Woodbine, Iowa

Located at the crossroads of two Iowa byways – the Western Skies Scenic Byway and the Lincoln Highway Heritage Byway – this Main Street Iowa community features a downtown district of restored turn-of-the-century buildings and the longest original brick stretch of the Lincoln Highway. 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. With a long history starting in 1866, Woodbine boasts a number of buildings on the National Register of Historic Places. Whether you come to Woodbine seeking art, history, or family friendly celebrations, you won’t be disappointed.

Woodbine is known for its annual Applefest, which is held the last Saturday in September and features entertainment, arts & crafts shows, a car show, and of course apple stands. The festival is the perfect family atmosphere and has plenty of activities for kids and their parents alike. Another family activity, the award-winning Woodbine Rodeo is held the weekend after the Fourth of July and features a kids’ night, as well as two evenings of IRA-sanctioned rodeo action.

The downtown is part of the Brick Street Historic District, nominated for its excellent century-old Iowa commercial architecture as well as the longest original stretch of the Lincoln Highway, one of the first coast to coast national highways. You’ll also find original sculptures and historic interpretive panels throughout the downtown, a part of Woodbine’s Cross the Rail Art Trail.

A few nearby attractions to Woodbine include:

• Nearby Willow Lake Recreation Area features swimming, camping, cabin rentals, fishing, and hiking around a 27-acre lake in the Loess Hills.
• Schaben Park has a 6-acre fishing lake, campground, playground, and is quiet, tranquil setting for fishing, and bird and wildlife watching.
• The Shadow Valley Golf Course is a beautiful. rolling 9-hole course with a driving range. Woodbine City Park offers a playground, two picnic shelters, and a basketball/tennis court. A wellness center offers indoor aquatics and fitness with a day pass.

For the hungry traveler, Woodbine offers a number of places to fill up, including The Corn Palace, Dairy Sweet, and Good Fellows. Any Lewis and Clark enthusiast seeking a friendly, small town to visit would do well to veer off the beaten path, take a shortcut through the Hills, and visit Woodbine for “A Slice of Americana on Highway 30.”