Things To Do

The history of agriculture is told through this extensive collection of restored and preserved antique steam, saw milling and farm machinery. A modern 70-site campground is available. Open every day, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m., May - Oct.
 

Create and cultivate new friendships and interests while connecting with plants, the earth and the arts. The gardens are a place for people to share their knowledge and resources, as well as display a variety of talents and plant specimens. Open to the public May - Mid-Oct., Mon. - Sat. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Please contact for tour information.
 

Nationally accredited museum features outstanding exhibitions and programs reflecting the local environment and area history. The Discovery Zone features hands-on activities for children. Planetarium programs daily. Open Tues. - Sat. 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Closed Sun. & Mon.

Tour a working dairy farm one mile southwest of Hudson. J & J Dairy, home of Hansen's Farm Fresh Dairy, is a family owned and operated dairy of 150 milking Holsteins on 240 acres. Visitors can view the entire process of getting the milk from the cows to the bottle and ready for delivery. Walk through tours: adults $6 under 3 free, Hands on tours: $10.00 per participant: milk a real cow, feed a baby calf, make butter, and see the wallabies. Be sure to bring a camera. Reservations are necessary.

Experience a unique step back in time with all the romance and exhilaration of a by-gone era with a horse-drawn hayride or a scenic sleigh ride during the winter months. Complete with a bonfire and a stop at our rustic cabin in the woods where an option of a cookie and coffee break, a lunch, or an old fashioned Iowa farm home-cooked meal is served. A 100 year old barn can be used for larger groups. Reservations required.

Visit the John Deere Engine Works to watch an engine being built from start to finish. Tour times are: 9:30 am, & 1:00 pm weekdays. Children must be 13 years of age or older to go on tour. No open toed shoes, no video or still cameras, and no cell phones allowed. Reservations are required.

Visit the John Deere Tractor Assembly to watch a tractor being built start to finish. Tour times are: 8 am, 10 am, & 1 pm weekdays. Children must be 13 years of age or older to go on tour. No open toed shoes, no video or still cameras, and no cell phones allowed. Reservations are required.

National Cattle Congress includes several facilities: McElroy Auditorium, Pepsi Pavilion, Electric Park Ballroom, Pullin-Simonsen Arena, as well barns and exhibit space. The attraction offers a variety of activities. It is home to the Annual National Cattle Congress Fair, which features PRCA rodeo, musical entertainment, animal judging, carnival and midway. Other times throughout the year, there are concerts, horse shows, craft fairs, dances, and much more.

The story of American agriculture comes to life within this 37-county region in northeast Iowa. From dairy farms and museums to vineyards and tractor plants, join us for an agriculture experience you won't find anywhere else. An affiliated Area of the National Park Service.

Open June to September, this zoo features a variety of farm animals. Hours are Tuesday through Saturday 11 am - 8 pm; Sunday 12 - 5 pm. Closed Monday. Free Admission.