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Explore the Best of Our Town: Local Attractions

Discover the highlights of our town with a variety of local attractions that showcase its unique history, natural beauty, and vibrant community spirit. From scenic outdoor spots and historic sites to family-friendly activities and cultural landmarks, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Come explore the best of what our town has to offer!

Adams County Speedway

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Do you have a need for speed?  For over 90 years daredevils with a passion for speed and a desire for victory have sped around the half-mile dirt track, first horses – then cars.  Today Adams County Speedway (ACS) is the only dirt track in the State of Iowa running weekly NASCAR Advanced Auto Parts Series racing from April through September.

Birds of Icaria

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Located on the side of 721 Davis Ave and part of the recently remodeled Sally's Alley, enjoy a lunch with family or coffee and donuts and view this beautiful mural done by Zack Jones of the Art Church. The Mural features birds local to Iowa and are frequent visitors of Lake Icaria and Corning.

Corning Opera House

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Premiere southwest Iowa destination for live entertainment, venue rentals & historic tours

Corning American Theater

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A modern theatre in a historic setting, the Corning American Theatre continues to showcase the best movies Hollywood has to offer.

Adult Tickets:$7
Kids 12 and under: $5
Sunday Matinee - All tickets: $5

Freedom Rock

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To represent these sacrifices, on one side of the rock are the images of 3 men from Adams County who lost their lives in service; the first casualty for Adams County in each of 3 battles. John Henry Thurman of Nodaway was killed at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941; Billy G Cooper of Carbon died on September 16, 1951 in the Korean Conflict; and Ronald Bunting of Corning who died in the Vietnam Conflict on February 10, 1968.

Located at 406 6th Street Corning, Iowa

Happy Hollow Country Club

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Welcome to our beloved 9-hole golf course in Corning, Iowa, a cornerstone of the community since 1923! We are proud to have opened our doors over a century ago, welcoming golfers of all abilities to experience the joy of the game in a friendly and inclusive environment. Our rich history is woven into the fabric of this town, and we take great pride in being a place where friendships are forged, skills are honed, and memorable moments are created.

House of History

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Discover a trunk that traveled over on the Mayflower or a large collection of military uniforms. Be good or you could get tossed in the 1890’s jail cell still in the basement. This two-story jailhouse is on the National Register of Historic Places and showcases the life and times of Adams County residents. 

French Icarian Village

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Step back in time to the 1800s and immerse yourself in the longest-lived non-religious utopian community in United States history at the Icarian Village just 3 miles east of Corning, Iowa. Born of a French utopian movement that swept through France in the 1840’s, Icarians arrived in Adams County in 1852 and developed a community about 3 miles east of today’s town of Corning. You can tour the restored Icarian Refectory (communal dining hall) and schoolhouse; visit the cemetery and library; and see the scaled diorama of how the original village was laid out.  

Johnny Carson Birthplace

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HEEEEEERE’S Johnny Carson’s birthplace!!! Come laugh along with Johnny Carson as you visit the historically restored home at 500 13th Street in Corning, Iowa, where Johnny was born October 23, 1925. The home is open to visitors every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. from Memorial Day through September or by appointment.

Lake Icaria

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Lake Icaria offers many outdoor activities for the whole family! Disc golf, boating,archery, hiking, fishing so much more! 

Corning Aquatic Center

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 This award-winning 6,000sq.ft. recreational facility is a 0 entry pool with diving boards and slides. Corning Aquatic Center also includes a concession stand, shade feathers, lap swimming and the ability to rent out for parties. Please call the aquatic center at 641-322-3055 to ask specific questions!

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