Sheldahl IowaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Sheldahl, Iowa.
1. High Trestle Trail
SCENIC BIKING ADVENTURE
High Trestle Trail is a popular recreational trail that runs through Sheldahl, Iowa. The trail features beautiful countryside views and connects several communities in central Iowa. Visitors can enjoy biking, walking, or running along this well-maintained path that showcases Iowa's natural beauty.
2. Heart of Iowa Nature Trail
PEACEFUL NATURE PATHWAY
Heart of Iowa Nature Trail offers visitors a peaceful escape into Iowa's natural landscape near Sheldahl. The trail winds through wooded areas, prairie lands, and agricultural settings, providing diverse scenery throughout the seasons. Nature enthusiasts can spot local wildlife and native plants while enjoying this tranquil outdoor recreation area.
3. Snus Hill Vineyard and Winery
LOCAL WINE TASTING
Snus Hill Vineyard and Winery is a charming establishment near Sheldahl that offers visitors a taste of locally produced wines. The winery features beautiful grounds with picturesque views of rolling hills and vineyards. Guests can enjoy wine tastings, special events, and relaxing afternoons on the property throughout the year.
4. Big Creek State Park
OUTDOOR RECREATION DESTINATION
Big Creek State Park is a recreational haven featuring a 864-acre lake and numerous outdoor activities near Sheldahl. Visitors can enjoy swimming, boating, fishing, and picnicking during the warmer months. The park also offers hiking trails, wildlife viewing opportunities, and beautiful scenery year-round.
5. Tournament Club of Iowa
PREMIER GOLF EXPERIENCE
Tournament Club of Iowa is an Arnold Palmer Signature golf course located a short drive from Sheldahl. The course features challenging holes set amid dramatic elevation changes and scenic wooded landscapes. Golf enthusiasts appreciate the well-maintained fairways, professional amenities, and exceptional playing experience at this premier destination.
6. Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad
HISTORIC RAILWAY JOURNEY
Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad offers visitors a nostalgic journey through Iowa's picturesque countryside near Sheldahl. Passengers travel on vintage trains across the breathtaking 156-foot tall Bass Point Creek High Bridge with stunning valley views. The attraction also includes the James H. Andrew Railroad Museum, which houses an impressive collection of railroad artifacts and memorabilia.
7. Living History Farms
INTERACTIVE HISTORICAL EXPERIENCE
Living History Farms is an interactive outdoor museum chronicling 300 years of Iowa's agricultural and rural history. Visitors can explore historical farms, interact with costumed interpreters demonstrating period-appropriate farming techniques, and learn about rural life across different eras. The 500-acre open-air museum provides an educational and entertaining experience for visitors of all ages throughout the season.
8. John Wayne Birthplace Museum
ICONIC WESTERN LEGEND
John Wayne Birthplace Museum celebrates the life and career of Hollywood legend John Wayne, who was born in Winterset, Iowa. The museum houses the largest collection of John Wayne artifacts in existence, including original movie posters, scripts, costumes, and personal correspondence. Visitors can tour the modest four-room home where Wayne was born and explore exhibits detailing his journey from small-town Iowa to international stardom.
9. Herbert Hoover National Historic Site
PRESIDENTIAL HERITAGE SITE
Herbert Hoover National Historic Site preserves the birthplace and childhood home of America's 31st president. Visitors can explore the humble two-room cottage where Hoover was born, along with other historic buildings including a blacksmith shop, schoolhouse, and Quaker meetinghouse. The site also includes the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum, which houses extensive exhibits on Hoover's life and presidency.
10. Carsten's 1880 Farmstead
AUTHENTIC AGRICULTURAL HERITAGE
Carsten's 1880 Farmstead is an 80-acre working farm exhibit featuring authentic machinery, tools, and primitives from the late 19th century. The historical site includes the original Carstens family home complete with period furnishings that transport visitors back in time. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the farmstead hosts special events including steam engine threshing demonstrations during its annual farm show held the first weekend after Labor Day.
11. Agriculture Symbol
ICONIC RURAL MONUMENT
The Agriculture Symbol is a striking 76-foot steel sculpture located along Interstate 80 in Shelby County. This impressive landmark symbolizes the importance of agriculture and honors the men and women who work the land to produce food for the world. The monument also pays tribute to the pioneers who cultivated the region's fertile soil and established its agricultural traditions.
12. German Villages Tour
CULTURAL HERITAGE EXPERIENCE
The German Villages Tour showcases five historic communities in Shelby County with strong German Catholic heritage: Defiance, Earling, Panama, Portsmouth, and Westphalia. Visitors can explore magnificent historic churches featuring stunning craftsmanship and architectural details that reflect the region's cultural heritage. The tour provides a fascinating glimpse into the lasting influence of German settlers on the development and character of these charming rural communities.
13. George Wyth State Park
URBAN WILDERNESS RETREAT
George Wyth State Park offers a unique urban wilderness experience with over 1,200 acres along the Cedar River. Visitors can enjoy four lakes for fishing and water recreation, plus miles of paved trails for hiking, biking, and cross-country skiing. The park serves as an important habitat for wildlife, including deer and numerous bird species, making it popular with nature photographers and birdwatchers.
14. Outlets & Marketplace Williamsburg
PREMIER SHOPPING DESTINATION
Outlets & Marketplace Williamsburg is a popular shopping destination featuring numerous brand-name outlet stores offering discounted merchandise. The shopping center provides a comfortable indoor environment with a wide variety of retailers selling clothing, accessories, home goods, and specialty items. Visitors from across the region are drawn to this retail destination for its combination of selection, value, and convenient amenities.
15. State Historical Museum of Iowa
IOWA'S CULTURAL TREASURY
The State Historical Museum of Iowa houses an extensive collection of artifacts, documents, and exhibits chronicling Iowa's rich heritage. Visitors can explore multiple floors of permanent and rotating displays that showcase everything from prehistoric fossils to pioneer settlements and modern innovations. The museum offers educational programs, special events, and interactive exhibits that bring the state's diverse history to life for guests of all ages.