Newton (Iowa)

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 back then for its high-quality washing machines. In 2006, Whirlpool bought Maytag and promptly closed down operations in Newton, which was a substantial economic blow to the area. Nevertheless, Newton remains a pleasant place to visit with friendly locals who will be glad of your business.

Get in
Newton is just off I-80, 36 miles east of Des Moines. For those without a car, Checkered Flag taxi will take you from Des Moines to Newton for around $100 plus tip (641-791-7777). Ride hailing services such as Uber and Lyft usually charge about $70 plus tip one way.



Get around
The centre of Newton is small enough to walk around.

See

 * 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.
 * 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.
 * 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.
 * 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.

Buy
Maytag blue cheese is the local specialty. This cheese exists because the son of Maytag Corporation's founder wanted to have a cow, so his children could have fresh milk to drink. The one cow turned into a herd, and 20 years later, one of the boys wanted to make an American cheese that would rival the famous cheeses of Europe. The family sold the business in 2019, but the cheese is still being produced in the same barns.

Eat
There are no notable eateries in Newton but major fast food chains are represented. There's a cluster of chain restaurants out by the intersection of Highway 6 and I-80, and the rest are spread out along Highway 6 in town.



Sleep

 * Best Western Holiday Manor, 208 W 4th St N, 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. +1 641-792-3333.

Go next
Des Moines is about 40 minutes away on 80 West.