Audubon Travel Guide

Get ready to explore Audubon with our comprehensive travel guide. Learn about the best places to visit, things to do, food to try, where to stay, and local culture.


Introduction to Audubon

Audubon is a small town located in Southwest Iowa, in the Midwest region of the United States of America. It is named after John James Audubon, the famous naturalist and painter who is known for his famous book, “The Birds of America”. If you are looking to experience the beauty and serenity of small-town life while immersing yourself in nature, Audubon is the perfect place for you.

List of Places to Visit in Audubon

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Audubon County Historical Museum & Research Center: This museum showcases the history of Audubon and the surrounding area through interactive exhibits and displays. You can explore the history of the town, learn about the Native Americans who once lived in the area, and view various artifacts.

  • John James Audubon Museum: This museum showcases the life and work of John James Audubon. You can view his famous works, learn about his process of creating them, and explore his life story.

Natural Attractions of Audubon: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Audubon City Park: Located in the heart of the town, this park features a playground, walking trails, picnic areas, and a pond for fishing. The park is a great spot to relax and enjoy nature.

  • Bentonsport State Park: This park is located just outside of Audubon and is popular among hikers and nature enthusiasts. It has several trails to explore, including the scenic River Bluff Trail, which offers stunning views of the Des Moines River.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Audubon

  • Wabash Trace Nature Trail: This 63-mile trail stretches from Council Bluffs to Blanchard, Iowa. It passes through Audubon and offers beautiful scenic views. You can hike, bike, or even horseback ride on this trail.

  • Lake Anita State Park Trails: Lake Anita State Park is located a few miles from Audubon and offers several trails that range in difficulty. You can explore the park’s woodlands, prairies, and scenic lake on these trails.

Best Things to Do in Audubon: Activities and Tours

  • Audubon RAGBRAI: RAGBRAI (Register’s Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa) is a popular annual bike ride that passes through Audubon. This event brings together bikers from all over the country for a fun-filled day of biking, food, and entertainment.

  • Hunting and Fishing: The surrounding area of Audubon is home to plenty of wildlife, making it a great spot for hunting and fishing. You can hunt for pheasants, deer, turkey, and other game animals. The area also has several lakes, ponds, and streams for fishing.

Week-Long Itinerary for Audubon

Day Activity
Day 1 Explore downtown Audubon, visit Audubon County Historical Museum & Research Center
Day 2 Hike the River Bluff Trail at Bentonsport State Park
Day 3 Bike the Wabash Trace Nature Trail
Day 4 Visit John James Audubon Museum
Day 5 Go fishing in Lake Anita State Park
Day 6 Attend a local event, such as the Audubon RAGBRAI
Day 7 Relax at Audubon City Park and enjoy a picnic

Food and Drink Scene of Audubon

Must-Try Dishes

  • Pork Tenderloin Sandwich: This is a classic dish in Iowa and is a must-try when visiting Audubon. The pork is tender and juicy, and it is served on a bun with lettuce, tomato, and mayonnaise.

  • Corn on the Cob: Iowa is known for its sweet corn, and it’s a staple side dish for any meal. It is usually served with butter and salt.

Local Beverages

  • Iowa Craft Beer: There are several local breweries in the area that serve great craft beer. You can visit Reclaimed Rails Brewing Company in nearby Madrid or spend an afternoon at Carroll Brewing Company.

  • Wine Tasting: Summerset Winery is located just a short drive from Audubon and offers wine tastings. You can taste some of Iowa’s best wines and enjoy the scenic views of the vineyard.

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

  • Audubon Inn: This historic hotel is located in the heart of the town and offers comfortable rooms and great amenities.

  • Cozy Corners Motel: This motel is located just outside of Audubon and offers affordable rooms and a great location.

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

  • John James Audubon Prints: You can purchase prints of John James Audubon’s famous works at the John James Audubon Museum.

  • Local Honey: Iowa is known for its delicious honey, and you can purchase some at the Audubon Farmers Market.

Local Culture and Customs of Audubon

Audubon is a small town with a close-knit community. People are friendly and welcoming, and you will likely make friends quickly. The town is known for its strong ties to nature, and residents take pride in their beautiful surroundings.

Best Time to Visit Audubon

The best time to visit Audubon is from May to October. The weather is mild, and there are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy. If you are looking to attend the Audubon RAGBRAI, it takes place in July.

Do’s and Don’ts of Audubon

Do:

  • Respect nature and the environment
  • Be friendly and courteous to the locals
  • Take a tour of the John James Audubon Museum
  • Attend the Audubon RAGBRAI

Don’t:

  • Litter or damage the natural surroundings
  • Be disrespectful to the culture and customs of the town
  • Neglect to try the pork tenderloin sandwich

Safety and Health

Safety in Audubon

Audubon is a safe town, but it is always important to take precautions. Make sure to lock your doors and windows when leaving your hotel or car, and take care when hiking or biking on local trails.

Health in Audubon

Audubon has a hospital and several medical facilities in case of an emergency.

Getting to Audubon: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Audubon

  • Des Moines International Airport
  • Omaha Eppley Airfield
  • Sioux Gateway Airport

Bus Stations Near Audubon

  • Jefferson Bus Lines
  • Greyhound Bus Lines

Other Options

  • Rental Car
  • Taxi

How to Get Around in Audubon

The best way to get around in Audubon is by car. You can rent a car at one of the nearby airports or take a taxi.

Where to Go Next from Audubon: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Des Moines: Des Moines is the capital of Iowa and is just a short drive from Audubon. It has several museums, parks, and attractions to explore.

  • Omaha: Omaha is located just across the border in Nebraska and is known for its great food and cultural attractions. It has several museums and theaters to visit.

Conclusion

Audubon is a hidden gem in the Midwest, with plenty of natural and cultural attractions to explore. Whether you are looking for outdoor adventure or want to immerse yourself in small-town life, Audubon has something for everyone.