*We are excited to collaborate with the Silos & Smokestacks National Heritage Area, promoting over 100 unique sites within this historic region. The opinions shared in this blog post are our own. So, let’s embark on an adventure!
Don’t forget to grab a guide for yourself as you stamp and check off your list of 111 attractions in this beautiful, historic region of Iowa. For more information, visit the Silos & Smokestacks National Heritage Area website!
There are many ways to describe roadside attractions, and you might say that all 111 sites in this agriculturally rich part of Iowa fit into the tradition of Americana road trips. However, we’ll highlight a few that don’t require an appointment, entrance fee, or even staff on-site during peak hours. These are historical landmarks and trails that you can enjoy at your leisure throughout Eastern and Central Iowa, immersing yourself in Iowa’s scenic agricultural history one roadside attraction at a time—all while exploring with your Silos & Smokestacks guide in hand.
Experience one of the most exciting rural scavenger hunts throughout Iowa! Butler and Grundy Counties have collaborated to showcase vibrant patterns spanning over the farmland. This is a fun activity for carloads of passengers of all ages as you meander along the county back roads. Don’t forget to stop by the Grundy County Historical Museum in Morrison!Located near the town of Steamboat Rock, one of Iowa’s most picturesque scenic views awaits. The Sac & Fox Wildlife Area & Scenic Overlook offers an unforgettable vista along this scenic drive. It’s a fantastic spot for hiking, picnicking, and capturing stunning images of Iowa’s changing seasons. Be sure to also visit Prairie Bridges Park just outside Ackley!Iowa features numerous welcome centers, and this one stands out due to its unique setting. Operated by volunteers from April to October, this historic train depot is filled with classic pamphlets, guides, maps, and other complimentary literature to keep you engaged while exploring the state. Inside, it also showcases significant local history that transports you back to the days of bustling trains. Don’t forget to check out the Belmond Historical Society Museum in Belmond!A mysterious site within the Silos & Smokestacks National Heritage Area, this asylum in rural Jackson County appears to rise from the surrounding fields. It serves as a landmark reflecting the early years of Iowa’s mental health care system. Though it may be heart-wrenching to observe, it is a significant part of our history. For more insights, visit the Jackson County History Museum in Maquoketa to learn more about this historic site!The limestone industry in Jackson County thrived in the 1800s! Hurstville was a classic “company town” that emerged during this time, rapidly populated by workers and their families, along with all necessary services to sustain the community. As consumer needs shifted, Hurstville eventually became a ghost town in the 21st century. Today, the remains of gothic lime kilns and a scenic trail to an overlook still exist. Be sure to visit the Hurstville Interpretive Center while you’re there!In the heart of Coralville, next to the historic Iowa River Power Company, stands an interpretative gazebo that highlights Johnson County’s pioneering heritage in what is now a major metropolitan area.This scenic overlook boasts a powerful river that flows continuously, creating a mesmerizing atmosphere from the gazebo. A walking bridge connects you to the eastern banks of Iowa City! Don’t forget to stop by the nearby 1876 Schoolhouse and the Johnson County Historical Museum located within Coralville’s Iowa River Landing district!Burkard Riegel was a beloved local blacksmith who kept the community equipped with his tools, coal, and the distinctive scent of hot metal in the air, all from his workshop located on the historic main street of Clermont.Within lies Burkard’s creations and all the tools necessary to forge them. This is a fantastic roadside attraction situated in the heart of a small town that preserves its history beautifully in Fayette County. Don’t forget to explore the nearby Montauk Historic Site in Clermont!A striking image of a silo with smokestacks in the Silos & Smokestacks National Heritage Area! This iconic scene is located just down the street from Cascade’s business district. Here, you can explore the scenic beauty of two notable counties, Jones and Dubuque, filled with rolling hills and breathtaking river valleys, all while journeying through Grant Wood country. Be sure to visit the National Farm Toy Museum nearby in Dyerville!The north-central outskirts of this quintessential agricultural region wind through endless stunning landscapes. The Iowa River gracefully snakes through these two counties, making for a delightful scenic drive. Experience the expansive Iowa skies and charming small towns of one of the region’s most rural areas. Make sure to visit the Heartland Museum in Clarion along the way!Thank you for joining us on this adventure! Make sure to like Silos & Smokestacks on Facebook to stay updated on the entire heritage area and to see more updates from The Iowa Gallivant! And hey, I look pretty good under that gazebo…
