Westwood IowaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Westwood, Iowa.
1. Historic Cutler-Donahoe Covered Bridge
HISTORIC WOODEN BRIDGE
The Historic Cutler-Donahoe Covered Bridge is a preserved wooden bridge that stands as a testament to Iowa's architectural heritage. Visitors can walk through this charming structure and appreciate the craftsmanship of early Iowa settlers. The bridge offers excellent photo opportunities and a glimpse into the transportation methods of the past.
2. Devonian Fossil Gorge
ANCIENT MARINE LIFE REVEALED
The Devonian Fossil Gorge showcases a 375-million-year-old sea floor with numerous marine fossils exposed for visitors to examine. This natural wonder was revealed after flooding from the Coralville Reservoir stripped away layers of soil and rock. Visitors can walk across the ancient seabed and observe fossils of prehistoric creatures that once inhabited the area.
3. Effigy Mounds National Monument
SACRED NATIVE AMERICAN SITE
Effigy Mounds National Monument preserves more than 200 prehistoric mounds built by Native American cultures. These earthen mounds, many shaped like bears and birds, date back to the Late Woodland Period (350-1300 CE). The monument offers hiking trails with stunning views of the Mississippi River valley and opportunities to learn about the indigenous peoples who created these sacred structures.
4. Amana Colonies
HISTORIC GERMAN VILLAGES
The Amana Colonies consist of seven historic villages founded by German immigrants as a religious communal society in 1855. Visitors can explore the well-preserved buildings, shop for handcrafted goods, and enjoy authentic German cuisine in this living history destination. The colonies continue to preserve their unique crafts and culture while offering a variety of experiences for tourists.
5. Herbert Hoover Birthplace
PRESIDENTIAL HISTORICAL SITE
The Herbert Hoover Birthplace features the humble cottage where the 31st President of the United States was born in 1874. The grounds include the grave sites of President Hoover and Mrs. Lou Henry Hoover, a reconstructed blacksmith shop, and a one-room schoolhouse. Visitors can learn about Hoover's early life in Iowa through exhibits at the visitor center administered by the National Park Service.
6. Historic General Dodge House
VICTORIAN ARCHITECTURAL GEM
The Historic General Dodge House is a stunning 14-room, three-story Victorian mansion built in 1869 by Civil War general Grenville Dodge. The home features advanced amenities for its time, including central heating and hot and cold running water, showcasing Dodge's involvement in its planning. Visitors can tour this architectural treasure to learn about the life of this important railroad builder, banker, and politician.
7. Fenelon Place Elevator
HISTORIC INCLINE RAILWAY
The Fenelon Place Elevator is the world's shortest and steepest scenic railway, originally built in 1882 for a wealthy businessman's commute. Riding this funicular provides passengers with panoramic views of the historic city of Dubuque, the Mississippi River, and three states. The elevator remains one of Iowa's most popular landmarks, combining historical significance with breathtaking vistas.
8. Grotto of the Redemption
MAGNIFICENT RELIGIOUS MONUMENT
The Grotto of the Redemption is believed to be the largest grotto in the world, built over a span of 42 years and attracting more than 100,000 visitors annually. This religious monument was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places in 2001, recognizing its cultural and architectural significance. Visitors can admire the intricate stonework and religious scenes depicted throughout this massive structure.
9. Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge
ICONIC RIVER CROSSING
The Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge connects Council Bluffs, Iowa to Omaha, Nebraska with its graceful curvature and tall twin spires. The 3,700-foot bridge has been recognized by Travel+Leisure Magazine as one of the world's most beautiful pedestrian bridges. Visitors can walk across this architectural marvel while enjoying picturesque views of the Missouri River and the surrounding cityscapes.
10. River's Edge Pavilion
MODERN RIVERFRONT ATTRACTION
River's Edge Pavilion offers event space for gatherings and celebrations on the banks of the Missouri River. The facility includes a rooftop area with stunning views of Omaha's skyline reflecting off the water. Visitors can also view the 33-foot aluminum humanoid sculpture titled "Looking Up" that stands nearby, gazing upward into the Iowa sky.
11. Roseman Covered Bridge
HISTORIC WOODEN STRUCTURE
The Roseman Covered Bridge is a historic wooden bridge made famous by its appearance in the novel and film "The Bridges of Madison County." Built in 1883, this 107-foot bridge spans the Middle River and features a distinctive design with vertical siding and a pitched roof. Visitors can walk through the bridge and enjoy the peaceful countryside setting that has attracted photographers and romantics for generations.
12. Neal Smith Wildlife Refuge
PRAIRIE CONSERVATION AREA
The Neal Smith Wildlife Refuge encompasses over 8,600 acres dedicated to restoring native tallgrass prairie and oak savanna ecosystems. Visitors can observe herds of bison and elk roaming freely in their natural habitat, offering a glimpse of Iowa's landscape as it appeared before European settlement. The refuge features an educational visitor center, hiking trails, and driving tours that showcase Iowa's natural heritage.
13. Maquoketa Caves State Park
UNDERGROUND NATURAL WONDER
Maquoketa Caves State Park features a spectacular system of caves and limestone formations that visitors can explore through walking paths and crawling spaces. The park contains more caves than any other state park in Iowa, including the 1,100-foot Dancehall Cave with lighting and walkways. Hikers can enjoy six miles of trails connecting the caves and leading through beautiful woodlands and unique rock formations.
14. Black Hawk Bridge
HISTORIC RIVER CROSSING
The Black Hawk Bridge is a historic cantilever bridge spanning the Mississippi River between Iowa and Wisconsin. Built in 1931, this distinctive structure has served as a vital transportation link for nearly a century. The bridge was scheduled for reconstruction beginning in late 2023 or early 2024 due to its low sufficiency rating.
15. Farm House Museum
AGRICULTURAL HERITAGE SITE
The Farm House Museum holds the distinction of being the first building constructed on the Iowa State University campus in 1860. This historic structure served as home to the first presidents of the university before being converted into a museum showcasing rural Iowa life in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Visitors can tour the beautifully preserved rooms filled with period furniture and artifacts that tell the story of Iowa's agricultural heritage.