Newton (Iowa) - city in and the county seat of Jasper County, Iowa, United States

Newton is a city of 15,000 people (2018) in Central Iowa.

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.

• Newton Municipal Airport (IATA: TNU), 41.6744°, -93.0217°. General aviation airport. No scheduled passenger service. 2020-08-09

Get around

The centre of Newton is small enough to walk around.

See

• Jasper County Courthouse, 101 1st St N, 41.7001°, -93.0538°. An impressive building in the centre of town. 2023-03-11
• Newton Arboretum & Botanical Gardens, 3004 N 4th Ave E, 41.703°, -93.017°, +1 641 791-7667. 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. Free 2023-03-11
• St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, 223 E 4th St N, 41.701°, -93.05°. 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-step programs every day. 2023-03-11
• 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.
• The Centre for Arts and Artists, 501 W 3rd St N, 41.7033°, -93.0562°, +1 641 792-1391. 10 resident artist studios, a clay and kiln room, a therapeutic art room for children, a classroom, and an extensive art collection. 2023-03-11

Do

• The Iowa Speedway, 41.6708°, -93.0146°. 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. 2023-03-11
• Newton Fest. Annual celebration of the arts, food, music, and history for one weekend in June each year. Events happen in multiple venues across town. 2023-03-11
• The Valle Drive-in, 41.6996°, -93.1022°, +1 641 792-3558, info@valledrive-in.com. The oldest of the four drive-in theaters still in operation in Iowa, having opened in 1948. Closed during the winter (approximately November–March). $8 per adult for both movies, $5 for children 2023-03-11
• The Capitol II Theater, 116 1st St N, 41.7001°, -93.0535°, +1 641 792-3549. 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 Record, in the theater. $5–8 for the movie plus $10 for snacks 2023-03-11

Buy

Maytag blue cheese is the local speciality.

• Nostalgia Wine and Spirits, 109 N 2nd Ave E, 41.7004°, -93.0531°, +1 515 401-7398, nostalgiawinespirits@gmail.com. This wine bar doubles as the Hometown Store for the Maytag Dairy Farms, and is a place to try out wine and cheese pairings, or to buy some Maytag blue. 2023-03-11

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.

• Panda Garden, 106 1st St N (downtown, across from the courthouse), 41.6998°, -93.0534°. Open for lunch and supper. Closed Mondays. Buffet restaurant offering American-style Chinese food. $15 2023-03-11
• Chester's Chicken, 4400 S 22nd Ave E, 41.6804°, -92.9983°. 9AM–10PM daily. 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. $7 2023-03-11

Drink

Sleep

Holiday Inn Express 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. 208 W 4th St N, +1 877-859-5095.

Connect

• Newton Public Library, 100 N 3rd Ave W (two blocks north of the courthouse), 41.7018°, -93.0544°. Closed Sundays. 2023-03-11

Go next

Des Moines is about 40 minutes away on 80 West.