Wege Center for the Arts

Located on the Maharishi International University Campus, the Wege Gallery is one of Fairfield’s newest spaces for contemporary art. Opened in 2021 and operated by the MIU Art Department, the gallery hosts a rotating schedule of exhibitions that bring artists from across the country to this small Iowa town.

Visitors will find a bright, flexible gallery designed to showcase a wide range of artistic styles and mediums. A full wall of windows fills the space with natural light, while movable gallery walls allow the layout to change with each exhibition. This adaptable design means every show offers a slightly different experience, whether you are stepping into an intimate installation or a more expansive exhibition.

Throughout the year, the gallery presents four to five curated shows featuring nationally recognized artists alongside exhibitions from MIU faculty and students. Many visiting artists also spend time on campus working with students, creating a lively connection between the university and the broader art world.

Best of all, exhibitions are open to the public, making the gallery an easy and rewarding stop for visitors exploring Fairfield’s surprisingly rich arts scene. Whether you are an art enthusiast or simply curious, it offers a chance to experience thoughtful contemporary art in an inviting, light filled setting.

1000 N 4th St
Fairfield, IA 52556

Website

Fairfield Loop Trail

15.9 Miles of Pure Iowa Outdoors
Whether you’re a weekend wanderer, a family on a mission to burn some energy, or just need to breathe in something other than your inbox—Fairfield’s Loop Trail has you covered.

Spanning 15.9 miles around town, this scenic trail winds through prairie, wetlands, woods, and lakes, linking all of Fairfield’s parks in one unforgettable loop. It’s peaceful, picturesque, and full of surprises—no two miles feel the same.
Why Locals and Visitors Love It
It’s scenic, peaceful, and never boring. You’ll pass through prairie winds, forest shade, lakeside calm, and small-town charm—all in one loop. Come for a walk, stay for a while.

Fairfield Loop Trail Map Online

Start Your Adventure at the Barns
📍 Located at Maasdam Barns (next to Jefferson County Health Center, Hwy 1 & US 34)
Marked every 1/4 mile, the trail is easy to navigate whether you’re out for a full loop or just a quick stroll. Start at Mile Marker Zero and follow the trail clockwise to explore it all.

Trail Highlights by Segment
DOT South Segment
This 5.7-mile stretch parallels Hwy 34 but feels like another world. You’ll find wooded curves, prairie views, and wetlands, making it a favorite for birdwatchers, bikers, and wanderers alike.

Whitham Woods
Once a tree nursery, this shady retreat is home to unique plant life and gentle hills. It’s a peaceful place to walk, think, or cool off under a canopy of green.

Northwestern & Rock Island Railroad Segments
Built along historic rail beds, these flat and fast segments connect you to Dexter Soccer Park and the town’s north side. Keep your eyes open for railroad remnants and local history beneath your wheels.

B Street to the Lakes
Follow the trail past Bonnifield, Pleasant, and Walton Lakes—retired reservoirs now perfect for fishing, strolling, and lake-gazing. The vibe here? Peaceful, open, and totally Instagrammable.

Louden Bridge
One of the trail’s most beloved features. This 246-foot bridge is lined with 171 ceramic plaques made by Fairfield High School students, showcasing images from Louden Machinery blueprints. Art meets industry. Vibes meet views.

Crow Creek & Neff Wetlands
Winding through lowlands and wildflower-dotted woods, this segment feels magical. Three creek crossings, a wetlands dike, and a boardwalk through Lamson Woods State Preserve make this one of the most scenic sections of the loop.

Mint Boulevard Link
This is the trail’s only on-road section and includes a gravel hill with a bit of bite—but it connects you back to Mile Marker Zero and the full experience.

More Than Just a Trail
Trail Scavenger Hunt
Every summer starting Memorial Day, grab a card and hunt for 10 punch locations across the trail. Great for families, friend groups, or anyone who loves a little challenge with their walk.

Trail Drive (October)
Once a year, a portion of the trail opens to cars—so grandma, toddlers, or non-hikers can enjoy the scenery too. It’s one of Fairfield’s favorite fall traditions.

Art, Parks & Hidden Gems
The Loop Trail connects every city park and is dotted with bridges, art, and natural escapes. Take a detour. Stop at a picnic table. Spot a heron. Or just sit and listen.

Plan Your Trip
Trail Type: Multi-use (walk, run, bike)

Distance: 15.9 miles

Surface: Mostly paved with some gravel sections

Difficulty: Easy to moderate

Trailhead: Maasdam Barns, Hwy 1 & US 34

Parking: Available at several parks along the trail

Family-Friendly: Yes

Pet-Friendly: Yes (on leash)

Access points for the trail include:
Whitham Woods
Cedar View Trail
Maasdam Barns
Mint Blvd Parking Lot
Lamson Woods
Neff Wetland
Chautauqua Park
Pleasant Lake
Bonnifield Lake

Main Location

Fairfield, IA 52556

Website

Parsons College Alumni Hall

The Parsons College Alumni Hall is located in the Stephen Sondheim Center for the Performing Arts lobby located within the Fairfield Arts & Convention Center. Parsons College was a four year lieral arts college founded in 1895 by General Lewis Baldwin Parsons. The college remained as a small school until the mid-1950's when a new direction by the board of directors was found. They hired Dr. Millard G. Roberts from upstate New York to guide the college's future growth. When Dr. Roberts arrived total enrollment was 500 students. In the Fall of 1966 total enrollment exceeded 5,500 students. The college closed with its final grgaduation, June 3, 1973. The spirit lives on with our alumni and a focal point is our Parsons College Alumni Hall.

The students, faculty and friends of Parsons College have donated in excess of $200,000 to have the naming rights for this portion of the reception area of the Center. John Blackstock, class 1964, provided the challenge and the vision to establish a "Parsons College Wall of Honor" at the dedication of the Alumni Hall in 2008. October of 2009 found the inaugural class being inducted. Teh students and alumni of Parsons College have gone on to make their mark in society, Locally, Nationally and internationally. This provides us a way of honoring and remembering the nurturing and education the students and alumni of Parsons College received during their time attending classes in Fairfield.

The Alumni Hall features rotating displays highlighting the accomplishments and memories of various activities of the college. The east wall provides an area for displaying photographs, highlighting some of the distinguished visitors tot he college during the 1950'5 – 1960's, the heyday of Parsons College.

The Wall of Honor is on the west wall, honoring distinguished Parson graduates.

Main Location

200 N. Main St
Fairfield, IA 52556

Fairfield First Fridays

Fairfield First Fridays, is a fusion of all types of art and entertainment held the first Friday of every month, regardless of the weather. Over 25 galleries and art venues featuring over 300 artists, musicians, actors, writers, poets, and dancers are free and open to the public. The First Fridays offers a remarkable variety and quality of art and entertainment as it highlights Fairfield's arts, culture, unique shops, and entrepreneurial spirit. There is something different every month, something fun for everyone.

For more information about the Fairfield 1st Fridays Art Walk, and a complete list of each month's themes, visit their website.

Main Location

PO Box 632
Fairfield, IA 52556

Website

Fairfield Farmers Market

Farmers Market

Fairfield’s Farmers Market is a popular and festive summer event where fresh local produce catches your eye in every direction you look. All the items sold at the Farmers market are home grown and produced right here in Jefferson County. Alongside the array of fruits, vegetables, and baked goods, local vendors provide a vast selection of handmade arts and crafts Located in Howard Park, which is close by the new Fairfield Arts and Convention Center, the Farmers Market begins the first Saturday of May and continues until the last Saturday of October. The park offers a well-equipped playground for the kids to run around while you handpick your goodies. The Farmers Market is open Wednesdays and Saturdays May through October.

Main Location

Howard Park
Fairfield, IA 52556

Abundance Ecovillage

Abundance Ecovillage is a place where village design, energy, shelter, water, gardening, farming, waste recycling, and landscaping are done in a way that is in tune with natural law. In tune with natural law means, at a minimum, that the systems we use to obtain the services listed above do not destroy or damage the larger systems of the earth that maintain a hospitable environment for life on our planet. Wherever possible, these services are provided in a way that not only sustains but enhances the ability of the earth to clean our air and water, maintain the balance of gases in the atmosphere, and in general provide a beautiful and safe place to live.

Main Location

Fairfield, IA 52556

Website

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

ICON Gallery

Icon Gallery
58 N. Main Street
Bill Teeple
641-469-6252
Cell: 641-919-6252

This large gallery features museum quality contemporary artists and is an integral part of the cultural life of the Fairfield and Eastern Iowa art scene. In addition to group and individual shows, ICON conducts workshops and lectures.

Main Location

58 N. Main Street
Fairfield, IA 52556

Fairfield Art Association Galleries & Studio

Fairfield Art Association Galleries & Studio
Fairfield Arts and Convention Center
200 N. Main, Fairfield, Iowa 52556
www.fairfieldacc.com/artgallery.html

FAA Volunteer Director Suzan Bates Kessel
Phone: 472-2000 FACC, or 472-5374 Home
suzan1252@aol.com or faa@fairfieldacc.com

Founded in 1966 to foster art in Fairfield and the surrounding area, the FAA is a membership non-profit organization. This Art Association curates exhibits year around in the FACC. The Main Gallery features works of Iowa, regional, national amp; international artists, and the Corridor Gallery presents the FAA "Permanent Collection" featuring well known Iowa Artists since the 1960's. There is also a "Fairfield Artists' Studio Gallery" where local artists can sell original art work. A spacious Studio Workshop provides regular art classes for children and adults, beginners and professional artists in a variety of media.

Main Location

200 N. Main
Fairfield, IA 52556