Sheldon Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Sheldon, Iowa with this comprehensive travel guide. Explore the culturally rich attractions, outdoor adventures, and local food scene of Sheldon.


Introduction to Sheldon

Welcome to Sheldon, a small town located in the western part of Iowa. With an area of 4.91 square miles and a population of around 5,000 people, Sheldon is an ideal destination for travelers seeking a peaceful getaway with rich cultural and natural attractions.

List of Places to Visit in Sheldon

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Village Northwest Unlimited: A community that provides residential and vocational services to people with disabilities. Visit the art gallery and gift shop for unique and handmade souvenirs.
  • O’Brien County Historical Society Museum: Discover the rich history of O’Brien County and its people through historic artifacts and interactive exhibits.
  • Sheldon Public Library: A Carnegie Library built in 1906, this historic building houses a vast collection, digital offerings, events, and more.

Natural Attractions of Sheldon: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Gilbert Park: An excellent spot for family picnics, playgrounds for kids, and hiking. You can also enjoy fishing and canoeing on the serene waters of the park’s pond.
  • Prairie Heritage Center: A must-visit for nature enthusiasts, you can hike the trails and learn about the prairie ecosystem, birds, and animals.
  • Northwest Iowa Water Trails: Explore the beauty of river systems of Floyd, Little Sioux, and other small streams by enjoying kayaking, canoeing or paddleboarding with stunning wildlife and landscapes.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Sheldon

  • Gilbert Park Trails: Enjoy hiking trails winding through lovely greenery, with natural prairie as backdrop.
  • Little Floyd River Trail: The trail stretches for over 14 miles and has options for bicycles, walking, and running.

Best Things to Do in Sheldon: Activities and Tours

  • Sheldon Celebration Days: Enjoy Fourth of July festivities, including a parade, craft market, and fireworks display.
  • Harvest Festival: A fall festival with great food, arts and crafts, live music, and a parade.
  • Carnegie Cultural Center: Attend concerts, watch exhibitions, and engage in outdoor and indoor programs.

Week-Long Itinerary for Sheldon

Day Activity
1 Visit O’Brien County Historical Society Museum
2 Explore Gilbert Park Trails and enjoy some fishing
3 Visit Prairie Heritage Center and enjoy a hike
4 Take a walk or bike to Little Floyd River Trail
5 Spend the day at Village Northwest Unlimited
6 Go canoeing, kayaking, or paddleboarding in the rivers
7 Attend concerts or live music at Carnegie Cultural Center

Food and Drink Scene of Sheldon

Must-Try Dishes

  • Fried Chicken: Satisfy your taste buds with crispy and juicy fried chicken with a hint of seasoning, a famous dish in Sheldon’s restaurants.
  • Jell-O Salad: A traditional dish made with Jell-O and fruits often served as a dessert and sometimes appetizer. Don’t forget to try it.
  • Pork Tenderloin Sandwich: A Midwest classic, the pork tenderloin sandwich consists of a tender, breaded, and fried pork cutlet on a freshly baked bun with a slice of cheese.

Local Beverages

  • Root Beer: Served at Siouxland Food and Spirits Drive-In, a classic fast-food diner since the 1950s.
  • Quarter Barrel Brewery: Enjoy locally brewed beers and delicious appetizers in a friendly and welcoming environment in the heart of Sheldon.

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

  • Holiday Inn Express & Suites Sheldon: A hotel located close to major attractions and featuring exceptional amenities to make your stay comfortable.
  • Fox Creek Inn: A luxurious guesthouse providing comfortable and modern facilities, including breakfast in bed with local ingredients.
  • Village Lodge: An ideal choice for a budget-friendly option with clean rooms and friendly service.

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

  • Village Northwest Unlimited Art Gallery: Discover unique and handmade pieces of art, sculptures, paintings, made by artists with disabilities.
  • Sheldon Public Library Gift Shop: Find book-themed items such as bookmarks, stationery, and craft supplies.
  • Geisler Farms: Bring home homemade jams, honey, and other farm-fresh produce.

Local Culture and Customs of Sheldon

Sheldon is a friendly place with a community that values and welcomes visitors. Traditional Midwest values of hard work, family, and faith are common within shedonians.

Best Time to Visit Sheldon

The best time to visit Sheldon is between late spring and early autumn when the temperature is pleasant and ideal for outdoor activities.

Do’s and Don’ts of Sheldon

Do:

  • Bring your appetite: Sheldon’s food scene will leave you drooling for more.
  • Plan your trip ahead of time, especially during peak season, for easy travelling
  • Respect local customs and values

Don’t:

  • Litter in natural attractions or historic areas
  • Leave Sheldon without trying out the pork tenderloin sandwich and Jell-O salad
  • Ignore the sunshine and outdoors in Sheldon

Safety and Health

Safety in Sheldon

Sheldon is a safe place for travelers. Avoid walking alone at night and be cautious while handling machinery or equipment in the natural areas around Sheldon.

Health in Sheldon

Medical services are available at the Sheldon Medical Center and nearby hospitals.

Getting to Sheldon: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Sheldon

  • Sioux Gateway Airport is an hour away from Sheldon and is served by major airlines such as Delta, American Airlines, and United.

Bus Stations Near Sheldon

  • Jefferson Bus Lines operates daily bus services to and from Sheldon.

Other Options

  • Car rental, Taxi, and Uber service providers are also available from surrounding airports.

How to Get Around in Sheldon

The best way to get around in Sheldon is by renting a car. However, many of the attractions and amenities are located within walking distance.

Where to Go Next from Sheldon: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Sioux Falls: With stunning waterfalls, museums, and other attractions, it’s an excellent place to visit, just a two-hour drive from Sheldon.
  • Des Moines: The capital city of Iowa, this vibrant town is a three-hour drive from Sheldon and offers several entertainment and cultural attractions.

Conclusion

Plan your next trip to Sheldon now, an ideal destination for travelers seeking outdoor adventures and cultural attractions. Book your accommodations, pack your bags, and get ready to explore this beautiful city rich in natural beauty and cultural significance.