Westgate IowaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Westgate, Iowa.
1. Bent's Smokehouse and Pub
DELICIOUS LOCAL DINING SPOT
Bent's Smokehouse and Pub is a popular dining establishment in Westgate known for its delicious sandwiches, burgers and smoked food. This local favorite offers a welcoming atmosphere where visitors can enjoy quality meals in a small-town setting. The restaurant is a must-visit destination for food enthusiasts traveling through Westgate.
2. Downing Park
SPACIOUS OUTDOOR RECREATION
Downing Park is a 40-acre recreational area in Westgate offering visitors ample space for outdoor activities. The park provides a peaceful natural setting for families and individuals to enjoy throughout the year. Visitors can experience the beauty of Iowa's countryside while taking advantage of the park's amenities.
3. Grant Wood Scenic Byway
HISTORIC COUNTRYSIDE DRIVE
Grant Wood Scenic Byway offers travelers a picturesque drive through the rolling landscapes that inspired famous American artist Grant Wood. The byway showcases the natural beauty and rural charm of Northeast Iowa with stunning vistas and historic sites along the route. Visitors can experience the same scenic views that influenced Wood's iconic American Gothic painting and other well-known works.
4. Shrine of the Grotto of the Redemption
SPIRITUAL ROCK MONUMENT
The Shrine of the Grotto of the Redemption is an impressive religious site constructed from precious stones and minerals depicting scenes from the life of Christ. This massive structure, built by Father Paul Dobberstein over a 42-year period, is considered one of the largest grottos in the world. Visitors from around the globe come to marvel at this unique spiritual attraction that showcases nine grottos portraying scenes from Jesus's life.
5. Jester Park
NATURAL OUTDOOR ADVENTURE
Jester Park offers visitors a diverse outdoor experience with amenities including hiking trails, fishing spots, and wildlife viewing opportunities. The park features a natural playscape, golf course, and an equestrian center that provides various recreational activities for all ages. Nature enthusiasts can also visit the park's Nature Center to learn about Iowa's ecosystems through interactive exhibits and educational programs.
6. Historic Valley Junction
CHARMING SHOPPING DISTRICT
Historic Valley Junction is a vibrant shopping and entertainment district featuring more than 150 specialty shops, restaurants, and art galleries. This charming area preserves its historic character with brick streets and century-old buildings that now house unique boutiques and local businesses. The district regularly hosts community events including farmers markets, music festivals, and holiday celebrations that attract visitors throughout the year.
7. Decorah Dash Amazing Race
INTERACTIVE CITY CHALLENGE
The Decorah Dash Amazing Race offers participants an exciting way to explore Decorah through a series of challenges and clues throughout the city. Teams race against time to complete various tasks while discovering local landmarks, businesses, and hidden gems. This interactive experience provides both entertainment and an opportunity to learn about Decorah's history and culture in a fun, competitive format.
8. Impact Coffee
COMMUNITY GATHERING SPACE
Impact Coffee serves as a popular community hub in Decorah where visitors can enjoy specialty coffee drinks and locally-made treats. The coffee shop hosts various events, including the starting point for the Decorah Dash Scavenger Hunt and other community activities. With its welcoming atmosphere and commitment to quality, Impact Coffee provides both locals and tourists with a comfortable space to relax or socialize.
9. Decorah Dash Scavenger Hunt
EXPLORATORY CITY ADVENTURE
The Decorah Dash Scavenger Hunt offers an entertaining way for visitors to discover Decorah's attractions and landmarks. Participants follow clues throughout the city, learning about local history and culture while competing to solve puzzles and complete challenges. This family-friendly activity combines education with adventure, making it an ideal way to experience the charm of Decorah.
10. Driftless Area Scenic Byway
STUNNING LANDSCAPE DRIVE
The Driftless Area Scenic Byway winds through the unique landscape of Northeast Iowa that escaped glaciation during the last ice age, resulting in dramatic bluffs, deep valleys, and picturesque vistas. This scenic route passes through small towns and rural landscapes, offering travelers a glimpse into the natural beauty and agricultural heritage of the region. Visitors can enjoy numerous outdoor recreational opportunities along the byway, including hiking, fishing, and wildlife observation.
11. Fayette County Historical Center
REGIONAL HERITAGE MUSEUM
The Fayette County Historical Center preserves and displays artifacts and documents relating to the rich history of Northeast Iowa. Exhibits feature pioneer life, agricultural development, and the cultural heritage of the region's communities. Visitors can explore historical photographs, furniture, tools, and other items that tell the story of Fayette County's past generations.
12. Echo Valley State Park
PEACEFUL NATURAL RETREAT
Echo Valley State Park offers visitors a tranquil setting with limestone bluffs, flowing streams, and lush woodlands typical of Iowa's Driftless Area. The park provides opportunities for fishing, hiking, picnicking, and camping in a serene natural environment. Wildlife enthusiasts can observe a variety of bird species and other native animals while exploring the park's diverse ecosystems.
13. Backbone State Park
IOWA'S FIRST STATE PARK
Backbone State Park, Iowa's oldest state park established in 1920, features dramatic limestone ridges including the Devil's Backbone formation that gives the park its name. The park offers extensive recreational opportunities including hiking trails, rock climbing, fishing in trout streams, and boating on Backbone Lake. Visitors can also enjoy camping facilities, picnic areas, and cabin rentals while experiencing the natural beauty of this historic Iowa landmark.
14. Volga River State Recreation Area
DIVERSE OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
Volga River State Recreation Area encompasses over 5,700 acres of forests, prairies, and waterways offering extensive outdoor recreation opportunities. Visitors can enjoy fishing and boating on Frog Hollow Lake, as well as hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking on the park's multi-use trails. During winter months, the park transforms into a destination for cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and other cold-weather activities.
15. Porter House Museum
HISTORIC VICTORIAN HOME
The Porter House Museum is a beautifully preserved Victorian home built in 1867 that showcases the life and collections of Adelbert and Grace Porter. The museum houses extensive natural history specimens, art objects, and cultural artifacts gathered by the Porters during their world travels in the early 20th century. Visitors can tour the elegant rooms filled with original furnishings and decorative arts that provide insight into upper-middle-class life in small-town Iowa during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.