Vining Iowa
ATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Vining, Iowa.
1. Coral Ridge Mall
SHOPPING & ENTERTAINMENT | CORALVILLE IA
Coral Ridge Mall is a bustling retail hub offering over 100 specialty stores, making it a favorite destination for shopping enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy a range of activities, including ice skating on the regulation-size rink or catching the latest blockbuster at the 10-screen movie theater. The mall also features a diverse selection of dining options, from fast food to sit-down restaurants, ensuring a satisfying culinary experience. With its clean and spacious layout, Coral Ridge Mall is perfect for families and individuals seeking a fun and convenient outing.
2. Fenelon Place Elevator Company
SCENIC FUNICULAR RIDE | DUBUQUE IA
The Fenelon Place Elevator Company offers a thrilling journey on one of the shortest and steepest funicular railways in the world. Visitors ascend 189 feet in just 296 feet of track, revealing breathtaking views of Dubuque's cityscape, the Mississippi River, and surrounding greenery. At the summit, an observation area provides the perfect spot to capture panoramic photos and enjoy the serene beauty of Iowa's landscapes. This historic attraction combines engineering marvels with scenic charm, making it a must-visit for history buffs and sightseers alike.
3. Buddy Holly Crash Site
MUSICAL MEMORIAL | CLEAR LAKE IA
The Buddy Holly Crash Site honors the tragic loss of rock-and-roll legends Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and J.P. Richardson in 1959. Located in a quiet cornfield near Clear Lake, visitors can pay tribute at this solemn site marked by simple memorials. Nearby attractions include the Surf Ballroom where Holly performed his final show before the crash. This historical landmark offers fans a reflective journey into music history.
4. Birdland Park
SCENIC RETREAT | DES MOINES IA
Birdland Park in Des Moines offers 46.7 acres of natural beauty with lush greenery, tranquil waterways, and well-maintained trails perfect for walking or jogging. The park provides amenities such as playgrounds, sports facilities, restrooms, and shelters to enhance visitor comfort. Whether enjoying a leisurely stroll or engaging in fitness activities, Birdland Park delivers a refreshing escape from urban life. Its picturesque landscapes make it a favorite spot for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages.
5. Mormon Pioneer National Historic Trail
HISTORIC JOURNEY | SOUTHERN IOWA
The Mormon Pioneer National Historic Trail commemorates the epic migration of over 70,000 Mormons from Nauvoo, Illinois, to Utah between 1846 and 1869. Spanning 1,300 miles across various states, including Iowa, the trail offers opportunities for auto-touring, hiking, and visiting interpretive sites that highlight this monumental journey. Key landmarks along the Iowa section include river crossings and historical markers that tell stories of perseverance and community. Visitors can immerse themselves in history through museums and centers dedicated to preserving the legacy of this westward migration.
6. Grant Wood Scenic Byway
ARTISTIC LANDSCAPES | EASTERN IOWA
The Grant Wood Scenic Byway immerses travelers in the rolling hills and pastoral beauty that inspired the iconic works of artist Grant Wood. Spanning 80 miles through Jones and Jackson counties, the route showcases charming farm towns, historic limestone buildings, and natural wonders like Maquoketa Caves State Park. Visitors can explore cultural landmarks such as Stone City Art Colony and the Hurstville Lime Kilns while enjoying the authentic rural charm of Iowa. This byway offers a blend of art, history, and nature that captures the essence of the Midwest.
7. Maquoketa Caves State Park
CAVE EXPLORATION | MAQUOKETA IA
Maquoketa Caves State Park offers a unique adventure for nature enthusiasts with its extensive network of 13 caves, towering bluffs, and scenic hiking trails. Visitors can explore Dancehall Cave, a lighted walkway through one of the park's most impressive solutional caves, or crawl into smaller caves like Fat Man's Misery for a more intimate experience. Above ground, the park features a six-mile trail system connecting geological wonders such as the Natural Bridge and Balanced Rock. The Interpretive Center provides educational insights into the park's geology and the preservation efforts aimed at protecting its bat population.
8. Pella Historical Village & Vermeer Windmill
DUTCH HERITAGE EXPERIENCE | PELLA IA
Step into Dutch culture at Pella Historical Village & Vermeer Windmill in Pella-a charming town steeped in tradition. The centerpiece is the towering Vermeer Windmill, an authentic Dutch structure rebuilt in Iowa that offers guided tours showcasing its craftsmanship and operation. Surrounding it are 21 restored historical buildings featuring exhibits on early Dutch settlers' lives alongside tulip-filled gardens that bloom seasonally. Events celebrating Dutch music, food, and art make this destination perfect for families seeking cultural enrichment year-round.
9. Iowa State Capitol
ARCHITECTURAL GEM | DES MOINES IA
The Iowa State Capitol stands as a magnificent symbol of history and governance with its iconic golden dome visible from miles away. Visitors can explore its ornate interiors, including the grand staircase, law library, and legislative chambers, either through self-guided or docent-led tours. The building's intricate design and historical significance make it a captivating destination for architecture lovers and history buffs. Its central location in Des Moines ensures easy access to nearby attractions and amenities.
10. Walnut Woods State Park
SERENE ENVIRONMENT | WEST DES MOINES IA
Walnut Woods State Park is a picturesque haven with over 400 acres of towering walnut trees, hiking trails, and picnic spots. Visitors can explore scenic paths suitable for walking, biking, or horseback riding while enjoying opportunities for birdwatching or fishing nearby. The park's serene environment makes it ideal for both leisurely strolls and adventurous hikes. Open year-round, it's a prime destination for reconnecting with nature.
11. Robert D. Ray Asian Garden
CULTURAL LANDMARK | DES MOINES IA
Situated along the Des Moines River downtown, Robert D. Ray Asian Garden celebrates diversity through its peaceful landscaping and cultural symbolism. Features include a 37-foot-tall Chinese pavilion, stone pagodas, sculptural rock formations, and a flowing water feature. Informative signs highlight the contributions of Asian Americans to Iowa's history. Visitors can enjoy serene views while walking through small trails or relaxing by the river.
12. Des Moines Water Works Park
NATURE & RECREATION | DES MOINES IA
Des Moines Water Works Park spans over 1,500 acres of lush greenery and scenic trails along the Raccoon River. Visitors can enjoy activities such as hiking, biking, fishing, birdwatching, or simply relaxing amidst beautifully designed gardens. The park also hosts community events like farmers' markets and concerts in its open amphitheater throughout the year. With its serene environment and accessibility for all ages, this urban oasis offers an ideal escape in the heart of Des Moines.
13. Yellow River State Forest
WILDERNESS PARADISE | HARPERS FERRY IA
Yellow River State Forest is an expansive 8,900-acre area known for its stunning hiking trails through hardwood forests and along the Yellow River. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy camping, fishing in trout streams, horseback riding, or cross-country skiing during winter months. This forest also holds historical significance with ancient Native American burial mounds scattered throughout its terrain. It's an ideal destination for adventurers seeking both natural beauty and cultural heritage.
14. Effigy Mounds National Monument
ANCIENT EARTHWORKS | HARPERS FERRY IA
Effigy Mounds National Monument features over 200 prehistoric animal-shaped mounds built by Native Americans during the Late Woodland Period. Spanning 2,500 acres along the Mississippi River, this site offers 14 miles of hiking trails with breathtaking views and interpretive signs explaining its historical significance. Birdwatchers will appreciate its location within the Yellow River Forest Bird Conservation Area while history buffs can delve deeper into its past at the visitor center. Effigy Mounds combines natural beauty with cultural heritage for an enriching experience.
15. Devonian Fossil Gorge
ANCIENT GEOLOGICAL TREASURES | IOWA CITY IA
The Devonian Fossil Gorge in Iowa City showcases rock formations dating back over 375 million years, offering visitors a glimpse into ancient marine life. Well-marked trails guide guests through this unique geological site filled with fossils embedded in limestone. Perfect for families and geology enthusiasts alike, the gorge combines educational opportunities with scenic hiking paths surrounded by lush greenery. A picnic amidst this fascinating natural wonder makes for an unforgettable day outdoors.