Stanton IowaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Stanton, Iowa.
1. Swedish Coffee Pot Water Tower
UNIQUE CULTURAL LANDMARK
The Swedish Coffee Pot Water Tower is Stanton's distinctive landmark, constructed as a water tower in the shape of the world's largest Swedish coffeepot to honor the town's immigrant heritage. Painted white like most houses in the town, it serves as both a functional water source and a popular tourist attraction. Visitors often begin their tour of Stanton by viewing this unique structure located next to the Swedish Heritage & Cultural Center.
2. Swedish Heritage & Cultural Center
IMMIGRANT HISTORY SHOWCASE
The Swedish Heritage & Cultural Center offers visitors a deep dive into the history of Swedish immigration and the founding of Stanton through artifacts, photos, and exhibits. The center features a restored classroom from 1930-1950, a Children's Home exhibit, and a growing genealogy library that helps residents and descendants trace their Stanton roots. The upper floor houses additional exhibits about local history including the town baseball team, local FFA, and various historical collections.
3. Viking Lake State Park
OUTDOOR RECREATION HUB
Viking Lake State Park, located just outside Stanton, is a hub for outdoor recreation featuring a no-wake lake, beach, volleyball court, horseshoe pits, and fishing access. The park offers a 5.5-mile multi-use trail around the lake and a one-mile Burr Oak Nature Trail for hiking enthusiasts. Visitors praise the park for being pretty and clean, with camping options ranging from tent sites to full-service accommodations and helpful park rangers.
4. Fika Coffee Hus & Kustom Sweets
SWEDISH-INSPIRED COFFEE SHOP
Fika Coffee Hus & Kustom Sweets is a popular local café that offers a variety of hot drinks, snacks, and freshly baked goods. The shop honors the Swedish concept of 'fika,' a coffee break that's an essential part of Swedish culture. Visitors can enjoy prepared foods to enjoy on-site or take home, making it a perfect starting point for a day of exploration in Stanton.
5. Gibbs Chophouse
LOCAL FINE DINING
Gibbs Chophouse is Stanton's premier dining destination, offering a rotating menu of dinner options Thursday through Saturday evenings. The restaurant is known as the place to be for Sunday brunch, drawing locals and visitors alike. With its quality food and welcoming atmosphere, Gibbs Chophouse represents an important part of Stanton's community and culinary scene.
6. Anderson Park
COMMUNITY SPORTS VENUE
Anderson Park serves as the home field for the high school Vikings baseball team and hosts a multitude of community events throughout the year. The park provides picnic facilities for organizations and families to gather and enjoy outdoor meals. Each August, Anderson Park becomes the venue for the annual Stanton Antique Tractor Display, one of the biggest shows in the area featuring over 75 tractors from across Southwest Iowa.
7. Alamosa Park
PEACEFUL PICNIC SPOT
Alamosa Park is a tranquil green space located just north of the high school softball field in Stanton. The park features 3-5 picnic tables, a grill, and a walking trail, making it ideal for family gatherings or peaceful strolls. Visitors appreciate the beautiful setting under mature trees that provide ample shade during warm Iowa summers.
8. Stanton Antique Tractor Display
ANNUAL AGRICULTURAL HERITAGE EVENT
The Stanton Antique Tractor Display is an annual event established in 2007 by Kevin and Mike Bruning that has grown to become one of the largest tractor shows in Southwest Iowa. Held every August at Anderson Park, the event attracts over 75 vintage tractors from across the region, drawing enthusiasts and casual visitors alike. Local businesses support the event by donating prizes for participants, while the Stanton Booster Club provides meals for all attendees.
9. Restored Burlington Northern Depot & WWII Memorial Museum
HISTORIC RAILWAY PRESERVATION
The Restored Burlington Northern Depot & WWII Memorial Museum preserves an important piece of Stanton's transportation history while honoring those who served in World War II. The museum houses artifacts, photographs, and exhibits that tell the story of both the railroad's significance to the region and the sacrifices of local veterans. Visitors consistently rate this attraction highly for its educational value and historical significance.
10. Whitetail Valley Farm
RURAL AGRITOURISM DESTINATION
Whitetail Valley Farm offers visitors a chance to experience Iowa's agricultural heritage and rural lifestyle in a picturesque setting near Stanton. The farm provides seasonal activities that may include produce picking, farm tours, and opportunities to interact with farm animals. As an agritourism destination, it connects urban and suburban visitors with the farming traditions that remain central to Iowa's identity.
11. Villisca Axe Murder House
INFAMOUS HISTORICAL SITE
The Villisca Axe Murder House, located nearby in Villisca, is the site of one of Iowa's most notorious unsolved crimes where eight people were murdered in 1912. The house has been restored to its 1912 appearance and offers tours for those interested in true crime history or paranormal activity. With high visitor ratings, it attracts tourists from across the country who are drawn to its macabre history and reports of supernatural occurrences.
12. Clarinda Carnegie Art Museum
REGIONAL ART COLLECTION
The Clarinda Carnegie Art Museum, housed in a historic Carnegie library building in nearby Clarinda, showcases regional artwork and hosts rotating exhibitions throughout the year. The museum's collection highlights Iowa artists and Midwestern themes, providing cultural enrichment for visitors to southwestern Iowa. With excellent ratings from visitors, the museum offers a refined artistic experience within a short drive from Stanton.
13. Heritage Hill Pottery
LOCAL ARTISAN WORKSHOP
Heritage Hill Pottery is a working pottery studio where visitors can observe skilled artisans creating handcrafted ceramic pieces using traditional and modern techniques. The studio offers a selection of unique pottery items for purchase, many reflecting the Swedish heritage and rural aesthetic of the region. Pottery enthusiasts appreciate the opportunity to connect with local craftspeople and take home authentic, handmade souvenirs from Stanton.
14. Red Oak Country Club
SCENIC GOLF EXPERIENCE
Red Oak Country Club offers golfers a picturesque course nestled in the rolling hills of southwestern Iowa, just a short drive from Stanton. The well-maintained fairways and greens provide both challenge and enjoyment for players of all skill levels. Beyond golf, the club offers dining facilities and serves as a social hub for the broader community.
15. Stanton Inn Motel
COZY LOCAL ACCOMMODATION
The Stanton Inn Motel provides comfortable lodging for visitors exploring Stanton and its surroundings, serving as the primary accommodation option in town. The inn offers convenient access to local attractions including the Swedish Heritage & Cultural Center and Viking Lake State Park. Its presence allows tourists to fully immerse themselves in the small-town charm of Stanton rather than commuting from larger nearby cities.