Thurman IowaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Thurman, Iowa.
1. Sugar Clay Winery & Vineyards
PEACEFUL WINE TASTING
Sugar Clay Winery & Vineyards offers a relaxing wine tasting experience in Thurman. Visitors can enjoy various wines along with snacks such as chips and salsa. It provides a peaceful atmosphere, making it an ideal spot to spend a Sunday afternoon, often featuring live music by performers like the Fremont's.
2. Husker Paintball Adventures
ADRENALINE-PUMPING ACTION
Husker Paintball Adventures provides an exciting outdoor activity option in Thurman. The facility has earned a perfect 5.0 rating from visitors, indicating high satisfaction with the experience. Players can enjoy the thrill of tactical paintball games in a well-designed playing environment.
3. Blackburn State Park
NATURAL SCENIC RETREAT
Blackburn State Park is a 72-acre natural area located about 3 miles northeast of Thurman. The park features hiking trails through timber, a reservable pavilion/picnic shelter, and an overlook platform perfect for gatherings. It was formed in 2019 from land donated by William R. and Sara Blackburn, whose ancestors settled the area in the 1840s.
4. Loess Hills National Scenic Byway
STUNNING GEOLOGICAL DRIVE
The Loess Hills National Scenic Byway passes through Thurman, offering breathtaking views of this unique geological formation. The byway traverses the rare loess soil formations that are found in only a few places worldwide. Visitors can enjoy scenic drives with numerous overlooks and hiking opportunities to experience the distinctive landscape.
5. Horse Creek Adventures
EQUESTRIAN OUTDOOR FUN
Horse Creek Adventures provides horseback riding experiences in the scenic Thurman area. Visitors can explore the beautiful landscape of the region on guided horseback tours. The adventure offers a unique way to connect with nature while experiencing the thrill of riding.
6. Grand Encampment / Mormon Battalion Mustering Grounds Marker
HISTORIC MORMON TRAIL
The Grand Encampment / Mormon Battalion Mustering Grounds Marker commemorates an important historical site in Thurman. This marker indicates where Mormon pioneers gathered during their westward journey in the 1840s. Visitors can learn about the historical significance of this location in the Mormon migration and the formation of the Mormon Battalion.
7. Waubonsie State Park
HIKING AND CAMPING
Waubonsie State Park is a popular outdoor destination near Thurman that manages Blackburn State Park. The park features extensive hiking trails through the dramatic Loess Hills landscape with stunning overlooks of the Missouri River Valley. Visitors can enjoy camping, picnicking, and wildlife observation in this natural setting.
8. Kimmel Orchard & Vineyard
FRESH FRUIT PARADISE
Kimmel Orchard & Vineyard is a popular agricultural attraction near Thurman where visitors can pick their own seasonal fruits. The orchard offers wine tastings, a market with fresh produce, and various food products made from their harvests. With a 4.1 rating from 86 reviews, it's a well-regarded destination for families seeking a farm experience.
9. Lake Ahquabi State Park
LAKESIDE RECREATION AREA
Lake Ahquabi State Park provides 770 acres of serene outdoor adventures near the Thurman region. The park centers around a 117-acre lake where visitors can enjoy fishing, swimming, and boating activities. Hiking and biking trails wind through the park, offering additional recreational opportunities for nature enthusiasts.
10. Green Hollow Wildlife Management Area
WILDLIFE OBSERVATION HAVEN
Green Hollow Wildlife Management Area is part of the approximately 1000 acres of preserved public grounds near Blackburn State Park in Thurman. The area is managed by the Nishnabotna Wildlife Unit of the State Department of Natural Resources. Visitors can observe local wildlife, hike through natural habitats, and engage in permitted hunting activities during appropriate seasons.
11. Blackburn Wildlife Management Area
NATURAL HABITAT PRESERVE
Blackburn Wildlife Management Area forms part of the 1000 acres of preserved lands surrounding Blackburn State Park near Thurman. This natural area provides important habitat for local wildlife species and offers opportunities for nature observation. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore the area while participating in activities such as hiking, birdwatching, and seasonal hunting.
12. Fremont County Historical Society Museum
LOCAL HERITAGE COLLECTION
The Fremont County Historical Society Museum preserves the rich history of the region surrounding Thurman. Exhibits showcase artifacts, photographs, and documents that tell the story of early settlers, agricultural development, and community growth. Visitors can gain insights into the cultural heritage and historical events that shaped Fremont County and its towns including Thurman.
13. Arbor Lodge State Historical Park
HISTORIC MANSION GARDENS
Arbor Lodge State Historical Park is located near Thurman across the Missouri River in Nebraska City. The park features the impressive 52-room mansion that was once the home of J. Sterling Morton, the founder of Arbor Day. Visitors can tour the historic home, explore the beautiful gardens, and enjoy the arboretum with over 260 varieties of trees and shrubs.
14. Sidney Rodeo
WESTERN RODEO TRADITION
The Sidney Rodeo is one of Iowa's oldest continuous rodeos held annually near Thurman in neighboring Sidney. The event features professional rodeo competitions, including bull riding, barrel racing, and other traditional rodeo events. Visitors from across the region gather to enjoy this celebration of western heritage that has been a community tradition since 1923.
15. Riverton Wildlife Management Area
WATERFOWL HUNTING DESTINATION
Riverton Wildlife Management Area is a significant natural preserve located near Thurman in Fremont County. The area is renowned for its wetlands that attract numerous waterfowl species, making it popular for birdwatching and seasonal hunting. Visitors can explore the diverse ecosystems while enjoying activities such as hiking, wildlife photography, and nature observation.