Waukon IowaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Waukon, Iowa.
1. Empty Nest Winery
LOCAL BERRY WINES
Empty Nest Winery is one of the best attractions in Waukon, offering some of the finest local berry wines in the area. Visitors can gather with friends to taste various wines in a relaxed countryside setting. The winery provides a unique opportunity to experience Iowa's local wine culture and take home some of their exceptional products.
2. Waukon City Park
RECREATION FOR ALL AGES
Waukon City Park offers a welcoming gathering place and large wooden playground for all ages to enjoy. The park serves as a community hub with various recreational facilities including disc golf courses. Families particularly appreciate the well-maintained playground equipment that keeps children entertained during their visit.
3. WW Homestead Dairy
CHEESE CURD CAPITAL
WW Homestead Dairy has earned Waukon the title of 'Cheese Curd Capital of Iowa' with its exceptional dairy products. Visitors can tour the processing plant and farm to learn about dairy production, or simply enjoy the retail store and ice cream parlor. The dairy is known for its fresh products including award-winning cheese curds, milk, and homemade ice cream.
4. Waukon Golf & Country Club
SCENIC GOLFING EXPERIENCE
Waukon Golf & Country Club provides a picturesque setting for golf enthusiasts in northeast Iowa. The course offers well-maintained fairways and greens surrounded by the natural beauty of the region. Golfers of various skill levels can enjoy a challenging yet relaxing game at this local favorite.
5. Town Theater
LOCAL CINEMA EXPERIENCE
Town Theater is a charming local cinema that offers entertainment for Waukon residents and visitors alike. The theater shows current films in a comfortable, small-town setting that harkens back to simpler times. Movie-goers appreciate the affordable tickets and concessions compared to larger city theaters.
6. Studio Five Eleven
ART AND CULTURE
Studio Five Eleven serves as a cultural hub in Waukon, showcasing local art and creativity. The studio offers a space for artists to display their work and for the community to engage with various art forms. Visitors can appreciate the artistic talent of northeast Iowa while experiencing the creative spirit of this small town.
7. Allamakee County Historical Museum
HISTORIC COURTHOUSE EXHIBITS
The Allamakee County Historical Museum is housed in the original courthouse, preserving the rich history of the region. The museum offers tours throughout the year, allowing visitors to explore artifacts and exhibits that tell the story of Waukon and surrounding areas. History enthusiasts will appreciate the well-preserved building and its collection of local historical treasures.
8. Steel Cow Gallery
UNIQUE LOCAL ART
Steel Cow Gallery showcases distinctive artwork with a focus on rural and agricultural themes that reflect the region's heritage. The gallery features creative interpretations of farm animals and countryside scenes that resonate with locals and visitors alike. Art lovers will find unique pieces and gifts that capture the spirit of Iowa's farming culture.
9. Allamakee Antique Mall
VINTAGE TREASURE HUNTING
Allamakee Antique Mall offers a delightful shopping experience for those seeking vintage items and collectibles. Browsers can explore a variety of antiques, from furniture and household items to rare finds that capture the nostalgia of bygone eras. The mall provides a glimpse into history through its eclectic collection of treasures from different time periods.
10. Amish Hill & Country Candies
AWARD-WINNING CHOCOLATES
Amish Hill & Country Candies delights visitors with their award-winning homemade chocolates and confections. The shop creates handcrafted treats using traditional methods that result in exceptional quality and taste. Candy lovers can watch their taste buds dance with joy while sampling these locally made sweet treasures.
11. Paint Creek Bulk Foods & Bakery
FAMOUS HOMEMADE PIES
Paint Creek Bulk Foods & Bakery has earned fame for their exceptional homemade pies that locals and tourists seek out. The bakery offers a variety of fresh-baked goods alongside bulk food items that reflect the area's connection to traditional cooking. Visitors often leave with not just a delicious pie but also pantry staples and specialty ingredients not found in conventional grocery stores.
12. Family Aquatic Center
SUMMER WATER FUN
The Family Aquatic Center in Waukon provides refreshing summer recreation for residents and visitors seeking to beat the heat. The facility features various water attractions suitable for different ages, from shallow areas for toddlers to deeper sections for more experienced swimmers. Families particularly enjoy the clean environment and affordable rates for a day of splashing and swimming.
13. Effigy Mounds National Monument
SACRED ANCIENT GROUNDS
Effigy Mounds National Monument preserves over 200 prehistoric mounds built by Native American cultures, including rare effigy mounds shaped like bears and birds. Located near Waukon, the monument offers free admission year-round and features both north and south units with hiking trails of varying difficulty. Visitors in early October are treated to spectacular fall foliage that enhances the sacred and mysterious atmosphere of these ancient earthworks.
14. Yellow River State Forest
OUTDOOR ADVENTURE PARADISE
Yellow River State Forest near Waukon offers breathtaking scenic views and moderate to challenging trails for outdoor enthusiasts. The forest encompasses diverse ecosystems along the Yellow River, providing opportunities for hiking, camping, fishing, and wildlife observation. Nature lovers appreciate the unspoiled wilderness and the chance to explore one of northeast Iowa's most beautiful natural areas.
15. Upper Iowa River
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC ADVENTURE
The Upper Iowa River has been recognized by National Geographic as one of the 100 Greatest Adventures in America, drawing visitors to northeast Iowa near Waukon. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy kayaking and canoeing through spectacular limestone bluffs and forested valleys that characterize this scenic waterway. The river offers varying difficulty levels, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced paddlers looking to experience the natural beauty of the Driftless Area.