If you’re looking for things to do in Tipton, Iowa, you’ve come to the right place. While the town isn’t very large, there are several places that are worth seeing. These include the George L. Carter Railroad Museum, Hardacre Community Garden, and the Old Cedar County Jail.
George L. Carter Railroad Museum
The museum honors the region’s historic ties to railroads. It features three historic model railroad layouts. The museum is managed by the Mountain Empire Modular Railroaders, which developed the exhibit and continues to build a permanent collection. The museum is free to visit.
The museum is located on the campus of East Tennessee State University. The exhibits include model train layouts, railroad memorabilia, and operating displays. The museum also features a gallery with railroad charts, paintings, and photos. The museum also has a playroom called the Little Engineers Room where children can play with toy trains.
If you love history, the museum is a great place to visit in Tipton. It contains eleven historic buildings and 45 acres of land. Other attractions in the area include the limestone cave, buffalo trace, and natural spring. The museum also has an active community theater with productions of the Little Mermaid, Rocky Horror Live, and Noeward’s Blithe Spirit.
The museum has an exhibit that features early railroad memorabilia and locomotive models. The museum also has educational spaces and a library. The museum is a great place for families to visit with kids. You can also visit the East Tennessee State University, which is located within the city limits.
Another place to visit in Tipton is the George L. Carter Railroad Museum. The museum offers special excursions and retells the history of railroads in the region. It also has eleven historic buildings, which are perfect for kids. In addition to the museum, you can also visit the nearby Willow Springs Park for a relaxing walk through the countryside. Although the paths here are uneven, they are suitable for walkers of all ages. Children can enjoy a playground and treasure hunt areas.
Hardacre Community Garden
Hardacre Community Garden is a community garden on the historic Jacob Hardacre Farm in Tipton. It offers educational and social opportunities for area residents while producing fresh, local produce. The garden’s bounty is not sold and can only be used by local residents. This way, the garden is sustainable and leaves a minimal environmental impact.
The garden is recognized by the USDA as an official “People’s Garden,” meaning that it is an effort that benefits the community. Volunteers work to grow and harvest the produce, and they donate it to local organizations, food pantries and churches. Among the vegetables grown at the garden are potatoes, sweet corn, beans, tomatoes, cucumbers, squash, beets, rhubarb, and various types of squash.
Old Cedar County Jail
One of the most interesting places to visit in Tipton is the Old Cedar County Jail. This historic building was built in 1892 and was used as a jail until 2001. It is now a museum run by the Iowa Sheriff’s and Deputies Association. It is located on Fourth Street, one block west of Cedar Street. It offers a great view of the town’s history and is open to the public.
Besides a prison, the jail is also home to a Carnegie library. This historical building is a perfect place to see Grant Wood art. It features 17 lithographs and two oils by the famous artist. You can also see a painting by Polly Kemp. Also, the Cedar County Attic has many local historical treasures. It houses Civil War items from the early 1900s. In addition, you can see a turn-of-the-century kitchen and hand-carved toys.
Another historical place to visit in Tipton is the Hardacre Theater. This historic building was built in 1927 and is part of a heritage park and offers educational and social opportunities. It also features locally grown food and leaves a minimal environmental footprint. It is also home to the Hardacre Theater Preservation Association, which plans to renovate it and make it a movie house and community venue.
It is also one of the most interesting places to visit in Tipton. Despite the high price of admission, this historic structure is a unique way to learn more about the history of Tipton and the surrounding area. The museum is open to the public, and there are many tours and exhibits to check out.
Winged Deer Park
Winged Deer Park is a popular place for birdwatching, and is located near Bristol Highway. Visitors to the park can also enjoy craft beer at JRH Brewing, which was opened by local entrepreneur John Henritze. He has been brewing beer since high school, and his passion for it has led him to open his own brewery.
The park is also home to a two-acre children’s playground, an 18-hole disc golf course, and two volleyball courts. It’s a great spot for family outings, and the surrounding area is perfect for bird watching. If you’re planning a romantic date, the park is also a great place to have a romantic sunset stroll.
Roan Mountain is nearby. There’s also a class IV waterfall on the Nolichucky River. The Appalachian Trail also crosses the Tennessee state line. You can also enjoy some art and culture at the Tipton-Haynes State Historic Site. And if you’re looking for a place to learn about history, you can also visit Sycamore Shoals State Historic Area. This area was once the site of the country’s largest real estate transaction.
Winged Deer Park is a lakefront park located downtown. With 200 acres, it is perfect for a romantic picnic, a family outing, or a fun game of disc golf. In addition to disc golf, the park also features mountain biking and hiking trails. The park is free to visit and offers several fun activities for all ages.
The Tipton-Haynes State Historic Site is a quaint spot to visit in Tipton. The stately house was built in 1784 by Colonel John Tipton, a statesman in Tennessee. The grounds also include a pig sty, loom house, and a corncrib. The historic site is also home to a spring and a limestone cave.
