Dunlap, Iowa

Situated east of Lewis and Clark’s exploratory path, this Main Street Iowa community’s 1,043 residents eagerly welcome visitors. The designation as a Main Street Iowa community speaks to the town’s dedication to a vibrant city center and deep commitment to historic ties. Dunlap boasts the 4-County Fairgrounds as well as several historic sites. In addition to these attractions, Dunlap was the birthplace of Nadine Jeppesen, a publisher of flight maps and inductee of the Women in Aviation International Pioneer Hall of Fame.

Dunlap offers several points of interest for the history buff.

• Just outside of town is Dunham Barn, one of the earliest brick barns built in western Iowa. The 1870 barn is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
• The McLean Museum is housed in a former church built in 1879. It displays plates, books, assessor’s records, a square grand piano, and memorabilia from the Booster Buck Manufacturing Company of Dunlap.
• The former parsonage for the church that now serves as the McLean Museum, the Dougal House is furnished with a gasoline stove, a pump organ, and other time-period appropriate items.

Dunlap City Park and Pleasant View Park both offer picnic shelters and playgrounds. Pleasant View Park has a frisbee golf course for the whole family to enjoy and Dunlap City Park has basketball courts. Nearby Schaben Park offers a 6-acre fishing lake, a modern campground as well as tent campsites, and a picnic shelter and playground. Woodland and prairie trails invite your adventuring crew to explore the area, which is also perfect for hunting and birdwatching. For those who enjoy golfing, the Dunlap Golf Club is a scenic 9-hole course.

If festivals attract you, join Dunlap residents for the 4-County Fair. Held the first weekend in August, the old-fashioned celebration offers exhibits, a horse show, tractor pull, livestock, and food. It is the perfect family atmosphere! The town’s annual Fourth of July celebration includes horse rides and demonstrations of pioneer crafts in the Dunham Barn, as well as a parade and fireworks.

A number of lodging options are available, and there are several locally-owned restaurants ready to satisfy your savory or sweet tooth. Whether you come to Dunlap for its friendly atmosphere or its rich history, you’ll find something of interest.