Things to Do
What is there to do in Guttenberg, Iowa? We have activities that cater to a variety of interests - is history your thing? Nature? Art? Music? Athletics? Natural beauty and resources, fun community events, and friendly people make Guttenberg an incredible place to live, work, and vacation. We have unique retail shops, one of a kind restaurants and places to stay, and lots to see and do. Boating on the Mississippi River, playing on a sandbar, strolling the two mile river walk, and hiking our trails are just a few of the many options you have. Visit us to experience Guttenberg for yourself!
Check out the list below to get ideas for your next trip to town and experience all that Guttenberg has to offer.
Check out the list below to get ideas for your next trip to town and experience all that Guttenberg has to offer.
Art & Culture
Guttenberg Gallery
This art gallery displays the work of talented local artists and sells one-of-a-kind hand-made items. The gallery features work in many media, including glass, pottery, jewelry, photography, painting, and much more. Check back frequently because there's always something new to see! The space is available for reservation for a variety of events. See their website for more information on artist openings, receptions, music in the courtyard, and other special events.
All proceeds support the Creativity Center's after-school program!
Address: 214 S. River Park Drive
Phone: 563-252-2787
This art gallery displays the work of talented local artists and sells one-of-a-kind hand-made items. The gallery features work in many media, including glass, pottery, jewelry, photography, painting, and much more. Check back frequently because there's always something new to see! The space is available for reservation for a variety of events. See their website for more information on artist openings, receptions, music in the courtyard, and other special events.
All proceeds support the Creativity Center's after-school program!
Address: 214 S. River Park Drive
Phone: 563-252-2787
River of Music concert,
photo by Shelia Tomkins
River of Music Concert Series
River of Music is a series of free Friday night concerts held from 6-8pm along the river in Ingleside Park. Bring a blanket or lawn chair, picnic dinner and your cooler. Relax and enjoy great music by local musicians and the beauty of the river. This concert series is organized by Umbrella Arts and sponsored by local businesses and individuals. Concerts are scheduled for Friday nights from June 2 through August 11 in 2017. View the concert schedule on our calendar page.
River of Music is a series of free Friday night concerts held from 6-8pm along the river in Ingleside Park. Bring a blanket or lawn chair, picnic dinner and your cooler. Relax and enjoy great music by local musicians and the beauty of the river. This concert series is organized by Umbrella Arts and sponsored by local businesses and individuals. Concerts are scheduled for Friday nights from June 2 through August 11 in 2017. View the concert schedule on our calendar page.
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Juanitas FollyAnother local art incubator space, Juanita's Folly specializes in new and used home furnishings, repurposed items, antiques, local art & crafts, and books. This lovely space downtown boasts over 60 local consigners – many of whom donate their consignment items to benefit local charities.
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Families
The Creativity Center
Located above Guttenberg Gallery, the Creativity Center is our community art studio which is open to the public on a walk-in basis (and no sitting fee). The studio promotes the visual arts through ceramics (wheel throwing and paint your own pottery), glass fusion, glass and tile mosaic, jewelry making, painting, and more. The studio welcomes artists of all ages to explore and create a piece of their own inspiration. The Creativity Center provides an after-school program, workshops, and classes taught by volunteer staff and local artists. The Creativity Center is a great place for birthday parties, girls' nights, and more! All proceeds support the after-school program!
Address: 214 S. River Park Drive
Phone: 563-252-2787
Located above Guttenberg Gallery, the Creativity Center is our community art studio which is open to the public on a walk-in basis (and no sitting fee). The studio promotes the visual arts through ceramics (wheel throwing and paint your own pottery), glass fusion, glass and tile mosaic, jewelry making, painting, and more. The studio welcomes artists of all ages to explore and create a piece of their own inspiration. The Creativity Center provides an after-school program, workshops, and classes taught by volunteer staff and local artists. The Creativity Center is a great place for birthday parties, girls' nights, and more! All proceeds support the after-school program!
Address: 214 S. River Park Drive
Phone: 563-252-2787
View Mississippi River Fish at the DNR Aquarium and Fish Hatchery
Children are especially thrilled to observe live Mississippi River catfish and turtles at The Guttenberg DNR Aquarium and Fish Management Station. Operated by biologists with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, the exhibits include a large selection of live Mississippi River fish and trout found in local streams. Buttons made in Guttenberg from shells are on display. In the early spring months, Northern Pike are spawned in the hatchery. The Guttenberg Aquarium and Fish Management Station is part of the Great River Road Interpretive Network and is linked to the National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium in Dubuque and other cultural sites that tell the stories of the Mississippi River.
Address: 331 S. River Park Drive.
Phone: 563-252-1156
Hours: The aquarium is generally open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. May-October. Please contact the hatchery for specific opening and closing dates.
Children are especially thrilled to observe live Mississippi River catfish and turtles at The Guttenberg DNR Aquarium and Fish Management Station. Operated by biologists with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, the exhibits include a large selection of live Mississippi River fish and trout found in local streams. Buttons made in Guttenberg from shells are on display. In the early spring months, Northern Pike are spawned in the hatchery. The Guttenberg Aquarium and Fish Management Station is part of the Great River Road Interpretive Network and is linked to the National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium in Dubuque and other cultural sites that tell the stories of the Mississippi River.
Address: 331 S. River Park Drive.
Phone: 563-252-1156
Hours: The aquarium is generally open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. May-October. Please contact the hatchery for specific opening and closing dates.
Joe's Pizza's Arcade
In addition to fantastic pizza, chicken, ice cream and more, Joe's Pizza has an arcade room! The arcade room features a pool table, air hockey table, and video games. Stop in today to play!
Address: 608 S. River Park Drive
Phone: 563-252-2376
In addition to fantastic pizza, chicken, ice cream and more, Joe's Pizza has an arcade room! The arcade room features a pool table, air hockey table, and video games. Stop in today to play!
Address: 608 S. River Park Drive
Phone: 563-252-2376
History
Visit the Lockmaster's House Heritage Museum.
The history of Guttenberg, Iowa and the lock and dam system are preserved at the Lockmaster's House Heritage Museum in Guttenberg. The museum is located in the former lockmaster's house, where the lockmaster and assistant lockmasters of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' lock and dam system were previously required to live. The house is the last remaining lockmaster house on the Upper Mississippi River and is on the National Register of Historic Places.
The museum contains many framed photos of early Guttenberg history. In the basement of the house is a photo display of the construction of the lock and dam and the lockmaster's house. In 1993, members of the Heritage Society began collecting articles to furnish the house as it looked when it was first constructed in 1938. It is now filled with vintage furniture, appliances, dishes, and textiles.
Located on Lock and Dam Lane.
Phone: 563-252-1531
Open May-October.
The history of Guttenberg, Iowa and the lock and dam system are preserved at the Lockmaster's House Heritage Museum in Guttenberg. The museum is located in the former lockmaster's house, where the lockmaster and assistant lockmasters of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' lock and dam system were previously required to live. The house is the last remaining lockmaster house on the Upper Mississippi River and is on the National Register of Historic Places.
The museum contains many framed photos of early Guttenberg history. In the basement of the house is a photo display of the construction of the lock and dam and the lockmaster's house. In 1993, members of the Heritage Society began collecting articles to furnish the house as it looked when it was first constructed in 1938. It is now filled with vintage furniture, appliances, dishes, and textiles.
Located on Lock and Dam Lane.
Phone: 563-252-1531
Open May-October.
Kann Imports
Stop into historic Kann Imports for a delightful shopping experience. Browse a huge variety of interesting items and antiques imported from around the world in this museum-like establishment, including bells, crystal, statues, wood carvings, ornaments, wind chimes, and much more. You're sure to find the perfect gift (and something for yourself) at Kann Imports.
Their story began in the 1920s with founder, Carl Kann, a talented musician. After joining a band on a cruise to the far east, Carl had a great interest in bringing artwork, wood and ivory carvings, and precious stones back to the midwest. Finally, in 1947, Carl and his wife, Juanita, opened Kann Imports, a true family business, next to their home on River Park Drive. Carl and Juanita's daughter, Barbara, shares in her parents' love of beautiful and unique objects, and she too has traveled the world picking out items for the import shop. See their story book and website for a peek at what you'll see in the store and to learn more about their unique history. Step through the front door to learn the meaning of "die probe eines genusses ist seines erinnerung."
Address: 528 S. River Park Drive
Phone: 563-252-2072
Stop into historic Kann Imports for a delightful shopping experience. Browse a huge variety of interesting items and antiques imported from around the world in this museum-like establishment, including bells, crystal, statues, wood carvings, ornaments, wind chimes, and much more. You're sure to find the perfect gift (and something for yourself) at Kann Imports.
Their story began in the 1920s with founder, Carl Kann, a talented musician. After joining a band on a cruise to the far east, Carl had a great interest in bringing artwork, wood and ivory carvings, and precious stones back to the midwest. Finally, in 1947, Carl and his wife, Juanita, opened Kann Imports, a true family business, next to their home on River Park Drive. Carl and Juanita's daughter, Barbara, shares in her parents' love of beautiful and unique objects, and she too has traveled the world picking out items for the import shop. See their story book and website for a peek at what you'll see in the store and to learn more about their unique history. Step through the front door to learn the meaning of "die probe eines genusses ist seines erinnerung."
Address: 528 S. River Park Drive
Phone: 563-252-2072
Observe the Rare Gutenberg Bible
A facsimile copy of the Gutenberg Bible is on display at the Guttenberg Public Library, 603 South Second Street. It is one of a two-volume set, which was purchased in the 1940s from the Gutenberg Museum in Mainz, Germany.
The volume on display is not one of the original Gutenberg Bibles. It is one of a two-volume set of an edition of 310 facsimile sets printed at Leipzig, Germany in 1913 by the Insel-Verlag, which, using a copy of an original, reproduced it with modern printing methods.
This same facsimile copy was on display in the Gutenberg print shop in Mainz, Germany during an air attack during World War II. As a result, fire and water damaged the cover and some pages. There are 46 existing copies of the original Gutenberg Bible held at large universities or libraries. The facsimile copies, such as the one on display at the Guttenberg Library, are also scattered throughout the world, and are considered rare books.
Visit the Guttenberg Library's website.
A facsimile copy of the Gutenberg Bible is on display at the Guttenberg Public Library, 603 South Second Street. It is one of a two-volume set, which was purchased in the 1940s from the Gutenberg Museum in Mainz, Germany.
The volume on display is not one of the original Gutenberg Bibles. It is one of a two-volume set of an edition of 310 facsimile sets printed at Leipzig, Germany in 1913 by the Insel-Verlag, which, using a copy of an original, reproduced it with modern printing methods.
This same facsimile copy was on display in the Gutenberg print shop in Mainz, Germany during an air attack during World War II. As a result, fire and water damaged the cover and some pages. There are 46 existing copies of the original Gutenberg Bible held at large universities or libraries. The facsimile copies, such as the one on display at the Guttenberg Library, are also scattered throughout the world, and are considered rare books.
Visit the Guttenberg Library's website.
Historic Buildings
Take a walking or driving tour of the historic buildings in downtown Guttenberg. From the Albertus Building to the Court House Inn, Guttenberg has dozens of buildings on the National Register of Historic Places. A new walking tour publication is currently being developed. View our video walking tour.
Take a walking or driving tour of the historic buildings in downtown Guttenberg. From the Albertus Building to the Court House Inn, Guttenberg has dozens of buildings on the National Register of Historic Places. A new walking tour publication is currently being developed. View our video walking tour.
Outdoors
The Guttenberg Farmers Market
Shop locally made and grown goods from 8am-12pm on Saturdays from May through October on the 400 block of S. River Park Drive! Vendors offer fresh produce, eggs, flowers, plants, baked goods, wood crafts, fabric crafts, candles, jewelry, granola, honey, and much more!
Shop locally made and grown goods from 8am-12pm on Saturdays from May through October on the 400 block of S. River Park Drive! Vendors offer fresh produce, eggs, flowers, plants, baked goods, wood crafts, fabric crafts, candles, jewelry, granola, honey, and much more!
Geocaching
Looking for an adventure in the outdoors? Challenge yourself to find all of the geocaches hidden in and around Guttenberg!
Looking for an adventure in the outdoors? Challenge yourself to find all of the geocaches hidden in and around Guttenberg!
Bottomland Forest Trail for Birders
Adjacent to the DNR South Boat Launch is a 20-minute trail loop through a natural wetland where birders enjoy kildeer, warblers, and great blue herons. This trail has been used by cross country skiers and snow shoe-ers. Access this trail from River Park Drive to the South Marina. The turn off to enter the South Marina is near the intersection of South River Park Drive (900 Block South) and Koerner Street. Once you've turned onto the road toward the South Marina, the trail is to your right (south). Other trails include the Big Springs Nature Area just north of town on the Great River Road, and the Buechel Hill Trail, which can be accessed from the intersection of Herder Street and Bluff Street. Visit Walk NE Iowa for more information on trails.
Adjacent to the DNR South Boat Launch is a 20-minute trail loop through a natural wetland where birders enjoy kildeer, warblers, and great blue herons. This trail has been used by cross country skiers and snow shoe-ers. Access this trail from River Park Drive to the South Marina. The turn off to enter the South Marina is near the intersection of South River Park Drive (900 Block South) and Koerner Street. Once you've turned onto the road toward the South Marina, the trail is to your right (south). Other trails include the Big Springs Nature Area just north of town on the Great River Road, and the Buechel Hill Trail, which can be accessed from the intersection of Herder Street and Bluff Street. Visit Walk NE Iowa for more information on trails.
Iowa DNR Handicap Fishing Pier
Smack dab in the heart of downtown Guttenberg, in the 400 block of South River Park Drive, anglers may pull up a lawn chair and cast for pan fish.
Smack dab in the heart of downtown Guttenberg, in the 400 block of South River Park Drive, anglers may pull up a lawn chair and cast for pan fish.
Cast Your Line for Bluegill, Northern, or Walleye
Guttenberg is a fisherman's paradise. Anglers of all ages catch catfish, walleye, bass, bluegill, and other river species right from the bank or dock at the Department of Natural Resources Boat Ramp near the intersection of South River Park Drive and Koerner Street. A new fishing pier has been constructed in the downtown immediately south of the Guttenberg Aquarium, the Iowa DNR Handicap Fishing Pier (331 S. River Park Drive). Ice fishing is a popular winter sport at Bussey Lake located north of Lock and Dam 10 just off Great River Road County Route X56 on Marina Road. Fishing licenses, bait and tackle, boat and motor rental and barge fishing are available at several Guttenberg outdoor shops, including Murray's Outdoor Store, The Landing 615, and Pronto Market.
Guttenberg is a fisherman's paradise. Anglers of all ages catch catfish, walleye, bass, bluegill, and other river species right from the bank or dock at the Department of Natural Resources Boat Ramp near the intersection of South River Park Drive and Koerner Street. A new fishing pier has been constructed in the downtown immediately south of the Guttenberg Aquarium, the Iowa DNR Handicap Fishing Pier (331 S. River Park Drive). Ice fishing is a popular winter sport at Bussey Lake located north of Lock and Dam 10 just off Great River Road County Route X56 on Marina Road. Fishing licenses, bait and tackle, boat and motor rental and barge fishing are available at several Guttenberg outdoor shops, including Murray's Outdoor Store, The Landing 615, and Pronto Market.
Stroll Guttenberg’s Two-Mile Long Riverwalk
Take time to relax and watch the river roll by at Ingleside Park. The park runs the length of the community on the banks of the Mississippi River. This is an inviting place for picnickers, joggers, fishermen, and residents both young and old. Cook out on one of the grills, or just rest under a shade tree on one of the many park benches running the length of the park. Watch the barges as they lock through Lock and Dam #10. Two mile-long river walk sidewalks enhance the charm of this park. Watch fishermen, ducks and geese, and in the wintertime - Bald Eagles galore!
Take time to relax and watch the river roll by at Ingleside Park. The park runs the length of the community on the banks of the Mississippi River. This is an inviting place for picnickers, joggers, fishermen, and residents both young and old. Cook out on one of the grills, or just rest under a shade tree on one of the many park benches running the length of the park. Watch the barges as they lock through Lock and Dam #10. Two mile-long river walk sidewalks enhance the charm of this park. Watch fishermen, ducks and geese, and in the wintertime - Bald Eagles galore!
Launch Your Boat From North or South of Lock and Dam 10
The sandbars and backwaters of the Mississippi River draw many visitors to Guttenberg. Public and private boat ramps, docking facilities, including a handicap accessible fishing dock, are both north and south of the dam. Don't have a boat? Boat rentals are available. For more information on docking, visit the City of Guttenberg's Marina page. Find PDFs of maps of the Mississippi River here.
The sandbars and backwaters of the Mississippi River draw many visitors to Guttenberg. Public and private boat ramps, docking facilities, including a handicap accessible fishing dock, are both north and south of the dam. Don't have a boat? Boat rentals are available. For more information on docking, visit the City of Guttenberg's Marina page. Find PDFs of maps of the Mississippi River here.
Take a ride on the Cassville Car Ferry
"The Pride of Cassville Car Ferry connects two National Scenic Byways; the Great River Road and the Iowa Great River Road. The ferry served the early settlement as far back as 1833 and it continues today, making the same trip back and forth across the mighty Mississippi. It is the oldest operating ferry service in the state of Wisconsin.
Directions to the Car Ferry from Iowa: Take Hwy 52 to Millville. Turn onto C9Y. Watch for the electrical substation and directional signs. The gravel road leads to the Turkey River boat landing, where the ferry picks up passengers.
Directions to the Car Ferry from Cassville: Take State Hwy 133 south to Crawford St., turn west towards the river. Turn right at the Riverside Park boat landing; follow the road to the upper park to the ferry landing."
Information and photo included here are from the Cassville Car Ferry website and from their Facebook page. More information: Cassville, WI.
Cassville Clerk's Office (608) 725-5180.
Address: Prime St., Cassville, WI 53806
"The Pride of Cassville Car Ferry connects two National Scenic Byways; the Great River Road and the Iowa Great River Road. The ferry served the early settlement as far back as 1833 and it continues today, making the same trip back and forth across the mighty Mississippi. It is the oldest operating ferry service in the state of Wisconsin.
Directions to the Car Ferry from Iowa: Take Hwy 52 to Millville. Turn onto C9Y. Watch for the electrical substation and directional signs. The gravel road leads to the Turkey River boat landing, where the ferry picks up passengers.
Directions to the Car Ferry from Cassville: Take State Hwy 133 south to Crawford St., turn west towards the river. Turn right at the Riverside Park boat landing; follow the road to the upper park to the ferry landing."
Information and photo included here are from the Cassville Car Ferry website and from their Facebook page. More information: Cassville, WI.
Cassville Clerk's Office (608) 725-5180.
Address: Prime St., Cassville, WI 53806
Observe many types of watercraft lock through Lock and Dam #10
Located in Guttenberg at mile 615, Lock and Dam #10 was constructed by the Corps of Engineers and began operating in 1937. Steps away from the Lockmaster's House Heritage Museum, view everything from small recreational watercraft to barges and riverboats lock through from the Lock and Dam #10 Observation Deck. View Lock and Dam #10's brochure here.
Located in Guttenberg at mile 615, Lock and Dam #10 was constructed by the Corps of Engineers and began operating in 1937. Steps away from the Lockmaster's House Heritage Museum, view everything from small recreational watercraft to barges and riverboats lock through from the Lock and Dam #10 Observation Deck. View Lock and Dam #10's brochure here.
Recreation
More recreation opportunities in Guttenberg.
Tee off at the Guttenberg Golf and Country Club
This challenging 9-hole course boasts a magnificent Buck Creek and Mississippi River view on several holes. The course is kept in impeccable shape with watered fairways and greens. Appreciated for its gentle hills and birded woodlands, golfers get away from it all. The clubhouse offers food and beverage services. Visitors will enjoy both reasonable green fees and a friendly welcome from the club management and staff.
Hours: The course opens the first Saturday in April and closes in November. The clubhouse opens at 8 a.m.
Address: 28126 Hwy 52
Phone: 563-252-1423
This challenging 9-hole course boasts a magnificent Buck Creek and Mississippi River view on several holes. The course is kept in impeccable shape with watered fairways and greens. Appreciated for its gentle hills and birded woodlands, golfers get away from it all. The clubhouse offers food and beverage services. Visitors will enjoy both reasonable green fees and a friendly welcome from the club management and staff.
Hours: The course opens the first Saturday in April and closes in November. The clubhouse opens at 8 a.m.
Address: 28126 Hwy 52
Phone: 563-252-1423
Swim Laps or Play Tennis
The Guttenberg Municipal Swimming Pool is located on Highway 52 at Hayden Street. The pool features a slide and two diving boards. An hour-long adult swim is held twice daily at noon and 5 p.m. There are two tennis courts and a basketball court adjacent to the pool.
Hours: Open Memorial Day – Labor Day
Phone: 563-252-1109
The Guttenberg Municipal Swimming Pool is located on Highway 52 at Hayden Street. The pool features a slide and two diving boards. An hour-long adult swim is held twice daily at noon and 5 p.m. There are two tennis courts and a basketball court adjacent to the pool.
Hours: Open Memorial Day – Labor Day
Phone: 563-252-1109
Shopping
Click here for a complete list of Guttenberg shops.
PromiseLand Winery
Enjoy wine tasting, music, shopping at the five boutiques inside, a room available for parties, and more, all inside a beautiful facility! Take home a bottle (or more!) of one of their wonderful, local wines. Vineyard and winery tours are available by appointment. Photo from PromiseLand Winery's website. View website for more photos and information.
Address: 39053 Great River Road
Phone: 563-252-2665
Enjoy wine tasting, music, shopping at the five boutiques inside, a room available for parties, and more, all inside a beautiful facility! Take home a bottle (or more!) of one of their wonderful, local wines. Vineyard and winery tours are available by appointment. Photo from PromiseLand Winery's website. View website for more photos and information.
Address: 39053 Great River Road
Phone: 563-252-2665
Kann Imports
Stop into historic Kann Imports for a delightful shopping experience. Browse a huge variety of interesting items and antiques imported from around the world in this museum-like establishment, including bells, crystal, statues, wood carvings, ornaments, wind chimes, and much more. You're sure to find the perfect gift (and something for yourself) at Kann Imports.
Their story began in the 1920s with founder, Carl Kann, a talented musician. After joining a band on a cruise to the far east, Carl had a great interest in bringing artwork, wood and ivory carvings, and precious stones back to the midwest. Finally, in 1947, Carl and his wife, Juanita, opened Kann Imports, a true family business, next to their home on River Park Drive. Carl and Juanita's daughter, Barbara, shares in her parents' love of beautiful and unique objects, and she too has traveled the world picking out items for the import shop. See their story book and website for a peek at what you'll see in the store and to learn more about their unique history. Step through the front door to learn the meaning of "die probe eines genusses ist seines erinnerung."
Address: 528 S. River Park Drive
Phone: 563-252-2072
Stop into historic Kann Imports for a delightful shopping experience. Browse a huge variety of interesting items and antiques imported from around the world in this museum-like establishment, including bells, crystal, statues, wood carvings, ornaments, wind chimes, and much more. You're sure to find the perfect gift (and something for yourself) at Kann Imports.
Their story began in the 1920s with founder, Carl Kann, a talented musician. After joining a band on a cruise to the far east, Carl had a great interest in bringing artwork, wood and ivory carvings, and precious stones back to the midwest. Finally, in 1947, Carl and his wife, Juanita, opened Kann Imports, a true family business, next to their home on River Park Drive. Carl and Juanita's daughter, Barbara, shares in her parents' love of beautiful and unique objects, and she too has traveled the world picking out items for the import shop. See their story book and website for a peek at what you'll see in the store and to learn more about their unique history. Step through the front door to learn the meaning of "die probe eines genusses ist seines erinnerung."
Address: 528 S. River Park Drive
Phone: 563-252-2072
