Attractions and Places To See around Johnston - Top 12

Johnston offers several natural attractions for outdoor enthusiasts. You can visit Saylorville Lake, a major recreation hub with campgrounds, beaches, and boat ramps. Saylorville Lake Visitor Center provides exhibits on local flora and fauna. Other options include Terra Park, Beaver Creek for kayaking, and Big Creek State Park, which features the largest lake in the Iowa State Park system.

Yes, Johnston is known for its trails. The Neal Smith Trail is a 26-mile paved, traffic-free route along the Des Moines River, perfect for cycling and walking. The Trestle to Trestle Trail connects Des Moines to Johnston, offering scenic views of heavily wooded forests and the Des Moines River. Other trails include Sycamore Trail and those within Big Creek State Park. For more options, explore the hiking routes around Johnston or road cycling routes.

Johnston offers a glimpse into its past through several historical sites. The Iowa Gold Star Military Museum, located at Camp Dodge, details the stories of Iowa's veterans. You can also visit the Johnston Station Historical Society Museum, which preserves the town's history with buildings like the 1902 Simpson House and exhibits from the early 20th century. More information can be found at johnstoniowahistorical.org.

Johnston provides numerous family-friendly options. Terra Park and Dewey Park both offer green spaces, play structures, and picnic areas. The Trestle to Trestle Trail is also considered family-friendly. The Johnston Town Center features 'The Yard' with a splash pad in summer (which converts to a synthetic ice rink in winter). Other entertainment includes Pole Position Raceway Des Moines for indoor karting, Merle Hay Mall with a dine-in movie theater and bowling, and Backpocket Pin & Pixel for arcade games and duckpin bowling.

Saylorville Lake is a prime spot for water activities, offering boat ramps and beaches. Beaver Creek is ideal for kayaking, with a four-mile route suitable for beginners and kayak rentals available. Big Creek State Park also features a large lake with a swimming beach and opportunities for water recreation.

Yes, several attractions in Johnston are wheelchair-accessible. The Iowa Women of Achievement Bridge, Neal Smith Trail, and Saylorville Lake Visitor Center are all noted for their accessibility. Additionally, Dewey Park features ADA-accessible play structures.

For scenic views, the Iowa Women of Achievement Bridge offers unique perspectives over the Des Moines River, including a glass floor section. The Saylorville Lake Visitor Center provides excellent views of Saylorville Lake and its surroundings.

Johnston hosts various events and seasonal activities. The Johnston Town Center is a hub for events like the Johnston Farmers Market and a summer concert series. Annually in May, Johnston Commons Park hosts 'Kites on the Green,' showcasing large kite displays and craft workshops. In winter, 'The Yard' at Johnston Town Center transforms into a synthetic ice rink.

The Saylorville Lake Visitor Center is an excellent resource for learning about local flora and fauna, offering interactive displays and a nearby butterfly garden. Saylorville Lake itself is a great place for bird watching and observing local wildlife.

Yes, Johnston has several parks perfect for relaxation. Terra Park is a 200-acre park with green spaces and a fishing lake. Dewey Park offers ADA-accessible play structures, a biking trail, and picnic areas. Big Creek State Park provides a swimming beach, paved paths, and picnic spots for a full day out.

Visitors particularly appreciate the diverse outdoor activities, especially the extensive network of trails like the Neal Smith Trail and Trestle to Trestle Trail, which offer scenic views and are great for cycling and walking. The natural beauty of Saylorville Lake and Big Creek State Park, along with the educational opportunities at the Saylorville Lake Visitor Center, are also highly valued.