Perry Iowa's Greatest Attractions

Designated as one of Iowa’s “Great Places,” Perry boasts a combination of arts, history, culture, commerce, and recreation unmatched to any other of its size, making it attractive to residents and visitors alike.

Art & Culture

Becoming quite an art scene, Perry is home to two Arts organizations – each hosting numerous festivals and programming throughout the year – as well as several art-related businesses and an ever-growing array of public art in the form of sculptures, murals, installations, and permanent collections. The community has truly embraced a renewed identity of being a hub for Arts & Culture.

For more than 45 years, the Perry Fine Arts committee has been sponsoring concerts and other musical shows. Each year, it hosts six to eight events that can include anything from opera to jazz to blue grass. The committee mixes it up with both instrumental music and vocal music performances during the season. The group has recruited musicians from as far away as Europe and Russia, as well as from Iowa and the surrounding states. Tuba Day began in 1977 as a workshop and concert by a group of tubists in honor of Bill Bell, a famed Perry tuba player from a bygone era. That event is now A Tuba Christmas and features a rehearsal and public concert. The Perry Fine Arts season begins in the fall and ends with a variety show on the afternoon of July 4. Most concerts are at the Perry Performing Arts Center at the high school, but the tuba performance and variety show are at the First United Methodist Church in Perry. Both venues are handicapped accessible. All Perry Fine Arts performances are free of charge, thanks to generous sponsors and free-will donations For more information on the times and dates for all the shows each season, please view the calendar at PerryIAChamber.org.

Section of Mural at Hotel Pattee

Art on the Prairie is an organization with a namesake annual festival on the second weekend of November. The event features a combined 100 Iowa artists, musicians and poets in multiple buildings in the downtown district. Thousands of visitors attend the festival each year, now for more than ten years. The organization also coordinates the Art Harvest Tour in September, during which visitors can take a scenic drive through the Des Moines River Valley to explore a dozen artist studios within a 90-mile loop. Local artists open their work spaces for the weekend for a behind-the-scene peak into where they create. From historic downtown galleries to country lane home studios, the stops are as unique as the artistic styles they host – including three stops right in Perry!

Born of Fire Boulevard Sculpture at Night

The Boulevard Sculpture Series features four illuminated sculptures that serve as a gateway to the Downtown Perry Historical and Cultural District, located on Willis Avenue between First and Third streets. Commissioned by Art on the Prairie, the sculptures tell the story of Perry’s rich history, while also paying tribute to the Railroad, Agriculture, Industry, and the Arts, which all have contributed to Perry’s growth. Speed Train, created by Jim Russell, sits at the intersection where the railroad once passed through Perry. Furrowed Fields, also created by Russell, celebrates the land and the farmers who’ve tended it for generations. Born of Fire, created by John Brommel, is a nod to industry’s important role in the economy, while Iowa Girl, also created by Brommel, pays homage to Perry-native Roberta Green Ahmanson, who was instrumental in the revitalization of the city more than 20 years ago. The sculptures are sites to see, especially at night!

Soumas Court

A centerpiece of downtown, the Reconfiguration Arches were created by world-renowned metal sculptor Albert Paley. The sculptures, weighing nearly eight tons apiece, are constructed using metal objects that were significant in the lives of metalworkers, farmers and railroaders who have made their home here.

The arches frame both entrances of Soumas Court, an outdoor courtyard named after local legend George Soumas, who was the son of Greek immigrants, World War II hero and mayor of Perry. A life-size sculpture of him, by Iowa artist Chris Bennett, sits drinking coffee at one of the bistro tables. The courtyard features a Wall of Witnesses filled with plaques commemorating well-known people who have made a unique contribution to the community. A new member is added to the wall each year.

Hotel Pattee

Soumas Court is connected to the Hotel Pattee, a true anchor of the community. Originally opened in 1913, it has been magnificently renovated. Forty themed rooms incorporate small-town America and local heritage. The hotel’s architecture, artwork, artifacts and overall attention to detail are breathtaking.

The Carnegie Library Museum is a renovated building that has been meticulously restored to reflect its original 1910 appearance. It houses a collection of materials, including the library’s original 1,000 books, as well as art and exhibits depicting the growth of middle America from the mid-1800s to the present. The building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Carnegie Library Museum served as Perry’s library for 90 years from 1904 to 1994. Electrical, HVAC , and ADA problems led to the construction of the new library.

Carnegie Library Museum

Several murals also add vibrancy to downtown public spaces. Honor, by Shawn Palek, is in Josh Davis Plaza, named for United States Marines Corporal Josh Davis, who lost his life serving in Afghanistan in May 2010. Prairie Lane and Sinclair – Memory Lane are two additional murals by Palek. The first is located in a pocket park between Perry Perk and Mary Rose Collection. The other is around the corner from an old Sinclair Station turned museum with classic car memorabilia. El Puente/The Bridge, by Jennifer Drinkwater, is located behind City Hall.

Hometown Heritage, a local nonprofit organization, partners with the Perry Public Library and the city to manage the Carnegie Library Museum, as well as cultural assets such as the Wall of Witnesses and collection of artworks at the Hotel Pattee and other city-owned buildings. Hometown Heritage works to preserve local history, support the arts and celebrate life in smalltown Iowa by creating programs and events highlighting Dallas County’s rich history of immigration, exploring themes of education, family, work, faith and loss. The charitable trust curates a vast collection and archive of stories, photographs, and interviews, and it encourages others to research, preserve and share their stories.

Sinclair Station Museum

To view more public art installations, visit the Perry Public Library, the Hotel Pattee and the Security Bank Building. Sculpture, fabric art, stained glass, paintings, artifacts and more are on display throughout those buildings. Railroad memorabilia and photographs can be found in permanent exhibits at Forest Park Museum, Carnegie Library Museum, Security Bank Building and the Hotel Pattee. As the railroad played a key role in Perry’s early development, it’s fitting that some iconic train cars have been put to some modern uses downtown. In 1992, the city accepted ownership of the Milwaukee Road Caboose, which was renovated in 2010 and houses a seasonal food truck. It is located in Caboose Park at the trailhead of the Raccoon River Valley Trail. Just across the street from it is the Perry Welcome Depot. Besides information on things to see and do, it Ialso has public restrooms.

¡Viva Perry!, the annual Latino Festival sponsored by Hispanics United for Perry (HUP), is a cultural event each August that celebrates our diverse community. The event highlights traditional dance and music, and includes food vendors, kids’ activities and more downtown.

Shopping, Dining and Downtown Fun

While some businesses have remained anchors in the community over the years, more and more businesses have newly opened, adding vibrancy to the shopping scene in Perry.

Whether shopping for clothes, gifts, art, home décor or more, it’s likely to be found in Perry. From specialty boutiques to a dime store, shopping local is a treat.

The Scottish Fox

Breweries and streeteries are some of the new additions to the food scene, that includes many choices for authentic dishes and down-home comfort food.

Tin Pig Tavern

For some indoor entertainment, the Perry Grand 3 Theatres provides a perfect family friendly and affordable getaway with its first-run movies in three digitally equipped auditoriums.

Perry Grand 3 Theatres

Recreation & Entertainment

Recreational activities abound in Perry from walking and bike trails, fishing and paddling, and more.

Biking is synonymous with Perry, from annual bike rides to miles of scenic trails waiting to be explored.

The Perry Chamber of Commerce hosts the 24-mile round trip Bike Ride to Rippey (BBR Ride) each February as its largest annual fundraiser. The more than 40-year old tradition happens rain, snow or shine and is known as The Original Winter Ride. It starts and ends in Perry, and attracts hundreds of riders each year.

Scene from Annual BRR Ride

An in-town trail system, the Hiawatha Trail provides easy access in Perry to the Raccoon River Valley Trail, which encompasses 89 miles of paved trails passing through 14 communities in three counties. It is the longest continuous bike trail in the country and was inducted into the Rails-Trail Hall of Fame in 2021.

A stop at the High Trestle Trail’s 13-story-high bridge across the Des Moines River is a must-see attraction. That trail originates in nearby Woodward and will connect with Perry within the next two years as a result of the “Let’s Connect” effort. This multi-phase project consists of constructing nine-miles of multi-use paved recreational trail stretching from Perry through Bouton to Woodward. When completed, this trail will create a first-class amenity for the region by connecting two of the most popular trail systems in the state. It will be just one more reason for thousands of cyclists to pass through Perry each year as they explore the trails and enjoy breathtaking views.

High Trestle Trail at Night

Perry is home to the McCreary Community Building, which sports an updated gym, a fitness center with 24/7 access, studio space, a child watch room and more. The 40-yearold, city-operated building was renovated recently and offers people of all ages access to recreational activities. A splash pad is open in the summer, and people can swim year-round in the sixlane heated indoor pool. Day passes and memberships are available.

For those interested in fishing or floating, boat ramps for the Raccoon River are located at the west end of Willis Avenue as well as south of P58 (First Avenue), immediately to the east after crossing the Raccoon River bridge. The 7.5-mile float to the Snyder Access located in Minburn is great for a trip by canoe, kayak or tube, complete with beautiful sandbars, eagles, deer and giant cottonwood trees. Just 1/2 mile from the river is a stone amphitheater, restored wetland areas and a re-established prairie nursery at Voas Nature Area just west of Minburn.

History comes to life when you explore the artifacts of Dallas County in the Alton Schoolhouse and the Grabenhorst Log Cabin at Forest Park Museum, just south of Perry. Its popular exhibits showcase the area’s railroading history, early settlers and more. It also has an arboretum with native trees, shrubs, woodland, re-established prairie and a butterfly garden. Educational programs and tours are available and are overseen by Dallas County Conservation. Conservation provides a wide range of educational and cultural opportunities and has more than 3,000 acres and 25 sites consisting of parks, museums and wildlife areas, as well as hiking and recreational trails (including water trails).

Whiterock Conservancy, just 30 miles west of Perry has 16 miles of bike optimized, single-track trails and 12 miles of shared used trails. The 5,500- acre land trust, located along the Middle Raccoon River Valley, offers stargazing, canoeing, fishing, kayaking, horseback riding and camping.

For a real outdoor treasure hunt, come armed with a GPS or smartphone and geocache in and around the area. There are more than 100 geocaches within five miles of Perry and more than 200 within 10 miles.

Perry Golf & Country Club

Golfers can enjoy a nine-hole golf course, an outdoor pool and other social events with a membership to the Perry Golf & Country Club. Open golf for non-members within a 30-mile radius is available on Mondays. The Perry High School Driving Range at the athletic complex is another option for people who want to practice their swing.

View the July 4th fireworks or vibrant fall colors from the air on a scenic flight offered by Walter Aviation. Whether you want to see the sights, check on crops or survey property from the air, they have many options.

Parks & Camping

Pattee Park, located at West 3rd Street and Willis Avenue, is Perry’s largest park. It features a band shell, skateboard park, three softball and four baseball fields, tennis courts, playground equipment, three shelter houses and the Perry Dog Park. Annual activities include the 4th of July Celebration and Friday Fest music events in the summer.

Camping at Pattee Park is limited to five days. The park has electric hookups and a dump station. Campers must register with the Perry Police Department at 908 Willis Avenue. Call (515) 465-4636 for more information.

The five-acre dog park is next to the baseball and softball diamonds south of Pattee Park. It is fenced and divided into two sections, one for smaller dogs and one for large dogs. The park has a double-gated entrance, a three-level water fountain and dog-inspired playground equipment.

Wiese Park is adjacent to the Mc- Creary Community Center and features a shelter house and gazebo, a nine-hole disc golf course, playground equipment, a lighted two-mile recreational trail, basketball court, soccer fields and sand volleyball courts.

West of the McCreary Community Center on the corner of Bateman and 8th Streets is the Perry Veterans Memorial, dedicated in 1992 by American Legion Post 85, Veterans of Foreign War Post 2060 and private individuals to the veterans of all wars and conflicts.

Perkins Park is located at West 5th Street and Dewey Avenue and is divided by a berm that was once a raised railroad bed. On the west side is natural prairie land, interpretive signs and access to the Hiawatha Bike Trail. The east side has youth soccer fields and playground equipment. Restrooms at the city parks are available seasonally.

Other nearby camping options include:

Sportsman’s Park, 1/2 mile northeast of Dawson (6 miles west of Perry), a 40-acre park of oak and hickory timber overlooking the North Raccoon River, with a fishing access, nature trails, playground equipment, electric hook-ups, modern restrooms and cabins.

Whiterock Conservancy, Guthrie County, south of Coon Rapids (30 miles west of Perry), with three campgroun ds, primitive camping sites and cabins.

Don Williams Lake and Campground, Boone County, north of Ogden (25 miles north of Perry), with electric hookups and showers.