Situated in the middle of North Central Iowa is Franklin County. This rural community with a population of about 10,000 may not be your first choice of places to spend a weekend, but we think they offer some great things! Slow down and enjoy a day or weekend here. Check out what we think the top things to do in Franklin County area!
Beeds Lake State Park
Franklin County is home to one of the most photographed dams in Iowa and maybe the Midwest. Beeds Lake is not only home to this spillway, but also offers a campground, great fishing spots, hiking trails, and more! My personal favorite thing to do at the lake is to walk the trail around the lake and across the causeway! It’s a great spot to spend some time!
Franklin County Historical Museum
Franklin County offers a rich history and the Franklin County Historical Society has done an amazing job preserving it. The museum is located on the fairgrounds, but open on weekends during the summer! Take time to walk around and see what has made our county what it is today. There are also stories about the important people who got their starts here! Fun fact…the first attorney to ever use blood alcohol levels in a court case is from Franklin County!
Specialty Shops
Franklin County is full of great specialty shops who are owned by some of the very best people you’ll ever meet. In Sheffield, browse the Legion Room Loft, Maple Lane Market, Peachy Keehn Boutique, and more. In Hampton, you’ll find home décor, antique shops, a locally owned jewelry store, gifts, and more to browse! I promise you’ll find something special to take home!
First & Second Vintage Too
In case it’s a rainy day, you have littles, or just need a break from the outside, head to First & Second Vintage Too on main street in Hampton to paint your own pottery! Owner, Jerre, stocks a wide variety of pottery pieces, so everyone will find something for them! Sunday afternoons are open paint time and she often has special activities as well, while Saturday afternoons she hosts a pop-up market for other vendors!
Rolling Prairie Bike Trail
Whether you enjoy exploring on two feet or two tires, spend some time enjoying the Rolling Prairie Bike Trail! The trail begins in Coulter at the Freedom Rock Park and ends in Hansell. It traverses an old railroad bed and through Hampton. Portions of the trail are crushed limestone while a couple miles through Hampton are blacktop. You’ll enjoy farm ground, wooded areas, and a more!
Maynes Grove
Located south of Hampton on Highway 65, you’ll find Maynes Grove. Franklin County Conservation has established an amazing nature area complete with lodge, fishing pond, hiking trails, horse trails, and prairie grasses. It’s a great place to spend several hours in nature.
Franklin County Freedom Rock
Coulter is the western trail head of the Rolling Prairie Bike Trail and it is also the home to the Franklin County Freedom Rock. You’ll find an ode to the GAR Memorial Hall, which is the only civil war memorial hall, west of the Mississippi. It also features Admiral Leahy, who had a major role in World War II, but is originally from Hampton.
Townsend Winery
Hansell is on the Eastern side of the county and home to Townsend Winery. This family owned small-batch winery is a great addition to Franklin County. Their tasting room and deck are open during the spring and summer months on Saturdays and Sundays from 1PM-5PM or by appointment. Take time to slow down and enjoy the beautiful countryside while enjoying their delicious wines!
Delicious Eats
Franklin County is not lacking for places to eat delicious food! In Sheffield, you’ll find Block 10 at 1921 City Hall for hot and delicious coffee. They also feature lunches and wood fired pizza! YUM! In Hampton, grab an award winning tenderloin at Willie’s Sports Bar, a rice bowl from God Fuel, or strawberry feta salad from Rustic Brew. While you’re visiting owners Kathy & Joel at Rustic Brew, make sure to try some of Joel’s micro-brewed beer! There are also several options for pizza, Mexican food, Chinese, and more in the County!
Spend a Weekend in Franklin County
We think with all of the great things to do in Franklin County, that you’ll have no problem filling an entire weekend! Stay at the AmericInn in Hampton, Country Heritage Bed & Breakfast between Hampton & Latimer, or camp at one of the many campgrounds! Whether you spend a day or a weekend, we know you’ll have a great time and want to come back!
