Spend 48 Hours in Audubon
Discover Audubon
Audubon, Iowa, offers the perfect blend of small-town charm, outdoor recreation, and unique roadside attractions, making it an ideal destination for a relaxing 48-hour getaway. From strolling the historic downtown and exploring local shops to biking scenic trails and discovering iconic landmarks, Audubon invites you to slow down and experience authentic rural Iowa. Whether you’re seeking culture, nature, or a little bit of both, this welcoming community delivers a memorable weekend experience.
Spend Two Days in Audubon
Day 1
Downtown Audubon & Cultural Landmarks
Morning Arrival & Downtown
- Start the day at Bakery on Broadway for breakfast and fresh-baked goods.
- Walk along Broadway Street, browsing shops like Present Company and Quilts & Things of Audubon.
- Stop to snap a photo of the Wings mural and admire the Art Deco Audubon County Courthouse, one of the community’s standout architectural features.
- Visit the Audubon Cultural Center / Library, home to an extensive doll collection and antique toys.
- Walk to the John James Audubon Plaza and Birdwalk, a peaceful space honoring the naturalist for whom the town is named.
- View the Veterans Eagle Memorial, a striking tribute to service and sacrifice.
Lunch
- El Adobe Mexican Restaurant for a relaxed lunch downtown, where you can get Mexican, Italian, or American food.
- Some of our favorites are the Shrimp Diablo, Choripollo, and the margaritas!
Afternoon
- Walk or ride part of the 21-mile T-Bone Trail, which connects Audubon to neighboring communities and offers easy, scenic travel.
- Spend time at Legion Park or visit the Audubon Recreation Center for indoor activities.
- Golfers can head to the Audubon Golf & Country Club for an afternoon round.
- To cool down on warm summer afternoons, the Audubon City Swimming Pool is a perfect place to visit.
Dinner & Evening
- Dinner at Audubon Rec Center – The Bull Pin restaurant.
- Open on weekends, you can catch a movie at The Rose Theater. Many Audubon couples had their first dates there! This includes Chuck and Kathy from Taylor Hill Lodge.
- Optional evening walk downtown.
Stay
- Taylor Hill Lodge – short drive out of town for a true Iowa experience in a renovated barn stay.
Originally built as a gathering place for family and friends, Taylor Hill Lodge now offers guests a peaceful retreat surrounded by the rolling hills of western Iowa. The lodge combines modern comforts with beautiful countryside views, creating an ideal setting to unwind after a day of exploring.
Day 2
Agri-Tourism, Roadside Icons & Scenic Drives
Morning
- Enjoy a hot breakfast at Taylor Hill Lodge prepared by Ann, the Innkeeper.
- Stop at Bakery on Broadway to grab a coffee or other fresh drink to get your morning started.
- Visit Albert the Bull, the world’s largest bull and one of Iowa’s most iconic roadside attractions.
- Explore the T-Bone Express Train Car located near Albert the Bull.
- Visit Nathaniel Hamlin Park – Historic District for a quiet nature break.
Lunch
- Lunch back in Audubon at The Bakery on Broadway or take it go to and have a picnic-style meal at Albert the Bull Park or John James Audubon Plaza & Birdwalk just down the street from the Bakery on Broadway.
OR
- Make the short drive to Darrell’s Place in Hamlin for a famous pork tenderloin and slice of homemade pie.
Afternoon:
- Take a drive along the Western Skies Scenic Byway, enjoying rolling farmland, historic towns, and wide-open views.
- Return to Audubon for final shopping or another trail walk.