If there’s one area of Iowa that doesn’t get as much attention as others, it’s probably the southern part of the state. South of Des Moines, especially in the center of the state, you won’t find any big cities. What you will find is a lot of surprisingly charming small towns that are incredibly welcoming to visitors looking for an out-of-the-way destination – towns like Creston, which has about 7,500 people and a thriving cultural scene. Paying tribute to this town’s rich agricultural and railroad history, many of the best things to do in Creston, Iowa make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. From a stunning park to a rustic steakhouse, and even a still-operating livestock auction, Creston is the perfect place to visit when you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Creston feels like an old-west town in some ways, and that makes it the perfect out-of-the-way destination.
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The town's old depot, built in 1899, is the centerpiece of the town and now serves as its city hall and Amtrak station.
Amtrak station, 116 W Adams St, Creston, IA 50801, USA
Augiejv/Wikipedia
Creston might be small, but it has a world-class green space in McKinley Park, filled with recreation options.
Travel Iowa
The disc golf course is probably the most unique thing here - the perfect way to spend a summer day.
Travel Iowa

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This is also a campground, with multiple RV spots if you're coming from far away.
McKinley Park Campgrounds, 600 McKinley St, Creston, IA 50801, USA
Darrin Ochsner/Google Local
The most unique place here is definitely the Creston Livestock Auction, which is usually filled with local farmers bidding away.
Creston Livestock Market, 201 N Cherry St, Creston, IA 50801, USA
Rusty Gibbs/Google Local
If you prefer to join your beef already in progress, head to Spencer's Chophouse - the crown jewel of Creston's dining scene.
Through The Looking Glass/Google Local
This rustic, saloon-style steakhouse serves huge portions of old-fashioned steak dinners at prices far below what you'd find in Des Moines.
Spencer’s Chophouse & Tavern, 119 N Walnut St, Creston, IA 50801, USA
Tiffany W/Google Local

Have you visited this rustic town in southern Iowa? Tell us your favorite things to do in Creston, Iowa in the comments section! You can find the full menu of Spencer’s Chophouse on the official website, and the Creston Livestock Auction’s website has the full schedule available.  Creston is one of Iowa’s rail hubs, so take a look at these epic train rides you can take in Iowa.

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Creston, IA 50801, USA