Stone City, Iowa is a tiny, unincorporated community with a population of 192. Don’t let its small size fool you, though. There are plenty of things to do in Stone City, Iowa, making it one of the best places for a day trip in Iowa. It is best known for its incredible historic buildings, limestone quarries, and being home to an art colony in the 1930s that was started by Grant Wood, Edward Rowan, and Adrian Dornbush.

Stone City, Iowa is nestled in what would be considered iconic state farmlands.
Facebook/The Stone City Foundation, Inc.
With rolling hills and lush trees, you can take in the beautiful landscape as you come in via the Grant Wood Scenic byway. The town so perfectly captures the classic Iowa landscape that it was captured in a famous painting by Iowa’s famed artist, Grant Wood, in the painting, "Stone City." The region is also known as Grant Wood Country.
Stone City is known for its limestone quarries, and the beautiful buildings that were constructed from the material.
Facebook/The Stone City Foundation, Inc.
In fact, Stone City is home to one of only three fossil-free dolomite limestone quarries in the world, with limestone that was formed about 420 million years ago. The other two are located in Italy and Russia.
You can visit the last remaining active quarry in the area.
12791 Stone City Rd X28, Anamosa, IA 52205, USA
Facebook/The Stone City Foundation, Inc.
Weber Stone Company is open to the public, so you can take a tour to learn more about the industry and how the quarry runs. They’re located at 12791 Stone City Rd. To schedule a tour, visit the Weber Stone Company website.
You’ll want to either drive through the town to see all of the beautifully preserved old buildings or schedule a tour with the Jones County Tourism Office. First, there’s the art colony:
Facebook/The Stone City Foundation, Inc.
Facebook/The Stone City Foundation, Inc.
During the summers of 1932 and 1933, Grant Wood decided to locate an art colony in Stone City, due to his love of the scenic landscape. It was located on 10 acres of land on the Green estate, and it included Green Mansion, Ice House, and the Water Tower. Keep in mind as you drive through that many of the buildings are private residences or are privately owned and aren’t open to the general public. To schedule a tour, visit the Stone City Foundation website.
Other notable buildings in Stone City include: The Blacksmith Shop
Wikipedia/Kepper66

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The Stone Barn
Wikipedia/Kepper66
St. Joseph’s Catholic Church
Flickr/minnemom
And the Dearborn Residence.
Wikipedia/Kepper66
To learn more about all of Stone City’s buildings, head on over to the Stone City Foundation website.
The Grant Wood Art Gallery in nearby Anamosa is also a great place to visit to learn more about Grant Wood and the history and art surrounding him.
124 E Main St, Anamosa, IA 52205, USA
Flickr/J. Stephen Conn
The Gallery is located at 124 E Main St., Anamosa, IA.
Head back to Stone City to see a replica of the American Gothic house from Grant Wood’s most famous painting.
Flickr/Phillip Capper
No day in Stone City is complete without a trip to the General Store Pub.
Flickr/J. Stephen Conn
12612 Stone City Rd, Anamosa, IA 52205, USA
Facebook/The General Store Pub
The General Store Pub is in another of those amazing limestone buildings, and it’s situated right on the banks of the Wapsipinicon River. You can relax in this homey, casual eatery and enjoy drinks, burgers and other delicious pub fare. On some nights, they also have live music. The pub is located at 12612 Stone City Rd. To learn more, read our full article on the General Store Pub.

Well, what do you think? Are you ready to plan a visit to Stone City, Iowa? The charming small town is located about four miles west of Anamosa, or about 20 miles east of Cedar Rapids on Highway 151.

So, did you know about all of the amazingly fun things to do in Stone City, Iowa? Have you visited this fascinating little town? If so, what did you think? Whatever you have to say, we want to hear it, so tell us!

To learn more about the state’s amazing small towns, check out these small towns in Iowa, where life is still simple.

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More to Explore

Small Towns In Iowa

Daniella DiRienzo | March 16, 2023

Are there any other charming small towns in Iowa?

There are lots of lovely small towns in Iowa. Here are some of Iowa’s best small towns:

  • Pella - This town has a proud Dutch heritage, which you can see in its architecture and its annual Dutch-themed Tulip Festival. Pella is especially beautiful in the spring with all the colorful tulips blooming.
  • Bentonsport - On your visit to Bentonsport, make sure to have some fudge, check out the local shops, and stay in the Mason House Inn, a famously haunted location.
  • Decorah - Decorah is home to the Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum, which was named one of the 15 Best Small-Town Museums in the U.S. by the world-respected travel guide, Fodor’s.

 

Aside from Stone City, Iowa, what are the best day trip destinations in Iowa?

The options for day trips in Iowa are plentiful. Here are some of the best day trip destinations in Iowa:

  • Arnold’s Park - Looking for some extreme fun in the Hawkeye State? Rent equipment from Extreme Water Sports. Zero commitment. Unlimited thrills! Extreme Water Sports is just one of many epic adventures you can have at Arnold's Park.
  • Johnny Carson's Birthplace - This house is open seasonally, but it's definitely worth seeking out if you're a fan of the late Iowa entertainment personality
  • Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center – Indoor exhibits & classes as well as a vast outdoor space with oaks, gardens, an amphitheater, wildlife and more await at this Sioux City attraction.

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