Explore the Area

Things to Do

From scenic byways to historic landmarks, eastern Iowa offers authentic experiences that celebrate our rural heritage and natural beauty.

Discover Cedar County

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.

Within 15 Minutes

Local History

Lowden Historical Society

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.

By Appointment 563-944-7700

Golf & Swimming

3-30 Golf & Country Club

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.

May – October 563-941-7695

The Lincoln Highway

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.

  • Original 1913 route markers
  • Historic bridges and landmarks
  • Scenic Iowa farmland
  • Popular cycling routes

Suggested Day Trips

Shopping

Antiquing

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 Aquatic Center

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

Bicycling the Byways

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

Eagle Roost

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.

Nov – March

Horseback Riding

Cedar Valley Stables

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

Tabor Vineyards and 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

Downtown Tipton

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

Voy Outdoor Theatre

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.

April – October 563-652-3535

Nature

Eden Valley Refuge

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.

Seasonal & Day Trip Destinations

These attractions are perfect for a half-day or full-day excursion from the hotel.

Herbert Hoover Presidential Library

Permanent galleries tell the story of Hoover's fifty years of public service. Features changing exhibits, a 180-seat auditorium, and conference facilities.

Rock Island Arsenal Museum

The Army's second oldest museum, first opened July 4, 1905. Preserves and interprets the history of Rock Island Arsenal and Arsenal Island.

LeClaire & American Pickers

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.

Buffalo Bill Museum

Established in 1957, featuring local river pilot artifacts, Buffalo Bill memorabilia, local Indian history, and items common to homes in the early 1800's.

Figge Art Museum

The premier art exhibition facility between Chicago and Des Moines. British architect David Chipperfield's landmark glass building on the Mississippi banks.

Putnam Museum and Science Center

Almost 150 years after its founding, offering unique, immersive, hands-on learning experiences to 150,000 visitors annually.

National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium

Explore the Mississippi River and Rivers of America through research, interpretation, and education promoting conservation.

Jackson County Historical Museum

Local history museum with a country school, antique agricultural equipment, period rooms, and changing events and displays.

For the Thrill Seekers

Looking for something more exciting? These experiences offer adventure on the water and in the air.

Sky Tours at YMCA Union Park Camp

Experience all nine ziplines on a 2-hour guided tour of historic Union Park! Call 563-484-4248 for availability.

Celebration River Cruises

Family owned and operated. Fresh food daily, beautiful views—experience the Mississippi River in style.

Dubuque's American Lady Cruises

An 80-foot Skipperliner yacht offering two stories of spacious and luxurious river fun with views of limestone bluffs and the Dubuque skyline.

Blue Heron Eco Cruises

A 26-passenger pontoon boat in Comanche, IA offering up-close tours through backwaters, sloughs and the main channel. Call 563-259-1876.

Seasonal Celebrations

Biennial Event

Lowden Garden Walk

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.

June (Even Years) 563-941-5829

Annual Festival

Lincoln Highway 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.

August Annually

Plan Your Adventure

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.

Reserve Your Room