Schaller IowaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Schaller, Iowa.
1. World's Largest Popcorn Ball
ICONIC ROADSIDE ATTRACTION
The World's Largest Popcorn Ball is a unique roadside attraction in Schaller that celebrates the town's historic connection to popcorn production. This oversized novelty pays homage to Schaller's former status as 'The Popcorn Capital of the world' where major companies like Bango and Jolly Time popcorn were once based. Visitors can take photos with this quirky landmark that represents an important part of the community's agricultural heritage.
2. Reiff Park
LOCAL COMMUNITY SPACE
Reiff Park offers residents and visitors of Schaller a pleasant outdoor space for recreation and relaxation. The park provides essential green space within the small community of 729 residents. Families often gather here for picnics, community events, and to enjoy the peaceful small-town atmosphere.
3. Away Sis Park
OUTDOOR RECREATION AREA
Away Sis Park is a recreational area serving the Schaller community with outdoor amenities for local residents and visitors. The park provides a gathering place for families and community events in this small Iowa town. Visitors appreciate the well-maintained grounds and facilities that offer a respite from daily routines.
4. Brewsters
LOCAL DINING FAVORITE
Brewsters is a highly-rated dining establishment in Schaller that serves as a gathering spot for locals and visitors alike. The restaurant offers hearty meals in a welcoming atmosphere that reflects the town's friendly character. Patrons particularly enjoy the home-style cooking and community feel that makes this spot a Schaller favorite.
5. Prairie Pedlar
HISTORIC GARDEN EXPERIENCE
Prairie Pedlar offers visitors a charming garden experience near Schaller with beautifully maintained floral displays and landscaping. The site showcases Iowa's native prairie plants and provides a serene environment for nature lovers and gardening enthusiasts. Seasonal events and workshops are often held here, making it a cultural touchpoint for the surrounding rural community.
6. Kings Pointe
WATERPARK RESORT DESTINATION
Kings Pointe is a popular waterpark resort located in nearby Storm Lake, offering recreational activities for families visiting the Schaller area. The resort features both indoor and outdoor waterparks, making it a year-round destination for aquatic fun. Guests can also enjoy accommodations, dining options, and access to Storm Lake's natural beauty.
7. Storm Lake Trail
SCENIC LAKESIDE PATH
Storm Lake Trail provides a picturesque pathway around Storm Lake, just a short drive from Schaller. This recreational trail offers stunning views of the lake and serves as a popular spot for walking, running, and biking. Visitors appreciate the well-maintained path that connects various parks and attractions around the lake.
8. Sanford Museum & Planetarium
EDUCATIONAL SPACE EXPLORATION
The Sanford Museum & Planetarium is a cultural and educational institution located in Cherokee, a short drive from Schaller. The facility features exhibits on natural history, archaeology, and art, along with a planetarium offering fascinating astronomy shows. Visitors of all ages enjoy the interactive learning experiences and regular educational programming available at this regional attraction.
9. Hanover Village
HISTORIC SETTLEMENT RECREATION
Hanover Village offers visitors a glimpse into Iowa's pioneer past through preserved and reconstructed historic buildings near Storm Lake. This living history site showcases the architectural styles and daily life of early settlers in the region surrounding Schaller. Special events throughout the year bring history to life through demonstrations, reenactments, and educational programs.
10. Cobblestone Ballroom & Event Center
HISTORIC DANCE HALL
The Cobblestone Ballroom & Event Center is a historic dance venue that has been hosting social gatherings since the early 20th century. This nostalgic landmark near Schaller continues to serve as an important cultural gathering place for celebrations and community events. The distinctive cobblestone exterior and vintage atmosphere transport visitors to a bygone era of Midwestern entertainment.
11. Cobb Tavern
HISTORIC DINING EXPERIENCE
Cobb Tavern is a historic establishment offering dining and drinks in a charming atmosphere not far from Schaller. The tavern combines local history with contemporary hospitality, making it a favorite stop for both area residents and visitors. Guests enjoy the unique character of this local landmark while sampling regional cuisine in a relaxed setting.
12. Ledges State Park
NATURAL CANYON WONDERLAND
Ledges State Park features dramatic sandstone formations and deep ravines that create one of Iowa's most distinctive landscapes within driving distance of Schaller. Visitors can explore four miles of hiking trails that wind through wooded areas and along canyon walls rising nearly 100 feet above streambeds. The park offers picnicking areas, campgrounds, and scenic overlooks of the Des Moines River valley that make it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
13. American Gothic House
ICONIC ART LANDMARK
The American Gothic House is the backdrop of Grant Wood's famous 1930 painting and stands as one of Iowa's most recognized cultural landmarks. Visitors can tour the visitor center to learn about the painting's history and significance in American art while also exploring the modest white house with its distinctive gothic window. The site offers photo opportunities where travelers can pose with props to recreate the iconic image that has become a symbol of rural American life.
14. Effigy Mounds National Monument
ANCIENT NATIVE HERITAGE
Effigy Mounds National Monument preserves more than 200 prehistoric mounds built by Native American cultures, including rare effigy mounds shaped like bears and birds. The site offers visitors insight into the spiritual and cultural practices of indigenous peoples who inhabited the region from 500 BCE to 1300 CE. Hiking trails wind through the forested landscape, providing both archaeological interest and spectacular views of the Mississippi River valley from limestone bluffs.
15. Jordan Creek Town Center
PREMIER SHOPPING DESTINATION
Jordan Creek Town Center is Iowa's largest shopping center, offering a comprehensive retail experience within a day trip from Schaller. The mall features over 150 stores, restaurants, and entertainment options including an ice skating rink and movie theaters. Visitors appreciate the indoor and outdoor shopping areas arranged around a central lake, creating a pleasant atmosphere for a full day of shopping and dining.