Dexfield Park
3 miles North of Dexter
Imagine one of the largest amusement parks in Iowa (circa 1916) with a huge swimming pool, dancing, skating, music, carnival rides including a Ferris wheel, ball games and camping. As many as 4,000 attended opening day each year in June.
Markers Stones have been placed and are available for public viewing. They commemorate the once popular "Beautiful Dexfield Park". The markers depict the stories of that time in history. Included at the site is a lamp post that once was in the former park. On July 24, 2007, a dedication was held at the Dexter Community House reflecting on the history of the park. Pictures, book and artifacts are on display in the museum.
Dexter Community House (aka Roundhouse)
707 Dallas St., Dexter
Built in 1916 this building will have a 100th birthday celebration on Aug. 5, 2016. This unique elliptical shaped building is listed on the National Register of Historical Places. The architect was Mathew Leander King, grandfather of actor Nick Nolte. The building features the original stage, box office and orchestra pit with accommodations for seating large groups for performances or for sit down dining and dances. Available for reunions, receptions, meetings or other events small or large.
Bonnie & Clyde Shootout
3 miles North of Dexter
Visualize the Barrow gang camping at the site of the old Dexfield Amusement Park — resting and recuperating from a prior gun battle in Missouri — and then engaging in a shoot-out with approximately 50 area men and law enforcement officers leading to the mortal wounding of Buck Barrow and the capture of his wife Blanche.
Markers Stones have been placed and are available for public viewing. They commemorate the Barrow gang capture. The markers depict the stories of that time in history. On July 24, 2007, a dedication was held at the Dexter Community House reflecting on the history of the park and the capture of the gang that happened 75 years ago. Pictures, book and artifacts are on display in the museum.
National Plowing Match
1.5 miles North of Dexter
In September 1948, President Harry S. Truman addressed 100,000 people attending the plowing match at this site.
A commemorative marker is located about 1.5 miles North of town on Dexfield Rd. It commemorates the Plowing match and the President Truman campaign visit of 1948.
Dexter Museum
719 Marshall St., Dexter
The Dexter Museum welcomes visitors to Dexter, located along I-80 in southwestern Dallas County. Exhibits document President Harry S. Truman’s visit to the National Plowing Match held at Dexter in 1948 and the former Dexfield Amusement Park that was the site of Dallas County’s Barrow gang shoot-out in 1933. Three historical markers located north of town on Dexfield Road represent a significant record of these events. The museum has an abundance of historic information, plowing match scoreboards, pictures, artifacts and scrapbooks on display. Groups touring the White Pole Road or Historic Highway 6 are encouraged to learn the history of Dexter, one of the oldest towns in Dallas County. Book your appointment by calling Rod at 641-757-9173 or by emailing rstanley@netins.net.
Dexter Centennial Park
Dexter’s city park is located on the north side of White Pole Road just east of the fire station. Kids will enjoy the climbing tower, slides, merry-go-round, etc. while adults can utilize the paved walking trail around the perimeter with 10 low-impact wellness exercise stations. Both kids and adults can take advantage of the interactive 10-hole disc golf course. A shelter house with picnic tables and new restrooms await summer visitors. Be sure to check out the rustic bridge built in 1916 to span a creek near the cemetery. It was moved to the city park where it has resided for many years.
