Bonnifield Cabin

The Bonnifield Log House is thought to be the oldest existing two-story log house in Iowa. The cabin was built in 1838 by Rhodham Bonnifield and his sons and served as the unofficial Methodist church. It was also a stopover place for many official guests, such as territorial politicians, governors, delegates to Congress, and judges who found hospitality in the Bonnifield home as they were traveling through the Iowa territory. Indeed it was Mrs. Bonnefield who is credited with naming Fairfield, suggest that it was a fitting name for the beautiful prairies that made up the area.

In 1908, the cabin was moved and refurbished by the Old Settlers Association, without who’s help the cabin surely would have not survived. The cabin’s current location in Waterworks park on the north side of Fairfield. Visitors are able to get a glimpse into the past as the exterior is open to the public for viewing at all times. The interior, however, is not open but we have included a few photos below to give you an idea of its layout and furnishings.

Waterworks Park
N. B Street
Fairfield, Iowa 52556

Johnny Clock Museum

A unique opportunity to see wood craftsmanship at its finest awaits the visitor to the Johnny Clock Museum located just outside the town of Lockridge. This museum is owned and operated by John and Pat McClain and contains many unusual carvings which also just happen to be functioning clocks. What makes this so intriguing is that the artisan(John) works not from blueprints but from ideas formulated in his head. Since his youth, John was dyslexic and unable to draw plans to paper but his memory of his past is crystal clear and his ability to carve in wood brings those memories to life in the form of decorative clocks. Well over 100000 + hours of work are displayed in the ever-expanding collection. The museum is easy to find just off newly Highway 34 halfway between Fairfield and Mt Pleasant and it will also give you a chance to see the town of Lockridge (named for the ridges over Lick and Wolf creeks which appear to “lock” on the map. So if you are looking for a good “time” and something new to do, take the “time” to see the “time” at the Johnny Clock Museum.

Hours:

Monday – Friday 9:00 AM – 5:00
or Open year round by appointment
$7.50 admission Children $4.00
319-696-3711

Main Location

711 W Main St
Lockridge, IA 52635

Maharishi International University

Maharishi International University is one of the most talked about and misunderstood places in Fairfield. For some, it is the reason they come. For others, it is simply a beautiful, peaceful campus that sparks curiosity.

Some visitors come specifically to explore the university as a possible place to study. Others arrive simply curious about the golden domes they have heard about, the meditation culture they have read about, or the way this small Iowa town became internationally known for wellness and consciousness-based education.

Whether you are evaluating Fairfield through a college search lens or just exploring what makes this community different, MIU is a place that invites curiosity and reflection. The campus is calm, architecturally striking, and deeply connected to the town’s identity—even if you never step into a classroom.

Visiting MIU: What to Expect

You do not need an official tour to experience Maharishi International University.
Visitors are welcome to walk the campus, take in the architecture, and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. Many people stop by during a weekend visit to Fairfield as a way to better understand the town’s culture and values.

What you can do
• Walk the grounds and explore the campus at your own pace
• View the iconic Golden Domes from the exterior
• Enjoy quiet green spaces ideal for reflection or a calm stroll
• Observe campus life in motion without disruption

Good to know

The campus is a place of learning and meditation, so a respectful, quiet presence is appreciated

Some buildings are reserved for students and programs, and access may be limited

Allow 30 to 60 minutes for a casual visit

This is not a theme-park stop. It is a place that reveals itself slowly.

Why MIU Matters to Fairfield

Maharishi International University is one of the main reasons Fairfield feels unlike other small Midwest towns. The university has shaped the community’s international population, global food scene, and strong emphasis on wellness, creativity, and lifelong learning. You will feel its influence in local cafes, art spaces, yoga studios, and the relaxed pace of daily life. Even visitors who arrive skeptical often leave with a better understanding of why Fairfield attracts people from around the world—and why many of them stay.

MIU is not just a campus here. It is part of the town’s rhythm.

Visiting Fairfield as Part of a College Search

Many families include Fairfield and MIU as part of a broader college exploration trip. While there are no formal campus tours offered through the tourism office, visitors often combine time on campus with:

• A walk around Fairfield’s historic downtown
• Meals at locally owned restaurants reflecting the town’s international culture
• An overnight stay to experience the pace of the community
• Time at nearby parks, trails, or cultural venues

Experiencing Fairfield alongside MIU provides helpful context about daily life, housing, and community beyond the classroom.

Pair Your Visit With These Nearby Stops

If MIU sparked your curiosity, consider adding these to your visit:

• Wellness-focused experiences and quiet spaces around town
• Art galleries and cultural venues that reflect Fairfield’s creative energy
• Cafes and restaurants popular with students, residents, and visitors alike
• Walking trails and parks for reflection or fresh air

Fairfield is best understood by exploring it slowly—and MIU is often where that understanding begins.

Some notable University Buildings:
Maharishi Golden Domes
The Golden Domes are local landmarks used by advanced meditation practitioners. The domes are mentioned in a number of travel guides and listed as a “don’t miss” attraction in Fairfield. Interior tours are limited and only available through special arrangement with the University. To inquire about tours, call

Argiro Student Center
America’s first “Vedic Green” Student Center, the Argiro Student Center features a 300 seat auditorium, two dining halls, student café, student lounge and bookstore. The public is invited to dine in the dining hall which features a wide variety of organic, vegetarian fare, from home-style pizza to Chinese stir fry, from Mexican to Indian and more. (Mon – Sat. breakfast 9am-10:30am, Lunch 11:45-1:30, Dinner 6:30 -7:30pm, Sunday Brunch 11am-2pm, Dinner 6:30pm to 7:30pm)

Sustainable Living Center
Built to Function completely off the grid, the M.U.M. Stainable Living Center produces more energy than it consumes. The center is used for classrooms, workshops, and offices.

Visitors Weekends are held on a regular basis. Click here for more information on these weekends.

Main Location

1000 N. 4th St.
Fairfield, IA 52556

Website

Maharishi Vedic Observatory

The Maharishi Vedic Observatory, a one and one-half acre open-air observatory of masonry sundials, is unique in the world for its ability to display in one compact form the whole structure of the universe along with all the movements of the sun, the planets, and the stars. It is the only example in existence today of this timeless knowledge that was once in every culture around the globe.
Phone: 641-472-7000

Directions: The Maharishi Vedic Observatory is located on Observatory Drive in Maharishi Vedic City. From Fairfield take Highway One north to Airport Drive, turn west, drive one mile to Jasmine Avenue, turn north, drive 1/3 mile to Observatory Drive, turn west. The observatory is at the end of Observatory Drive.

Main Location

Observatory Drive
Vedic City, IA 52556

Carnegie Library Museum

This Iowa Century Museum dates back to 1877 and is housed in Fairfield’s former library building, the first of 1,689 endowed by Andrew Carnegie. The Library and its third-floor Museum Opened in 1893 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places

Click here to take a 3-D tour of the many exhibits!

Native American pottery, the seated monkey & other examples of 19th century taxidermy remain on display. Most of the taxidermy was donated by the Smithsonian at the request of Senator James F. Wilson, a Fairfield native.

112 South Court, Fairfield, Ia.

Hours of Operation:

Tuesday – Friday 11:00am – 4:00pm

or by appointment 641-472-6343

Fairfield 1st Fridays Art Walk night 6pm – 9pm

Main Location

112 South Court
Fairfield, IA 52556

Website

Maasdam Barns

Discover the captivating history of early agriculture at Maasdam Barns! This fascinating site in Jefferson County takes you on a journey through the industrial enterprises of the 19th and 20th century. Experience the legacy of the Maasdam draft horse breeding business, marvel at Louden manufacturing and their ingenious agricultural inventions, and explore the rugged farm wagons from Turney Wagon Works, built for durability and horse-friendly efficiency.

Take our Audio Tour;

Intro to the Maasdam Barns

The Mare Barn

The Milking Barn

Louis d’Or

The Stallion Barn

Step back in time to 1906, when Jacob Maasdam brought 47 Percheron horses and a Shetland pony to Fairfield, transforming Jefferson County into a renowned horse market, boasting world champions like Louis d’Or, the colossal Belgian horse. At the Evergreen Ridge Stock Farm, the historic Maasdam Barns stand as a remarkable representation of early 20th-century draft-horse breeding. These two barns, designed by the innovative Louden barn design division, showcase modern construction techniques, including poured concrete walls and impressive Louden barn products.

Embrace the allure of the past and immerse yourself in the rich agricultural heritage of Maasdam Barns. With award-winning Percheron draft horses raised and sold here from 1910 to 1938, the barns are a treasure trove of historical significance. Experience the spirit of this bygone era and make unforgettable memories exploring the captivating history of this remarkable location. Plan your visit today and let the stories of Maasdam Barns enchant you!

The Maasdam Barns are open from mid-May to mid-November
Hours for the 2025 season are 10am-1pm on the 2nd Saturdays.
In addition, tours are available by appointment.call 641-919-8061

Located on Hwy 1 south, just past the hospital.
Read more about this historical location

Main Location

2224 IA-1
South Hwy 1
Fairfield, IA 52556

Website