Things to Do
Charles City, Iowa offers so many great things to do! It is a great destination for a day trip or weekend getaway! Whether you’re looking for outdoor activities, great eats, shopping, historical stops, or more, you’ll find it all in Charles City!
Downtown Shops
Charles City’s downtown district is experiencing a revitalization. Historic buildings are being renovated and locally owned shops are popping up! You’ll find women’s & men’s clothing stores, home decor shops, a book store, and lots of beautiful murals. You’re bound to find something fun to take home! Make sure to head to the outskirts of town to Otto’s Oasis too for fresh florals, live plants, and wonderful gifts!
Floyd County Historical Museum
Whether you’re from Iowa or not, a great stop is the Floyd County Historical Museum. Learn about the history of Charles City & Floyd County, but also impacts they have had on agriculture and America. They have done a great job of displaying artifacts. Our personal favorite is the annex with all the antique tractors, which takes both T & I back to periods of our childhood!
Charley Western Bike Trail
The Charley Western Bike Trail traverses the outside of Charles City and traverses city streets as well! A paved trail that is easy to ride makes it a great option for bike riders, walkers, and runners of all skill level. You’ll ride along the Cedar River, through wooded areas, and along parks, and residential areas as well. Make sure to ride across the infamous swinging bridge!
Get Outdoors in Charles City, Iowa
Bayou Bend Mini Golf & Batting Cages
Whether you’re headed out on date day or a family fun day, you’re going to want to stop by Bayou Bend Mini Golf & Batting Cages! An impeccably kept mini golf course that looks fairly simple, but is so much more difficult is full of fun and if you’d rather, give their batting cages a try! Plus, the owners are super sweet!
Wildwood Golf Course
Love golfing?! Then, Wildwood Golf Course in Charles City is a definitely must for you! This beautiful course also holds a lot of history including being a POW camp during the second World War. You can see the history in structures around the course including footbridges and the clubhouse! Plus, it’s just challenging enough to keep you on your toes!
Public Art
Charles City is full of public art from sculptures in their city park, murals on downtown buildings, and the art along the Cedar River, there is plenty to see. Make sure to stop by and try out their concrete slide, and enjoy the view from the footbridge that crosses the river.
Rapids End Outfitters
Located just a block from the Cedar River, you’ll find Rapids End Outfitters. They offer daily rentals on kayaks, canoes, and tubes for enjoying on the river. Plus, if you enjoy white water rapids, you can rent kayaks and try your hand at the Charles City Whitewater Course! It was the first whitewater course in Iowa and they still host a championship each year. If you want, Rapids End will take you upstream and you can float down or you can float downstream and they’ll pick you up to return you to your car! They are the friendliest folks and super helpful!
Carrie Chapman Catt’s Girlhood Home
Love history?! Then, a stop at Carrie Chapman Catt’s Girlhood Home is a must. Carrie Chapman Catt was integral in the passing of the 19th Amendment giving women the right to vote. She also grew up just outside Charles City and they have done an amazing job telling her story, but also the story of the suffrage movement in Iowa and the US!
Places to Eat & Drink
Aromas
Local coffee shops are one of my favorite parts of exploring Midwest destinations! Aromas in Charles City, located in their downtown district, offers cozy seating and delicious coffee! Their frappes are my personal favorite!
Plan a Day Date in Charles City, Iowa
Dave’s Restaurant
Local eats are the best, am I right?! Dave’s Restaurant has a complete menu, but the best part is their Saturday lunch buffet! A full salad bar, a variety of hot dishes, sides, and more! The service is outstanding, and their prices are excellent! It’s a great stop!
Tellurian Brewing
You know we love a good brewery! And a brewery in a historic building with indoor seating, a plethora of choices, and outdoor patio seating…even better! That’s exactly what you’ll find at Tellurian Brewing, located along the Cedar River. Plus, their delicious beer and super laid back atmosphere is a great place to relax and enjoy a brew or two!
The Pub on the Cedar
One thing we love as much as a good brewery is a restaurant with patio seating! The Pub on the Cedar offers that (located along the Cedar River) along with delicious food. They offer burgers, appetizers, salads, sandwiches, pasta, pizza, and more! My personal favorite is the Raspberry Chicken Salad and their sweet potato puffs. They also have a full bar and feature brews from breweries around Iowa.
Cedar River Pizza Co.
Who doesn’t love homemade delicious pizza?! Well, that’s exactly what you’re going to get at Cedar River Pizza Co. With traditional pizza options plus unique options like Mediterranean (sausage, artichokes, spinach, and tomatoes), you’ll find something you like! It is a take-out pizza joint only, so plan accordingly! (Personally, I recommend grabbing a pie and taking it to the brewery!)
Plan a Visit with Great Things to Do in Charles City, Iowa
A day trip, a weekend getaway, or longer in Charles City is definitely a great plan thanks to there being so many things to do! When planning your trip, definitely make sure to reach out to my friends at the Charles City Chamber & Tourism office, they are super helpful!
From delicious eats to historic stops with shopping and more, you’ll find something to enjoy…or several somethings!
