Weldon IowaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Weldon, Iowa.
1. East Lake County Park
SCENIC OUTDOOR RECREATION
East Lake County Park is a popular outdoor destination in Weldon that offers various recreational activities. Visitors can enjoy the natural beauty of the park while engaging in activities like hiking, fishing, and picnicking. The park provides a peaceful retreat for nature lovers and families looking to spend time outdoors.
2. Little River Lake Recreation Area
LAKESIDE LEISURE SPOT
Little River Lake Recreation Area features a serene lake setting for outdoor enthusiasts in the Weldon area. The recreation area offers opportunities for fishing, boating, and swimming during warmer months. Surrounding trails and picnic areas make it an ideal spot for day trips and family outings.
3. Mormon Pioneer National Historic Trail - Garden Grove
HISTORIC PIONEER SITE
The Mormon Pioneer National Historic Trail - Garden Grove marks an important site along the historic Mormon migration route. This historic landmark commemorates one of the temporary settlements established by Mormon pioneers as they journeyed westward in the mid-1800s. Visitors can learn about the challenges faced by these early settlers and their contributions to Iowa's history.
4. Nana Greer's Family Table
LOCAL DINING EXPERIENCE
Nana Greer's Family Table offers a homestyle dining experience in the heart of Weldon. The restaurant serves traditional American cuisine with an emphasis on locally-sourced ingredients and family recipes. Visitors can enjoy hearty meals in a warm, welcoming atmosphere that captures the essence of small-town Iowa.
5. Southridge Mall
SHOPPING AND ENTERTAINMENT
Southridge Mall is a major shopping center located near Weldon offering a variety of retail stores and entertainment options. The mall features numerous national retailers, specialty shops, and dining establishments under one roof. Visitors can enjoy a comprehensive shopping experience with various amenities and services available.
6. Pappajohn Sculpture Park
URBAN ART COLLECTION
Pappajohn Sculpture Park showcases an impressive collection of contemporary sculptures in an urban setting. The 4.4-acre park features more than 20 world-class sculptures donated by philanthropists John and Mary Pappajohn. Visitors can wander through the beautifully landscaped grounds while appreciating significant works of art in a public space.
7. Amana Colonies
HISTORIC GERMAN VILLAGES
The Amana Colonies consist of seven historic villages founded by German immigrants as a religious communal society in 1855. These well-preserved communities offer visitors a glimpse into 19th-century life with traditional crafts, distinctive architecture, and authentic German cuisine. The colonies represent one of Iowa's most significant cultural and historical attractions, preserving unique traditions and craftsmanship.
8. Science Center of Iowa
INTERACTIVE LEARNING EXPERIENCE
The Science Center of Iowa offers an engaging and educational experience through interactive exhibits and programs. The center features hands-on displays covering various scientific disciplines, including astronomy, physics, biology, and environmental science. Visitors of all ages can explore scientific concepts through fun activities, demonstrations, and the facility's IMAX dome theater.
9. Devonian Fossil Gorge
ANCIENT MARINE ECOSYSTEM
Devonian Fossil Gorge reveals an ancient sea floor from approximately 375 million years ago. The site was uncovered during flooding events at Coralville Lake, exposing abundant marine fossils and geological features. Visitors can walk directly on the fossil-rich limestone bed and observe the preserved remains of prehistoric creatures that once inhabited a tropical sea covering Iowa.
10. Herbert Hoover Birthplace
PRESIDENTIAL HISTORICAL SITE
Herbert Hoover Birthplace preserves the humble beginnings of America's 31st president in a small cottage in West Branch. The site includes not only Hoover's birthplace but also the graves of President Hoover and Mrs. Lou Henry Hoover, a reconstructed blacksmith shop, and a one-room schoolhouse. The visitor center offers interpretive exhibits about Hoover's early life in Iowa and his later accomplishments.
11. Historic General Dodge House
VICTORIAN ARCHITECTURAL GEM
The Historic General Dodge House is a stunning 14-room Victorian mansion built in 1869 by Civil War general Grenville Dodge. The three-story home features innovative design elements for its time, including central heating and hot and cold running water. Visitors can tour this National Historic Landmark to learn about General Dodge's significant contributions as a railroad builder, banker, and politician.
12. Blood Run Site
ANCIENT INDIGENOUS SETTLEMENT
Blood Run Site served as an intertribal and ceremonial center for Oneota and Prairie Dakota tribes from 900 to 1720 A.D. The archaeological site contains burial mounds and village remnants along the Big Sioux River and Blood Run Creek. Visitors can explore this National Historic Landmark on foot to learn about the indigenous cultures that thrived in the region long before European settlement.
13. Farm House Museum
HISTORIC AGRICULTURAL HERITAGE
The Farm House Museum stands as the first building on Iowa State University's campus, dating back to 1860. This National Historic Landmark has served various purposes throughout its history, including as a home for the university's first president and later as a residence for farm superintendents. Today, visitors can explore the restored farmhouse to learn about early agricultural education and rural life in Iowa.
14. George M. Verity Riverboat
HISTORIC MISSISSIPPI VESSEL
The George M. Verity Riverboat is a preserved steam-powered towboat that operated on the Mississippi River in the early 20th century. This National Historic Landmark offers visitors a glimpse into the golden age of riverboat transportation and commerce. The vessel has been converted into a museum that showcases the importance of river trade to Iowa's development and the challenges of navigating the mighty Mississippi.
15. AmericInn
COMFORTABLE RURAL LODGING
AmericInn provides comfortable accommodation options for visitors to the Weldon area. The hotel offers modern amenities and convenient access to local attractions and outdoor recreation sites. Guests can enjoy a restful stay in this rural Iowa setting while exploring the natural beauty and historical sites of the surrounding region.