Events, Attractions & Dining
Viewing wildlife is just one of the many activities that draws one to visit Washington. Washington offers a variety of wildlife, nature trails, fishing spots and hunting areas for any sports enthusiast. Here are a few of Washington’s attractions that one must experience while visiting:
Washington County Conservation Education Center is located seven miles east of Washington. The primary purpose of the center is to promote conservation, environmental education and outdoor recreation opportunities. The center provides opportunity, materials and resources to the public as well as facilities for school trips, park visitors and programs.
After visiting the center, explore the other aspects of Marr Park. Several picnic shelters are located near playground equipment for family enjoyment. The modern campgrounds accommodate overnight visits and the ponds attract the fishermen in the family. Hikers can enjoy trails through woodlands and prairies.
Kewash Nature Trail is a 13-mile scenic trail that links history, the natural world and local towns. In its beginning, the Kewash served as a railway bringing economic development to the community. Along the trail now, you can find other pieces of the past, undisturbed prairie plots and mature timber. For the hiker or biker, be certain to take plenty of time to enjoy the trail’s many features. As an old railway, Kewash is an excellent wildlife corridor. Animals abound in the wildlife refuge, from deer and squirrels to migratory warblers. The trail travels through prairie land from Keota to West Chester. From West Chester to Washington, the trail changes to a mixture of woodland and prairie borders. Kewash has many highlights, including the Crooked Creek Bridge and Willow Pond. Fishing is allowed with proper equipment and license. Other highlights of the trail include Hayes Timber with fungi galore and woodland wildflowers. The Kewash trail is resurfaced with crushed limestone, and as such is limited to hikers, bikers and cross-country skiers.
Skunk River Water Trail is a natural beauty that is best enjoyed by navigating the river in a motorboat, canoe or kayak. The Skunk River is best known for its excellent fishing. The shoreline of nearly every stretch and bend of the river is littered with fallen trees creating excellent habitat for channel catfish, flathead catfish and freshwater drum and carp.
For the hunter at heart there are several places in southeast Iowa in which to hunt for pheasant, trophy whitetail deer, waterfowl and small game such as quail and wild turkey. Washington offers areas full of quality CRP grassland, wetland and timberland, which can give the hunter a wide exposure of field experience.
Washington not only takes pride in its natural environment, but it also takes great delight in presenting the Midwest with some of the most beautifully preserved historical homes. Washington gracefully knits together past, present and future in its community. Taking center stage in Washington is the Centennial Fountain located in Central Park. It was constructed and dedicated in 1939 for Washington’s centennial celebration. It is the only one of its type in the continental United States, and is unique due to the multicolored light show and various water patterns best viewed at night. The open-air bandstand and the park play host to many events throughout the year. Every Thursday evening during the summer farmers bring their produce to sell at the Farmers’ Market, followed by live local entertainment and a municipal band concert. The Washington Municipal Band is one of the oldest in Iowa with over 70 consecutive seasons to its credit.
Throughout the year Washington keeps pace with the busy family, offering events both to see and in which to participate. Washington oversees and conducts many celebrations to incorporate unity amongst the community and families.
Each spring, Washington County Hospital sponsors a “Kidz Fest.” Here children of all ages are the center of the community’s attention. Children are treated with special games including an obstacle course and a wheel of fortune focusing on health and nutrition. Special events like face painting and guests such as local dancers are featured with entertaining kids in mind.
During the summer months, Washington plays host to the Washington County Fair. Come and experience competitions of the 4-H clubs and FFA. There are carnival rides, a Bill Reilly Talent Competition, Oreo stacking, hay bale decorating, Cutie Pie contest and lots and lots of food. There is something for everyone to enjoy. Washington shows support in the art world by showcasing a Gallery Walk on the downtown square, where area artists and art students showcase their talent by displaying artwork in windows of supporting businesses. Also during the summer months, Washington sponsors a craft show, with crafters coming from miles around to set up shop and display their creations for sale. For the car enthusiast, Cruise Night in Washington sports a variety of classic and new show cars.
As Fall approaches, the Washington community doesn’t slow down, but starts preparing for its holiday extravaganzas, beginning with Trick-or-Treat Around the Square, a tradition for years in Washington. Children dress up in their favorite costumes and trick-or-treat at participating businesses. After the handing out of treats, children are invited to enjoy hot dogs, chips and drinks provided by the local businesses.
Washington County also provides Agriculture Tours. With over seven destinations on its agenda, one must prepare to dress comfortably for walking. A person can experience such things on this tour as the Sass Family Farm, which specializes in fresh produce and family fun. Visitors are invited to come and experience an authentic 1950s Iowa farm, or a visit to Cuddeback Farm will allow you to compare modern farming practices to farming in the 1880s and 1930s. You can tour a working greenhouse, beekeeping operation, corn processing facility, visit a shooting preserve, or stop at Bandana’s Backyard and see various animals in an informal petting zoo.
The Washington Chamber kicks off the holiday season with a Lighted Holiday Parade. Cars and wagons are decorated with multi-colored lights and various themes. At the end of the parade is the long awaited arrival of Santa Claus.
Another must-see holiday attraction is the Chamber of Commerce’s Christmas Candlelight Tour of Homes. Homes featured in the Christmas tour date from the early 1900’s to a more modern era, and even apartment living. Tour of Homes features Christmas decorating at its finest; it’s the best time of year to see how other folks decorate for the holiday.
All year long, Washington Model RR Club presents 4 operating train layouts. Displaying G, HO, O and S gage models, the RR club presents the art of miniatures in a unique form.
Like to eat? Who doesn’t? Washington offers a diverse range of dining options. You will find everything from Iowa beef and pork to a wide variety of ethnic foods. Restaurants serve pizza, egg rolls, spaghetti, hamburgers and fries, chicken, tacos, and don’t forget the meatloaf special, eggs, bacon, salads, ice cream, the Chinese buffet, coffee, scones, turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy. Washington boasts an authentic Italian restaurant that is definitely taking dining to a whole new level.
