Summary
Sitting 30 miles east of Des Moines, Newton is a city that emerged rapidly in the early 20th century as the “Washing Machine Capital of the World.”
A primary factor in this development was the Maytag Washing Machine Company, which ultimately was acquired by Whirlpool.
Currently, the Maytag name continues to resonate in Newton, associated with a park, a significant downtown building, and a renowned cheese brand initiated by the Maytag family as a secondary venture in the 1940s.
Newton has preserved numerous charming elements of its history, from Iowa’s oldest drive-in theater to a Hollywood-style bowl in Maytag Park, along with a vibrant downtown that remains lively with commerce, entertainment, and cultural activities.
1. Downtown Newton
The courthouse square and its intersecting streets are preserved as a U.S. Historic District, featuring approximately 60 contributing structures that reflect the various phases of Newton’s evolution from the mid-19th century to the post-war period.
The prominent landmark is the Jasper County Courthouse (1911), designed in a striking Beaux-Arts style.
Opposite the courthouse is the remarkable Hotel Maytag (1926), which houses the Capitol Theatre, still operational with a pig mascot.
Downtown Newton boasts an engaging arts scene and a variety of thriving, locally-owned establishments.
These include a deli, craft brewery, antique store, flower shop, music store, wine bar, fabric shop, and an art supply store, all within close proximity.
2. Maytag Dairy Farms
The Maytag name frequently appears in Newton. Originally recognized for its washing machines, the family ventured into cheesemaking after acquiring a herd of Holstein-Friesian cows in 1941.
The well-known Maytag Blue Cheese was introduced soon thereafter, developed in collaboration with researchers from Iowa State University.
The farm and its maturing caves are situated just north of Newton, while the company also operates a storefront within the elegant Maytag Hotel downtown.
The Maytag Hometown Store operates from Monday to Saturday and has partnered with the local Muse Wine Bar to provide an exceptional wine and cheese pairing experience.
3. Jasper County Historical Museum
Founded in 1979, this museum showcasing the county’s history contains over 12,000 artifacts, most of which were donated to the local historical society over the years.
Housed in a modern facility featuring a grand Doric portico, the museum offers a comprehensive and diverse exploration of the county’s past.
The industrial displays are particularly extensive, reflecting the period when Newton was known as the “Washing Machine Capital of the World,” showcasing numerous Maytag items.
Visitors can also learn about boxer Rocky Marciano (1923-1969), who tragically died in an aviation accident in Newton, alongside a rich collection of agricultural artifacts.
Additionally, the museum features well-preserved historical spaces, including a general store, barber shop, post office, Victorian rooms, and multiple rooms representing the 1930s.
4. Maytag Park
The founder of the Maytag Company, F. L. Maytag (1857-1937), donated this 40-acre park to Newton during the Great Depression.
Initially a privately-owned park accessible for public enjoyment, it was acquired by the city in 1977.
The park features historic structures from the 1930s, many of which remain operational today, such as the pool and the amphitheater, Maytag Bowl, which hosts events like Bowlful of Blues during the summer.
An old log cabin (1848) still stands, a remnant from the era when the land served as the Jasper County Fairgrounds.
Other amenities include a disc golf course, tennis courts, a playground, a hike/bike trail, and a basketball court.
5. Valle Drive-In
The oldest operating drive-in theater in Iowa is located on the western edge of Newton. One of only four remaining in the state, the Valle Drive-In opened in 1948 and is the most authentic among them.
The original neon sign, snack shack, popcorn maker, and the charming film teasers at the beginning of the movies have all been preserved.
Visitors can enjoy first-run films, shown daily, rain or shine, from April through October.
The gates open at 6:30 PM, allowing time to indulge in snacks from the shack or toss a frisbee before the films commence at dusk.
6. Iowa Speedway
Located near the airport in the southeast of Newton is a prominent motor racing track, which opened in 2006. The highly regarded Iowa Speedway was constructed at a cost of $70 million, featuring a ⅞-mile D-shaped oval capable of accommodating 30,000 spectators.
This circuit has previously hosted events for IndyCar, NASCAR Xfinity Series, and NASCAR Camping Truck Series. Additionally, there are ongoing discussions regarding the possibility of the speedway hosting a NASCAR Cup Series race.
NASCAR legend Rusty Wallace was involved in the design of the track and actively supports the venue’s bid for additional events.
7. Capitol II Theatre
Also situated within the opulent Hotel Maytag on Courthouse Square is a locally owned cinema that initially opened in 1927.
At its inception, the Capitol accommodated 995 guests and featured an in-house orchestra providing sound for silent films.
Unlike many cinemas from this period, the Capitol has remained operational, only closing briefly during a couple of years. It has adapted over the years by adding screens in 1988, followed by state-of-the-art projection and sound upgrades in 2018.
Many beautiful historical details have been restored, allowing patrons to enjoy current releases in comfortable recliners.
The theater has a mascot, Joy the pig, who welcomes guests and performs tricks beneath the marquee during warmer months.
8. Newton Arboretum & Botanical Gardens
Located within Agnes Patterson Park in the east side of Newton is a stunning botanical garden. This arboretum covers six acres and was established in 1995 on what was previously a farm.
Paths meander through the picturesque grounds, featuring gardens filled with annuals, perennials, roses, shrubs, seasonal flowers, and ornamental grasses.
Remarkable collections of conifers, deciduous trees, azaleas, peonies, and prairie wildflowers abound, including a butterfly garden that is especially beautiful in the summer.
The Krumm Horticultural Center within the grounds serves as a venue for meetings, celebrations, and educational seminars.
9. Public Art
Another appealing aspect of downtown Newton is the wealth of public art commissioned for its streets and parks.
A good starting point is the Centre for Arts and Artists at 3rd St and 5th Ave, a regional hub for artistic endeavors, featuring studios, galleries, and a gift shop.
At the center, visitors can obtain a leaflet for a self-guided Public Sculpture & Art Tour, encompassing more than 90 notable sculptures and murals throughout Newton, with new pieces being added regularly.
Newton previously hosted the Iowa Sculpture Festival from 2002 to 2017, and the organization behind that event continues to enhance the walking tour of public art in the city.
10. Maytag Pool
The 25-meter public pool in Maytag Park has served as a summer attraction for families in Newton for nearly 90 years.
Maytag Pool has undergone modernization since its opening in 1935, now featuring two water slides, zero-depth entry, water fountains, a diving well, and six swimming lanes.
The pool is open from Memorial Day weekend through mid-August, with options for regular visitors to purchase passes at discounted rates. Swimming lessons are available throughout the season, and the pool can also be rented for parties.
11. Gezellig Brewing Company
Located near the DMACC campus in downtown Newton is a craft brewery operated by two women who are passionate about quality beer.
The brewery is situated in the former Maytag headquarters: the taproom occupies the company deli, while the brewhouse is where the washers were previously tested.
Founded in 2019, Gezellig Brewing Co. is one of a small number of female-owned craft breweries in the United States.
The brewery has already garnered accolades for several of its beers, including All the Goodness (Farmhouse Ale), Huge Deal Gone Sideweiss (Hefeweizen), and That G Brewery Milk Stout.
Regular food trucks are present, and the brewery hosts unique events such as craft sessions, artist discussions, and conversations with brewers.
A large shared courtyard adjoining the Cellar Peanut Pub is an excellent setting for live music during the summer.
12. Westwood Golf Course
Adjacent to the Valle Drive-In in western Newton is an 18-hole public golf course known for its scenic vistas and friendly staff.
Having operated for decades, Westwood Golf Course is praised for its excellent maintenance and a challenging layout that will test even the most seasoned golfers.
Golfers should be prepared to contend with rough conditions, making it advisable to carry extra balls on the course.
Facilities include a driving range, two practice greens, a well-stocked pro shop, and a snack bar.
13. Rusty Wallace Driving Experience
If you have ever been curious about the experience of operating a stock car and pushing it to its limits on a modern racing track, the Iowa Speedway provides that opportunity.
The Rusty Wallace Driving Experience offers an array of packages, whether you wish to drive a few laps or undergo the complete emotional experience of a 50-lap race day.
For those who prefer to experience high-speed racing without any responsibility, options for ride-along packages for three or five laps are available.
14. Newton Fest
One event to note in your calendar is this annual community festival, held at various locations throughout the city. Typically occurring in June, Newton Fest is a weekend-long celebration featuring a delightful mix of arts, history, excellent food, beverages, and activities for children.
Essentially, it is a tribute to all that makes Newton remarkable, designed to entertain and accommodate individuals of all ages and backgrounds. In 2015, the festival received the Iowa Tourism Award for Outstanding New Event upon its inception.
Many venues mentioned in this article participate in the festivities, from downtown areas to the amphitheater at Maytag Park, the Iowa Speedway, and the DMACC Newton campus.
15. Bowlful of Blues
The magnificent Maytag Bowl also serves as the venue for a cherished blues festival that is entering its fourth decade.
Sponsored by the South Skunk Blues Society, Bowlful of Blues provides an opportunity to experience some of the finest regional and national blues musicians.
As of the writing of this article, the festival is a one-day event taking place on the first Saturday of September, with an extensive schedule running from noon to 10 PM.
Food vendors will be present at Maytag Park, although this unique festival also allows attendees to bring their own food and beverages.
