5.0Grotto of the Redemption(270 reviews) - Amazing Shrine - Has to be seen to appreciate Historic Sites • Architectural Buildings • Caverns & Caves
Stunning man-made grottoes representing scenes of the life of Christ. Father Dobberstein’s years of work using minerals, gemstones, petrified wood and other elements make this Shrine an extraordinary example of his devotion to Christ and the Virgin Mary. Admission to the Shrine and adjacent Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church is free but donations are accepted. We stayed overnight in the RV Campground - 30A service for $20/night or $10/Passport America discount.See more..
5.0Historic Park Inn Hotel(198 reviews) - Great Stay at a Historic Hotel! Friday: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings
We really enjoyed our stay at this hotel. Being Frank Lloyd Wright buffs made it a special treat. The hotel has been beautifully restored and great thought has gone into making the hotels rooms modern and yet in the appropriate style. Don't expect large rooms - but expect beauty and comfort. Make sure you wander and enjoy all the other lovely spaces in this hotel. We stayed on a Monday night so were not able to enjoy the restaurant or bar. Next time we will!See more..
Come to Eldon, Iowa and view the exterior of the house that inspired Grant Wood to paint American Gothic, one of the most recognized paintings in the world. Tour the adjacent American Gothic House Center which showcases Grant Wood's life and the history of the house. Props on hand encourage visitors to pose in front of the historic American Gothic House and create their own unique American Gothic portrait.See more..
4.5Museum of Natural History(99 reviews) - More Than Expected Friday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Natural History Museums • Architectural Buildings
Established in 1858, the University of Iowa Museum of Natural History has been free and open to the public for more than 160 years. In Iowa Hall, explore 500 million years of Iowa's natural and cultural history in exhibitions featuring dioramas, specimens, and artifacts. Discover the adaptation and diversity of birds and mammals around the planet in the 3rd floor galleries. The museum strives to inspire—in visitors of all ages—an understanding and a sense of wonder, discovery, respect, and responsibility for our natural and cultural worlds through exhibits, educational programs, and collections.See more..
Cedar Rock State Park is the home to the Frank Lloyd Wright designed Lowell and Agnes Walter Estate. The property is a complete and beautiful example of Frank Lloyd Wright's Usonian design meaning that Wright is as much the interior designer as he was the architect. Those that tour the home experience it almost as if the homeowners stepped out in 1950. The estate is comprised of four Wright designed structures which include the house, council fire, river pavilion, and formal entrance gate. Seasonal guided tours of the property depart the visitor center hourly from 10:00 am-3:00 pm Thursday to Sunday's from late May to mid-October.See more..
4.5Historic General Dodge House(97 reviews) - Fascinating little-known history Friday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings
Built in 1869 on the frontier, no expense was spared on this sublime Second Empire Victorian home. The fourteen room, three story mansion stands on a high terrace overlooking the Missouri Valley, and displays such architectural features as parquet floors, mansard roof, cherry, walnut & butternut woodwork, and a number of "modern" conveniences quite unusual for the period: central heating and hot & cold running water. The house was designed by William Boyington, a famous Chicago architect. It has been painstakingly curated with period items, many of them original to the home and the Dodge family.See more..
Pretty neat to visit. Not something you would experience just anywhere. Takes about an hour to do the entire thing.See more..
4.5The Palmer Family Residence(16 reviews) - Aladdin's cave of bric-a-brac Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • Architectural Buildings
The Residence was home to B.J. and Mabel Palmer from 1912 until their deaths, Mabel in 1949 and B.J. in 1961. Their son Dave was raised in the house, and it was also home to various relatives that spent summers with "Uncle B.J." and "Aunt Mamie." The Residence was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1984 because of the uniqueness of the porch, a showplace of the Palmer collections. Although the house only holds a fraction of the collections once owned by the Palmers, it is still a wonderful example of the collecting mania that gripped the world travelers of that era. RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED FOR ALL TOURS.See more..
4.5Scholte House Museum(13 reviews) - Tea Time Historic Sites • Architectural Buildings
The flowers are worth the time. They have a new experience called Marie's Tea which is located in the Museum. Reservations are needed but ir was wonderful. We went on an off day (Monday) and went before Tulip Time and are glad we did. The Gardens etc, were free but the Tea was $10 and they were actual Dutch treats and were wonderful. Worth your time and money.See more..
Reopened May 1, 2022. Open daily, 1 to 4 PM. . Guided tours of the former Decorah home of Adelbert Field Porter (1879 – 1968) and Grace Young Porter (1880 – 1964), the Porter House Museum is an inspiring exploration of history, nature, and art. “Bert” (as he was more commonly called) was a gentleman naturalist, collector, and photographer who traveled throughout the world in pursuit of butterflies, rocks, and other curiosities. A man of artistic sensibilities, Bert used his nature collections to create unique “nature art,” for which he became well known during his lifetime. At the museum, visitors experience the historic travels, art, and collecting of this naturalist and his wife, Grace Young Porter, a skilled china painter and civic and social leader. All original furnishings create a backdrop of Victorian elegance that was their home and heritage.See more..
This is with out doubt one of the most beautiful Catholic Cathedral. It gives you chills sitting in such a sacred place. Wonderful place for a quiet retreat for any religion.See more..
4.5Captain D. S. Lee Mansion(3 reviews) - Historical Mansion Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings
In the process of being restored. They have had weddings on the outside. When it is finished will be great. See more..
5.0Catholic Historical Center at St. Boniface(3 reviews) - High School Acapella Choir Friday: Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • Architectural Buildings • History Museums
Beautiful old Catholic church, over 100 years old. It is well-maintained and worth a visit, a must see if you are in the area.See more..
My father was a retired minister and his funeral service was held at St. Paul's UMC. The flood of clothed clergy filling the pews was inspiring and the sanctuary has a very unique design. The pastors officiating the service did an admirable job of honoring my father's life since they had known him well as a pastor. The organist is one of the most accomplished in the area and he filled the air eloquently. Listening attentively to the bag pipes play 'Going Home' and 'Amazing Grace' was awe inspiring as the acoustics are resonating. Had the two vocalists who performed solos and duets actually rehearsed prior to their performance, perhaps the verbiage would have been more correct and they would have agreed beforehand who was doing which part and when. I would encourage any Christian regardless of denomination to attend at least one service at this historic church. While a church certainly should not be considered an attraction, it can provide an attractive lesson on any given Sunday.See more..
4.5Warren Cultural Center(2 reviews) - Warren Cultural Center - an intimate performing arts venue...WONDERFUL !!! Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings • Civic Centres
Greenfield...located in southwest Iowa is home to a beautiful gem, the Warren Cultural Center...a former "opera house" that has been preserved, restored, and transformed into a fabulous place for the performing arts, wedding receptions, and gala parties. Throughout the year, a variety of performing acts and artists showcase their talents at the WCC. Seating for approximately 200, the Center has done an outstanding job of attracting a marvelous diverse schedule. Be sure to check out the website and take a look at the upcoming events, and to also peruse the details regarding booking the facility or renting the upper floor bedroom suite. And you might as well make a weekend of it...a superb boutique hotel, the Hotel Greenfield, is located immediately adjacent, as well as the Olive Branch restaurant right next door which serves outstanding cuisine for lunch and dinner. Also, the quaint and historic town square has antique boutiques and shops to quench your shopping thirst. Enjoy !!!See more..
5.0Stone City Historical Sites(2 reviews) - Historic Stone City Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings
We visited before the pandemic. We drove around the city, looking at the historic buildings. Grant Wood held his Art Colony here for two summers in the 1930s. Most buildings were closed to the but you can call ahead to Have access and get a tour. There is a map posted with photos of the available sites in town. Next time I would eat at the General Store which looks like a neat place to have lunch next to the river.See more..
The grain elevator is a great site to see! Easy access and you get AMAZING photos! It's also fun for any train hobbyist out there as it's right next to the railroad track. Stop and see this work of art and enjoy the trains passing! See more..
5.0Mahaney Bell Tower(1 review) - Awesome views! Architectural Buildings
The views at the top of this bell tower wer so amazing! We were there on a clear day and could see far out on the horizon. It's also a carillon and while we were there the bells played several times. You ride an elevator with a glass window to the top where you can use binoculars to see far off into the beautiful countryside. There is also a list of things to try and find while looking out. There are also some rooftop paintings that can only be seen from the top of the tower. By the entrance is a piano where anyone who would like can sit down and play!See more..
In the evening, the church spires of the many churches in downtown Burlington are lit and beautiful to see,See more..
Saints Center(0 review) Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings • Religious Sites • Churches & Cathedrals Restored historic church now a cultural center for weddings and events. Byzantine and Romanesque architecture. Beautiful to tour.See more..
Santa's Castle(0 review) Temporarily closed - Closed until further notice Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings • Castles
Everyone's a kid when they visit Santa's Castle. With the purchase of four animated elves in 1962, Santa's Castle began acquiring one of the largest displays of antique, animated Christmas characters. The collection is on display in Storm Lake's historic Carnegie Library, delighting kids of all ages.See more..
