Whiting IowaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Whiting, Iowa.
1. Lewis and Clark State Park
HISTORIC RIVER RECREATION
Lewis and Clark State Park is a historical recreation area located near Whiting, Iowa. The park features a full-size replica of Lewis and Clark's keelboat and offers camping, fishing, and boating opportunities on Blue Lake. Visitors can explore the natural beauty of the area while learning about the famous expedition that passed through this region in the early 1800s.
2. Monona County Veteran's Memorial Museum
HONORING MILITARY SERVICE
The Monona County Veteran's Memorial Museum pays tribute to the military service members from the local area. The museum houses artifacts, photographs, and memorabilia documenting the contributions of veterans from various conflicts. Visitors can gain insight into the sacrifices made by local service members throughout American history.
3. Woodland Trails Art Center
CREATIVE LEARNING SPACE
Woodland Trails Art Center offers day classes for artists of all skill levels in Whiting, Iowa. The center provides a creative environment where participants can learn various artistic techniques and express themselves through different mediums. Both local artists and visitors can engage in hands-on art experiences in this community-focused venue.
4. Lewis & Clark Visitors Center
EXPEDITION HISTORY HUB
The Lewis & Clark Visitors Center provides an educational experience about the famous Corps of Discovery expedition. Visitors can view displays featuring the keelboat and other watercraft used during the journey. The center offers interpretive exhibits that tell the story of Lewis and Clark's historic passage through Iowa.
5. Onawa Kiwanis Museum Complex
LOCAL HISTORY COLLECTION
The Onawa Kiwanis Museum Complex showcases the rich history of Monona County and the surrounding region. The museum houses collections of historical artifacts, photographs, and documents that tell the story of the area's development. Visitors can explore multiple exhibits highlighting pioneer life, agricultural history, and the cultural heritage of the community.
6. Loess Hills Scenic Byway
NATURAL WONDER DRIVE
The Loess Hills Scenic Byway offers travelers breathtaking views of a rare geological formation found in only two places in the world. This 220-mile route winds through the unique landform created by wind-deposited silt during the last ice age. Visitors can explore numerous overlooks, hiking trails, and nature preserves along this scenic drive near Whiting.
7. Turin Prairie Preserve
NATIVE GRASSLAND SANCTUARY
Turin Prairie Preserve protects a remnant of Iowa's native tallgrass prairie ecosystem in the Loess Hills region. The preserve features diverse plant communities that support various wildlife species and provides hiking opportunities through pristine natural areas. Visitors can experience what Iowa's landscape looked like before agricultural development while enjoying spectacular views of the surrounding countryside.
8. Preparation Canyon State Park
WILDERNESS HIKING DESTINATION
Preparation Canyon State Park offers secluded wilderness experiences within the dramatic landscape of Iowa's Loess Hills. The park features hiking trails that wind through densely wooded ravines and offer panoramic views from ridge-top vistas. Visitors can explore the site of a former Mormon settlement while enjoying opportunities for bird watching, nature photography, and primitive camping.
9. DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge
MIGRATORY BIRD HAVEN
DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge serves as a critical stopover for migratory birds along the Missouri River flyway. The refuge is home to the Bertrand steamboat exhibit, featuring thousands of perfectly preserved artifacts from the 1865 shipwreck. Visitors can enjoy wildlife viewing, hiking, fishing, and interpretive programs throughout the year.
10. Murray Hill Scenic Overlook
PANORAMIC VALLEY VIEWS
Murray Hill Scenic Overlook provides spectacular views of the Missouri River Valley from one of the highest points in the Loess Hills. The overlook features interpretive panels explaining the unique geology and ecology of the surrounding landscape. Visitors can capture breathtaking photographs of the river valley while learning about the natural and cultural history of the region.
11. Blackbird Bend Casino
RIVERSIDE ENTERTAINMENT COMPLEX
Blackbird Bend Casino offers gaming entertainment operated by the Omaha Tribe of Nebraska near Whiting, Iowa. The casino features slot machines, table games, and dining options for visitors seeking recreational activities. Special events and promotions are regularly held at this entertainment venue located along the Missouri River.
12. Decatur Bridge
HISTORIC RIVER CROSSING
The Decatur Bridge spans the Missouri River connecting Monona County, Iowa with Burt County, Nebraska. This historic crossing has served as an important transportation link between the two states for generations. Visitors can drive across the bridge while enjoying views of the river that has shaped the region's history and development.
13. Hitchcock Nature Center
OUTDOOR EDUCATION HUB
Hitchcock Nature Center serves as the premier location for experiencing the Loess Hills ecosystem in western Iowa. The center features an observation tower, miles of hiking trails, and interactive exhibits about the unique landform and its biodiversity. Visitors can participate in educational programs, birdwatching activities, and seasonal events throughout the year.
14. Monona County Historical Museum
COUNTY HERITAGE COLLECTION
The Monona County Historical Museum preserves and displays artifacts related to the settlement and development of the region. Exhibits showcase pioneer life, agricultural history, Native American heritage, and the evolution of local communities. Visitors can explore multiple buildings housing collections that tell the story of Monona County's past.
15. Blue Lake State Recreation Area
WATERFRONT OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
Blue Lake State Recreation Area offers water-based recreational opportunities on an oxbow lake formed by the Missouri River. The area provides facilities for boating, fishing, swimming, and picnicking along the shoreline. Campers can enjoy modern amenities while experiencing the natural beauty of this riverside recreation destination.