Area Travel - AmericInn® of Hampton, IA
Welcome to Beautiful Iowa! Read about Hampton attractions and things to do nearby AmericInn.
Founded in 1855, Hampton was originally named Benjamin, after Benjamin Franklin. It was discovered Benjamin already existed and the name was changed to Hampton in honor of the famous Hampton Roads of Virginia. Hampton is the home of a few famous people: William D. Leahy, 5-star fleet admiral for the Navy. Bob Artley-artist and author of many children's books, and Jack Bailey, host of TV show "Queen for a Day."
Hampton is the largest community in the county and holds the county seat. It is the home of Beeds Lake State Park, as well as other parks that provide a variety of recreational activities for the whole family. Hampton has a variety of specialty shops that offer great gifts and shopping, and also is known for our Historical district. There are a variety of businesses, restaurants and an airport available in Hampton. Hampton, Iowa is the place to visit.
Area Attractions and Activities
Franklin County Courthouse - Cornerstone laid 1890 -- Finished 1892, this magnificent building with its Gothic windows and clock tower topped by lady liberty, tolls the hours and adds the ambience of quiet village ways. It is one of the three buildings on the National Register of Historic Places. These include the Civil War Memorial Hall and the Franklin Country Jail. The groundwork is being laid to complete a historic district which will include the Carnegie Library, the Post Office and Band shell Park. All contiguous and all a telling part of Hampton’s heritage. Restored 1975—1976 & 2006-2007.
Distance: 4 blocks E.
Phone: 641-456-5777
Franklin County Jail - Built in 1880. Served as jail until 1988, it is an example of combination sheriff’s (jailer’s) living quarters and jail. One of the few of this type in existence today.
Distance: 5 blocks E.
Harriman Nielsen Farm House - The Harriman-Nielsen Farm is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The 20 acre farm's Italianate house was built in 1881 by Dr. O. B. Harriman. Given to the Franklin County Historical Society by the Nielsene Nielsen Estate, the property is presently undergoing restoration. Hwy. 3 West Hampton Phone: 641-456-5668.
Distance: 3 blocks W.
Maysville School - Built in 1867, used for church and school in town of Maysville. Refurbished in 1979 and 1980. 5 miles so. of Hampton on US 65 then 1/4 mile East.
Phone: 641-456-5777
REA Power Plant Museum - The first REA plant west of the Mississippi to go on line. Power was turned on March 28, 1938. Plant owned by Franklin County Historical Society. On the National Register of Historic Places, this first rural electric utility plant has been selected as a point of interest in the Silos and Smoke Stacks National Heritage Area. 4 mi s. of Hampton on US 65 - w on 110th st. 2 mi.
Phone: 641-456-5777
Hampton Area Specialty Stores - 14 shops are welcoming and inviting places to visit. First Steet NW is home to many of them and from there brochures with maps are available for you to reach out and find all the novel treasures they have to offer. From our very own candle makers to exciting food delights, to lovely gifts, flowers and antiques. Exploring these quaint places will make you a believer in our quality of life.
Distance: 4 blocks E.
Pleasant Hill Village, Grandpa's Farm & Rock Island Depot - Take a step back in time as you visit this charming prairie community featuring vintage buildings in an old time setting. The village features a saloon, jail, country church, country school, mercantile, bank and post office, livery, blacksmith shop and wood shop. The last rock Island Depot to operate in Franklin County was moved one block to its present site. Exhibits include telegrapher's equipment, section hands' cars, rail-laying tools, mortarboard and lanterns. Franklin County Fairgrounds - Hwy 3 West.
Distance: 3 blocks W.
Beeds Lake State Park - Beeds Lake provides over one mile of great shoreline fishing as well as a boat ramp for access to the lake. Beeds Lake also has two miles of walking trails. A 170 foot long spillway with horizontal layers of limestone drops an abruptly 40 feet. Beeds Lake offers 99 electrical and 44 non-electrical camping sites, picnic shelters, fishing with a bait house open during the summer season, boating, swimming, hiking, biking and jogging trails.
Distance: 3 miles NW
Phone: 641-456-2047
Maynes Grove - This 280-acre area, located 4 miles south of Hampton off Highway 65, has a 12-acre lake with good bass and bluegill fishing and an easy access fishing pier for users with limited mobility. Prairie flowers cover the ground along the 12-mile hiking, horseback riding and cross-country skiing trail.
East Park - 9 hole disc golf course.
Address: Highway 3 E Hampton, IA 50441
Phone: 641-456-4853
Franklin Wellness Center - 4-lane lap pool, therapy pool, 3-lane indoor walking track, full size gym, 30x30 multi-purpose room, cardio/selectorized eqt./free weight area & locker rooms (men's, women's & family). 6 month & annual memberships. Daily membership & punch cards available.
Address: 1514 Central Ave. E. Hampton, IA 50441
Distance: 3 miles E
Phone: 641-456-2827
Quick Area Guide
- Beeds Lake State Park 4 mi
- Specialty Shops 1 mi
- Airport 2 mi
- Hiking 4 mi
- Fishing 4 mi
- Golf 9 mi
- Theatre 1 mi
- Fitness Center 2 mi
