Newton Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, things to do, where to eat and stay, local culture and customs, and much more in this comprehensive travel guide to Newton, Iowa.


A Comprehensive Travel Guide to Newton, Iowa

Located in Central Iowa, Newton boasts of a rich history, charming downtown, and plenty of outdoor adventures. In this comprehensive travel guide, you’ll discover the best places to visit, things to do, where to eat and stay, local culture and customs, and much more.

Introduction to Newton

Named after the famous scientist Sir Isaac Newton, the city of Newton has a population of around 15,000 people. Newton is conveniently located about 30 miles east of Des Moines, Iowa’s capital city.

Newton was founded in 1850 and is located on the historic Route 6 highway. The city has a rich history, and a great place to start learning about it is to visit the Jasper County Historical Museum. The museum, home to over 10,000 artifacts, displays exhibits detailing Newton’s history, including a military exhibit with artifacts from World War I and II.

One of the city’s main attractions is its charming downtown district. The historic buildings and architecture make for a unique and picturesque setting. While in town, stop by the Newton Visitor Center for information about local events and attractions.

List of Places to Visit in Newton

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Jasper County Historical Museum: Learn about Newton’s history through exhibits that showcase the county’s farming, industrial, and military history.
  • Iowa Speedway: Get your adrenaline pumping and catch a NASCAR race at the Iowa Speedway, which hosts various events throughout the year.
  • Maytag Dairy Farms: Get a glimpse of the dairy industry by touring the facility and tasting delicious cheeses made from local milk.
  • Valle Drive-In: Watch a movie under the stars at this drive-in theater, which has been open since 1949.

Natural Attractions of Newton: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge: Take a hike on one of the many trails and enjoy the beautiful scenery and wildlife in the area.
  • Rock Creek State Park: Go fishing, boating, or hiking in this state park that offers a beautiful lake and plenty of outdoor activities.
  • The Trestle Trail: Take a bike ride on this scenic 23-mile trail that runs from Bondurant to Woodward.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Newton

  • The Trestle Trail: 23-mile trail, running from Bondurant to Woodward, offering a scenic ride through forests and lake views.
  • Rock Creek State Park: Trails around the lake are perfect for hiking and biking and offer wildlife views as well.

Best Things to Do in Newton: Activities and Tours

  • Iowa Sculpture Festival: See amazing sculptures and meet some of the creators at this annual festival held each June.
  • Route 6 Cruise Night: Held in June and August, this event showcases classic and vintage cars and offers live music and food.

Week-Long Itinerary for Newton

Day Activity
Day 1 Explore downtown Newton and visit the Jasper County Historical Museum
Day 2 Enjoy the outdoors at Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge
Day 3 Take a bike ride on The Trestle Trail
Day 4 Visit Maytag Dairy Farms for a tour and cheese tasting
Day 5 Attend a NASCAR race at Iowa Speedway
Day 6 Go fishing or boating at Rock Creek State Park
Day 7 Visit Valle Drive-In for a movie under the stars

Food and Drink Scene of Newton

Must-Try Dishes

  • Maid-Rite Sandwich: A popular midwestern loose meat sandwich that can be found at the Maid-Rite restaurant in Newton.
  • Maytag Blue Cheese: A tangy blue cheese that is made locally at Maytag Dairy Farms.

Local Beverages

  • Peace Tree Brewing Company: Enjoy a cold brew in their taproom located in downtown Newton.
  • Cuca’s Mexican Food & Cantina: Sip on a margarita while enjoying some delicious Mexican food.

Where to Stay in Newton: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Hotel Maytag: A historic hotel located in downtown Newton, that has been newly restored and refurbished.
  • Cobblestone Hotel & Suites: A contemporary hotel located near Iowa Speedway.
  • AmericInn Lodge & Suites Newton: A hotel located near the historic downtown Newton district.

What to Buy in Newton: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Maytag Blue Cheese: A delicious cheese made locally at Maytag Dairy Farms.
  • Route 6 Collection: A locally-made collection of shirts and souvenirs celebrating Route 6 highway.

Local Culture and Customs of Newton

In Newton, locals take pride in their agricultural roots. Residents are involved in farming and attending livestock shows and fairs.

Best Time to Visit Newton

The best time to visit Newton is in the summer when outdoor activities, such as hiking and biking, are popular. The Iowa Sculpture Festival, held in June, is also a great time to visit.

Do’s and Don’ts of Newton

Do:

  • go fishing or boating at Rock Creek State Park.
  • visit the Jasper County Historical Museum to learn about Newton’s history.
  • attend a NASCAR race at Iowa Speedway.

Don’t:

  • forget to try the Maid-Rite Sandwich.
  • skip the opportunity to take a bike ride on The Trestle Trail.
  • leave without trying Maytag Blue Cheese.

Safety and Health

Safety in Newton

Newton is generally a safe city to visit, but visitors should still exercise caution, lock their vehicles, and take other basic safety precautions.

Health in Newton

Visitors should be up-to-date on routine vaccinations when traveling to Newton. It’s also important to wear protective clothing and use insect repellent if spending time outdoors during tick season.

Getting to Newton: Transportation Options and Logistics

Newton is located near Des Moines, which has an airport that is easily accessible from most major U.S. cities. The city is also easily accessible by car, as it is located near Interstate 80.

Airports Near Newton

  • Des Moines International Airport: located about 35 miles west of Newton.

Bus Stations Near Newton

  • Greyhound: located in Des Moines.

Other Options

  • Amtrak: located in Ottumwa, which is about 60 miles southeast of Newton.

How to Get Around in Newton

The best way to get around Newton is by car. There are car rental options available at the Des Moines International Airport.

Where to Go Next from Newton: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Des Moines: Iowa’s capital city is located just 30 miles west of Newton and is home to many attractions, such as the Iowa State Capitol, PappaJohn Sculpture Park, and Blank Park Zoo.
  • Ames: Home to Iowa State University, Ames is located about 45 miles north of Newton and offers visitors a beautiful campus, art museum, and plenty of shopping and dining options.

Conclusion

Newton, Iowa, offers visitors a unique blend of history, outdoor adventures, and small-town charm. Whether you’re a racing fan, foodie, or nature lover, there’s something for everyone in Newton. So come explore all that this Central Iowa gem has to offer!

The county courthouse was built in 1911. The county courthouse was built in 1911.