“Some towns pulse louder than they look.” I realized that about halfway through a lap at the Knoxville Raceway, the bleachers rattling under my feet, the sound of engines ricocheting off the summer sky. I had come to Knoxville, Iowa, expecting a relaxed day of nature and small-town charm—but I didn’t expect the adrenaline, the art, or the way the town wrapped it all together into something that felt uniquely alive.
Best Things to Do in Knoxville, IA
I started the morning at the Knoxville Downtown Square, where historic brick buildings line up neatly like a row of dependable friends. Coffee shops opened their windows to the sidewalk breeze, antique stores invited me in with old jazz playing inside, and every shopkeeper offered a genuine hello. I browsed handmade jewelry, secondhand books, and a thrifted Hawkeyes hoodie I didn’t need but absolutely bought. "This place feels held together by more than just mortar," I thought, sipping an iced coffee under the courthouse clock tower.
After the square, I hit the Competine Trail, which winds through shady trees, open fields, and quiet stretches of town I wouldn’t have otherwise seen. Joggers passed me with friendly nods, and a red-winged blackbird kept pace for almost a full minute. It wasn’t a showy trail, but it was honest—green, local, and just long enough to loosen something in your shoulders.
Lake Red Rock
I drove to Lake Red Rock in the afternoon, Iowa’s largest lake, where the air smelled like warm driftwood and sunscreen. I walked a gravel path to the shoreline, watching paddleboarders wobble and kids toss stones. The water sparkled with that Midwestern confidence—no coastline needed. A picnic table near the edge became my perfect lunch spot. It wasn’t just the lake that was still. I was too.
Elk Rock State Park
Right nearby, Elk Rock State Park offered a deeper nature fix—horse trails, wooded hikes, and bluff-top views over the lake. I wandered one of the shorter loops, the crunch of leaves underfoot and the sun playing peekaboo through oak branches. It smelled like fresh dirt and blooming things. I stopped at a scenic overlook and stayed longer than I meant to, caught in a view that felt both vast and familiar.
National Sprint Car Hall of Fame and Museum
Then came the shift in energy: the National Sprint Car Hall of Fame and Museum. Even if you're not a racing fan, it's hard not to be swept up in the legacy here—gleaming cars, trophies, photos frozen in victory. I walked past a row of vintage sprint cars, admiring their lean builds and bold colors. There’s history here, but also motion. You can feel it humming in the walls.
Knoxville Raceway
Later, I caught a race at the legendary Knoxville Raceway, and that’s when the quiet of the day gave way to full-throttle celebration. The roar was deafening—in a good way. Families cheered with foam fingers, engines howled like unleashed thunder, and the laps blurred into a streak of speed and dust. I had goosebumps by the third turn. "This isn’t just a pastime," I thought, "it’s identity."
Wine Tasting at Nearwood Winery
After the rush, I headed out to Nearwood Winery & Vineyards for something slower. The tasting room was warm and wood-paneled, with a view of vines that reached all the way to the horizon. I tried their dry red and a surprising cherry-blend dessert wine. The cherry was tart and vibrant, like summer bottled. I sat outside with a glass in hand, watching golden light settle over the rows. The calm was so thick it felt drinkable.
Grand Theater
As the sky shifted into lavender, I stopped by the Grand Theater downtown—a vintage gem with an old marquee, glowing softly into the street. I didn’t catch a full show, just stepped in to admire the red velvet seats and gilded trim. The place has that nostalgic hush, where popcorn always smells like childhood and the ticket booth seems frozen in time. Even empty, it felt magical.
Slideways
To end the night, I made a quick stop at Slideways, a go-kart and entertainment spot that manages to feel like both a family outing and a cheeky nightcap. I didn’t plan to race—but I did. The track was fast, the laughter louder than the engines, and the whole thing felt like a victory lap for a day well spent. I grabbed a cold drink and a burger afterward, letting the energy wind down under patio lights.
Knoxville At a Glance
- Drive Time from Des Moines: ~50 minutes southeast
- Vibe: Americana charm meets full-throttle fun
- Highlights: Sprint car legacy, scenic lake views, hiking, small-town shopping
- Best Time to Visit: Summer for racing season and lake activities; fall for trail hiking
- Cost: Mostly free or moderate; Raceway events and winery tastings extra
- Hours: Trails and lake areas open daily; Raceway and theater vary—check schedules
- Address Base: Start at Knoxville Downtown Square (3rd and Main) and plan from there
Travel Tips: Best Time to Visit Knoxville, IA
I usually recommend visiting between May and September, when the weather’s great for both racing and relaxing. I’ve gone in August for the Knoxville Nationals, and it’s something you’ve got to see—crowds, excitement, and non-stop action. But summer in general is perfect for spending time at the lake and enjoying those long, easygoing evenings.
How to Get to Knoxville, IA
- If you are traveling by car: I drove in from Des Moines—it took less than an hour and the route was easy. You’ll hop on Highway 14 and roll straight into town from I-80 or I-35.
- By Bus: Honestly, I’d recommend driving. Bus options are pretty limited, and you’ll want the flexibility to explore the area at your own pace.
- By Train: If you’re coming from farther away, you can take Amtrak to Ottumwa or Osceola. I’ve known folks who rented a car from there—it’s about a 45–60 minute drive to Knoxville, and the scenery is peaceful.
Where to Stay in Knoxville, IA
- Cobblestone Hotel & Suites – Knoxville – I’ve stayed here for race weekends and really appreciated the pool and breakfast. You’ll be close to everything and feel right at home.
- Red Carpet Motel – If you’re watching your budget, this is a solid choice. I stayed here once and liked how close it was to the square and local spots. You’ll get the basics with a friendly small-town feel.
- Camping at Lake Red Rock – I’ve camped here before and loved waking up near the water. If you’re looking for nature and don’t mind sleeping under the stars (or staying in a cabin), you’ll have a great time at one of the lake’s many campgrounds.
Final Thoughts
Knoxville surprised me. It delivered a rush and a pause, all in the same day. From the roar of the track to the hush of the lake, it moved at every speed—and met me where I was. It’s not the kind of place you just pass through. It’s the kind of place you come back to—when you want your heart to race and then settle again, all before sunset.