Attractions
Allen County Historical Society Museum
The Allen County Historical Society Museum is located on the southwest corner of the square next to the Funston Home. The Allen County Historical Society Museum houses a number of photographs, pieces of clothing and a variety of other articles exploring the 
happenings and lifestyle of Allen County. Come find out how Iola lived and what it looked like in the past. Open 12:30 to 4:30 pm, Tuesday through Saturday, from May 1 to September 30. October 1 to April 30 hours: 2 to 4 pm, Tuesday through Saturday.
General Funston Boyhood Home and Museum
The house in which Frederick Funston grew up was built around 1860, and was originally located on a homestead about 5 miles north of Iola. When the Funston family acquired it in 1867, the home was a simple three-room, story-and-a-half farmhouse. Additions were 
made by Funston's father, Congressman Edward H. Funston. Located since 1994 on the West side of the Iola city square, the home has been restored according to the Victorian decor typical of the 1880s and 1890s. Artifacts and furniture on display at the Funston Home include items that were originally at the homestead during Frederick Funston's boyhood, as well as items pertaining to Funston's explorations and military career. Open 12:30 to 4:30 pm, Tuesday through Saturday, from May 1 to September 30. October 1 to April 30 hours: 2 to 4 pm, Tuesday through Saturday.West side of the Iola Square next to the Allen County Historical Museum. Photo Copyright ©2010 Mike and Nancy Ford.
Allen County Veteran's Memorial Wall
Memorial Wall for all wars. Veteran's of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard and Kansas National Guard are honored. Veteran's day is commemorated annually. Prisoner of War/Missing in Action remembrances, taps, air crafts a parade, a picnic and patriotic music all comprise Iola's typical show of respect for local and national veterans. Located on the South side of the courthouse square along Madison Avenue. Photo Copyright ©2010 Mike and Nancy Ford.
Old Allen County Jail
Built of limestone, this two story structure opened in 1869, only 8 years after Kansas became a State. The prisoners were confined in cells on the bottom floor, while the 
second floor was used by the Jailer and his family as living quarters. Visitors may see the solitary confinement cell, walk through the 1891 cell cage and read the graffiti on the walls. The second floor is furnished with objects appropriate to the time when it served as the Jailer's living quarters. This Jail was in use until the new courthouse was built in 1958. The building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1977. Tours at 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, May 1 through September 30. October 1 through April 30 by appointment only.
Bowlus Fine Arts Center
The Bowlus Fine Arts Center, the finest facility of its kind in Southeast Kansas, attracts internationally acclaimed performers to the area. It also houses a fine arts education center allowing 
for exploration in the fields of the visual, musical, and dramatic arts. Displays of local and visiting artisan's and artist's work can be found at the Bowlus as well productions put on by a local symphony, a barbershop quartet, or the Iola Community Theater. The Bowlus is home to the Buster Keaton Celebration.
Civil War Statue
The Civil War Statue has stood in the West Cemetery on the edge of town since its dedication in 1909. It was erected by the Grand Army of the Republic organization to stand guard over
the graves of Civil War veterans. The statue's value is great because it is one of just four white bronze, or zinc, Civil War statues in Kansas and was made by J. W. Fiske, an early 20th century sculptor whose works have been known to fetch large sums in high-profile auctions. Besides being one of the few remaining public works of the New York sculptor, the statue is signed which enhances its value. Throughout the years the statue has weathered storms, floods, and vandalism resulting in its refurbishment in recent years. U.S. 54 Highway on the west edge of town.