There are lots of unique places to explore around northeast Iowa and Monona is no exception! From interesting local history and unusual geological formations to award-winning eateries and unique small businesses, this Clayton County community has it all.
Learn about the impact this community has had on Iowa’s history at the Monona Historical Museum and Froelich Museum. Then add a little adventure to your afternoon with a boat tour of Spook Cave. And don’t forget a meal at a true icon classic, St. Olaf Tavern!
Keep reading to discover offbeat things to do near Monona, Iowa, including unique places to eat and where to spend the night in the area.
Disclosure: This post was sponsored by the Clayton County Development Group. However, all opinions are my own.
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.
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Offbeat Things to Do Near Monona, Iowa
Learn About Local History at the Monona Historical Museum
Dive into the community’s history at the Monona Historical Museum. This small museum is run by the Monona Historical Society, which was incorporated in 1970. The volunteer-run effort works to preserve the stories and artifacts vital to Monona’s history.
As you explore the museum, you’ll see scrapbooks and memorabilia as well as antique items that were once a part of everyday life. The museum also houses research materials like old newspapers and maps where locals and visitors alike can come to learn more about their ancestors.
Monona Historical Museum, 302-304 S. Egbert Street in Monona, Iowa
Marvel at the World’s Largest Known Display of Hand-Carved Chains
Every once and awhile I stumble upon a hidden gem that I wasn’t anticipating, and in Monona, that’s the World’s Largest Known Display of Hand-Carved Chains. Created largely by late Monona resident Elmer Marting Sr., this impressive collection was a true labor of love. There are lots of world’s largest things in Iowa, but Marting’s life’s work is truly something special.
This room of the Monona Historical Museum displays more than 400 types, sizes and styles. of hand-carved chains, among other intricate woodcarvings. Today, the Monona Wood Carvers Group also meets here to share their talents with visitors in the hopes of passing the craft on to the next generation.
Fun Fact: The chains on display have been carved from more than 85 different species of wood.
Want to discover even more big things around Iowa? Grab your own World’s Largest Passport to plan a big adventure of your own!
Monona Historical Museum, 302-304 S. Egbert Street in Monona, Iowa
Shop at Suhdron Fabrics
Even if you aren’t a quilter or someone who sews, you have to make time for a stop at Suhdron Fabrics. This local institution has been serving Monona since 1971, and walking through its doors feels like stepping back in time. Inside you’ll find tons of fabric, buttons, notions, antiques and so much more. Suhdron Fabrics is truly a hidden gem, and I could spend hours looking at all of the treasures for sale inside.
Pro Tip: The hours for this shop are currently fairly limited so be sure to double check and plan ahead.
Suhdron Fabrics, 120 W. Center Street in Monona, Iowa
Enjoy Nature at Monona Butterfly Gardens & Trails
Admire the beautiful blooms and the wildlife they attract at the Monona Butterfly Garden & Trails. The garden is a community labor of love with features like a Little Free Library, wooden arbor and gazebo to gather in. Wander the garden and surrounding trails to see what’s in bloom, and (of course) keep an eye out for butterflies and other pollinators visiting the flowers.
Fun Fact: Monona is known as the “Garden City of Iowa” so it’s only fitting that there be a beautiful garden like this one for locals and visitors alike to enjoy.
Monona Butterfly Garden & Trails, 308 W. Davis Street in Monona, Iowa
Discover Tractor History at the Froelich Museum
Did you know that Clayton County was a hub for early farming history? Head to the Froelich Museum to learn about the area’s contributions to modern farming technology, most notably the invention of John Froelich’s tractor.
Known as the “Waterloo Gasoline Traction Engine,” Froelich invented the first gasoline tractor able to self-propel forward and backward in 1892. The technology behind this invention was later purchased by and ultimately became the forerunner of the John Deere Tractor Company.
Discover the impact this invention had on the community as well as what life was life during that time period through the 1890s Village Museum. Explore the General Store and post office, wander into the one-room schoolhouse and so much more. Especially if you’re a farm history buff, you won’t want to miss this stop!
Froelich Museum, 24397 Froelich Road in McGregor, Iowa
Tour Spook Cave
Explore a natural limestone cave without ever stepping foot on the cave floor. Spook Cave gives visitors the opportunity to explore a natural cave by boat.
Early settlers in the area often reported strange noises coming from a hole in the bluff along Bloody Run Creek. It wasn’t until 1953 though that Gerald Mielke discovered the source of the noises and, subsequently, the flooded cave. Two years later, the cave opened to the public as a tourist attraction and has since become a popular place for travelers looking for a glimpse at this natural marvel.
Visitors climb aboard simple metal boats headed toward a small opening in the 90-foot bluff. You’ll need to be ready to duck as the boat heads into the mouth of the cave. This is not an attraction for the claustrophobic: there are plenty of places here where the clearance is so low that visitors are forced to crouch inside the boat.
Guided tours of Spook Cave last about 35 to 40 minutes and include an overview of the cave’s history and development. Even if you visit during the summer, keep in mind that the temperature inside the cave is 47 degrees year-round.
Spook Cave, 13299 Spook Cave Road in McGregor, Iowa
Find More Secret Iowa Places
Want to explore even more offbeat places around Iowa? Even at some of the state’s most well-known places, you’ll discover hidden histories and unique stories that are not often shared. Order your copy of the book, Secret Iowa: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure today!
Unique Places to Eat & Drink Near Monona, Iowa
St. Olaf Tavern
Named one of the best pork tenderloin’s in the state, it’s easy to see why folks drive from all over to grab a bite to eat at the St. Olaf Tavern in neighboring St. Olaf. Located in a historic 1909 building, this Iowa eatery serves all sorts of Midwestern classics from burgers and sandwiches to tavern pizzas and a bevy of sides.
It’s the restaurant’s pork tenderloin sandwiches that truly put in on the map though. Served in three different sizes (The Big One, The Medium and The Mini), this breaded pork tenderloin sandwich is one of the best I’ve had while traveling around Iowa. If they’ve got it, I also recommend getting a heaping helping of the potato salad as your side. You’ll thank me later!
The St. Olaf Tavern also has a spacious patio with plenty of room to enjoy your meal, or pull up a chair and listen to the live music the tavern regularly hosts. Whether you’re just passing through or making this unique eatery your destination, the St. Olaf Tavern is definitely worth a stop.
St. Olaf Tavern, 106 S. Main Street in St Olaf, Iowa
The Store on Main & Coffee Bar
What’s better than a local coffee shop? A coffee shop that also sells adorable home decor and antiques, of course! At The Store on Main & Coffee Bar you’ll find just that.
This charming shop offers a full-service coffee counter with plenty of charming home decor to browse while you wait for your beverage. Plus, the shop focuses on many seasonal items so there’s always something new to discover.
The Store on Main & Coffee Bar, 607 S. Main Street in Monona, Iowa
Where to Stay in Clayton County, Iowa
Monona Guesthouse
Whether you’re traveling solo or with a larger group, the Monona Guesthouse is a fantastic place to stay while you explore the area. This cozy home is located on a quiet residential street on the edge of Monona.
With plenty of space to spread out and all of the amenities you could want, the Monona Guesthouse offers a comfortable place to unwind after a busy day of exploring. The fully-furnished home sleeps up to six guests and includes a full kitchen, dining room and spacious outdoor patio with a fire pit.
Monona Guesthouse, 510 W. Center Street in Monona, Iowa
Other Places to Stay in Clayton County, Iowa
Whether you’re looking for a quaint bed and breakfast, a cozy lodge, or a vacation rental with lots of space, you’re sure to find an option for you in Clayton County. This part of Iowa is not only home to beautiful landscapes but also plenty of unique spots to spend the night.
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