Newton
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 for its high-quality washing machines. In 2007 Whirlpool bought Maytag and promptly closed it down. As a result, Newton has fallen on hard times and was featured in a television documentary about the recession at the end of October 2010. Nevertheless, Newton remains a pleasant place to visit with friendly locals who will be glad of your business.
Newton Convention and Visitors Bureau, 113 1st Avenue West, Newton, Iowa 50208. +1-800-798-0299.
Get in
Newton is just off I80-E, 36 miles east of Des Moines. For those without a car, Checkered Flag taxi will take you from Des Moines to Newton for around $70 (641-791-7777).
Get around
The centre of Newton is small enough to walk around.
See
- Jasper County Courthouse is an impressive building in the centre of town.
- Agnes Patterson Memorial Park, 3004 North 4th Avenue East, ☏ +1 50208 641 791-7667. Has a small but well-kept botanical garden and arboretum with sculptures and detailed signage. Free.
- 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 has 10 resident artist studios, a clay and kiln room, a therapeutic art room for children, a classroom, and an extensive art collection.
- The Valle Drive-in is the oldest of the four drive-in theaters still in operation in Iowa, having opened in 1948.
- The Capitol II Theater is located in the historic downtown district of Newton and has been in operation since April 1927.
Do
- 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.
- Newton Fest is an annual celebration of the arts, food, music, and history.
- The Iowa Sculpture Festival is an annual event hosted in Newton which began in 2002. The weekend-long event features local and internationally accomplished artists.
Buy
Maytag blue cheese is the local speciality.
Eat
There are no notable eateries in Newton but major fast food chains are represented. Panda Garden on the main square does a cheap (under US$10) buffet.
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
Go next
Des Moines is about 40 minutes away on 80 West.
| Routes through Newton |
| Des Moines ← Ankeny ← | W  E |
→ Grinnell → Davenport |
| Des Moines ← Altoona ← | W  E |
→ Grinnell → Davenport |