Wadena IowaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Wadena, Iowa.
1. Wadena Lighted Cross
ILLUMINATED HILLSIDE MONUMENT
The Wadena Lighted Cross is a well-known landmark located on the hill south of town that overlooks the entire community. It was erected during the bicentennial celebrations in 1976 and has become an iconic symbol of the town. The cross is maintained entirely through community donations and continues to serve as a distinctive feature of Wadena's landscape.
2. Barney's Restaurant
HOME OF BARNEY BURGER
Barney's Restaurant is famous for their juicy Barney Burger which has become a popular attraction in Wadena. The restaurant displays historic photos from the famous Wadena Rock Fest, making it both a dining destination and a place of local history. Visitors traveling through the area, especially motorcyclists, often make Barney's a perfect stopping point during their journey.
3. Volga River State Recreation Area
OUTDOOR RECREATION PARADISE
Volga River State Recreation Area offers extensive outdoor recreational opportunities near Wadena. The area features camping, hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing in a picturesque natural setting. Visitors can enjoy the beauty of Iowa's Driftless Area while engaging in various outdoor activities throughout the seasons.
4. Wadena Rock Fest Historic Site
IOWA'S WOODSTOCK EQUIVALENT
The Wadena Rock Fest Historic Site marks the location of the Woodstock-like music festival held on a nearby farm from August 1-3, 1970. This significant cultural event has become an important part of Wadena's identity and Iowa's music history. A second rock festival was attempted in late July 1995, though it didn't achieve the same success or notoriety as the original event.
5. Grannis Creek
SCENIC NATURAL WATERWAY
Grannis Creek is a natural waterway that flows through the Wadena area, offering beautiful scenery and outdoor recreation opportunities. The creek contributes to the picturesque landscape that makes this part of Iowa's Driftless Area so appealing to visitors. Nature enthusiasts can enjoy fishing, wildlife watching, and photography along its banks.
6. Wadena City Park
COMMUNITY GATHERING SPACE
Wadena City Park serves as the primary community gathering space in this small Iowa town. The park provides recreational facilities for local residents and visitors alike. It represents the heart of community life in Wadena, hosting various events throughout the year.
7. Fayette County Barn Quilts Route
RURAL ART TOUR
The Fayette County Barn Quilts Route showcases colorful quilt patterns painted on barns throughout the rural landscape surrounding Wadena. This self-guided driving tour combines agricultural heritage with folk art traditions unique to the American Midwest. Visitors can appreciate both the artistic designs and the picturesque countryside while exploring the back roads of Fayette County.
8. Historic Bridges of Iowa
ENGINEERING HERITAGE TOUR
The Historic Bridges of Iowa near Wadena showcase remarkable examples of early American engineering and transportation infrastructure. These bridges span the region's rivers and creeks, offering both historical significance and scenic photo opportunities. Visitors interested in architecture, history, or photography will appreciate these well-preserved structures that connect the past with the present.
9. River Bluffs Scenic Byway
BREATHTAKING COUNTRYSIDE DRIVE
The River Bluffs Scenic Byway offers a spectacular driving route through the dramatic landscape surrounding Wadena. The byway winds through the unique Driftless Area of Iowa, featuring limestone bluffs, river valleys, and picturesque small towns. Travelers can enjoy magnificent views while passing through some of the most scenic countryside in northeastern Iowa.
10. Big Rock Country Club
SCENIC GOLF EXPERIENCE
Big Rock Country Club provides golfers with a pleasant course experience near Wadena in Iowa's scenic Driftless Area. The country club offers well-maintained fairways and greens set against the backdrop of northeastern Iowa's rolling hills. Both locals and visitors appreciate this recreational facility for its welcoming atmosphere and beautiful setting.
11. Volga U Campground
RIVERSIDE CAMPING RETREAT
Volga U Campground provides outdoor enthusiasts with excellent camping facilities in the peaceful countryside near Wadena. Located along the Volga River, the campground offers direct access to water activities and scenic hiking opportunities. Campers can enjoy the tranquility of nature while still being within a convenient distance of Wadena and other local attractions.
12. Brush Creek Canyon State Preserve
PRISTINE NATURAL SANCTUARY
Brush Creek Canyon State Preserve protects a remarkable natural area featuring deep limestone canyons, native woodland communities, and diverse plant and animal species. The preserve offers hiking trails that wind through dramatic terrain, allowing visitors to experience the unique geology and ecology of Iowa's Driftless Area. Nature enthusiasts, photographers, and hikers find this unspoiled natural environment particularly appealing for its scenic beauty and biodiversity.
13. Montauk Historical Site
GOVERNOR'S HISTORIC HOME
Montauk Historical Site preserves the stately home and surrounding grounds of Iowa's 12th governor, William Larrabee, located a short drive from Wadena. The impressive 1874 mansion features original furnishings and personal belongings of the Larrabee family, offering visitors a glimpse into late 19th century upper-class life in Iowa. The site also includes beautiful grounds, outbuildings, and exhibits about Governor Larrabee's significant contributions to Iowa politics and railroad regulation.
14. Valley Elementary School
EDUCATIONAL COMMUNITY LANDMARK
Valley Elementary School serves as an important educational and community landmark for the Wadena area as part of the North Fayette Valley School System. The school shares its facility with the North Fayette Valley Middle School in a location between Elgin and Clermont. This educational institution represents the commitment of local communities to providing quality education for their youth despite the challenges faced by rural school districts.
15. North Fayette Valley High School
HOME OF THE TIGERHAWKS
North Fayette Valley High School in West Union serves students from Wadena and surrounding communities as part of a consolidated rural school district. The school's mascot, the Tigerhawk, represents the combination of the former Valley Tigers and North Fayette Hawks following the districts' merger in 2013. This educational institution exemplifies how rural communities in Iowa have adapted to changing demographics while continuing to provide quality educational opportunities for their youth.