Cherokee, which is located in the Little Sioux River Valley, provides recreational canoeing, fishing, and a lovely park system. The Historic Downtown of Cherokee is a recognized Cultural District and offers distinctive shopping. The yearly Kee Live Music Festival is one of the best times of the year to find live music and enjoyment. The Cherokee PRCA Rodeo, Sanford Museum and Planetarium, Cherokee County Fair, Depot Renovation, and Cherokee Symphony are all located in Cherokee. A number of tourist attractions are available in Cherokee, including The Sanford Museum and Planetarium. The first certified museum in Iowa is this one. The museum features both rotating exhibits and a permanent collection on a range of topics, including archaeology, art, astronomy, geology, history, natural history, and paleontology. The museum association hosts an event every month.
Adventure Activities to do in Cherokee Iowa
- Cherokee Golf and Country Club:
With its rugged terrain, this 9 Hole Golf Course is a must-play for golf aficionados. The Sioux Valley Match Play Tournament, the oldest Match Play Tournament in Iowa, is held annually at the Cherokee Golf and Country Club.
- Birding:
Many parks are home to a diversity of bird species because of their varied habitat. Do you want a closer look? Visit the Silver Sioux Recreation Area’s bird blind.
- Canoeing/Kayaking:
Between Spencer, in Clay County, Iowa, and Smithland, in southwestern Woodbury County, is the Inkpaduta Canoe Trail on the Little Sioux. This section of the river is around 134 miles long. From the southern to the northern county line, the Cherokee County Conservation Board is responsible for maintaining 12 river access locations. These several access locations allow paddlers to either escape for camping and floating excursions lasting three days or longer, or they can enjoy a tranquil, one to four-hour float.
- Equestrian Trails:
Four and a half miles of clearly defined equestrian riding paths may be found at Martins Access. The paths take riders close to the Little Sioux River’s banks as they wind through plains and wooded areas, crossing tiny creeks. Horses are not allowed to be ridden on trails in wet weather, off-trail, or on trails with “no horses” signs because of the steep terrain and uncommon plant ecosystems within the park.
- Fishing:
A number of fish species are accessible in parks that allow access to the Little Sioux River. Northern pike, walleye, and catfish are the principal river species. Several pan-fish species, including bluegill, bass, crappie, and perch, can be found in Larson Lake, a small 5-acre body of water. On Larson Lake, motorized boats are not permitted.
- Foraging:
In county areas, gathering wild foods is permitted. Be a responsible forager and only gather the things you plan to eat. Please be advised that a few parks occasionally receive spot treatments with chemicals for noxious plants. Contact the office if you have any queries or worries.
- Hiking:
Four parks in Cherokee County have created paths so visitors may get some exercise while still taking in the scenery. Redtail Ridge (1.5 miles), Silver Sioux (2.5 miles), Martins Access (5.75 miles overall, including 4.5 miles of horse trails), and River Road Conservation Area (1.5 miles) are the main hiking routes
- Hunting:
Unless otherwise stated, hunting is permitted in many of the county parks in Cherokee and throughout any hunting season. The following parks only permit hunting during the aforementioned days due to hunting season restrictions:
Silver Sioux, Ranney Knob, Steineke Area, Prescott Prairie, Barnes Access, Nelson Access, Pearse Access, and Meriden Roadside Parks are all open from October 1 to April 30.
Martins Access: September 15–May 20
- Winter Activities:
Any of the parks are open for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. For use in Cherokee County and the surrounding area, cross-country ski equipment is available for rental at a rate of $5 per day with a minimum charge of $10. ONLY park roads are permitted for snowmobiling. On the Little Sioux River or Larson Lake, ice fishing is permitted.
Children’s amusement in Cherokee, Iowa
Kings Pointe Waterpark:
With an indoor waterpark, you can always have fun without worrying about the weather. Kings Pointe Waterpark in Iowa offers both indoor and outdoor entertainment. This implies that you can have a blast in any weather! Although Kings Pointe Waterpark is a part of Kings Pointe Resort, day passes are available for individuals who only wish to visit for a swim, splash, and slide. The outdoor waterpark has a ton of exciting slides, lap lanes, diving boards, and other fun amenities that are ideal for the whole family. Little ones will adore the Lily Pad Walk and have the opportunity to rule or reign over the Kiddle Castle.
Sanford Museum and Planetarium:
The Sanford Museum and Planetarium is a fantastic educational destination for the entire family, especially children! Children can gain a remarkable understanding of our planet and the people who have made it into what it is today because of the exhibits and programs offered by this Cherokee museum, which cover a variety of topics like Astronomy, Geology, History, Natural History, and Prehistory. Kids can explore anything from space to archaeology on the lower level before traveling to the Sanford Room to reflect on life in the 19th century. Kids, we anticipate you’ll find life over 150 years ago fairly different from your lives now!
Naturally, the Sanford Museum also has that great Planetarium with a really cool SciDome Theater exhibiting a variety of incredible programs and presentations that can take you on an incredible voyage through the Solar System, Universe, and beyond! Prepare yourself for a day of education and exploration at the Sanford Museum and Planetarium because you never know what you’ll find out!