AUDUBON COUNTY TOURISM
800 MARKET STREET
AUDUBON, IOWA 50025-1050
PHONE: 712-563-2742
FAX: 712-563-2537
EMAIL: audubontourism@iowatelecom.net
CITY OF AUDUBON
John James Audubon with dog Zephyr STATUE
Audubon, the town and county are named for the world famous artist and naturalist, John James Audubon. He is honored in several ways…..a bronze statue with his dog, “Zephyr”, a beautiful tile mural in the library entrance, by Judy Suttcliffe, and a mural in the Post Office, painted by workers in the WPA. The WPA provided jobs and income to the unemployed during the Great Depression in the United States. Off of Highway 71, follow Broadway Street east to the Audubon town square.
Audubon Public Library
Part of the library is now the John James Audubon Cultural Center, which is a home to antique doll and toy museum. Lectures, classes and displays frequent the meeting room. See the entire collection of the famous Royal Copenhagen plates, from the first release to the most current. For more information contact 712-563-3301.
Library Doll Collection
John James Audubon Mosaic in Audubon Public Library
ALBERT THE BULL - WORLD’S LARGEST BULL
ALBERT THE BULL is the World’s largest Bull. Albert is located on the south edge of Audubon, visible from Highway 71. The lighted statue welcomes visitors to Audubon. It is 30 feet tall and weighs 45 tons with a horn span of 15 feet and is recognized nationally. This gigantic statue is a salute to the beef industry and offers a great photo opportunity.
Audubon’s largest celebration is “OPERATION T-BONE”. The celebration runs the first weekend in August. The festivities include fireworks, a parade, "John James Audubon 5K/2K Fun Run & Walk, a talent show, a fabulous "Chili Cook Off", variety shows, class reunions, a street dance, "Wheeler Power Show(the largest car show in Southwest Iowa), cattleman’s auction, horse show, golf tournament, and more....
AUDUBON COUNTY COURTHOUSE AND VETERAN’S MEMORIAL
AUDUBON COUNTY COURTHOUSE is on the National Historic Register of historic buildings as an excellent example of “Art Deco” artistry. Virtually unchanged, it is one of twelve courthouses in Iowa built in the thirties. On the courthouse lawn is the Veterans Memorial, dedicated on the fiftieth anniversary of the end of World War II. The monument holds more than 1,600 names of veterans with family ties to Audubon County.
U.S. POST OFFICE JOHN JAMES AUDUBON MURAL
A beautiful mural depicting John James Audubon’s life can be found in the U.S. Post Office. It was painted by workers of the WPA. The WPA provided jobs and income to the unemployed during the Great Depression in the United States.
Recreation
Audubon City Pool and more....
For summer fun come to the Audubon City Pool located at 601 Stadium Drive. Enjoy the olympic lanes and water slide. All located close is tennis courts, baseball, softball and volleyball . Other fun to take in car races, parks and playgrounds, golf course, bike trail and camping .
Click link to print map. Audubon City Map
BRAYTON
The story of "THE TREE IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD”.
A surveyor was marking the line between Audubon and Cass counties and used a slender cottonwood branch as he walked. When the line was established, he pushed it in the soft earth at the exact point where the lines crossed and where the present crossroad was to be in later years. The switch took root and it has grown into today’s tall and widespread 100 foot tree. To reach the "Tree in the Road" from 71 Highway at the town of Brayton travel east on County Road T to F-65, and follow the green "Tree in the Road" signs on the gravel roads. From Exira, go east on F-58 and follow the green "Tree in the Road" sign. As you approch the curve take the gravel off the west side of Littfiefield Park.
Brayton
Brayton is home to Old Glory Park and a jumping off point for finding the THE TREE IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD
T-Bone Trail
"OLD GLORY PARK"
"Old Glory Park" a great, fun place to picnic and play.
BRAYTON MEMORIAL
Click link to print map. Brayton Map
EXIRA
Downtown Exira
At "PLOW IN THE OAK PARK" one mile south of Exira, there is a legend that a farmer went off to the Civil War leaving his plow against the sapling. As it grew, the plow becaome a part of the tree. Today, less and less of the plow is visible but there stands yet, a large oak tree, with an iron plow in its heart. It has been written about nationally, as one of the country’s “Famous Trees”, and even by Ripley’s “Believe It or Not”. THE park contains five acres with picnic tables and a restroom.
Littlefield Recreation Area is located six miles southeast of Exira and is Audubon County’s largest recreation area totaling 444 acres with over 100 campsites. The lake is 70 acres, good for fishing and swimming with a large sand beach and bathhouse. The park has both tent and RV campgrounds, picnic areas, shelters, native timber, wildflowers, biking and hiking trails, and live buffalo are an added attraction.
Exira is known for its 4th of July celebration. The Independence Day parade and festival attracts thousands for the parade, food, fireworks and fun! In 2007 Exira will celebrate 150 years with additional events including a Garden Walk, a 2K/5K Fun Run & Walk, a Rodeo and Style Show and Pageant.
Click link to print. Exira Map
GRAY
The “HERITAGE ROSE GARDEN” nestled in the little town of Gray is a delightful discovery for tourists traveling Western Iowa. Found within a unique town park is an extensive collection of old garden roses grandmothers brought across the prairie to Iowa. Over 200 roses and other plantings flourish in this treasure trove with its arbors, arches, and a unique historic steeple from the town’s first church. Come for a quiet stroll through the Heritage Rose Garden located in Gray which is 2 miles west on F-16 off of Highway 71. For information call 712-563-2742.
Click link to print. Gray Map
KIMBALLTON
“The Little Mermaid Park” is in the Danish settlement of Kimballton. In the park you will find a fountain with an exact replica of the Little Mermaid in the harbor at Copenhagen, Denmark. Proud of their Danish cultural heritage, the citizens of Kimballton erected this tribute in 1978 to the Danish author, Hans Christian Andersen. "The Little Mermaid" fairytale is one of Andersen’s best known and most loved stories. Next to the fountain is a “Bondehuset” (farmers cottage) and children’s playground.
Kimballton's Quasquicentennial Celebration ~ June 20, 21 & 22, 2008
Audubon County Garden Tour_~ June 21, 2008 from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM ~ See County Calendar for more details or cal 712-563-2742
The Danish Immanuel Lutheran Church, on the National Register of Historic Places,is a jewel in this small community and is open to the public. Don’t miss the ship hanging from the ceiling. View the Mural of History on Main Street. See the Business District which is on the National Historic Register as well.
Also check out the Little Mermaid Gift Shop. Relax in the Dania Garden gazebo on Main Street. Kimballton has three main celebrations. Two of the events are Julefest (Christmas Festival) in late November and the Tivoli Fest, Memorial Day weekend. The General Store Museum includes a section on the National Hand Corn Husking competition. Kimballton is host to the State Hand Corn Husking tournament and also the site of the 2009 National Hand Corn Husking Competition. The Iowa State Hand Corn Husking Contest is held on the second full weekend in October. This is a nationally attended event every fall. History alive!
This small village of Kimballton is only three miles from Elk Horn, where the Iowa State Welcome Center is an authentic working Danish windmill, built in 1848 and transported to Elk Horn in 1945 where the townspeople painstakingly re-assembled it. The Danish Immigrant Museum a few blocks away is the national museum of Danish heritage. Share the story and experience of early Danish immigrants beginning with their decision to leave Denmark to the establishment of new homes, schools, churches, and settlements in America, as you tour the self-guiding permanent exhibit,“Across Oceans, Across Time”. This area is the largest Danish settlement in the United States. Danish food and gifts are available in Kimballton and Elk Horn.
As Audubon County’s only winery, The Danish Countryside Vines and Wines is an excellent example of barn reuse. Grapeleaf Lane off of F58, 2 1/2 miles east from Elk Horn or 6 1/2 miles west from Exira will take you there. The Countryside Vines and Wines offers tours and tastings with a beautiful view of the countryside. For more information contact 712-764-2991.
Click link to print. Kimballton Map
AUDUBON COUNTY MUSEUMS
NATHANIEL HAMLIN PARK, proudly bears the name of the first settler in Audubon County. This farm museum, one mile south of Audubon on 71 Highway includes the brick Victorian “County Farm Home”, and a little red one room schoolhouse, authentically furnished. Come ring the antique bell!
The Mormans camped here on their westward journey in the 1840’s. According to legend they spilled bluegrass seed from wagon supplies, hence the name Blue Grass Grove. It was the summer campground for hunting parties for Meskwaki Indians until 1886.
The house was built in 1890 in the Renaisssance style of Victorian architecture and is part of a museum complex at the park featuring historical displays. From the front porch or an upstairs window one has a picturesque view of the Blue Grass Valley.
The Machinery Museum is home to the 200- foot mural depicting the cattle industry--from a roundup in Texas to the family table in Iowa. This mural was painted by Audubon’s own, the late Cam Ross in 1973. The machinery building also houses antique farm equipment and other displays pertaining to everyday farm life. People with disabilities are welcome! A walking trail cuts through seven acres of native timber with an undercover of bluegrass and wildflowers. There are two small ponds with aquatic plants and animals.. White-tailed deer and pheasants are routinely seen.. A small stream winds along on one side with a bluebird trail . Self-guided tours on the trail are welcome.
The Audubon County Historical Society maintains the museums. Call 712-563-3984 for more information.
An Elk family makes their home at the park. Elk were native to this area over 150 years ago. Observe these fascinating animals from the gazebo viewing stand and feed them grains.
A Blacksmith Shop, and many farm windmills add to the experience at Nathaniel Hamlin Park and Museum. Walk the wilderness trail or shop at the Bargain Barn located on the grounds. Tours are welcome, and the meeting room and picnic tables are great for gatherings. Call 712-563-3984 for hours and tours.
Courthouse Museum
In Exira, the original AUDUBON COUNTY COURTHOUSE is now a historical museum containing special historical displays including artifacts from Audubon County history, a genealogical library, and video and newspaper clippings of the devastating 1958 flood of the Nishabotna River. It is open during Exira’s Fourth of July celebration or by appointment. Call 712-268-5489 or 712-268-2187 for hours and more information.
LIBRARYS/GIFT SHOPS & SPECIALTIES
TAYLOR HILL LODGE
A restored barn with catered dining, lodging, and relaxing in the country. The Lodge is located at 1614 Highway 71, 4 miles north of Audubon. Phone: 712-563-2248.
JOHN JAMES AUDUBON TEA ROOM AND GIFT SHOP
Featuring "Simply Sweet Catering". In historic downtown Audubon, Iowa. Open Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays 11am-4pm. Available for groups or private parties, by appointment. Located at 329 Washington St. Phone: 712-563-3319.
AUDUBON ART & ANTIQUE GALLERY
The Audubon Art & Antique Gallery is located at 225 Broadway. Hours open are Wednesday through Friday 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, & Saturday 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Featured is a combination of quality art & antiques. Their emphasis is on local Audubon County artists. The last Monday of the month is Gallery Night from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM where the spotlight is on one or more of the artists.
AUDUBON PUBLIC LIBRARY & JOHN JAMES AUDUBON CULTURAL CENTER
401 North Park Place…on the square
712-563-3301
www.audubon.swilsa@lib.ia.us
EXIRA PUBLIC LIBRARY
114 West Washington Street..
712-268-5489
ANTIQUES & GIFT SHOPS;:
Contact aaudubontourism@iowatelecom.net or a Welcome Center for more information and brochures
Audubon County welcomes you to it’s beautiful rolling countryside, antiques, museums, good food and friendly people. Western Skies Scenic Byway rolls along a ridge top through the towns of Hamlin and Kimballton, giving expansive views of terraced hills and farmsteads nestled into deep valley.
