Audubon: Landmarks, Culture and Landscape

Albert the Bull gives Audubon a distinctive landmark: he lives at Albert the Bull Park in Audubon and is considered the largest bull in the world. He stands 30 feet tall and weighs 45 tons. Alongside this unusual attraction are historic sites, collections and experiences in the county’s landscape. You can get to know Audubon from different perspectives—through its history, public art or routes through farmland and woodland.

Landmarks and Stories from Audubon County

Among the attractions in Audubon is the Art Deco Audubon County Courthouse. The Audubon County Freedom Rock offers a different point of interest: completed in 2014, it was the 13th rock painted by Ray “Bubba” Sorensen. Both places represent different forms of public history, from the courthouse to a painted rock.

A special story is associated with Plow in the Oak Park. There stands a large oak tree with an iron plow embedded in its trunk. According to local lore, the plow was leaned against a young tree during the Civil War; only as the tree grew did it grow around the plow. This is explicitly a local tradition, adding a local legend to the area’s historical references.

Museums, Collections and Designed Trails

Nathaniel Hamlin Park has two distinct historical connections: the County Home was built in 1890 for people in need from the county. The museum in the park tells the story of the area’s settlement from 1850 to the present. For another perspective on Audubon County, the Exira Museum features historical exhibits on county history and has a genealogy library. The Audubon Cultural Center/Library has a different focus, displaying a large doll collection and antique toys.

The John James Audubon Birdwalk also connects the area to art: ceramic tile mosaics in the sidewalks feature reproductions of Audubon’s prints from “Birds of America.” The historic museums, collections and mosaics thus offer different themes for exploring an interest in the area’s history and culture.

Landscape and Trails in the County

Littlefield Recreation Area covers 444 acres. Lake Littlefield is stocked with channel catfish, bluegill, crappie and largemouth bass. The T-Bone Trail passes through farmland and wooded areas in the Nishnabotna River valley. It begins in Albert City Park in Audubon, home to Albert the Bull, and ends at Dunbar Road, five miles northeast of Atlantic.

Another way to explore the county’s landscape is the Audubon County Century Farm Tour: a self-guided driving tour of eight Century Farms. The distinction from the T-Bone Trail route described above is useful for planning: the farm tour takes you by car to several farms, while the trail focuses on a route through farmland, woodland and the Nishnabotna Valley. Danish Countryside Vines & Wines also offers a vineyard tour with information about grape growing.

Plan More Experiences

Private tours or educational programs can be arranged at Iowa Yak Ranch. The Audubon Recreation Center offers a soft-play area, basketball, a batting cage, bowling and classes. Facilities and programs may change, so check what is currently available before visiting. The places and activities mentioned offer a range of experiences—from history and art to landscapes, winemaking and recreation.

Discover more destinations: Audubon, Cass County, Clarke County, Allamakee County, Hamilton County, Woodbury, Hardin County, Warren County.

For the broader travel overview: Iowa.