Spring Hill IowaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Spring Hill, Iowa.
1. The Garden Barn
RUSTIC FLORAL HAVEN
The Garden Barn offers visitors a charming rural experience with seasonal flowers and plants. Guests can explore the beautifully arranged displays and participate in various gardening workshops. The barn's rustic atmosphere makes it a perfect spot for nature enthusiasts and those seeking gardening inspiration.
2. Rolling Hills Golf Course
SCENIC FAIRWAYS AND GREENS
Rolling Hills Golf Course features picturesque fairways nestled among Iowa's natural landscape. The course offers challenges for golfers of all skill levels with strategically placed hazards and undulating greens. Visitors can enjoy the peaceful countryside views while testing their golfing abilities.
3. Rose Farm
BLOOMING RURAL RETREAT
Rose Farm delights visitors with its spectacular variety of roses and flowering plants in a serene farm setting. The farm hosts seasonal events and workshops where guests can learn about rose cultivation and floral arrangements. Visitors can purchase fresh-cut flowers or potted plants to take home a piece of this floral paradise.
4. Victoria's House at Rose Farm
HISTORIC FARMHOUSE EXPERIENCE
Victoria's House at Rose Farm welcomes guests to experience Iowa's rural heritage in a beautifully preserved farmhouse. The historic building offers a glimpse into traditional farm life through period furnishings and authentic decor. Visitors can enjoy guided tours that highlight the cultural and agricultural significance of the region.
5. Effigy Mounds National Monument
ANCIENT NATIVE HERITAGE
Effigy Mounds National Monument preserves more than 200 prehistoric mounds built by Native American cultures. The site features remarkable earthworks in the shape of birds, bears, and other animals dating back over a thousand years. Visitors can explore hiking trails with stunning Mississippi River overlooks while learning about the spiritual and cultural significance of these ancient structures.
6. Loess Hills National Scenic Byway
DRAMATIC WINDBLOWN LANDSCAPES
The Loess Hills National Scenic Byway winds through unique landforms created by wind-deposited silt during the last ice age. This 220-mile route showcases dramatic ridges, prairie ecosystems, and breathtaking vistas found nowhere else in the country except China. Travelers can enjoy scenic overlooks, hiking trails, and small towns that highlight Iowa's natural beauty and cultural heritage.
7. Adventureland Park
THRILLING FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT
Adventureland Park offers over 100 rides, shows, and attractions for visitors of all ages near Des Moines. The park features thrilling roller coasters, family rides, and a full water park with slides and wave pools. Guests can enjoy live entertainment, themed areas, and various dining options throughout this premier Iowa amusement destination.
8. Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad
HISTORIC RAILWAY JOURNEY
The Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad takes passengers on a nostalgic journey through the picturesque Des Moines River Valley. Visitors ride in vintage railcars pulled by historic locomotives across the breathtaking Bass Point Creek High Bridge. The experience includes educational narration about Iowa's railroad heritage and the natural beauty of the surrounding countryside.
9. Field of Dreams Movie Site
ICONIC BASEBALL LANDMARK
The Field of Dreams Movie Site preserves the iconic baseball diamond and farmhouse from the beloved 1989 film. Visitors can play catch on the same field where Kevin Costner's character built his dream field with the famous cornfield backdrop. The site maintains its cinematic magic, inviting fans to connect with the film's enduring message about following your dreams.
10. National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium
RIVER LIFE EXPLORATION
The National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium offers an immersive journey through the cultural and ecological significance of America's greatest river system. Visitors can explore interactive exhibits featuring over 100 species of animals including otters, alligators, and various fish species native to the Mississippi watershed. The museum complex includes historic buildings, a 4D theater, and opportunities to board actual river vessels.
11. Fenelon Place Elevator
HISTORIC BLUFF INCLINE
The Fenelon Place Elevator is the world's shortest, steepest scenic railway that elevates passengers nearly 200 feet in the length of one city block. This historic funicular, built in 1882, provides breathtaking panoramic views of the Mississippi River and three states—Iowa, Illinois, and Wisconsin. Visitors can experience this unique piece of transportation history while enjoying the quaint shopping area at the base of the bluff.
12. Grotto of the Redemption
SPIRITUAL ROCK MASTERPIECE
The Grotto of the Redemption is one of the largest religious grottos in the world, constructed from precious stones and minerals valued at over $4 million. This massive structure, built by hand over decades, depicts scenes from the life of Christ through nine distinct grottos. Visitors can take guided or self-led tours through this extraordinary religious site that combines spiritual significance with remarkable artistic achievement.
13. Iowa State Capitol
GOLD-DOMED GOVERNMENT LANDMARK
The Iowa State Capitol impresses visitors with its stunning 23-karat gold-leafed dome and ornate interior featuring 29 types of marble. The historic building, completed in 1886, offers free guided tours showcasing grand staircases, a magnificent law library, and chambers decorated with murals and artwork. Visitors can enjoy spectacular views of Des Moines from the building's hilltop location and explore the surrounding Capitol Complex grounds.
14. Dunnings Springs
MAJESTIC LIMESTONE WATERFALL
Dunnings Springs features a spectacular 200-foot limestone waterfall cascading down moss-covered rock formations just minutes from downtown Decorah. The park surrounding the falls offers picnic areas, hiking trails, and limestone bridges perfect for photography enthusiasts. Visitors can experience the peaceful sound of rushing water while exploring this natural gem in northeastern Iowa's driftless region.
15. Backbone State Park
IOWA'S FIRST STATE PARK
Backbone State Park, Iowa's first state park established in 1920, offers outdoor enthusiasts a diverse landscape of dramatic limestone ridges, dense forests, and the winding Maquoketa River. Visitors can enjoy hiking along rugged trails, fishing in trout streams, and camping in one of several campgrounds within the park. The park's Devil's Backbone, a narrow and steep rocky ridge, provides both challenging climbing opportunities and spectacular views of the surrounding countryside.