Tama-Toledo

This bronze sculpture of a cow and calf, located northwest of the junction of Hwy 63 and Hwy 30, was created in honor of Norma “Duffy” Lyon who displayed butter cows at the Iowa State Fair for over 40 years. 

Built in 1915 as a part of the first United States transcontinental highway, this is the only Lincoln Highway bridge still in existence. 

The Wieting Theatre and Opera House was built in 1912 by Ella Wieting in the Classical Revival Style. Today it shows modern movies and hosts community events throughout the year. In 2012, the front of the house was restored to its former glory, and modern projection and sound equipment was installed. In 2018, the back of the house was restored with state-of-the-art rigging and lights for theatrical performances, as well as an event space for meetings and receptions. This building is on the National Registry of Historic Places.

​President Abraham Lincoln owned land in Iowa as a result of his service in the Black Hawk War in 1832. Congress rewarded Indian war veterans with land grants in 1850. Lincoln took title to 40 acres in Tama County, and he held that parcel until his death. The site, which is marked by a plaque, is located northwest of Toledo.

The original Tama County Jail was built in 1870 of a mainly utilitarian design, but it did incorporate features from the Romanesque mode to make the jail compatible with the adjacent courthouse. It contained a large cell block and several rooms on the first floor. The upper floor served primarily as the sheriff’s residence but did contain four cells.

A gentleman from Cedar Rapids made a trip to Germany to research his ancestors and find what part of Germany they were from and when they arrived in United States.  While making inquiries at a couple of different places in Germany, he was informed the best place to do this research was the Tama County Genealogical Library in Toledo, Iowa. He was amazed and remarked that he had made a trip all the way to Germany when he could have foudn the answers to his questions just 50 miles away. Tama County boasts an extensive genealogy library with three floors of exhibits, including Native American artifacts and art, furnished log cabin, and military and agricultural displays.

The Tama County Courthouse was built in Victorian Romanesque style with decorative brickwork at the gable ends, frieze, and clock tower. Its principal feature is the clock tower, the base of which is a heavy stone entrance porch. Built in 1866, 95 percent of the clock tower is original and has recently been completely restored. Internal workings of the clock are displayed on the second floor.

​The Hope Fire Company Engine House was built in 1887 and is an example of a combination municipal building and fire engine house, as well as a rare application of Moorish design motifs. The Toledo City Hall occupied part of the second floor.

For many years, the red stoplight in downtown Toledo created in 1949 was the only stoplight in town (today the town has three stoplights). Every July, the town has an annual festival in its honor with live entertainment, carnival, pancake breakfast, movies, and many other activities.