Attractions

Watson Station

Located in the Missouri Valley City Park, just off Hwy 30

The Watson Station Depot and Museum holds lots of train memorabilia, HO-gauge trains, 160 brass replicas of every Union Pacific engine ever built, and even a refurbished motor car. Take a ride on 2013 Union Pacific Replica train, or the 1948 Ottaway Steam Train. The Station is open May 6, 2023 on Saturdays from noon until 5 PM. Private Birthday parties are available to book.

The Polar Express will be held on Dec. 2nd, 11:00am - 4:00pm. Admission is a nonperishable food item, or a good will donation offering. Santa visits will be held in Groom's Hall, along with the Vendor Fair. Food will be available starting at 11:00am. Sponsorship of the event is thanks to Midstates Bank.

Harrison County Historical Village and Welcome Center

712.642.2114
HarrisonCountyParks.org/welcome
2931 Monroe Avenue,
Missouri Valley, IA

Located 5 miles east of I-29 , Exit 75, on Highway 30

Open mid April – November
Mon. – Sat. 9 am – 5 pm
Sunday noon – 5 pm

In the Harrison County Historical Village and Welcome Center, you will be able to amble through a log cabin, country store, blacksmith shop and an 1868 rural school house. You can exercise your legs walking a one mile trail through 14 acres of re-established Loess Hills prairie. Outside of the Welcome Center you will find Harrison County’s Freedom Rock, one of the 99 found thoughout Iowa’s counties. Enjoy browsing inside the center for crafts, food, gifts, and souvenirs.

Missouri Valley’s Caboose Park

Small park located on the west side of Missouri Valley, along Highway 30. Stop and relax a little while in a “Train Town U.S.A.!”

Western Iowa’s Loess Hills

The Loess Hills were formed by deposits of very fine windblown soil from the end of the last ice age. The range runs north and south along the western border of Iowa. The hills provide magnificent scenic views of the Missouri River valley, forests, and grasslands. There are many species of flowers and other plants that are native to this area. You can find lots of history, recreation, scenic views, and byways to wind your way through the Loess Hills.

Logan-Missouri Valley Country Club

712.644.3050 or 712.642.2124
2455 Highway 30 Logan, IA
Located on Highway 30 east of Missouri Valley

Beautiful 9 hole course built in the Loess Hills. Open from April to October. League days on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

Loess Hills Lavender Farm

712.642.9016
loesshillslavender.com
2278 Loess Hills Trail, Missouri Valley, IA

The Lavender Farm is located north of Missouri Valley. It has 15 acres of over 1,200 lavender plants placed over the Loess Hills. The gift shop has over 40 local vendors and artisans who fill the shop with gifts.

Take a tour, walk the lavender fields, pick a bouquet to keep and enjoy. Relax and learn about the wonders of lavender! Call ahead to arrange tours.

The Spring Fling event opens the season on April 29th, from 10:00AM - 6:00 PM.

DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge & Visitor Center

712.388.4800
fws.gov/refuge/desoto

Located 5 miles west of Missouri Valley on Highway 30
DeSoto@fws.gov

This refuge lies 5 miles west of Missouri Valley. It covers 8,362 acres, with wildlife such as pheasants, deer, turkey, and bald eagles. And of course geese and ducks. You can spend time hiking, hunting or fishing, no-wake-boating, or touring through the Visitor’s Center that houses the Steamboat Bertrand discovery site. Whatever you decide to do, enjoy the splendid outdoors and scenery.

Sawmill Hollow Family Farm

712.648.2432
sawmillhollow.com

Located nine miles north of Missouri Valley.

Visit the first organic aronia berry plantation in the United States, nestled in a valley in the beautiful Loess Hills. Owned and operated by a local family. Products and plants can be purchased in their country store. Tours are welcomed. Special events are planned during the season. Call for more information.

Wilson Island State Recreation Area

32801 Campground Lane
Missouri Valley, IA
712.642.2069
Wilson_Island@dnr.iowa.gov
www.iowadnr.gov/Places-to-Go/State-Parks-Rec-Areas/Iowas-State-Parks/ParkDetails/ParkID/610118

Wilson Island State Recreation Area has 544 acres of area. You can set up campsites, hike on the trails, hunt and fish. There is a boat ramp for access to the river, too. Check out their website for more information.

Little Willow Dog Park

Located in Willow Park, between Boston Avenue and Park Avenue, north of West Superior street. This special dog park hosts fenced in spaces for both large and small dogs to run and exercise. You’ll find benches to relax on, and waste stations with supplies to keep the area clean. Horseshoe pits, basketball hoops, and restrooms are available too. Enjoy the recent dog carvings that surround the park!

Harrison County Fair & Parade

712.644.2105
harrisoncofair.com

The county fair is held at the Harrison County Fairgrounds in Missouri Valley. There will be 5 fun filled days in July to enjoy carnival rides, games, vendors, livestock exhibits, as well as a parade. Exciting grandstand events might include Monster Trucks, rodeos, and Figure 8 Races.

The parade is held on Saturday morning of the Fair, beginning at 10 AM.

Old Town Conservation Area

712.642.2785
harrisoncountyparks.org
hccb@HarrisonCountyParks.org

Located 3 miles southeast of Missouri Valley

This is a 341 acre nature area in the Loess Hills. It’s filled with hiking trails, scenic vistas, and wildlife.

Duncan's Poultry

712.644.2322
2947 Ogden Ave, Missouri Valley, IA
duncanspoultry.com

This is a must “Stop and See” location. Not only do they process poultry and sell baby chicks, but there is also a Poultry and Primitive Museum that is housed in a replica gas station. You’ll see egg crates, incubators, and anything related to raising poultry. All of the old telephones, scales, lanterns, oil cans, and more have been collected for you to reminisce about the good ole days. Before you leave, stop in the Country Store and take home some fresh processed chicken for supper, and maybe some local honey to cook with.

Small’s Fruit Farm and Pie Parlor

712.646.2723
smallsfruitfarm.com
smallsff@gmail.com
1844-194th St. Mondamin 1 block off Hwy 127-183

This popular destination in the summer and fall will provide you with fresh homegrown fruits and other local produce. Choose apples, strawberries, raspberries, pumpkins, or melons. Even pie is available to purchase in the Pie Parlor. October brings people out to enjoy their annual Fall Fest, for music, pie eating contests, and of course, pumpkins.

Missouri Valley Antique Mall and Classic Cars

712.642.2125
1931 Highway 30
Located ½ mile west of I-29, Exit 75 along Highway 30
missourivalleyantiquemall.com
movalleyclassiccars.com

Open Daily: Mon. – Sat. 9:30 – 5:30 Sun noon – 5:30

Spend lots of time browsing through furniture, dishware, toys, prints, sporting goods, and more. Then go check out the Classic Cars. Brings back some memories and maybe some good stories!

Rialto Theatre

712.642.3826
405 E Erie St, Missouri Valley, IA

Enjoy a movie in a recently restored landmark theatre. The recliner seating makes it even more enjoyable. The Rialto is located in downtown Missouri Valley, right on Erie Street.

Iowa Byways

iowabyways.org

A great way to see the area is to travel any of the three Iowa Byways: Loess Hills National Scenic Byway, the Lincoln Highway Heritage Byway, and the Western Skies Scenic Byway.

Missouri Valley Post Office

Inside the Post Office you’ll find beautiful painted murals. These are part of Harrison County history that is being preserved.