Location: Newton
Top Things to do in Newton
Top 10 Things to do in Newton, United States
Newton is the county seat and most populous city in Jasper County, Iowa, United States. Located 30 miles (48 km) east of Des Moines, Newton is in Central Iowa. As of the 2010 Census, the city population was 15,254. It is the home of Iowa Speedway, Maytag Dairy Farms, and the Iowa Sculpture Festival.
Restaurants in Newton
1. Iowa Speedway
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 99 reviews
Reviewed By JAMESknoxville - Knoxville
Have been a season ticket holder for many years. The state-of-the-industry facility is excellent plus has an adequate camping area only a short walk or trolley ride to the gate. NASCAR, INDY CAR, USAC, and others race during the 3 or 4 weekends per year. The races are typically competitive and bring good value for the money. Racing is not cheap to attend, but the track does offer good racing value for your ticket dollar. Free concerts and other promotions sweeten the pot for all who attend. See their website for complete descriptions, and they are accurate.
2. Rusty Wallace Racing Experience
Overall Ratings
5 based on 44 reviews
Reviewed By loadtoad462 - Belmond, Iowa
Had the opportunity to attend on 23 Sep 17, with a 16 lap driving package. Going in I thought it would be a once in a lifetime experience, but now feel the need to make this an annual pilgrimage! The staff was extremely knowledgeable and courteous, from the classroom to the removal of the fire suit, they were reassuring and helpful. They had recommended to purchase a ride and drive package prior to arrival, I didn't opt for that package, but in retrospect wish I had. It would have been a great active tutorial prior to driving. The only minor criticism I have would be to include better directions to the check in location. We were directed to an office address outside the track, the check in location is at the southern entrance to the track itself, but that was easy enough to figure out. Kudos to Scott and the entire on-site team!
3. Maytag Dairy Farm
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 51 reviews
This farm is famous for its Maytag Blue cheese.
Reviewed By Mark A - New York City, New York
This is really a retail outlet. The store opens into the company office and people are at their desks as you shop the small coolers of cheese. Make no mistake though, the cheese is fantastic. This is just not much of a destination. The tour is a short video and wrapping of cheese. A missed opportunity. With more effort, this could be a lovely destination.
4. Jasper County Historical Museum
Overall Ratings
5 based on 20 reviews
The museum is comprised of a 16,000+ Main Building, Ag Building, 1865 Barn, Steam Engine House and Blacksmith shop. Exhibits include furnished Victorian era rooms, 1930's rooms, General Store, Post Office, Barber Shop and Millinery Shop. Newton was known as "the washing machine center of the world" and over 70 machines from Maytag and other Newton Companies are on display.
Reviewed By MAH0302 - Des Moines, Iowa
I was extremely surprised when I visited this museum. It contains so much more than I expected. All the historical artifacts and information is displayed and flows from one area to the next in a well thought out and designed approach. It kept me wondering what could come next. I will definitely be back again.
5. Valle Drive-In
Overall Ratings
4 based on 15 reviews
Reviewed By Landon E - Kellogg, Iowa
Drive In theaters are not only a rare attraction in Iowa, they're rare around the world which makes having one here in Newton so awesome.
Not only is it nostalgic, but it's a completely unique experience compared to traditional indoor cinemas...a change that kids especially will enjoy.
You can almost make an entire evening here, incorporating a bit of outdoor ball activity, buy dinner at the concessions or opt to bring in your own, and then enjoy two movies late into the night.
And because you can bring your own treats, you save a bundle of money compared to other theaters, especially considering the price for admission here for 2 movies back to back is roughly equivalent to a single showing elsewhere.
6. Westwood Golf Course
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6 reviews
Reviewed By Chipperhigh2 - Okemos, Michigan
Played Westwood Golf Club while staying overnight in Newton on my way west. An 18-hole par-71 course. It measures 6406-yards from the longest tees. There is three sets of tees. Stream runs thru course and crosses many of the holes. Fun to play and in surprisingly good condition considering how hot it had been. Worth playing.
7. Newton Arboretum & Botanical Gardens
Overall Ratings
4 based on 2 reviews
Reviewed By Melaniemily - Saint Louis
Walking paths, butterfly garden, water garden and various plantings on multiple acres in Northeast Newton. The arboretum is sprinkled with public sculpture and lovely places to sit and relax. Building onsite that can be rented for events and where they hold some educational classes. This is a lovely spot that gardeners and others of all ages will enjoy.
8. Richard Petty Driving Experience
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
Get behind the wheel in one of our 8 – 80 lap driving programs or Ride-Along shotgun for 3 high-speed laps at over 20 tracks nationwide – including Iowa Speedway!
Reviewed By LovesIowa - Iowa
If you have a NASCAR fan in your family, a gift certificate to the Richard Petty Driving Experience is the perfect gift! I gave this to my husband a few years ago and he loved it. Drivers go through a short training session, suit up and then get to drive a real race car on a real track. The kids and I watched as their daddy sped by - everyone loved it! Great gift and a fun way to spend an afternoon.
9. International Wrestling Institute and Museum
Overall Ratings
5 based on 1 reviews
The history of the world's "oldest sport."
Reviewed By Madtown19 - Madison, WI
Started by Dan Gable need I say more. Very interesting
10. Capitol II Theatre
First run movie theater with a lot of heart and character. The home of Joy the Minipig! Please call ahead of time if you want to meet Joy!
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