Bentonsport, Historic district in Van Buren County, Iowa, US.
Bentonsport is a historic district in Iowa featuring 16 original blocks of Federal, Gothic Revival, and Steamboat Gothic architecture. The buildings sit along the Des Moines River and spread across roughly 35 acres.
The district was established in 1836 and grew as a major steamboat landing with mills along the river. The arrival of the railroad in 1866 shifted transportation patterns and reshaped the local economy.
The Mason House Inn from 1846 served as a gathering place for travelers and business people passing through town. It shows how the district functioned as a hub for trade and social exchange.
The district is best explored on foot since most buildings sit closely together along the riverbank. Visitors can wander through artisan shops, bed and breakfast inns, and museums displaying local history.
The Lawrence Sullivan Ross Memorial was erected in the district in 2007 and stands as Iowa's sole Confederate memorial. This makes it a surprising historical marker at this river town location.
Location: Iowa
GPS coordinates: 40.63917,-91.86583
Latest update: December 12, 2025 12:00
Battle of Athens State Historic Site
14.8 km
Lacey-Keosauqua State Park
12.6 km
Van Buren County Courthouse
13.3 km
Sharon Cemetery Historic District
19.7 km
Faeth Farmstead and Orchard District
36.3 km
St. Barnabas Episcopal Church
39.7 km
Henderson Lewelling House
31.4 km
Des Moines River Locks No. 5 and No. 7
8.5 km
Farmers Savings Bank
31.6 km
Meek's Flour Mill
8.3 km
Franklin Pearson House
13.8 km
Fred and Rosa Fulton Barn
37.1 km
Holtkamp Round Barn
32.2 km
Owen A. and Emma J. Garretson House
33.6 km
Bonaparte Pottery Archeological District
8.5 km
Sickles Tavern
31.3 km
Downing House
32.9 km
Kilbourn Bridge
19.9 km
Joseph A. and Lydia A. Edwards House
33.6 km
Bonaparte Historic Riverfront District
8.4 km
Oakland Mills Bridge
39.1 km
Isaac and Agnes
31.5 km
Montgomery Opera House
28 km
Paton and Hannah Wilson House
34.6 km
Collins-Bond House
31.4 km
Lamm-Pollmiller Farmstead District
29.8 km
Cook-Johnson House
31.9 km
Bicksler Block
31.6 kmVisited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes