I recently enjoyed exploring the Mount Vernon-Lisbon Iowa area in Linn County. While I have driven through this area many times, I never explored the attractions, shopping, and dining in Mount Vernon, Iowa until now.
Mount Vernon is a small town with a lot to offer, and nearby Lisbon, Springville, and Solon, also have quite a few attractions to make a visit to this area worth the effort.
What to Do in the Mount Vernon- Lisbon Area
I have always enjoyed unique travel and visiting local attractions that can’t be found anywhere else. This can be quite a difficult task in small towns, especially those with little information online to help plan ahead.
Thankfully this isn’t the case with Mount Vernon and Lisbon, Iowa. I actually found quite a bit of information on the VisitMountVernonLisbon website about what to do in the Mount Vernon and Lisbon Iowa area.
The site allows you to find a list of upcoming events in Mount Vernon and Lisbon, so be sure to check the calendar before planning your trip.
When Should You Visit Mount Vernon Iowa?
There are plenty of things to do in the Mount Vernon area all year long but some events are seasonal. When planning your trip to explore this quaint Iowa town it’s best to consider
Winter Events in Mount Vernon, Iowa
You may want to your plan a trip to Mount Vernon in December so you can experience the Old Fashioned Christmas Sing-A-Long in the closeby town of Solon, Iowa.
This unique Christmas experience is sure to get even the biggest scrooge into the spirit of the holidays. This free admission event is open to the public and offers singing, hot cocoa, cookies, and a visit from Santa!
Summer Events in Mount Vernon, Iowa
If you are not a fan of visiting the area when there are likely to be frigid temperatures and snow on the ground, there is no shortage of Summer events in Mount Vernon. Enjoy theatre, music, and Lisbon Sauerkraut Days.
You may be wondering what is Lisbon Sauerkraut Days? I know I was curious when I first heard about it and after doing some research on what to expect at the Lisbon Sauerkraut Days, I was really impressed by all of the entertainment this festival packs into just a couple of days in the Summer.
While you probably expected brats and sauerkraut, there is so much more to this local family-favorite festival. From carnival rides and fireworks to a car show and a parade, this festival has something for everyone.
Plan your trip to Lisbon, Iowa during August so you don’t miss all of the festivities.
For more information on when to plan your trip to the Mount Vernon-Lisbon, Iowa area check out the events page.
Fall and Spring in Mount Vernon – Lisbon
Iowa weather can be kind of unpredictable so planning things for the Spring or Fall can be tricky. While there are plenty of things to do in Mount Vernon during the Fall and Spring, if the weather is extremely cold or the area is unexpectedly hit with a blizzard, some things may be difficult to enjoy during those times of the year.
Playing frisbee golf is a great example of an activity that isn’t typically enjoyed during a snowstorm but if you are lucky enough to visit the area on a nice day, you can download a scorecard for the Quarry Ridge Disc Golf Course.
Palisades-Kepler State Park boasts 5 miles of trails, fishing for a variety of species including catfish, bass, and walleye, as well as cabins, picnic areas, and a variety of wildflowers in the Spring.
The American Gothic Barn is a unique roadside attraction that can be enjoyed all year long. It is exactly what the name implies, a barn painted to look like the famous painting by Grant Wood, American Gothic. This impressive display is located at 1278 US-30 in Mt Vernon.
For those who can appreciate the time and effort that must have gone into creating this beautiful work of art, this barn is worth driving by, or at least a quick stop for a photo!
This impressive display can be seen from the road but not until you are about to pass it up, so be sure to have your camera ready while traveling through the Mount Vernon-Lisbon Iowa area.
What to Eat While in the Area
I have always been the type to plan a road trip just for food, in case you missed it, you can see a great example of this by reading my midwest foodie road trip post. So of course, I have to share the best places to eat in Mount Vernon, Iowa.
Si Senor Mexican Restaurant offers good food at a good price, and in my experience, great service. Located at 100 Hwy. 30 SE Mt. Vernon, IA this restaurant offers lunch specials from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm and great kids options priced at $3.99.
Sally’s on Broadway is actually located in the small nearby town of Springville, Iowa but if you aren’t from the area and want to pack the most into your trip, heading to Springville is a good idea.
Not only does Sally’s offer a unique dining experience, but it is also located in the heart of this adorable little town. Hit up the local shops and visit the local parks with beautiful views, picnics, and a gorgeous pond open for fishing.
The Sweet Factory in Mount Vernon is conveniently located on 1st street next to many antique shops, specialty shops, and boutiques. Stop in for a piece of candy wrapped in nostalgia or a scoop of ice cream to give you a sugar rush that will fuel your shopping adventures.
Shopping in Mount Vernon-Lisbon Iowa
Green Door is a treasure trove of used clothing, footwear, housewares, books, and more. Bargain hunters are sure to find a good deal in this school-turned-shopping mall or at least enjoy a unique travel experience browsing the aisles of this resale shop.
Alice’s Wonderland is located at 113 2nd avenue in Mount Vernon, Iowa offers a variety of handmade, antique, and vintage home decor as well as one-of-a-kind items that you won’t see anywhere else.
Vintage 1891 Antiques and Collectibles is located at 113 1st St. You never know what you’ll find when you explore a store like this one. New additions can show up at any time so your chances of finding a unique souvenir from your trip to Mount Vernon Iowa are pretty good.
Polly Ann’s Vintage Market is one of the cutest antique shops I have ever stepped foot in. I enjoyed seeing all of the rare collectibles hidden inside but in my opinion, the highlight of this adorable shop is the kitchen area in the back of the store.
There is something about retro housewares that really does it for me. I just love the colors, design, and durability of all of the old cookware and kitchen essentials.
While some of these items aren’t priced for everyday use, I found quite a few reasonably priced items that will serve me well in my kitchen.
This store is worth checking out just for the ambiance of the retro kitchen room in my opinion. It’s also the perfect place to pick up a unique, one-of-a-kind gift for your favorite homemaker.
I hope you enjoyed learning about the Mount Vernon, Lisbon, Iowa area as much as I have enjoyed exploring it. Do you have a favorite hidden gem in this area that you would like me to visit and feature in this article? Leave a comment and I may stop in on my next trip through the area.
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As an avid gardener, dedicated homemaker, and culinary enthusiast, I bring a wealth of knowledge and passion to every aspect of homemaking, recipes, travel, and gardening. My journey is deeply rooted in a love for nature, food, and exploration, which I share through my engaging content.
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