Johnston is a rapidly growing city in Polk County, Iowa. Originally, the city was established in 1950 as a stop along the Des Moines & Central Iowa Railway. The new stop was called Johnston Station and was located between Des Moines and Perry, Iowa. The settlement was named for John F. Johnston, who was the railway's freight supervisor. On June 23, 1969, voters decided to incorporate Johnston, and the incorporation papers were officially signed on December 11 of the same year. Between 2000 and 2020, the population of Johnston shot up from under 9,000 to approximately 24,000. Now, as of 2023, the city is home to roughly 26,000 people.
The Johnston area offers some great outdoor recreational opportunities to enjoy when the sun comes out. Perhaps the most popular spot is Saylorville Lake, which features boat ramps, beaches, nature trails, and a visitor center. Another excellent option is to head to Beaver Creek for a fun day of kayaking. Alternatively, you could spend your afternoon fishing for largemouth bass, channel catfish, and bluegill at Terra Park. If you'd rather go on an exhilarating mountain biking trip, the Sycamore Trail is a fantastic destination for it.
There are several unique museums located in the Johnston area as well. For example, you could stop by the Johnston Station Historical Society Museum, where you can learn about the city's history. There's also the Iowa Gold Star Military Museum, which features a variety of fascinating military exhibits and artifacts. One of the most popular destinations in the city is Johnston Town Center. There, you can catch a lively outdoor concert, have a picnic, or check out one of the great shops and restaurants. One superb restaurant worth sampling while you're in Johnston is Trostel’s Greenbriar, which is known for its tasty ribeye and prime rib. If you feel like shopping a bit during your visit, you can check out the diverse collection of shops at Merle Hay Mall.
Campgrounds Near Johnston, Iowa
One lovely campground to consider in the Johnston area is Griff’s Valley View RV Park & Campground. The campground boasts 142 full-hookup RV campsites available for $30 per night. The peaceful park also offers quite a few amenities, including laundry facilities, a playground, a decorative pond, and showers.
You should also consider the Sleepy Hollow RV Park & Campground, which is located on the banks of a private lake that's great for swimming. The campground has 105 full-hookup RV campsites available and offers a wide variety of family-friendly events and activities. During your stay, you'll also have access to a well-maintained beach, a basketball court, a pool, a hot tub, a camp store, laundry facilities, and many other amenities.
Another top-notch campground in the area is the Newton/Des Moines East KOA. There, you can snag one of the full-hookup RV campsites, and you'll be located only a short drive from Des Moines. The campground features a fishing pond where you can reel in channel catfish, bass, and bluegill. Other features of the park include a scenic nature trail, a camp store, and free Wi-Fi for guests.
State Parks Near Johnston, Iowa
Walnut Woods State Park is a unique natural area known for containing the largest surviving grove of black walnut trees in all of North America. The park is also home to the Raccoon River, which is a popular spot for fishing, kayaking, and canoeing. Additionally, the park features several lovely picnic areas and is known as a superb destination for birdwatching. Some of the avian species often spotted around the park include owls, hawks, warblers, flycatchers, and many types of songbirds.
Another picturesque state park worth visiting is Ledges State Park, which lies on the eastern banks of the Des Moines River. The park is known for its gorgeous foliage, which really stands out during the fall. During your visit, you can enjoy a tranquil picnic, hike the four miles of scenic trails, or head to the river for some water-based fun. Canoeing, kayaking, and fishing are all popular activities at the park. If you're interested in rock collecting, the river and surrounding area are perfect for that as well.
Situated in Knoxville, Iowa, Elk Rock State Park lies on the shores of Lake Red Rock, which is the largest body of water in the state. In total, the park comprises over 50,000 acres and provides opportunities for a variety of recreational activities. For example, there are several miles of multi-use trails perfect for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. Additionally, the nearby lake is a popular destination for fishing, swimming, boating, and watersports. Other common activities for visitors include picnicking, wildlife viewing, and birdwatching.
National Sites Near Johnston, Iowa
The Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail is an awesome site to visit for any history buffs. The trail, which was expanded in 2019, now spans 14 states. Originally, it ran from Wood River, Illinois to Astoria, Oregon. If you explore the route today, you'll find numerous opportunities to learn all about the famous Lewis and Clark expedition that took place at the beginning of the 19th century. For example, you can stop by landmarks like the Lewis and Clark Boat House and Museum and Camp DuBois. There are also many spots along the trail for activities like hiking, boating, biking, fishing, and birdwatching.
Another unique historical site worth visiting is the Herbert Hoover National Historic Site. The site preserves the birthplace of Herbert Hoover, the 31st President of the United States. During your visit, you can tour the humble cottage where Hoover lived for the first few years of his life. You can also explore the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum as well as a historic blacksmith shop and schoolhouse. You should make a point to navigate the Herbert Hoover National Historic Site Walking Route, which will take you to many places that were significant in Hoover's life.
You can also check out the Harry S. Truman National Historic Site, where you'll find the house where former President Harry S. Truman lived for many years. Located in Jackson County, Missouri, the site features both the Truman Home and the Truman Farm Home. Other features of the site include the Noland Home, where Truman's cousins lived, and the George and Frank Wallace Homes, where his brothers-in-law lived. The park offers guided tours for visitors who want to get a feel for what the former president's life may have been like in and around the home. Throughout the site, guests will also find thousands of interesting artifacts relating to Truman's family life.
National Forests Near Johnston, Iowa
One of the closest national forests to Johnston is Mark Twain National Forest, which is situated in southeastern Missouri. The forest is one of the largest in the country, encompassing over three million acres of land. The area, which is split into nine separate sections, is a great place to observe wildlife, including black bears, coyotes, gray foxes, beavers, armadillos, white-tailed deer, and many types of birds. There are also several excellent angling destinations around the forest where you can catch trout, crappie, and bass.
If you head northeast of Johnston and into Wisconsin, you can visit the 1.5-million-acre Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest. The history of the natural area can be traced back approximately 10,000 years to several groups of ancient Native Americans. Within the Headwaters Wilderness Area, visitors will find some of the region's oldest and largest trees. During your visit, you can navigate scenic hiking routes like the Argonne Experimental Forest Trail and the Assessor's Interpretive Trail. If you travel to the area during the winter, you can enjoy activities like ice fishing, snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing.
Shawnee National Forest is not only a beautiful, peaceful natural area, but it also has a fascinating history. The forest, which is located in southern Illinois, was home to several stops on the famous Underground Railroad during the 19th century. And if you visit today, you'll encounter many historical markers to learn about the brave slaves who once made their way through the forest. The area is also known for its excellent recreational opportunities. There are 11 different lakes, many of which are great for fishing and kayaking. Visitors can also explore the many lovely hiking trails and partake in activities like geocaching, picnicking off-highway vehicle riding, and biking.
