Blog
Treasures of Altoona
Hidden gems, historic landmarks andepic stories of Altoona, Iowa.
Your dynamic,
digital treasure map!
We regularly update this page with info on Altoona’s landmarks. Follow Visit Altoona on social to stay up to date!
America’s First Acre of Commercial Hybrid Seed Corn
Every Iowan knows that corn isn’t just a crop. As a key part of our state’s economy, adjacent agricultural industries, and history—it’s more like a way of life. But did you know that 100 years ago, Altoona helped irrevocably change the world of corn farming? That’s...
Altoona Area Historical Museum & Society
With a legacy that spans roughly 150 years, the Altoona Area Historical Museum is a living piece of our city’s history.
Burget Mill
Burget Mill has grown a lot over the decades, just as Altoona has. However, they’ve always stayed true to their local roots. In fact, they’ve been operating out of the same building since 1930! The property has seen additions, expansions, and renovations over the years, but it’s still kept its original shape all this time.
The Macklin House and the Haines Park Hotel
At the turn of the 19th century in Altoona, two hotels helped support the town as it grew in popularity.
Altoona Airport (Des Moines Aviation Park)
The Des Moines Aviation Park in Altoona had a short-lived but rich history that helped advance Iowa’s aviation industry. When it was founded in 1926, it became Iowa’s first municipal airport, containing the state’s very first airline hangar!
Stagecoach Route Marker
One winter evening in 1857, as a snowstorm pummeled Iowa, a lone stagecoach crossed the Little Four Mile Creek in Altoona, carrying Iowa’s greatest treasurers. It was a long, exhausting journey from Iowa City to Des Moines. But, when the drivers saw Altoona, they breathed a sigh of relief. Finally! They had nearly arrived. But not quite….