Onawa Travel Guide

Trek Zone

City

Facts and practical information

Onawa, a charming city located in the Iowa region of the United States, offers visitors a unique blend of natural beauty, rich history, and warm Midwestern hospitality. Nestled along the picturesque shores of the Missouri River, Onawa is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and history buffs alike.

Nature lovers will delight in the abundance of outdoor recreational opportunities that Onawa has to offer. The nearby Lewis and Clark State Park provides a breathtaking backdrop for camping, fishing, boating, and hiking. With its lush forests, scenic trails, and tranquil lakes, this park is a haven for those seeking peace and serenity in the great outdoors.

For history enthusiasts, Onawa is a treasure trove of fascinating stories and landmarks. The Monona County Historical Museum is a must-visit destination, showcasing artifacts and exhibits that tell the tale of the region's rich heritage. Discover the history of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, learn about the Native American tribes that once called this area home, and gain insights into the lives of early settlers.

Onawa's downtown area is a vibrant hub of activity, offering visitors a chance to explore local shops, boutiques, and restaurants. From quaint antique stores to charming cafes, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Indulge in delicious Midwestern cuisine at one of the town's eateries, where you can savor hearty comfort food and experience the warm hospitality that the region is known for.

As the sun sets over Onawa, the city comes alive with a variety of cultural and entertainment options. Catch a live performance at the beautifully restored Onawa Opera House, which hosts a range of shows throughout the year. From concerts to theatrical productions, there is always something exciting happening in this vibrant community.

Alternative names: Population: 2.9 thous.Area: 5.19 mi²Elevation: 1047 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 42°1'38"N, 96°5'48"W

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IowaUnited States

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Onawa Top Attractions

Onawa Attractions - What to See and Explore

Onawa offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Lewis and Clark State Park, Onawa Public Library, Onawa IOOF Opera House, Monona County Courthouse. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

State park • Park
Lewis and Clark State Park
Lewis and Clark State Park is a state park in the US state of Iowa consisting of 176 acres located in Monona County. The park features camping, picnicking, boating, swimming, and fishing on 250-acre Blue Lake.
Library
Onawa Public Library
Onawa Public Library is located in Onawa, Iowa, United States. The public library began in 1902 when Judge Addison Oliver offered to buy the former Congregational Church for a library building, and funds to buy books and fixtures.
Concerts and shows • Opera • Theater
Onawa IOOF Opera House
The Onawa IOOF Opera House, also known as the Onawa Opera House, is a historic opera house located in Onawa, Iowa. It was completed in November, 1900, only to be heavily damaged in a fire a month later, on December 24, 1900.

Romanesque architecture
Monona County Courthouse
The Monona County Courthouse, located in Onawa, Iowa, United States, was built in 1892. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1981 as a part of the County Courthouses in Iowa Thematic Resource. The courthouse is the third building the county has used for court functions and county administration.
42°2'15"N • 96°5'56"W
Monona County Veteran's Memorial Museum
Military museum • History museum • Museum
42°1'38"N • 96°5'56"W
Newell A. Whiting House
The Newell A. Whiting House is a historic building located in Onawa, Iowa, United States. Whiting was a hardware merchant and sawmill owner, who built this house for his second wife. It is a simple, yet fairly pure, an example of the Italianate style constructed in the mid-19th century.

Day trips

Onawa – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Onawa, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Orpheum Theatre (Sioux City), Sioux City Art Center (Sioux City), Sergeant Floyd (Sioux City).

36 milesNW
Concerts and shows, Theater
Orpheum Theatre, Sioux City
The Orpheum Theatre, also known as New Orpheum Theatre and Orpheum Electric Building, is a performing arts center located at 528 S. Pierce Street in Sioux City, Iowa. Built in 1927 as a vaudeville and movie palace, the theatre was restored in 1999 and today is the home of the Sioux City Symphony Orchestra.
36 milesNW
Museum, Art gallery, Art museum
Sioux City Art Center, Sioux City
The Sioux City Art Center began as a Works Progress Administration project in 1937 when the Art Center Association of Sioux City, the Sioux City Junior League, as well as other community supporters, received a grant of $3,000 to create the first art center.
36 milesNW
Museum, Visitor center, History museum
Sergeant Floyd, Sioux City
Sergeant Floyd is a historic museum boat, serving as the Sergeant Floyd River Museum & Welcome Center at 1000 Larsen Park Road in Sioux City, Iowa.
36 milesNW
Museum, Specialty museum, History museum
Sioux City Public Museum, Sioux City
The Sioux City Public Museum is a museum about the history and culture of Sioux City, Iowa. Displays include a video about the city's history, Native American artifacts, pioneer artifacts, historic transportation vehicles, agriculture, industry, geology and fossils.
36 milesNW
Church, Gothic Revival architecture
Cathedral of the Epiphany, Sioux City
The Cathedral of the Epiphany is a cathedral and a parish church located in Sioux City, Iowa, United States. It is the seat of the Diocese of Sioux City.