Shueyville IowaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Shueyville, Iowa.
1. Cedar Ridge Distillery & Winery
AWARD-WINNING SPIRITS AND WINES
Cedar Ridge Distillery & Winery is the first licensed distillery in Iowa since prohibition. Visitors can enjoy tours of the facility, tastings of award-winning whiskeys and wines, and dining at their on-site restaurant. The scenic venue also hosts events throughout the year with beautiful vineyard views.
2. Prairie Patch Farm
FAMILY-FRIENDLY ANIMAL ENCOUNTERS
Prairie Patch Farm offers visitors a chance to interact with a variety of farm animals in a natural setting. Families can enjoy educational tours, special events, and hands-on experiences with the animals. The farm focuses on creating meaningful connections between people, animals, and nature.
3. Airport National Public Golf Course
SCENIC GOLFING EXPERIENCE
Airport National Public Golf Course provides golfers with a well-maintained 18-hole course suitable for players of all skill levels. The course features scenic fairways, challenging water hazards, and strategically placed bunkers. Amenities include a clubhouse, pro shop, and dining options for visitors.
4. Ushers Ferry Historic Village
STEP BACK IN TIME
Ushers Ferry Historic Village recreates early 20th century Iowa life with authentic buildings and exhibits. Visitors can explore more than 20 historic structures including a church, school, and various shops that represent a typical small Iowa town. The village hosts special events, educational programs, and living history demonstrations throughout the year.
5. Morgan Creek Park and Arboretum
NATURAL BEAUTY AND RECREATION
Morgan Creek Park and Arboretum offers visitors a diverse natural setting with hiking trails, fishing opportunities, and picnic areas. The arboretum features a variety of native and ornamental trees and plants that create a peaceful environment for nature lovers. Seasonal activities include cross-country skiing in winter and wildflower viewing in spring and summer.
6. Walnut Woods State Park
RIVERSIDE NATURAL ESCAPE
Walnut Woods State Park features one of the largest remaining stands of black walnut trees in Iowa along the Raccoon River. Visitors can enjoy hiking, fishing, picnicking, and camping facilities within this scenic natural area. The park's lodge is a popular venue for events and gatherings with its rustic charm and beautiful surroundings.
7. Loess Hills National Scenic Byway
UNIQUE GEOLOGICAL FORMATION
The Loess Hills National Scenic Byway winds through a rare landform of windblown silt deposits found in only a few places worldwide. This 220-mile route offers spectacular views, access to numerous parks, preserves, and cultural sites representing Iowa's natural and cultural heritage. Travelers can explore hiking trails, overlooks, and visitor centers that explain the unique geology and ecology of the region.
8. Pella Historical Village & Vermeer Windmill
DUTCH HERITAGE EXPERIENCE
Pella Historical Village showcases the town's rich Dutch heritage through authentic buildings, exhibits, and the tallest working windmill in the United States. Visitors can tour 22 buildings including the Vermeer Windmill, boyhood home of Wyatt Earp, and various shops displaying traditional Dutch crafts and culture. The village comes alive during Pella's famous Tulip Time Festival held annually in May.
9. Yellow River State Forest
OUTDOOR ADVENTURE PARADISE
Yellow River State Forest encompasses over 8,500 acres of diverse terrain including hardwood forests, pine plantations, and rugged bluffs. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy over 25 miles of hiking trails, trout fishing streams, hunting areas, and camping facilities. The forest's unique position in the Driftless Area provides spectacular scenery and wildlife viewing opportunities year-round.
10. Backbone State Park
IOWA'S FIRST STATE PARK
Backbone State Park, Iowa's first state park, features dramatic limestone ridge formations known as the 'Devil's Backbone.' Visitors can enjoy diverse recreational activities including hiking, rock climbing, fishing in Backbone Lake, and staying in historic CCC-built cabins. The park's unique geological features, diverse wildlife, and scenic beauty make it a popular destination throughout the year.
11. Beadle Park
COMMUNITY GATHERING SPACE
Beadle Park serves as a cultural and recreational hub for the Cresco community with its well-maintained grounds and facilities. The park combines elements of arts and culture with outdoor recreation opportunities for visitors of all ages. Its central location makes it an ideal spot for community gatherings, events, and leisure activities.
12. Bily Clocks Museum and Antonin Dvorak Exhibit
HANDCRAFTED TIMEPIECE COLLECTION
The Bily Clocks Museum houses an extraordinary collection of intricately carved wooden clocks created by the Bily brothers in the early 20th century. Each handcrafted timepiece tells a story through detailed carvings depicting historical events, literary works, and religious themes. The museum also features an exhibit dedicated to Czech composer Antonin Dvorak who spent a productive summer in Spillville in 1893.
13. Bixby State Preserve
HIDDEN NATURAL GEM
Bixby State Preserve protects a unique ecosystem featuring an ice cave, cold-producing talus slope, and rare plant species. Visitors can explore hiking trails through the preserve's diverse habitats including algific talus slopes that maintain near-freezing temperatures even in summer. The preserve's geological and botanical features make it a site of significant scientific interest and natural beauty.
14. Cresco Theatre and Opera House
HISTORIC PERFORMING ARTS VENUE
The Cresco Theatre and Opera House has been a cultural cornerstone of the community since its construction in 1915. This beautifully restored venue hosts a variety of performances including films, live theater, concerts, and community events. The theater's historic architecture and modern amenities provide a unique entertainment experience that bridges past and present.
15. Effigy Mounds National Monument
ANCIENT NATIVE AMERICAN SITE
Effigy Mounds National Monument preserves more than 200 prehistoric mounds built by Native American cultures, including rare effigy mounds shaped like bears and birds. Visitors can explore 14 miles of hiking trails that wind through forested landscapes offering spectacular views of the Mississippi River valley. The site's interpretive center provides educational exhibits about the mound-building cultures and the natural history of the region.