Out for a Drive: Check Out These 4 Local Attractions Near Newton, IA

September 10, 2022 · 3 min read

family driving to local attractions near Newton, IA

Discover fascinating and exciting local attractions around Newton, IA, in a stylish and comfortable 2023 Buick Enclave, and enjoy every mile behind the wheel. Drive to Iowa's largest wave pool and longest lazy river, enjoy the view from the tallest observation tower in the Midwest, listen to the unique musical sounds of a Klokkenspel, and visit the biggest treehouse in the region.

1. Adventureland Resort

Adventureland Resort at 305 34th Avenue NW in Altoona is the ultimate destination for thrill seekers all year round. Beat the heat at Adventure Bay, Iowa's largest wave pool, and float down the state's longest lazy river. Slide down the Bermuda Quadrangle's twisty tube slides and funnels and relax on the 25,000-square-foot Breaker Beach.

Have a scream on the Outlaw, a tight weaving wooden coaster, catch the A-train for a round trip through the resort, and hop aboard the 100 feet high Giant Sky Wheel for magnificent views. The resort offers many entertainment options, from live music and comedy theater to puppet and magic shows. There are various restaurants, and snack bars with every eat and treat you can imagine to tickle your taste buds and fill your tummy.

2. Cordova Park Observation Tower

The 106-foot-high tower in the 1100-acre Cordova Park at 1378 Highway G28 in Otley is the tallest observation tower in the Midwest. Before the tower became a tourist attraction, it was used for water storage and now boasts one of the longest fiberglass staircases in the country.

Climb the 170 steps to the top for a spectacular view over the Des Moines River Valley and Lake Red Rock, the biggest lake in Iowa. On a clear day, landmarks as far as 35 miles away are visible.

3. Pella's Klokkenspel

The impressive Carillon clock in Franklin Street in Pella was the dream of local business owner H. Stuart Kuyper and was designed and built especially for Pella. The Klokkenspel features 147 chiming bells and eight four-foot mechanical figures that portray important people in the town's history.

Listen to the musical bells from the Klokkenspel Plaza, beautifully decorated with arched niches filled with Delft tile scenes and picturesque flower beds. The Klokkenspel performs daily at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m., 5 p.m., and 9:00 p.m.

4. The Big Treehouse

Mick Jurgensen and his family started building the Big Treehouse in 1983, and it became a family hobby. The beautiful multi-level wooden treehouse on 2370 Shady Oaks Road in Marshalltown is tucked away between the dense foliage in his luscious garden. The treehouse has 12 levels, is over 55 feet high, and has more than 5,000 square feet of floor space.

The peaceful retreat is comfortably equipped with a spiral stairway, treetop boardwalks, electricity, running water, and even what they call a "decorative outhouse." Visit the Big Treehouse website to book a private tour led by Mick's grandmother Mary Gift and his mother, Judy Jurgensen.

The region has quite a few exciting surprises packed with fun. Swing by Lauterbach Buick GMC today for top-quality new and pre-owned vehicles, expert maintenance and repair services, and exceptional customer care.

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Enjoying Outdoor Activities in Newton, IA

Jun 11, 2022 in Family Fun

Discover Nature With Your GMC/Buick: 3 Great State Parks Near Newton, IA

We love our connection to nature and outdoor life in Newton, IA. When we want to escape the confines of city life, we reach for the picnic basket and the car keys. There are many great state parks within easy reach of our city, and we want to share some of their highlights with you. Rock Creek State Park Rock Creek is one of central Iowa's major parks and was dedicated in 1952. It covers more than 600 acres and includes the beautiful Rock Creek Lake. Entertainment opportunities abound in this park. If you enjoy a leisurely day fishing, bass, catfish, bullhead, and bluegill and someone of the varied species you'll find in the lake's water. more Boating is another relaxing way to spend the day, and the only limitation is you can't travel at more than 5mph. There are picnic spots around the lake, and you can reserve an open-air site if you're bringing a larger group with you. Hikers and walkers can both enjoy the varied terrain and eye-catching views while you traverse the 15 miles of lakeshore. Camping is also available at designated sites in the park. Elk Rock State Park This park was completed by the US Army Corps of Engineers in 1969 when Lake Red Rock was created. This is a very popular venue for birdwatchers, as more than 200 species of waterfowl and migratory birds live or visit here. You can also see white pelicans and bald eagles regularly visiting the area. Over forty species of fish live in the lake, which provides some of the best fishing in the area. Camping is available, and they also have an RV park. The campsites include fire rings, picnic tables, showers, and restrooms. It's advisable to book a site in advance, as they fill up very quickly in spring and summer. Bicycle trails criss-cross the park, and horse riding and hiking are also popular leisure pursuits. Lake Keomah State Park An 83-acre man-made lake forms the centerpiece of this 366-acre park. The lush green wooded areas, vibrant marshlands, and wide-open grasslands throughout the area provide a host of different ways to enjoy your time here. Camping is very popular, and the park's campsite has full-service electricity, water, and sewerage. Fishing opportunities abound as largemouth bass, crappie, and channel catfish all thrive in the peaceful waters of the lake. Swimming is a wonderful option to cool off, although it is unsupervised. You can also bring your boat or kayak and enjoy a day out on the water. For the more adventurous, hiking trails can take you up close to see the varied wildlife and birdlife. Enjoy Your Outdoor Adventures! Load up your 2022 GMC Acadia AT4 and take a drive through nature. Its powerful 3.6L V6 engine will make short work of the distance. With a towing capacity of 4,000 lbs, you can take your boat and all your gear with you. For all your GMC and Buick needs, visit us at Lauterbach Buick-GMC.

Jul 23, 2022 in Family Fun

4 Great Outdoor Activities in Driving Distance of Newton, IA

A Buick Encore and a GMC Terrain are both excellent SUVs to drive to destinations offering fun outdoor activities in and around Newton, IA. There's plenty of legroom for family and friends and all the gear needed to spend the day swimming, fishing, boating, and playing a round of golf on the most scenic course in the area. 1. Swim, Boat, and Fish in Rock Creek Lake The 602-acre Rock Creek Lake in Rock Creek State Park is the most popular spot for water activities in the area. The beach is a great place to sunbathe and swim, and there are plenty of fishing spots along the 15-mile shoreline to hook bass, bluegill, saugeye, crappie, and catfish. You can operate a boat of any size, and the concession offers fishing boat, pontoon, canoe, kayak, and pedal boat rentals. more Dock spaces are for rent around the lake, and there are also public docks at the campground. Rock Creek State Park is at 5627 Rock Creek East in Kellogg, about nine miles from Newton. The concession stand is open daily from mid-April to mid-October, from Monday to Thursday between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m., Friday and Saturday until 9 p.m., and Sunday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. 2. Take a Dip in the Maytag Pool For nearly a century, the people of Newton and the surrounding areas have flocked to Maytag Park at 301 South 11th Ave W in Newton to escape the summer heat in the Maytag Pool. Since the pool opened in 1935, it's been a tradition for families and friends to get together to splash in the pool and enjoy all the other great activities the park offers. The pool has been modernized with zero-depth entry, a diving well, two slides, and water fountains and offers swimming lessons throughout the summer season. The park has tennis courts, hiking and biking trails, and a disc golf course, and in the summer, the Maytag Bowl hosts all sorts of fun events. 3. Stroll Through Newton Arboretum and Botanical Gardens The Newton Arboretum and Botanical Gardens at 3000 N 4th Ave E in Newton cover over six acres of beautifully cultivated gardens, including glorious shade gardens, a butterfly garden, and a rose garden. Stroll down the winding trails past colorful azaleas, wildflowers, and peonies and appreciate the nine sculptures by Iowa artists on display along the paths. 4. Play a Round of Golf on the Westwood Golf Course The scenic 18-hole Westwood Golf Course on 3387 Highway F48 W in Newton is renowned for it's high-level of maintenance, spectacular views, and friendly staff, but mainly for the challenge, even to the most skilled golfers. There is also a driving range, two practice greens, and a well-stocked pro golf shop. After a round of golf, enjoy delicious treats at the snack bar. There are fabulous activities outdoors around town. If you want to own a vehicle ideal for outdoor fun, swing by Lauterbach Buick GMC today and test drive one of the powerful and spacious Buick and GMC SUVs.