Things to Do in DeWitt IA
Fun is abundant for all ages in DeWitt. Take in our year-round festivals and celebrations, relax with a glass of wine at our local winery or be entertained by a show or performance. If you are looking to be active, you will find outdoor activities throughout the DeWitt community. Whether you are interested in golf, mountain biking, running, disc golf, bowling, spending time at the dog park or taking a dip at the Aquatic Center, DeWitt has you covered.
If history is your thing, DeWitt will not disappoint! DeWitt has several museums, historical landmarks and a history that spans back to 1836. If you are looking for fun, DeWitt Delivers!
Central Community Historical Museum
628 6th Ave. | (563) 659-3686
The Central Community Historical Museum offers numerous permanent and rotating displays that capture the history of the area. The museum has memorabilia from DeWitt’s history, as well as a vibrant cross section of pieces from the Midwest covering more than 150 years of history.
Central DeWitt Performing Arts Center
519 E. 11th St. | (563) 249-8541
www.cd-pac.org
The Central DeWitt Performing Arts Center is a state-of-the-art venue that offers comfortable seating for 800 patrons. Plays, musicals, concerts, recitals, comedians, dancers, speakers and other events can all be hosted in this modern venue with auditorium-style seating.
DeWitt Area Veterans Memorials
1728 N. 6th Ave. | (563) 212-9302
The DeWitt Area Veterans Memorial honors individuals from the DeWitt and surrounding areas who served their country in military service. Granite pavers engraved with veterans’ names and their branch of service can be found throughout the memorial. Funded solely through private donations and grants, this memorial is an attractive landmark on DeWitt’s north end.
DeWitt Lanes
309 11th St. | (563) 659-3825
This eight-lane bowling alley is a locally-owned business that promotes family recreation. Open bowling is offered every Friday and Saturday evening. It is a great place for business get-togethers, reunions and mid-size parties of all kinds.
Frances Banta Waggoner Community Library
505 10th St. | (563) 659-5523
The Frances Banta Waggoner Community Library in Downtown DeWitt celebrates lifelong learning through literacy services, access to the online resources and programming opportunities for all ages.
Discover new authors, genres or ideas while browsing through the stacks. Learn something new at a library-sponsored event, such as author signings, historian or artist presentations, book clubs or story time hours. Discover a world close to home using the library’s online databases and local history resources to start your genealogy search.
Connect to the online world through public access computers or bring your own device to access the library’s free Wi-Fi. Connect with friends and neighbors while relaxing in comfy reading chairs at the back of the library. Need to print, copy and scan or fax something? Library staff can connect you to those services as well.
Imagine far-off places from the comfort of your own home while reading a book from the diverse collection of literature, or by watching a DVD borrowed from the library. Can’t find a specific item? Don’t worry; there’s a good chance you can borrow it from another library for a small fee. Prefer eBooks or eAudiobooks? The library has those too.
All of this and so much more, is available at your local library. Stop by; your journey begins at the Crossroads.
German Hausbarn Museum
1010 6th Ave. | (563) 659-8500
www.Dewittiowa.org
Situated in DeWitt’s Lincoln Park, the Hausbarn is home to the DeWitt Chamber & Development Company and a German Hausbarn museum. The building originates from Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, and was built in 1727.
In 2007, the building was dismantled and brought to DeWitt where is was reassembled in 2008 with the help of many community volunteers. Tours are available Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and by appointment on the weekend or after hours.
John Bloom
This Dewitt native was a renowned artist-painting, sketching, carving and creative lithographs in the Regionalist style. Bloom participated in Grant Wood’s Stone City Art Colony of 1932-33, where he worked alongside his mentor.
Several of Bloom’s original works are on display throughout the DeWitt community. “Shucking Corn,” a mural painted in 1937-38, is in city hall. “After Church,” from 1934 where Bloom depicts himself leaving St. Joseph Catholic Church as a young man, is in the entryway of Saint Joseph’s.
Bloom’s sketches are on display in The Opera house Theater lobby and a section is dedicated to Bloom within the historical society as well. Two bronze statues created from scenes from Bloom’s “Shucking Corn” mural are on the North and South ends of DeWitt’s downtown district on 6th Avenue. We invite you to discover Bloom’s artwork throughout our community and attend the John Bloom Arts Festival held each fall.
Paul Skeffington Memorial Trail
Entrances at Westbrook Park & multiple spots on the west side of town
This well-maintained trail is 10 feet wide and covers over six miles. The paved trail is ideal for walking, running and riding bikes. Much of the trail is through scenic wooded areas in addition to flowing into Westbrook Park. The trail is also part of the route during the very popular Paul Skeffington Memorial Race, held in June.
Springbrook Country Club
2122 17th Ave. | (563) 659-3187
www.Sbccgolf.club
Springbrook Country Club is a private 18-hole country club with a rich history in DeWitt that dates back to 1921. Springbrook offers a full-service golf amenities and is home of DeWitt’s 21 Chop House. Dining at 21 Chop House is open to the public.
The Operahouse Theater
716 6th Ave. | (563) 659-8213
www.dewittoperahouse.com
Originally constructed in 1878, the Operahouse Theater was home to many vaudeville acts in its early days. Now it is open year-round and offers box office movies, live entertainment, First Central Art Gallery exhibits and the popular Noon Lions Travelogues.
TYCOGA Vineyard & Winery
2585 195th St. | (563) 659-1443
This attraction is perfect for hosting your next event or an evening out with friends. The TYCOGA Vineyard & Winery is located just north of DeWitt on Highway 61 and features a vast selection of local wines.
Westbrook Park
West of the city on 11th St. | (563) 659-5861
Westbrook Park is filled with numerous amenities including picnic shelters, four baseball/softball diamonds, two playground equipment areas, horseshoe courts, an 18-hole disc golf course, an off road mountain bike trail, a butterfly garden and a dog park. The park also includes a natural timber area with foot trails and access to the Paul Skeffington Memorial Trail.