Winnebago County: Nature, History and Festivals

A leisurely river trip, a floating sphagnum bog and a county fair on the third weekend in July give Winnebago County a variety of travel highlights. There are also historical collections, nature education programs and opportunities for fishing. Which of these appeals to you most can shape the focus of your stay.

Outdoors: Water, Trails and Fishing

The Winnebago County Conservation Board manages more than 3,500 acres of parks, wilderness and recreation areas throughout Winnebago County. Specific opportunities include year-round fishing at Lake Catherine in Thorpe Park: the lake offers a peaceful place to spend time fishing.

A leisurely river trip is the focus of the Winnebago River Water Trail. Launch sites are available at Dahle Park, the Lande River Conservation Area and the Ambroson Recreation Area. You can plan your river trip using these launch points; check current local conditions before setting out.

Pilot Knob State Park combines a range of activities with distinctive nature and history themes. The park offers several hiking trails, including a five-mile route for horseback riders. Deadman's Lake is a four-acre floating sphagnum bog and unique in Iowa. In addition, a 15-acre lake is home to largemouth bass, channel catfish and bluegill.

The campground at Pilot Knob State Park also has practical amenities: electrical hookups, modern showers and restrooms, and a dump station for RVs. Reservations are required. If you are choosing between water activities, trails and fishing, these options offer different ways to spend time outdoors.

The Hanson Nature Center offers environmental education programs for school and civic groups, as well as the general public. The Mae's Way Motus Tower is also located at the center. It can detect tagged birds flying within about 8 miles. This brings together an educational offering and a practical look at how bird movements are tracked.

Collections, History and Tours

In Forest City, the Steam and Threshing Museum is located in Heritage Park. Its collection includes about 30 steam engines and 40 threshing machines. The Heritage Park of North Iowa in Forest City also features historical collections, rare exhibits, diverse displays and live demonstrations. The machines provide a specific focus, while the other collections and demonstrations offer different ways to explore regional history.

In Lake Mills, the Lake Mills Area Historical Society maintains the Victorian House & Gardens, built in 1901. Tours are available by appointment. Tours of the Burnap Country School, also maintained by the same historical society, are available by appointment as well. For both visits, arrange a tour in advance rather than expecting to drop in for a self-guided visit.

The Winnebago factory tours offer a different kind of insight: they start at the Visitors Center in Forest City and are free.

Events in Thompson and Lake Mills

The Winnebago County Fair is held every year on the third weekend in July at the Winnebago County Fairgrounds in Thompson, Iowa. The program includes local vendors, livestock shows and live entertainment. The annual July Jubilee in Lake Mills offers a different focus: it includes a wine tasting and hors d'oeuvres featuring wines from Lazy Acre Vineyard. If you plan to attend either festival during your trip, check the event dates in advance.

Discover more destinations: Forest City, Jackson, Dubuque, Clarke County, O'Brien County, Bremer County, Dickinson County and Jasper County.

View the main travel guide: Iowa.