Iowa Falls Travel Guide

Trek Zone

City

Facts and practical information

Welcome to Iowa Falls, a charming city located in the heart of the beautiful state of Iowa. Known for its scenic landscapes and rich history, this hidden gem offers a unique blend of outdoor adventures, cultural landmarks, and friendly Midwestern hospitality.

Nestled along the banks of the Iowa River, Iowa Falls is a haven for nature lovers. Start your journey by exploring the stunning scenery at the Iowa River Greenbelt. Spanning over 200 acres, this picturesque park offers hiking trails, picnic spots, and breathtaking views of the river. Capture the beauty of the cascading waterfalls and immerse yourself in the tranquility of the surrounding nature.

For those seeking a taste of history, a visit to the Ellsworth Museum is a must. Housed in a beautifully preserved 19th-century Victorian mansion, this museum showcases the rich heritage of Iowa Falls and its pioneer roots. Step back in time as you wander through the exhibits and learn about the early settlers who shaped the city.

Art enthusiasts will be captivated by the talented local artists showcased at the Riverbend Sculpture Walk. Stroll along the riverfront and admire the captivating sculptures that adorn the path, each telling its own unique story. The annual Art on the River festival brings the community together, offering a vibrant display of creativity and showcasing the talent of both local and national artists.

No visit to Iowa Falls would be complete without experiencing the warm hospitality of its residents. Take a leisurely stroll down Main Street, lined with charming boutiques, antique shops, and cozy cafes. Sample delicious homemade treats and chat with the friendly locals, who are always eager to share their love for their city.

As the day comes to a close, indulge in the delectable flavors of the local cuisine. From farm-to-table restaurants serving fresh produce straight from the surrounding farmlands to cozy diners offering comfort food favorites, Iowa Falls is a food lover's paradise.

Alternative names: Population: 5.2 thous.Area: 5.44 mi²Elevation: 1106 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 42°31'10"N, 93°15'52"W

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IowaUnited States

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Iowa Falls Top Attractions

Iowa Falls Attractions - What to See and Explore

Iowa Falls offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Washington Avenue Bridge, Estes Park Band Shell, River Street Bridge, Calkins Nature Area. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Bridge
Washington Avenue Bridge
The Washington Avenue Bridge in Iowa Falls, Iowa is an attractive concrete two-span open spandrel arched bridge that brings Washington Avenue over the Iowa River. Originally it carried US 20. It was built in 1934 by the Weldon Brothers for $51,710.55.
Music and shows • Nightlife • Music venue
Estes Park Band Shell
Estes Park Band Shell is a historic building located in Iowa Falls, Iowa, United States. Planning and construction of the band shell were a community project that began in 1931. They engaged Iowa Falls native L.L. Klippel to design the structure, and N.F. Guernsey of Sioux City, Iowa to landscape Estes Park.
Bridge
River Street Bridge
The River Street Bridge over the Iowa River at Iowa Falls, Iowa is an open spandrel bridge built during 1922–1924. It was built by the Weldon Brothers at cost of $16,900, including removal of the previous bridge on the site.

42°30'30"N • 93°20'3"W
Calkins Nature Area
Nature and wildlife • Park • Museum
Concerts and shows • Theater • Opera
Metropolitan Opera House
The Metropolitan Opera House is an historic opera house in Iowa Falls, Iowa, United States. It was individually listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1975. In 2012 it was included as a contributing property in the Washington Avenue Commercial Historic District.
Church • Tudor Revival architecture • Gothic Revival architecture
St. Matthew's by the Bridge Episcopal Church
St. Matthew's by the Bridge Episcopal Church is a parish church in the Episcopal Diocese of Iowa. The church is located in Iowa Falls, Iowa, United States. The parish was established in 1886, and the church building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1993.
42°31'15"N • 93°15'56"W
United States Post Office
The United States Post Office is an historic building located in downtown Iowa Falls, Iowa, United States. Built in 1914, the structure was designed in the Neoclassical style, with Oscar Wenderoth as the supervising architect. The 1893 Colombian Exposition in Chicago was a major influence in the building's design.
Bridge
Iowa Falls Bridge
The Iowa Falls Bridge, also known as the Oak Street Bridge, was a historic structure located in Iowa Falls, Iowa, United States. The span carried U.S. Route 65 over the Iowa River for 255 feet. The through arch bridge was built by the Weldon Brothers Construction Co. of Iowa Falls in 1928 for $51,374.98.
Library
Carnegie-Ellsworth Public Library
The Carnegie-Ellsworth Public Library is a historic building located in Iowa Falls, Iowa, United States. Local businessman Eugene Ellsworth donated the property for the library in 1902.
42°31'40"N • 93°16'13"W
Union Cemetery Gardener's Cottage
Union Cemetery Gardener's Cottage is a historic building located in Iowa Falls, Iowa, United States. When the town was platted in 1855 there was no provision for a cemetery.
Interesting neighbourhood
Princess Sweet Shop
The Princess Sweet Shop is a historic building located in Iowa Falls, Iowa, United States. It is noted as "an outstanding example of Art Deco design from 1935.
Interesting neighbourhood
First National Bank
First National Bank is a historic building located in Iowa Falls, Iowa, United States. The bank traces its founding to 1882 when the Commercial Bank of Iowa Falls was established.
Interesting neighbourhood
Ellsworth-Jones Building
The Ellsworth–Jones Building is a historic building located in Iowa Falls, Iowa, United States. Eugene S. Ellsworth was a land broker, town developer, and philanthropist. This building was the headquarters of his firm Ellsworth and Jones, who sold land throughout Iowa and other states in the Midwest.
Interesting neighbourhood
Sentinel Block
The Sentinel Block is a historic building located in Iowa Falls, Iowa, United States. Previous commercial blocks in Iowa Falls tended to follow the more ornate Italianate style.
Interesting neighbourhood
McClanahan Block
The McClanahan Block is a historic building located in Iowa Falls, Iowa, United States. The city experienced a devastating fire in 1874, and most of the buildings on this block were built after the fire giving them a commonality of design.
Universities and schools
Ellsworth Community College
Ellsworth Community College is a community college in Iowa Falls, Iowa. It was founded as Ellsworth College in 1890 by Eugene S. Ellsworth.
Universities and schools
Edgewood School of Domestic Arts
The Edgewood School of Domestic Arts, now known just as "Edgewood," is a historic building in Iowa Falls, Iowa, United States. Originally a school for girls and women, it now houses apartments upstairs and space for meetings and family gatherings downstairs.

Day trips

Iowa Falls – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Iowa Falls, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Reiman Gardens (Ames), McLeod Center (Cedar Falls), Young Arena (Waterloo).

40 milesSW
Garden, Park, Botanical garden
Reiman Gardens, Ames
Reiman Gardens is a 17-acre university-owned public garden located immediately south of Jack Trice Stadium on the Iowa State University campus in Ames, Iowa.
41 milesE
Arenas and stadiums, Basketball, Sport venue
McLeod Center, Cedar Falls
The McLeod Center is a 7,018-seat multi-purpose arena on the campus of the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls, Iowa, USA, currently housing the university's teams in men's and women's basketball, and women's volleyball.
47 milesE
Arenas and stadiums, Sport venue, Hockey
Young Arena, Waterloo
Young Arena is a 3,000-seat multi-purpose arena in Waterloo, Iowa, United States, and was built in 1994.
39 milesSW
Tower
Bell Tower, Ames
The Iowa State University Campanile is located on Iowa State's central campus, and is home to the Stanton Memorial Carillon. The campanile is widely seen as one of the major symbols of Iowa State University.
47 milesE
Museum, History museum, Science museum
Grout Museum, Waterloo
The Grout Museum District is a set of museums in Waterloo, Iowa. The District consists of the Grout Museum of History & Science, Bluedorn Science Imaginarium, Rensselaer Russell House Museum, Snowden House and the Sullivan Brothers Iowa Veterans Museum.