Overview
Newton is a city of 15,000 people (2018) in Central Iowa.
6 sights · 2 things to do · 2 places to eat
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Newton
Jasper County Courthouse
An impressive building in the centre of town.
St. Stephen's Episcopal Church
Built between 1871 and 1881, this church building is in the Carpenter Gothic style and has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places. They hold one worship service on Sundays at 10AM, and it also hosts 12-s…
Newton Arboretum & Botanical Gardens
The small but well-kept botanical garden and arboretum, with sculptures and detailed signage, is a labor of love by many volunteers. The city's Agnes Patterson Memorial Park next to it offers a playground and a section o…
The Centre for Arts and Artists
10 resident artist studios, a clay and kiln room, a therapeutic art room for children, a classroom, and an extensive art collection.
The Valle Drive-in
The oldest of the four drive-in theaters still in operation in Iowa, having opened in 1948. Closed during the winter (approximately November–March).
The Capitol II Theater
Located in the historic downtown district of Newton across from the courthouse, this movie theater has been in operation since April 1927. There's a chance that you'll see Joy the mini pig, holder of a Guinness World Rec…
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: May–Oct. Summer highs reach about 83°F; winter lows dip to about 10°F. Cold months (Jan, Feb, Dec) can bring snow and ice; check road conditions. Wettest: Jun and May. (climate data from nearby Grinnell)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- DSM Des Moines International Airport, Des Moines — 33 mi away (major hub). Directions
- ALO Waterloo Regional Airport, Waterloo — 68 mi away. Directions
Newton is just off I-80, 36 miles east of Des Moines. For those without a car, Checkered Flag taxi will take you from Des Moines to Newton for around $100 plus tip (641-791-7777). Ride hailing services such as Uber and Lyft usually charge about $70 plus tip one way.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
- Typical meal: about $11 per person at listed restaurants.
See the Sleep guide ↓ for places to stay.
Sample 2-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Jasper County Courthouse, The Capitol II Theater, St. Stephen's Episcopal Church
- Lunch Panda Garden
- Afternoon The Centre for Arts and Artists, Newton Arboretum & Botanical Gardens
- Dinner Chester's Chicken
Day 2
- Morning The Valle Drive-in
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
There are no notable eateries in Newton but major fast food chains are represented. There's a cluster of chain restaurants out by the intersection of Highway 6 and I-80, and the rest are spread out along Highway 6 in town.
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Understand
Newton used to be a company town, hosting the Maytag Corporation's headquarters. Maytag was famous back then for its high-quality washing machines. In 2006, Whirlpool bought Maytag and promptly closed down operations in Newton, which was a substantial economic blow to the area. Nevertheless, Newton remains a pleasant place to visit with friendly locals who will be glad of your business.
Get in
Newton is just off I-80, 36 miles east of Des Moines. For those without a car, Checkered Flag taxi will take you from Des Moines to Newton for around $100 plus tip (641-791-7777). Ride hailing services such as Uber and Lyft usually charge about $70 plus tip one way.
Get around
The centre of Newton is small enough to walk around.
See
See Newton Arboretum & Botanical Gardens
The small but well-kept botanical garden and arboretum, with sculptures and detailed signage, is a labor of love by many volunteers. The city's Agnes Patterson Memorial Park next to it offers a playground and a section of Newton's Hike & Bike Trail that loops around the entire park before heading either west to Woodland Park or southwest to Maytag Park, plus various sports facilities: baseball and softball diamonds, a basketball court, sand volleyball courts, and soccer fields. Restrooms and water fountains.
- Nearly 90 displays of public art with sculptures and painted murals throughout the community. The Iowa Sculpture Festival Committee sponsors a year-round sculpture and mural tour.
See The Centre for Arts and Artists
10 resident artist studios, a clay and kiln room, a therapeutic art room for children, a classroom, and an extensive art collection.
Do
Do The Iowa Speedway
The Iowa Speedway will suit petrolheads. It is a 7/8-mile racing track purchased by NASCAR in 2014. It is the only short track owned by NASCAR west of the Mississippi River. The track hosts a series of races throughout the summer, including NASCAR Xfinity Series races, NASCAR Camping World Truck Series races, and IndyCar Series races.
Buy
Maytag blue cheese is the local specialty. This cheese exists because the son of Maytag Corporation's founder wanted to have a cow, so his children could have fresh milk to drink. The one cow turned into a herd, and 20 years later, one of the boys wanted to make an American cheese that would rival the famous cheeses of Europe. The family sold the business in 2019, but the cheese is still being produced in the same barns.
Eat
There are no notable eateries in Newton but major fast food chains are represented. There's a cluster of chain restaurants out by the intersection of Highway 6 and I-80, and the rest are spread out along Highway 6 in town.
Eat Panda Garden
Buffet restaurant offering American-style Chinese food.
Eat Chester's Chicken
One of few options on the southeast corner of town, by the KOA campgrounds and the race track, in the Love's convenience store. Offers fried chicken, fried potatoes, and fried pies.
Sleep
- Best Western Holiday Manor, 208 W 4th St N, is in the centre of town next to the former HQ of the Maytag Corporation (now owned by a telecoms company). Reliable chain fare with clean comfortable rooms. +1 641-792-3333.
Go next
Des Moines is about 40 minutes away on 80 West.
Nearby
Grinnell
City / town · 32 listings · 17 mi away
Pella
City / town · 6 listings · 21 mi away
Marshalltown
City / town · 3 listings · 25 mi away
Carlisle
City / town · 5 listings · 27 mi away
Ankeny
City / town · 8 listings · 29 mi away
Des Moines
City / town · 131 listings · 31 mi away
West Des Moines
City / town · 7 listings · 35 mi away
Ames
City / town · 26 listings · 38 mi away
My experience
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