More than 200 acres at Terra Lake Park, Johnston’s network of trails, and a variety of water activities give Johnston a strong focus on the outdoors. Other attractions include a museum dedicated to Iowa’s military history, a historic house, a seasonal farmers market, and an annual celebration in May.
Parks, Trails and Water
Terra Lake Park covers more than 200 acres. Its eight-acre fishing lake is stocked with mature largemouth bass, catfish, and sunfish.
Terra Park has hiking and biking trails with soft and hard surfaces. They run around the lake and through the park. When choosing a trail, you can consider both the route and the different surfaces.
Along the Johnston Interurban Trail, Ray Schleihs Park offers an ADA-accessible path for walking and biking. The trails at Terra Park have soft and hard surfaces and run around the lake and through the park; Ray Schleihs Park offers an ADA-accessible path along the Johnston Interurban Trail. It also has a train-themed playground, giving the park a distinctive feature.
Johnston has more than 45 miles of trails.
Another way to connect with the water is through access to the Beaver Creek Water Trail. Johnston’s first access point opened on August 20, 2019. It is located on NW 70th Avenue, east of NW 86th Street, and has a boat carry-down area. The two water offerings are different: Terra Lake Park centers on fishing, while the Beaver Creek Water Trail provides access with the option to carry boats down to the water.
Military History and Local Culture
The Iowa Gold Star Military Museum honors Iowa’s veterans and displays materials on the state’s military history from its founding to the present day.
The Simpson House Museum (1902) is open to the public during events and by appointment. If you plan a visit by appointment, arrange the time in advance with the Historical Society. Together with the military museum, the house offers another cultural stop in Johnston.
Seasonal Activities and Dates
The Kites on the Green Celebration is held at Johnston Commons on the first Saturday in May each year. If you want to plan your trip around this date, check the specific event details in advance.
During the main growing season, the Johnston Farmers Market features fruits and vegetables, art, garden art, crafts, honey, music, and barbecue or a food truck. This offers two different ways to choose your dates: the celebration falls on a specific date each May, while the market takes place during the main growing season.
The idea for the Johnston Farmers Market originated on June 13, 1989.
When planning your trip, you can choose a stay focused on parks and trails, a visit motivated by an interest in military history, or a trip timed for a seasonal event. The market season and the event date offer different reference points for your travel dates.
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