Vintage pioneer statues and historical landmarks in Fairfield, Iowa, capturing local culture and history. Explore the best places to visit and learn about Fairfield's rich heritage.

Catch the Vibe with the Best Places to Explore the History of Fairfield, Iowa

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The history of Fairfield, Iowa, is as unique as one would expect for such a vibing small town! While you wander through the city of Fairfield, enjoying the vibe and stopping for food and entertainment, add these intriguing historical sites to your itinerary.

A great place to begin exploring Fairfield’s past is just a short drive south of the downtown square and about a half mile from the Maharishi International University. Here, you can begin your historical adventure with the Maasdam Barns!

The Maasdam Barns: An Agricultural Legacy

The Maasdam Barns are located at the Evergreen Ridge Stock Farm. This farm was once a bustling hub for breeding prize-winning Belgian draft horses. Today, these historic barns pay homage to the once-owner, J.G. Maasdam, who raised and sold large, sturdy draft horses on this property from 1910 to 1938.

Visit the barns, where you’ll find exhibits showcasing antique farm equipment, vintage vehicles, and historical artifacts. Don’t miss the life-size sign depicting the World’s Largest Horse to get a glimpse of the size of these incredible workhorses.

Touch History at the Bonnifield Cabin

The Bonnifield Cabin in Fairfield is a quick stop but worth your time! In the summer of 1838, Rhodham Bonnifield and his sons built the Bonnifield Log Cabin, replacing their initial makeshift shelter of unpeeled logs. This new cabin soon became a central hub in the area, serving as an unofficial Methodist church and hosting notable guests like territorial politicians, governors, and judges passing through the Iowa territory.

By 1908, the cabin had fallen into disrepair, but the Old Settlers Association took action to preserve it. They dismantled and reconstructed it in Old Settlers Park, adjacent to Waterworks Park on Fairfield’s northern edge. This early preservation effort was significant enough that in 1986, the log house and the park were listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Bonnifield Log House is the oldest two-story log house in Iowa.

Fun fact: History has credited Mrs. Bonnifield with naming the town “Fairfield” in 1839. When she saw the vast prairies that would become her city, she felt these fair fields deserved a fitting name. Fairfield is located in Southeast Iowa and eventually became the county seat of Jefferson County. I love learning how small towns get their names, don’t you?

Statues and Commemorative Markers

In 1954, Fairfield hosted the very first Iowa State Fair, a full 20 years before the Westward expansion began. It was held in Fairfield one more time the following year before being moved to Des Moines, but the significance of Fairfield hosting the first two years is not lost on the local citizens. This highlights Fairfield’s historical significance and early contributions to Iowa’s cultural traditions.

Today, you will find a stone marker at the location where the first state fair was held, on the corner of 4th Street and Grimes. This unassuming corner carries no fanfare, but I enjoyed standing next to the stone and imagining the excitement of a State Fair surrounding me.

Historic Iowa State Fair marker on a large stone in a garden setting, commemorating the 1854 fair held at Fairfield with historical significance for Iowa.

Another marker that deserves a look lies in the southwest corner of Fairfield Square. This marker recounts the tale of the 1954 centennial wagon train that journeyed from Fairfield, the original site of the Iowa State Fair, to its current location in Des Moines.

By the way, if you find you’re hungry after exploring all of Fairfield’s outdoor history monuments, don’t worry.  I’ve compiled a list of great places to eat.  Read The Food-Lover’s Guide to the Best Restaurants Near Fairfield, IA.

And as long as we’re talking about Fairfield Square, let’s talk about the statue in Fairfield Square that depicts William Henry Coop, the first pioneer settler born in Jefferson County in 1836. The sculpture shows him sitting and telling a story to a young boy, symbolizing the passing down of history and knowledge to future generations.

A statue in a park square with the Hip Grandma posing

Fairfield Farmers Market

If you visit the town square on a Wednesday, you can also enjoy the Farmers Market (from May until October from 3-6 p.m.). This leads me to the rest of the Farmers Market schedule, which isn’t historical, but since we’ve made it this far, it seems only fitting to tell you the details. Head for Howard Park on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. for another opportunity to purchase fresh local home-grown produce or homemade baked goods. I found a delicious mini pie that made a perfect snack!

The Fairfield Farmers Market is a 501c3 non-profit organization and is just one more example of how the residents of Fairfield lean into sustainable living. To read about many ways the residents of Fairfield focus on environmental sustainability, read the Explore Fairfield, Iowa: Where Eco Living and the Beauty of Sustainability Reign.

The Carnegie Historical Museum: A Treasure Trove of Local History

No trip back in time would be complete without a stop at the Carnegie Historical Museum. This historical treasure was the first Carnegie library west of the Mississippi River endowed by Andrew Carnegie.

Today, the Carnegie Museum is housed in Fairfield’s former library building, which used to be known simply as the Fairfield Public Library. But that’s not the only thing that makes this museum unique. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and boasts a collection of artifacts that date back to 1876, making it one of Iowa’s top five oldest museums.

Wander through the museum, and you’ll find Native American pottery, Civil War artifacts, Roman Antiquities, and memorabilia from the area. I was particularly intrigued by the story of the light tower in Central Park, built in 1882 as a modern marvel but eventually torn down in 1910 due to the death of untold numbers of birds who became confused by the immense light and crashed into it to their deaths.

The Carnegie Museum is a great place to learn about the history of Jefferson County and Fairfield. You can easily browse the collection in a few hours, so plan enough time to explore. Fair warning – you may find your artistic curiosity piqued after you wander the museum. Please enjoy the many ways to explore the Fairfield arts with me in The Immersive Fairfield Art Scene: The Best Art Experiences in Town. 

Vintage red brick building renovation with construction crane in progress, showcasing historic architecture and ongoing restoration efforts for urban renewal and preservation.
Colorful stained glass artwork displayed in a glass showcase, surrounded by various antique collectibles and sculptures inside a warm-toned, vintage-style store.
Hand-painted vintage clown figurine with red hat and colorful costume, displayed on a wooden surface at Hip Grandma Life.
a brick sign marks the front of the Carnegie Museum

Fairfield Loop Trail

The Fairfield Loop Trail is a 16-mile, multi-use walking trail that circles the town of Fairfield and winds through the surrounding countryside. The trail provides access to several of the sites we’ve mentioned in this article:

  • Maasdam Barns – The trail passes near the Maasdam Barns, allowing easy access.
  • Bonnifield Cabin – The trail is close to the location of the Bonnifield Cabin.
  • Fairfield Square – The trail runs near the downtown area, which includes Fairfield Square.

However, the trail does not provide direct access to the Iowa State Fair Marker or the Carnegie Historical Museum. These sites are located within the city but not directly along the trail.

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Conclusion – Wrapping It All Up

As we wrap up our journey through the history of Fairfield, Iowa, it’s clear this small town has a unique and captivating vibe. From the moment Mrs. Bonnifield named it to its role as the county seat of Jefferson County, Fairfield’s past is rich with stories waiting for discovery. With so many great places like the Maasdam Barns, the Bonnifield Cabin, and the Carnegie Historical Museum, there are so many opportunities to explore and discover.

Before you think that Fairfield’s history is the only thing of interest, take a look at Feel the Local Vibe: Best Things to Do in Fairfield, Iowa, for a list of other sights to enjoy in Fairfield, along with what creates such a diverse culture, including the Maharishi Vedic Observatory, Fairfield 1st Fridays, and the Johnny Clock Museum, to name a few. And if you’re planning a statewide visit, start planning after reading What to Do in Iowa: Top Things to See in the Hawkeye State.

Give this small town within the state of Iowa a visit. You’ll find that Fairfield seamlessly blends its historical charm with a vibrant and unique community spirit, making it a must-visit destination in Southeast Iowa. For more information, stop in at the Fairfield Visitors Bureau at 200 North Main Street, Fairfield, Iowa 52556

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Statue of a woman and two children at Fairfield, Iowa historical site, capturing local history and community spirit.