Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Marshalltown, Iowa

Situated in gently undulating agricultural land in east-central Iowa, Marshalltown is a city with a population of 27,500 located on the southern bank of the Iowa River.

The city’s development began significantly in the 1870s and in 1913, it became interconnected with the Lincoln Highway, the nation’s first enhanced transcontinental roadway.

Lennox International, a manufacturer of refrigeration products, was established in this area in 1895 and remains one of the few employers from the city’s early growth period still operating here.

Marshalltown has successfully recovered twice from damaging EF3 tornadoes, one occurring in 1961 and the other in 2018, which devastated a route spanning approximately 8.5 miles for nearly half an hour.

Life continues as evidenced by the Cartwright Downtown Farmers’ Market, a local fixture held every Wednesday and Saturday during the summer months.

1. Mowry Irvine Mansion

The Historical Society of Marshall County was established in 1908 and oversees four properties within and surrounding Marshalltown.

Its headquarters, which also houses the society’s genealogical library, is the opulent Mowry Irvine Mansion, constructed in the Second Empire architectural style in the 1870s, with a grand porch added around 1900.

This mansion was the residence of the notable Lounsberry and Mowry families and features original woodwork and furnishings, alongside displays from local artists located on the upper floor. As of our last review, the mansion was available for tours Monday through Friday.

2. Riverview Park

Located at the northern end of Marshalltown is a picturesque park on the southern bank of the Iowa River. Less focused on sports, Riverview Park offers a serene environment for leisurely strolls, picnics, and playground activities for young children.

A campground is situated on the west side, featuring 10 full hook-up locations, 20 electrical sites, and 10 parking pads, accompanied by a shower facility and flushing toilets.

Additionally, Riverview Park includes a disc golf course and marks the starting point of a bike trail that meanders through Marshalltown, following Linn Creek and linking several other parks within the city.

3. Glick-Sower Historical House

In juxtaposition to the expansive Tallcorn Hotel located just south, this charming homestead is preserved as a museum by the Historical Society of Marshall County.

Recognized as one of the oldest homes in the city, the Glick-Sower Historical House dates back to 1859 and was originally constructed for one of Marshalltown’s founders, Dr. Glick.

Dr. Glick sold the property in 1870 to George Sower, a newspaper publisher and the founder of the Marshall Times, which continues to operate as the Marshalltown Times Republican.

The Sower family maintained residence in this home until 1952, when Susie Sower transferred ownership to the county’s citizens.

The house is accessible for tours by appointment and is accompanied by the Taylor #4 Country School, a restored one-room schoolhouse from 1913 that retains its original appearance.

4. Historic Downtown District

Marshalltown experienced rapid growth in the latter part of the 19th century, supported by companies such as Fisher Controls (currently Emerson Electric), Lennox International, and Marshalltown Company, all of which remain operational in some capacity.

As one strolls along Main Street, it is evident that much of the architecture reflects that period of expansive development at the turn of the 20th century.

The historic district encompassing downtown has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 2002 and features nearly 80 contributing buildings.

This includes the Marshall County Courthouse (1886), the Woodbury Building (1862), the Carnegie Library (1902), the Ford Building (1920), the stately Tallcorn Hotel (1928), and the Veterans Memorial Coliseum (1929).

5. Cartwright Downtown Farmers’ Market

Situated one block north of Main Street, there is a dedicated shelter for Marshalltown’s farmers’ market. Running from May through October, this market operates on Wednesday afternoons and Saturday mornings, featuring over 30 vendors.

This market has been an essential part of the Marshalltown community for nearly 50 years and relocated to its present location in 1985.

Available for purchase are a diverse range of seasonal local fruits and vegetables, alongside meats, honey, flowers, preserves, baked goods, crafts, handmade soaps, and various handicrafts.

A designated area for children provides a range of engaging activities, in addition to numerous events coinciding with the market. During winter months, the Saturday market transitions indoors to the Community Building at Riverview Park.

6. Marshalltown Family Aquatic Center

For a delightful family outing during the summer months, there is a public water park operational from Memorial Day weekend through mid-August. Established in 2003, the aquatic center offers an extensive variety of features within a relatively compact area.

The main pool comprises eight lanes for lap swimming, complemented by a diving well with a drop slide and a zero-depth entry area tailored for younger children.

Adjacent to the main pool is a winding lazy river that connects to splash zones for three separate slides.

7. Taylor’s Maid-Rite

This fast-food establishment attracts patrons from far and wide and is part of the Maid-Rite franchise chain. Maid-Rite’s headquarters are based in Des Moines, boasting 32 locations, two-thirds of which are within Iowa.

The brand traces its origins back to 1926, and Marshalltown has hosted a franchise since 1928. Maid-Rite is renowned for its loose meat sandwich, crafted with prime, 100% choice meat, ground fresh on a daily basis.

Traditionally, this sandwich is garnished with mustard, three pickles, and/or chopped onions, while it took an entire 90 years before ketchup was finally offered at the counter.

Taylor’s Maid-Rite features a layout reminiscent of a classic diner, and the shakes and malts perfectly complement the dining experience.

8. Wayward Social

Located southwest of downtown, near Legion Memorial Park, this recently renovated bowling alley has transformed into an entertainment venue reminiscent of Dave & Buster’s.

While bowling remains central to the experience with 20 modern lanes, patrons can also enjoy a variety of games at the Alien Alley Arcade, in addition to the extensive menu at Rosie’s featuring a range of craft cocktails, beers, and seltzers.

Among the culinary offerings, the standout item is the pizza, which is hand-tossed and crafted from fresh sourdough, complemented by a diverse selection of meat and vegetarian toppings.

9. Grimes Farm and Conservation Center

In 1964, Leonard and Mildred Grimes acquired this farm located in the western part of Marshalltown and undertook the restoration of a neglected area using sustainable farming practices and conservation methods.

This initiative included the construction of terraces, the excavation of waterways and ponds, the elimination of tillage, and the planting of native grasses to counteract soil erosion.

Starting in the early 1990s, the couple contributed portions of this 160-acre property to the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation.

Visitors are welcome to explore the trails through cultivated fields, prairies, woodlands, and wetlands, as well as the Conservation Center, which features natural history displays and facilities for environmental education.

A variety of public interpretive programs are organized throughout the year, alongside outdoor concerts held in the summer at the amphitheater.

10. Iowa River’s Edge Trail

The Iowa River runs along the northern edge of Marshalltown as it journeys southeast towards the Mississippi River. In East Central Iowa, the gentle currents create a greenway, providing a wooded corridor amidst the surrounding farmland.

A delightful way to appreciate this riparian landscape, as well as the small towns situated upstream from Marshalltown, is via the River’s Edge Trail.

This trail follows a former railroad right-of-way, extending 34 miles from Marshalltown to Steamboat Rock in Hardin County.

While the right-of-way has been secured and is accessible to the public, the trail remains a work in progress, with only the initial and final segments paved at the time of writing.

The long-term vision for the trail encompasses enhancements such as interpretive markers, shaded structures, public art installations, outdoor galleries, seating areas, and wildlife observation sites.

11. Central Iowa Fair

The Central Iowa Fairgrounds are located in the southeastern area of Marshalltown and host a busy calendar of events including rodeos, livestock exhibitions, stock car races, craft fairs, and private functions throughout the year.

Most anticipation surrounds the Central Iowa Fair, held over four days in mid-July, drawing nearly 10,000 visitors and offering activities suitable for all demographics.

Events include a range of 4-H animal shows, various contests and tournaments, live musical performances, a farmers’ market, numerous food vendors, a beer tent, and a special “Kid Land” filled with activities for children.

12. Collison Par 3 Golf Course

Golf enthusiasts will appreciate the Collison Par 3 course, which was initiated in the 1950s by Dr. David Collison as a recreational venue for family and friends. By 1972, a complete 18-hole course was established, currently operated by his son, Mark Collison.

A high standard of upkeep is maintained throughout the course, from tees to greens, making it an excellent location for novices to learn the sport.

While the layout is specifically designed for newcomers, it also offers experienced golfers an opportunity to enhance their skills in iron play, pitching, and putting, featuring a diverse range of hole lengths, from 87 to 250 yards.

13. Marshalltown Speedway

The auto racing circuit located at the Central Iowa Fairgrounds operates from April through the end of September.

This track features a ¼-mile high-banked clay oval, hosting weekly events for IMCA Sanctioned Late Models, Stock Cars, Modifieds, Hobby Stocks, SportMods, and Mod Lites.

Races typically take place on Friday evenings, with occasional events held on Thursdays. The grandstands are positioned very near to the racing action, opening at 5:30 pm and races commencing at 7:30 pm.

14. Lincoln Highway Heritage Byway

Prior to the establishment of the nation’s first enhanced transcontinental road, the fastest route across the United States was by train.

Officially inaugurated in October 1913, the Lincoln Highway is an extensive network of roads traversing coast-to-coast, stretching from Times Square in New York to Lincoln Park in San Francisco, passing through 14 states, 128 counties, and 700 cities.

Marshalltown is included among these cities, and there exists a designated scenic byway in Iowa, complete with official brochures and itineraries available for download online.

If you are considering a road trip, set your course towards Ames or Tama and explore what awaits along the way.

15. Matt Edel Blacksmith Shop

Matthew Edel, a blacksmith and inventor, operated this workshop from 1883 until his passing in 1940.

A German immigrant, Edel was one of over 2,100 blacksmiths engaged in this trade in Iowa during the 1880s. His establishment domestic and professional settings have been preserved as a glimpse into a bygone era.

The Matt Edel Blacksmith Shop has been designated a State Historic Site, showcasing the workshop from the 1880s, a house from the 1890s, and a garage he constructed in 1915 after his son completed training in auto repair in Des Moines.

Beyond tool repair and horse shoeing, Edel Sr. was an innovative inventor, and visitors can learn about his patented inventions, including a wire grain-binder, dehorning clipper, fence stretcher, wedge cutter, and more.