Westside IowaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Westside, Iowa.
1. The Market Place
LOCAL SHOPPING EXPERIENCE
The Market Place is a popular shopping destination in Westside that offers a variety of local goods and products. Visitors can enjoy browsing through unique items while experiencing the charm of small-town Iowa. The Market Place has earned a stellar reputation with a 4.8 rating, making it a must-visit spot for tourists and locals alike.
2. Hausbarn
HISTORIC GERMAN ARCHITECTURE
Hausbarn is a distinctive historical attraction that showcases authentic German architectural heritage in Westside. This preserved structure offers visitors a glimpse into the region's German immigrant history and traditional building techniques. With a 4.6 rating from visitors, the Hausbarn stands as a testament to the cultural influences that shaped the area.
3. Leet-Hassler Farmstead
HISTORIC RURAL HERITAGE
The Leet-Hassler Farmstead is a perfectly preserved piece of Iowa's agricultural history located in Westside. Visitors can explore the authentic farm buildings and learn about traditional farming practices that shaped the region's economy and culture. The farmstead has earned a perfect 5.0 rating, highlighting its exceptional preservation and educational value.
4. Manning Heritage Park
COMMUNITY HISTORY SHOWCASE
Manning Heritage Park offers visitors a chance to explore the rich history of this Iowa community near Westside. The park features historical buildings, artifacts, and displays that tell the story of the region's development. With a solid 3.8 rating, the park provides a pleasant educational experience for those interested in local history.
5. Templeton Rye
LEGENDARY IOWA DISTILLERY
Templeton Rye is a renowned distillery that produces high-quality whiskey with deep historical roots in Iowa's prohibition era. Visitors can tour the facility to learn about the whiskey-making process and the fascinating story behind this iconic Iowa brand. With an outstanding 4.8 rating, Templeton Rye has established itself as a premier attraction in western Iowa.
6. Albert The Bull
ICONIC ROADSIDE ATTRACTION
Albert The Bull is a massive concrete bull statue that stands as one of western Iowa's most recognizable roadside attractions. This enormous sculpture pays homage to the region's cattle industry and agricultural heritage. Visitors from around the country stop to take photos with this quirky landmark that has become a symbol of pride for the Audubon community.
7. Herbert Hoover Birthplace
PRESIDENTIAL HISTORICAL SITE
Herbert Hoover Birthplace preserves the humble cottage where the 31st President of the United States was born and spent his early childhood. The grounds include not only the birthplace cottage but also grave sites, a reconstructed blacksmith shop, a one-room schoolhouse, and a 76-acre tall-grass prairie. The visitor center, managed by the National Park Service, provides interpretive exhibits about Hoover's formative years in Iowa and his rise to the presidency.
8. Historic General Dodge House
CIVIL WAR ERA MANSION
The Historic General Dodge House is an impressive 14-room, three-story Victorian mansion built in 1869 by Civil War general and railroad pioneer Grenville Dodge. This architectural gem features advanced amenities for its time, including central heating and hot and cold running water. Visitors can explore this well-preserved residence to gain insight into the life of one of Iowa's most influential historical figures who helped shape the American West through his work in railroad development.
9. Terrace Hill
GOVERNOR'S VICTORIAN MANSION
Terrace Hill is an opulent Victorian mansion built in 1869 that now serves as the official residence of Iowa's governor. The magnificent home, originally built by Iowa's first millionaire Benjamin F. Allen, overlooks downtown Des Moines from its elevated position. The estate encompasses eight acres of grounds featuring formal Victorian gardens that complement the architectural splendor of this National Historic Landmark.
10. Toolesboro Mounds
ANCIENT NATIVE AMERICAN SITE
Toolesboro Mounds preserves some of the best-maintained remnants of the ancient Hopewellian culture that flourished from approximately 200 B.C. to 300 A.D. This five-acre archaeological site features several large surviving burial mounds that offer insights into prehistoric Native American societies. Visitors can explore the education center and prairie demonstration plot to learn about both the cultural significance of the mounds and the natural environment that supported these early communities.
11. Sauk Rail Trail
SCENIC RECREATION PATH
The Sauk Rail Trail is a picturesque multi-use trail that winds through western Iowa's beautiful countryside, connecting various communities and natural areas. This converted railway corridor offers cyclists, hikers, and nature enthusiasts a peaceful route to enjoy Iowa's diverse landscapes and wildlife. The trail provides recreational opportunities in all seasons, with particularly stunning views during spring wildflower blooms and autumn foliage.
12. Valley Junction
HISTORIC SHOPPING DISTRICT
Valley Junction is a charming historic district in West Des Moines that features over 150 specialty shops, restaurants, and services housed in beautifully preserved buildings. This vibrant area hosts numerous events throughout the year, including farmers markets, art festivals, and holiday celebrations that draw visitors from across the state. The district's well-maintained brick streets and historic architecture create a nostalgic atmosphere that makes shopping and dining a uniquely enjoyable experience.
13. Jordan House
UNDERGROUND RAILROAD STATION
The Jordan House is a historic home that served as a station on the Underground Railroad, helping enslaved people escape to freedom before the Civil War. This Italianate-style mansion was built by James C. Jordan, a cattle rancher and influential early settler who was also a staunch abolitionist. Today, the preserved home functions as a museum where visitors can learn about Iowa's role in the Underground Railroad and the state's early settlement history.
14. Frisian Farms Cheese House
ARTISANAL DUTCH CHEESE
Frisian Farms Cheese House specializes in authentic Dutch-style Gouda cheese made using traditional methods passed down through generations. Visitors can observe the cheese-making process and sample various aged varieties ranging from mild to extra-aged with distinctive flavor profiles. This family-owned business represents the strong Dutch heritage that permeates the Pella area, offering a taste of European culinary tradition in the heart of Iowa.
15. Cordova Park & Observation Tower
PANORAMIC LAKE VIEWS
Cordova Park & Observation Tower offers visitors spectacular panoramic views of Lake Red Rock, Iowa's largest lake, from its elevated vantage point. The distinctive observation tower rises above the tree line, providing an excellent spot for photography, bird watching, and appreciating the natural beauty of central Iowa's landscape. The surrounding park features picnic areas, hiking trails, and access to water recreation, making it a complete outdoor destination for nature enthusiasts.