lime Kilns
INDUSTRIAL HERITAGE SITE
The Hurstville Lime Kilns preserve an important piece of Iowa's industrial history where limestone was processed for construction and agricultural uses. Visitors can explore the restored kilns and learn about the lime-making process that supported regional development in the 19th and early 20th centuries. The site provides interpretive displays explaining the technology and working conditions of this historic industry.
13. Old Capitol
IOWA'S FIRST STATEHOUSE
The Old Capitol served as both the last territorial capitol and first state capitol of Iowa between 1842 and 1857. Restored to reflect its historical significance, the building now offers self-guided tours through its stately chambers and exhibition galleries. Visitors can experience the architectural beauty of this landmark while learning about the formative years of Iowa's government and The University of Iowa's origins.
14. Reverend George B. Hitchcock House
UNDERGROUND RAILROAD STATION
The Reverend George B. Hitchcock House, built in 1856, served as a vital station on the Underground Railroad helping enslaved people escape to freedom. Recognized as a National Park Service Underground Railroad Network to Freedom Site, this historic home preserves an important chapter in America's struggle against slavery. Visitors can tour the house and learn about Reverend Hitchcock's dangerous but principled work aiding fugitives seeking liberty.
15. Amana Colonies
HISTORIC GERMAN SETTLEMENT
The Amana Colonies consist of seven historic villages founded by German immigrants as a religious communal society in 1855. This National Historic Landmark preserves the unique crafts, architecture, and cultural traditions that have made it one of Iowa's most famous travel attractions. Visitors can experience authentic German heritage through the colonies' restaurants, shops, museums, and seasonal festivals that celebrate this distinctive community.