20 Attractions to Explore Near Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge

Waterloo Ridge Lutheran Church is located northwest of the unincorporated community of Dorchester, Iowa, United States. It and the churchyard form a nationally recognized historic district that was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2015. At the time of its nomination, it consisted of three resources, which included one contributing building, one contributing site, and one contributing structure.

The Burr Oak House, also known as the Masters Hotel, is a historic landmark located in Burr Oak, Iowa. This charming two-story hotel was immortalized in the writings of Laura Ingalls Wilder, author of the beloved "Little House" book series, who lived there with her family in the 1870s.

The Locust School, situated in Iowa, is a historic one-room schoolhouse that stands as a testament to the importance of education in rural America during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Constructed in [year], the school served as a hub of learning for children in the surrounding community, providing primary education in a setting that reflects the simplicity and charm of a bygone era.

Cold Water Spring State Preserve, located in Winneshiek County, Iowa, is a serene and picturesque natural area that offers visitors a tranquil escape into the beauty of Iowa's countryside. Encompassing approximately 110 acres, the preserve is named after the cold-water spring that flows through the landscape, providing a refreshing oasis for both wildlife and visitors alike.

Fish Farm Mounds State Preserve is a 3-acre (12,000 m2) archaeological mound group containing Native American burials in the U.S. state of Iowa. It is located within the larger Fish Farms Mounds Wildlife area, a state owned hunting area a few miles south of New Albin, just inland from the Upper Mississippi River in Allamakee County.

The Leander Reeve House, also known as the Old Stone House, is a historic structure located near Geneva, Iowa in the United States. Leander Reeve came to Franklin County from Ashtabula County, Ohio in 1853. He initially worked as a trapper until he acquired 10 acres (4.0 ha) of land from Allison Phelps and began to farm.

West Paint Creek Synod Evangelical Lutheran Church and Cemetery is a historic building and site located northwest of Waterville, Iowa, United States. The church building and its adjacent cemetery were listed together on the National Register of Historic Places in 2019.

Decorah Ice Cave State Preserve, located in Winneshiek County, Iowa, is a unique natural area that offers visitors the opportunity to explore an underground ice cave and marvel at its fascinating geological features. Encompassing approximately 52 acres, the preserve is named after the Decorah Ice Cave, a subterranean cavern that maintains a cool temperature year-round, allowing ice formations to persist even in the heat of summer.

Luther College, located in Decorah, Iowa, is a private liberal arts college affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). Established in 1861, Luther College has a rich history and tradition of providing a high-quality education grounded in the liberal arts and sciences.

Nestled in the heart of Iowa, Lidtke Mill stands as a timeless testament to the region's rich milling history and agricultural heritage. Situated in the charming town of Lime Springs, this historic mill, built in 1857, has become an iconic landmark, preserving the craftsmanship and traditions of a bygone era.

The Painter-Bernatz Mill, located in Winnebago County, Iowa, is a historic flour mill that stands as a symbol of the region's agricultural heritage and industrial past. Built in 1853 by early settler Nathan Crary, the mill played a vital role in the local economy, providing essential milling services to farmers in the surrounding area.

Nestled in the historic town of Howard, Iowa, the Kellow House stands as a testament to the architectural heritage of the region. Dating back to1880, this distinguished residence has become an iconic landmark, reflecting the history and charm of Howard in its design and character.

The Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum, located in Decorah, Iowa, is a premier cultural institution dedicated to preserving and celebrating the heritage and contributions of Norwegian immigrants to American society. Founded in 1877, Vesterheim is one of the oldest and most comprehensive ethnic museums in the United States, showcasing a vast collection of artifacts, artworks, and cultural treasures that tell the story of Norwegian immigration and settlement in America.

The Antoine LeClaire House, located in Davenport, Iowa, is a historic residence that holds significant cultural and architectural importance. Constructed in the mid-19th century, the house was originally the home of Antoine LeClaire, a prominent figure in the early history of Davenport and the surrounding region.

The Porter House Museum, located in Decorah, Iowa, is a historic residence that offers visitors a glimpse into the life and times of a prominent local family during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Built in 1867 for Adelbert Field Porter, a successful attorney and businessman, the house served as a cherished family home for several generations.

Nestled in the heart of Cresco, Iowa, the Cresco Theatre and Opera House stands as a cultural cornerstone, weaving together the threads of history, community, and the performing arts. Steeped in a legacy that dates back to [year of establishment], this historic venue has played a pivotal role in the cultural and social tapestry of Cresco.

The Bastian site is an archaeological site associated with a village of the Oneota culture near Cherokee, Iowa, United States. The time period for this village appears to be from an intermediate era between village sites from the earlier Correctionville–Blue Earth phase and the later Orr phase. The later phase is from the late prehistoric and early historic periods, and include villages of the Siouan-speaking groups. The site was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1976.

Allamakee County Historical Museum is a notable institution preserving the history and heritage of Allamakee County in Iowa. Museums like this play a crucial role in showcasing the cultural and historical richness of a region.

Old East Paint Creek Lutheran Church is located north of Waterville, Iowa, United States. The church building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1983.

Hayden Prairie State Preserve, situated in the heart of Iowa, is a pristine natural sanctuary that embodies the essence of the state's native prairie landscapes. Established to preserve and showcase the remnants of Iowa's original tallgrass prairie, Hayden Prairie State Preserve spans across of undisturbed beauty, offering visitors a rare and immersive experience into the rich biodiversity and ecological significance of this unique ecosystem.