Sites and Attractions
A National Heritage Area is like a giant, interactive outdoor classroom where history, nature, and community come together.
You can easily explore a connected network of more than 100 authentic, interactive sites across Iowa.
To make planning your journey even easier, you can use our new custom filter tool.
Quickly sort by region, activity, or personal interests to find exactly the experience you are looking for in seconds.
To make planning your journey even easier, you can use our new custom filter tool.
Quickly sort by region, activity, or personal interests to find exactly the experience you are looking for in seconds.
Experiences
Features
1 - 12 of 119 attractions
Junior Ranger
Perfect for families and curious minds of all ages, the Silos & Smokestacks Junior Ranger Program invites you to explore historic barns, working farms, and museums while learning how we feed the world.
Complete engaging activity sheets at participating sites to earn official rewards—including stickers, patches, and the ultimate Junior Ranger badge—and become a proud steward of our farming heritage!
Get StartedComplete engaging activity sheets at participating sites to earn official rewards—including stickers, patches, and the ultimate Junior Ranger badge—and become a proud steward of our farming heritage!
NPS Passport Program
Bring your official Passport To Your National Parks booklet along as you explore Northeast Iowa! Silos & Smokestacks National Heritage Area proudly participates in this popular national tradition, offering unique rubber cancellation stamps at 35 partner sites across the region.
As you visit historic museums, nature centers, and working farms, you can commemorate your journey by recording the exact date and location of each stop—joining a community of travelers documenting their adventures across hundreds of treasured national sites.
Get StartedAs you visit historic museums, nature centers, and working farms, you can commemorate your journey by recording the exact date and location of each stop—joining a community of travelers documenting their adventures across hundreds of treasured national sites.
Travel Itineraries
Silos & Smokestacks National Heritage Area includes numerous sites and attractions, wonderful picnic spots, quaint restaurants, a variety of landscapes, and Midwestern hospitality. To help you plan your visit to the Heritage Area, use our suggested travel itineraries as a guide. More itineraries are updated often, so bookmark this page for future adventures!
View Our Itineraries