Explore the Area
From scenic byways to historic landmarks, eastern Iowa offers authentic experiences that celebrate our rural heritage and natural beauty.
Lowden sits at the heart of Iowa's rolling farmland, where the pace slows down and the landscape opens up. Whether you're seeking outdoor adventure, a journey through history, or simply a quiet escape, you'll find it here—just minutes from The Lincoln Hotel.
Just Around the Corner
Local History
Downtown Lowden Park
Discover where all the pictures in our lobby came from. Local historians who are descendants of our early settlers have kept history current. See the rich heritage of our community through artifacts and photographs.
Golf & Swimming
101 Country Club Lane, Lowden
Bring your clubs and enjoy golf at our beautiful 9-hole course developed in the 1960's. Or bring your suit and take a dip in the pool. Open May through October; course is open to the public when tournaments aren't scheduled.
Historic Route
The Lincoln Hotel sits along America's first transcontinental highway, dedicated in 1913. This historic route stretched from New York to San Francisco, bringing travelers through the heart of Iowa.
The hotel is located at the junction of Herbert Hoover Highway and Old Lincoln Highway—both historic and scenic byways that serve travelers from all over the country.
Within 30 Minutes
Shopping
Lisbon, Mount Vernon, Maquoketa, Tipton
Discover antique shops scattered throughout the region. The drive to any of these towns can be made in about 30 minutes. Enjoy the beautiful rolling hills of rural Eastern Iowa.
Recreation
Tipton, IA
Head to Tipton if you enjoy swimming. Bring the kids and enjoy water play at the Aquatic Center. Open year round—perfect for families looking for active fun.
Cycling
Herbert Hoover & Lincoln Highway
Many bicycle organizations plan bike trips through the area. Bring your bike and enjoy the journey from here. The Lincoln Hotel is perfectly positioned at the junction of two historic and scenic byways.
Nature
Wapsi River Environmental Center · North of Dixon
A lovely 20 minute drive from here. The center offers eagles a place to roost from November through March. Observe the majesty of nature with informed naturalists sharing their knowledge.
Horseback Riding
Tipton, IA
Enjoy riding over 200 acres of wooded timber, meadows and riverside trails with a friendly guide. A wonderful way to experience Iowa's natural beauty.
Winery
3570 67th Street, Baldwin, IA
Home of award-winning wines, Tabor is the oldest vineyard in the state. One of their featured wines was served at Governor Vilsack's inaugural dinner. Wine tasting available.
History
Tipton, IA · 15 min drive
Enjoy Tipton's charming shops while strolling their newly restored downtown. Stop at the 1903 Carnegie Library for an exclusive Grant Wood Art Collection. Visit the Cedar County Historical Museum or the Old Jail.
Entertainment
Highway 64, South of Maquoketa
Enjoy an old-fashioned "drive-in" theatre experience. One of the few still operating in the United States—a nostalgic way to spend an evening.
Nature
Clinton County
Situated on 201 acres of beautiful forested hills—a wonderful place to commune with nature. The park has 4 miles of trails, camping, a swinging bridge, and an observation tower.
Regional Attractions
These attractions are perfect for a half-day or full-day excursion from the hotel.
Permanent galleries tell the story of Hoover's fifty years of public service. Features changing exhibits, a 180-seat auditorium, and conference facilities.
The Army's second oldest museum, first opened July 4, 1905. Preserves and interprets the history of Rock Island Arsenal and Arsenal Island.
Home of "American Pickers" as seen on HISTORY Channel. The two-story former fabrication shop houses some of the best picks and a merchandise store.
Established in 1957, featuring local river pilot artifacts, Buffalo Bill memorabilia, local Indian history, and items common to homes in the early 1800's.
The premier art exhibition facility between Chicago and Des Moines. British architect David Chipperfield's landmark glass building on the Mississippi banks.
Almost 150 years after its founding, offering unique, immersive, hands-on learning experiences to 150,000 visitors annually.
Explore the Mississippi River and Rivers of America through research, interpretation, and education promoting conservation.
Local history museum with a country school, antique agricultural equipment, period rooms, and changing events and displays.
Adventurous Activities
Looking for something more exciting? These experiences offer adventure on the water and in the air.
Experience all nine ziplines on a 2-hour guided tour of historic Union Park! Call 563-484-4248 for availability.
Family owned and operated. Fresh food daily, beautiful views—experience the Mississippi River in style.
An 80-foot Skipperliner yacht offering two stories of spacious and luxurious river fun with views of limestone bluffs and the Dubuque skyline.
A 26-passenger pontoon boat in Comanche, IA offering up-close tours through backwaters, sloughs and the main channel. Call 563-259-1876.
Annual Events
Biennial Event
Downtown Lowden
The Lowden Garden Club organizes a bi-annual event in June (on even years) that features 5 or 6 beautiful gardens and gardening experts.
Annual Festival
Clarence Park
Enjoy a parade, tournaments, carnival rides, picnics, cake walks, and dances at Clarence Park. A beloved annual celebration of our historic highway heritage.
Day Trips & Adventures
Parks & Recreation
Calamus, IA
An outdoor paradise spanning 233 acres of natural beauty along the scenic banks of the Wapsipinicon River. Boat launch, fishing, picnic benches and hiking trails.
Golf & Social
Calamus, IA
Where small-town charm meets big-time fun! Nestled among the oaks, this 9-hole course is perfect for casual swings, friendly competition, and good vibes. Open to the public.
Shopping & Gifts
Clarence, IA
Cozy mix of modern farmhouse home goods, vintage treasures and hand-painted sign design studio. Curated collection of small batch handmade items and locally sourced goods on the Lincoln Highway.
Community
Lowden, IA
Discover Lowden's vibrant community organizations including the Historical Society, Lions Club, American Legion, and more.
Nature & Education
Massillon, IA
A scenic park along the Wapsipinicon River with camping, shelters, and a great kayak launch point for paddling adventures.
Environmental Center
Dixon, IA
225 acres of forests, grasslands and wetlands along the Wapsipinicon River. Hiking trails, wildlife viewing, canoe/kayak access, and educational programs for all ages.
Art & Culture
Art & History
Anamosa / Jones County
Explore the birthplace and inspiration of "American Gothic" artist Grant Wood. Visit the art gallery, scenic byway, Stone City, and the countryside that inspired his iconic paintings.
Scenic Byway
Stone City to the Mississippi River
An 80-mile journey through picturesque farmland, limestone bluffs, three rivers, and three state parks. Prison museum, wineries, art galleries, and breathtaking vistas along the way.
Scenic Byway
Clinton, IA / Mississippi River
Follow the mighty Mississippi on one of America's most iconic scenic routes. Stunning river views, charming river towns, and endless photo opportunities.
State Park
Anamosa, IA
One of Iowa's oldest state parks—394 acres with caves, limestone bluffs, historic stone bridges, and the scenic Wapsipinicon River. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Scenic Overlook
Clinton, IA
Stunning overlook of the Mississippi River with historic stone structures, gardens, and breathtaking views. A must-see along the Great River Road.
River Town
Monticello, IA
Charming Iowa river town with shopping, dining, and outdoor recreation. Rent a kayak or canoe and float the Maquoketa River for a perfect afternoon adventure.
Wine Country
Winery
Clinton, LeClaire & Davenport
Three tasting rooms along the Mississippi River offering award-winning Iowa wines, river views, vineyard tours, and a fun, relaxed atmosphere.
Winery & Distillery
DeWitt, IA
A place of elegance with a quiet country feel. Over twenty types of wines plus mixed drinks made with their own vodka, whiskey, and gin.
Winery
Tipton, IA
A historical mansion turned winery located outside the little town of Buchanan. Taste locally crafted wines in a unique, storied setting.
Kayak & Canoe
Monticello, IA
Kayak, canoe, and tube rentals for floating the Maquoketa River. A perfect way to spend a summer afternoon.
Mississippi River Town
River Town
Le Claire, IA
Picturesque Mississippi River town home to Antique Archaeology (American Pickers), the Buffalo Bill Museum, unique shops, restaurants, brewpubs, and riverboat cruises.
Adventure
Le Claire, IA
Unique hovercraft tours on the Mississippi River! Glide from land to water exploring hidden islands, backwaters, and wildlife. An unforgettable one-of-a-kind experience.
Book your stay at The Lincoln Hotel and explore all that eastern Iowa has to offer. Our staff is happy to help you plan the perfect itinerary.
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