Consider these ten must-do items when planning your next visit to Guttenberg, Iowa!
Spend time on the river
Bring your boat, rent a boat, take a trip on the Cassville Car Ferry, or schedule a tour with Mississippi River Charters or 10 Dam Fish! Experience great views, see the river's wildlife, tube or ski, and spend time fishing or on a sandbar - you won't want to miss an opportunity to hit the mighty Mississippi!
Shop
Check out the shops on Highway 52 and in historic downtown Guttenberg (concentrated on River Park Drive and First Street) for a variety of antiques, art, jewelry, clothing, furnishings, outdoor supplies, and much more. A list of Guttenberg shops can be found here. Guttenberg hosts sidewalk sales and other special shopping events throughout the year.
Explore the river's past, present, and future
Watch many types of vessels, from small boats to barges and riverboats, lock through Lock & Dam #10. Get a great view from the park or from the elevated observation platform overlooking the lock on Lock and Dam Lane. Just north of the lock is the Lockmaster's House Heritage Museum, which is the last remaining lockmaster house on the Upper Mississippi River. A little more than a block south of Lock & Dam #10 is the DNR Aquarium and Fish Hatchery on River Park Drive, containing a large selection of live Mississippi River fish, turtles, and trout found in local streams, along with displays on invasive species and shell buttons made in Guttenberg.
Stop at a scenic overlook
Make sure to stop at scenic overlooks north and south of town on Highway 52 for breathtaking views of the river, foliage, and limestone bluffs. These are prime locations for great photos, so take advantage! Don't miss the "Honey Lady," who sells locally made honey from the south overlook.
Stroll on the riverwalk
Enjoy a walk along Guttenberg's scenic riverwalk - a paved path that follows the river for nearly the entire length of town through the historic downtown district and beautiful Ingleside Park. Gazebos, shelters, public restrooms, and several grills make the park an ideal place for a picnic. Sit on one of the many benches to watch boats and barges lock through Lock & Dam #10, or bring a book and enjoy the peacefulness of the river.
Sleep under the stars
Camp at one of several campgrounds in Guttenberg and the surrounding area. Most campgrounds are located within walking distance of the Mississippi River and Guttenberg's trails. If camping isn't your style, there are plenty of other options, including motels, bed and baths, inns, and vacation rentals.
Have a bite to eat
From cafes to bars, restaurants, a drive-in, and a winery, you'll want to stop at one of Guttenberg's eateries for delicious burgers, subs, salads, fish, pizza, ice cream, coffee, wine, pastries, pie, and more! Check out the winners of the "Best of Guttenberg" contest to see which businesses were chosen as the public's favorites.
Explore the trails
Walk up Buechel Hill Trail, which connects the bottom of the bluff to the top with access from Herder Street. Check out Big Springs Trail, which follows a spring up to a small waterfall, just north of Guttenberg on Great River Road, and the Upper Mississippi Bottomland Forest Interpretive Trail loop, just south of the Municipal Marina on South River Park Drive.
Tee off
Just north of Guttenberg on Highway 52 is the challenging nine-hole Guttenberg Golf Course, featuring spectacular views of the river and bluffs, and a brand new club house.
Festivals and events
Guttenberg hosts a large variety of events each year, including Eagle Watch, Stars & Stripes Celebration & Fireworks, Celebrate Guttenberg, Abel Island Fly-In, GermanFest, and much more. A farmers market and free concert series are also offered throughout the summer.
What's on your Guttenberg Top 10 list? Comment below with suggestions for your fellow visitors!
Spend time on the river
Bring your boat, rent a boat, take a trip on the Cassville Car Ferry, or schedule a tour with Mississippi River Charters or 10 Dam Fish! Experience great views, see the river's wildlife, tube or ski, and spend time fishing or on a sandbar - you won't want to miss an opportunity to hit the mighty Mississippi!
Shop
Check out the shops on Highway 52 and in historic downtown Guttenberg (concentrated on River Park Drive and First Street) for a variety of antiques, art, jewelry, clothing, furnishings, outdoor supplies, and much more. A list of Guttenberg shops can be found here. Guttenberg hosts sidewalk sales and other special shopping events throughout the year.
Explore the river's past, present, and future
Watch many types of vessels, from small boats to barges and riverboats, lock through Lock & Dam #10. Get a great view from the park or from the elevated observation platform overlooking the lock on Lock and Dam Lane. Just north of the lock is the Lockmaster's House Heritage Museum, which is the last remaining lockmaster house on the Upper Mississippi River. A little more than a block south of Lock & Dam #10 is the DNR Aquarium and Fish Hatchery on River Park Drive, containing a large selection of live Mississippi River fish, turtles, and trout found in local streams, along with displays on invasive species and shell buttons made in Guttenberg.
Stop at a scenic overlook
Make sure to stop at scenic overlooks north and south of town on Highway 52 for breathtaking views of the river, foliage, and limestone bluffs. These are prime locations for great photos, so take advantage! Don't miss the "Honey Lady," who sells locally made honey from the south overlook.
Stroll on the riverwalk
Enjoy a walk along Guttenberg's scenic riverwalk - a paved path that follows the river for nearly the entire length of town through the historic downtown district and beautiful Ingleside Park. Gazebos, shelters, public restrooms, and several grills make the park an ideal place for a picnic. Sit on one of the many benches to watch boats and barges lock through Lock & Dam #10, or bring a book and enjoy the peacefulness of the river.
Sleep under the stars
Camp at one of several campgrounds in Guttenberg and the surrounding area. Most campgrounds are located within walking distance of the Mississippi River and Guttenberg's trails. If camping isn't your style, there are plenty of other options, including motels, bed and baths, inns, and vacation rentals.
Have a bite to eat
From cafes to bars, restaurants, a drive-in, and a winery, you'll want to stop at one of Guttenberg's eateries for delicious burgers, subs, salads, fish, pizza, ice cream, coffee, wine, pastries, pie, and more! Check out the winners of the "Best of Guttenberg" contest to see which businesses were chosen as the public's favorites.
Explore the trails
Walk up Buechel Hill Trail, which connects the bottom of the bluff to the top with access from Herder Street. Check out Big Springs Trail, which follows a spring up to a small waterfall, just north of Guttenberg on Great River Road, and the Upper Mississippi Bottomland Forest Interpretive Trail loop, just south of the Municipal Marina on South River Park Drive.
Tee off
Just north of Guttenberg on Highway 52 is the challenging nine-hole Guttenberg Golf Course, featuring spectacular views of the river and bluffs, and a brand new club house.
Festivals and events
Guttenberg hosts a large variety of events each year, including Eagle Watch, Stars & Stripes Celebration & Fireworks, Celebrate Guttenberg, Abel Island Fly-In, GermanFest, and much more. A farmers market and free concert series are also offered throughout the summer.
What's on your Guttenberg Top 10 list? Comment below with suggestions for your fellow visitors!
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