Scranton IowaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Scranton, Iowa.
1. Scranton Water Tower
HISTORIC WORKING TOWER
The Scranton Water Tower, built in 1897, is the oldest working water tower in Iowa and the ninth oldest in the United States. Despite surviving a fire in 1907, the tower remains a vital piece of local infrastructure and history. Visitors can appreciate this remarkable example of late 19th-century engineering while exploring Scranton's historical landscape.
2. Deal's Orchard
APPLE PICKING PARADISE
Deal's Orchard is a popular family-friendly farm attraction near Scranton with a perfect 4.9/5 rating from visitors. The orchard offers seasonal apple picking, fresh cider, and homemade treats that showcase Iowa's agricultural bounty. Visitors can enjoy the corn maze, pumpkin patch, and farm animals during the fall harvest season.
3. Seven Hills County Park
NATURAL WILDLIFE RETREAT
Seven Hills County Park offers visitors a serene natural escape with its wildlife areas and well-maintained trails. The park features picnic facilities, fishing opportunities, and camping sites for outdoor enthusiasts exploring Greene County. Nature photographers and birdwatchers particularly appreciate the diverse ecosystems found throughout this local gem.
4. Greene County Community Center
RECREATION AND WELLNESS HUB
The Greene County Community Center serves as the region's premier health and recreation facility with a variety of fitness equipment and classes. The center boasts an indoor walking track, gymnasium, and pool that remain accessible year-round regardless of Iowa's weather conditions. Community events and programs regularly take place here, making it a social hub for residents and visitors alike.
5. North Raccoon River
SCENIC WATERWAY ADVENTURE
The North Raccoon River flows through Scranton, offering excellent opportunities for kayaking, canoeing, and fishing. Wildlife enthusiasts can spot various bird species and river animals while enjoying the peaceful natural corridor. The river's scenic beauty provides a perfect backdrop for outdoor photography and relaxation in Iowa's countryside.
6. Lincoln Highway Heritage Byway
HISTORIC AMERICAN ROAD
The Lincoln Highway Heritage Byway passes through Scranton as part of America's first transcontinental highway. Travelers can follow this historic route that once connected New York to San Francisco, experiencing a piece of early 20th-century American transportation history. Historical markers and vintage architecture line the byway, offering glimpses into Iowa's past.
7. John 15 Vineyard Conference & Event Center
RUSTIC CELEBRATION VENUE
John 15 Vineyard Conference & Event Center provides a picturesque setting for gatherings and celebrations in the Scranton area. The venue combines rural Iowa charm with modern amenities, making it popular for weddings and corporate events. Visitors can enjoy the vineyard views and sample local wines produced on the property.
8. Hyde County Park
FAMILY RECREATION AREA
Hyde County Park offers visitors spacious grounds for outdoor recreation and family gatherings near Scranton. The park features playground equipment, picnic shelters, and open green spaces ideal for sports and games. Its convenient location makes it a favorite spot for local events and casual weekend outings.
9. Stone City Art Colony
HISTORIC ARTS ENCLAVE
The Stone City Art Colony site represents an important chapter in Iowa's artistic heritage not far from Scranton. Founded in the 1930s by Grant Wood, the colony attracted prominent Midwestern artists who captured rural Iowa life during the Great Depression. Visitors today can explore the area that inspired numerous American Regionalist masterpieces and appreciate the enduring cultural legacy.
10. Hurstville Lime Kilns
INDUSTRIAL HISTORY SITE
The Hurstville Lime Kilns stand as preserved monuments to Iowa's industrial past within driving distance of Scranton. These limestone-processing structures operated from the 1870s to 1930s, providing essential materials for construction and agriculture throughout the Midwest. The interpretive site allows visitors to learn about 19th-century manufacturing processes and the immigrant workers who operated the kilns.
11. Raccoon River Valley Trail
SCENIC CYCLING PATH
The Raccoon River Valley Trail offers 89 miles of paved pathway for cyclists, runners, and walkers through the picturesque Iowa countryside near Scranton. The trail connects several small towns and passes through varied landscapes including woodlands, prairies, and agricultural fields. Outdoor enthusiasts appreciate the well-maintained surfaces and regular rest stops featuring historical information about the region.
12. Mahanay Memorial Carillon Tower
MUSICAL BELL TOWER
The Mahanay Memorial Carillon Tower stands 168 feet tall in nearby Jefferson, offering panoramic views of the surrounding countryside from its observation deck. The tower's 47 bells regularly perform musical selections that can be heard throughout downtown. Visitors can take an elevator to the top for unparalleled vistas of rural Iowa and learn about the tower's construction and musical history.
13. Thomas Jefferson Gardens
EDUCATIONAL BOTANICAL DISPLAY
Thomas Jefferson Gardens celebrates the horticultural interests of America's third president with carefully designed landscapes and informative displays. The gardens showcase plants that Jefferson cultivated at Monticello, connecting Iowa's agricultural heritage with early American history. Visitors can enjoy seasonal blooms, walk the peaceful pathways, and learn about Jefferson's contributions to American gardening and agriculture.
14. RVP~1875 Historical Furniture Shop
LIVING HISTORY WORKSHOP
RVP~1875 Historical Furniture Shop recreates a 19th-century woodworking establishment with authentic tools and techniques. Master craftsmen demonstrate traditional furniture-making methods that would have been used during Scranton's founding era. Visitors can watch the creation of period pieces and learn about the important role of skilled trades in early Iowa communities.
15. Greene County Historical Museum
LOCAL HERITAGE COLLECTION
The Greene County Historical Museum preserves and showcases the rich history of the region including Scranton and surrounding communities. Exhibits feature artifacts, photographs, and documents chronicling pioneer life, agricultural development, and small-town evolution in central Iowa. The museum's collection helps visitors understand the cultural and economic forces that shaped Greene County from its settlement to the present day.