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Destination Trails 2008 guide to recreational trails and attractions in Iowa Explore native prairie and rugged woodlands. Step back in time and experience life on a farm in the 1800s. Discover the USS Iowa — recreated with matchsticks. Sip Maréchal Foch, savor fresh and locally grown cuisine, and enjoy a rejuvenating overnight stay. Recreation trails, heritage sites, museums, wineries, dining options, and bed & breakfasts all come together along our Destination Trails. To help you plan a summer getaway that’s not too far away, the Iowa Museum Association, Iowa Bed & Breakfast Innkeepers Association, Iowa Bed & Breakfast Guild, Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation, and Iowa Tourism regional organizations have partnered to bring you this quick and easy guide to Iowa destinations. Choose an experience, visit a region, or embark on a statewide adventure. western trails Wabash Trace Nature Trail This 63-mile trail goes through Iowa’s scenic Loess Hills, a geological formation found only in Iowa and China. Observant travelers will encounter an abundance of wildlife. Trees form long, colorful tunnels in the northern trail sections, while the south has more open spaces and prairie. Some native plants along the trail have been identified nowhere else in Iowa. The Wabash Trace also holds historic treasures, including depots in Shenandoah and Malvern. Length: 63 miles Surface: Crushed limestone on converted railbed; Asphalt for 2 miles in Shenandoah T-Bone Trail The T-Bone Trail includes 10 miles of completed trails in Audubon County with 3 miles in neighboring Cass County. Locals plan to complete a trail loop in 2009, but bikers, walkers, and others who enjoy the easy accessibility and smooth surface frequently use this trail. The route runs between Audubon and Hamlin. Exira and Brayton are connected by a route continuing south of Brayton. Length: 10 miles Surface: Asphalt Iowa Great Lakes Trail The Iowa Great Lakes Trail winds its way through the Iowa Great Lakes region, which offers plenty of outdoor opportunities for visitors – from its popular blue lakes and sandy beaches to quieter natural areas, many protected with Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation assistance. The trail winds along rural, community, and nature areas, including Spirit Lake, Okoboji, Arnolds Park, and Milford. The “spine” of the system is a 14-mile, 10-foot-wide, hard-surface trail that accommodates two-way recreational traffic. Connecting to the spine trail are several other shorter trails to explore, including the Kenue Park Trail, Arnolds Park City Trail, and Spirit Lake City trail. Length: 20 miles Surface: Asphalt Sauk Rail Trail This multipurpose trail has 33 miles of natural prairies, wetlands, rich farmland, and timber areas, plus an abundance of wildlife. The trail begins and ends at two beautiful state parks, both of which are home to lakes with many recreational opportunities. The trail around the Swan Lake area is hilly, while the 13-mile midsection of the route from Maple River to Carnarvon follows a railbed and is more level. Here on the valley floor visitors travel through the Hazelbrush Wildlife Area, an 80-acre county park. Length: 33 miles Surface: Asphalt from Swan Lake to Maple River; limestone on converted railbed from Maple River to Carnarvon; concrete from Carnarvon to Lake View Twin Lakes Trail The Twin Lakes Trail encircles beautiful North and South Twin Lakes, two glacial lakes in Calhoun County. North Twin is a recreational lake with three state parks, two county parks, water sports, a very active sailing association, a restored native Iowa prairie, and a large public campground. South Twin Lake is a wildlife refuge and also the home of the scenic lakeside Twin Lakes Golf Course. All but half a mile of this more than 12-mile trail are complete, with nearly seven miles of hard surface. Much of the trail follows the lake and has wonderful lakeside views. Length: 11.5 miles Surface: Concrete Sioux City Trail System Three linked Sioux City river trails offer users scenic views along the area’s great rivers. Gateway 2000 River’s Edge Trail begins in Riverside Park, following the Missouri River until visitors can see Dakota Point, where Iowa, Nebraska, and South Dakota converge. The trail ends at Chris Larson Park, where it joins the Riverfront Trail, which links to the Floyd River Trail traveling northeast along the Floyd River. These trails join existing trails in South Sioux City, Nebraska, and will eventually connect to the Chautauqua Trail. Length: Approximately 10 miles Surface: Aspahlt/concrete For more information about Iowa Natural Heritage Trails, please visit “Iowa By Trail” www.inhf.org/iowatrails/index.htm. western destinations Atlantic Area Chamber Welcome to Atlantic, Iowa! You’ll find signs everywhere of a community that is thriving and acting to consistently improve our community. You will find numerous businesses, restaurants, and specialty stores. Our historic Chestnut Street is a bustling center for shopping and a beautiful centerpiece for our community. Petunias cover every corner with vibrant color. During winter, Chestnut Street comes aglow with thousands of beautiful lights strung along all the trees and rooftops. Atlantic provides many family events throughout the year, including AtlanticFest, Coca-Cola Days, numerous Christmas events, and much more. For additional information or for a schedule of upcoming events visit www.AtlanticIowa.com. Come visit us today! Crawford County Area Enjoy a day of historic wandering through Crawford County in west central Iowa. Two 19th-century homes, the Dow House in Dow City and the McHenry House in Denison, bring visitors back to times when travelers came by horse and carriage before the Lincoln Highway put them on the nation’s thoroughfare. Visit the Donna Reed Performing Arts Center in Denison for opera house tours, the Donna Reed Museum, and a soda fountain where generations have savored sweet desserts. Denison also boasts Iowa’s oldest continually operating restaurant, Cronk’s Cafe, a staple eatery for over 75 years and one you won’t want to miss! Learn more by visiting www.cdcia.org, or by calling 712.263.5621. Guthrie County Tourism Guthrie County is a beautiful destination with its scenic rolling hills and wide river valleys. It is no wonder the 56-mile Raccoon River Valley Trail is a perennial favorite for a wide variety of recreational activities. Built on a former Milwaukee RR bed, the trail winds its way through the Middle and North Raccoon River corridors with areas of prairie and canopies of timber that remind us what Iowa was like in the 1870s. Walk, hike, bike, skate, watch the plentiful wildlife, or cross-country ski in the wintertime. Bring your fishing poles along for a restful stop along the riverbank. Do not forget to take a “Trail Break” at one of the many unique and delicious shops and restaurants that abound in the area. For additional information, or for a schedule of upcoming events, visit www.guthriecountytourism.com or call 641.755.2989. Harrision County Historical Village Your family will have loads of fun exploring the Historical Village, which includes an original log cabin and a one-room schoolhouse. Take some time to browse the gift shop and gather Iowa travel information while enjoying a sample of our cherry drink for an added treat. Located on the Loess Hills National Scenic Byway, the Lincoln Highway Heritage Byway, and the Western Skies Scenic Byway, you are able to experience the incredible view while hiking our half-mile trail or sharing a picnic lunch in our new shelter. To make your adventure complete, we are only minutes from the Museum of Religious Arts and DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge. Hours: Mon thru Sat from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sun from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. 2931 Monroe Avenue, Missouri Valley, IA. For additional information or schedules of events, visit www.HarrisonCountyParks.org/welcome or call 712.642.2114. Iowa Bed & Breakfast Innkeepers Association “Hit the Trails” to Bed & Breakfast hospitality! Look for a member B&B in the Western Trails area of your choice and wander . . . relax . . . sit back and enjoy the scenery from a front porch swing . . . ride a bicycle into town . . . hike a trail and return to a quiet soak in a tub. Make your getaway plans today! Contact us for a Free 2008 Directory of Iowa Bed & Breakfasts at 800.88-INNS (4667). Johnny Carson Birthplace Johnny Carson, born October 23, 1925, in Corning, Iowa, was the host of TV’s Tonight Show for 30 years. Visit Johnny’s birthplace home to experience his humble beginnings. The birthplace home museum is a newly initiated project in the process of being completely restored with period furnishings. While in Corning, stop by the French Icarian Village, tour the Corning Opera House, wander the Corning Center for the Fine Arts, and visit Adams County Speedway and the Adams County House of History. Adams County is one of fifteen Iowa Great Places. Come enjoy Corning — a Great American Main Street — on your way to visit this newest national treasure, the Johnny Carson Birthplace Museum. For additional information, contact us at 500 13th Street, Corning, IA, Visit www.johnnycarsonbirthplace.org, or call 641.322.5229. Northwest Iowa Trails Area You’re FREE TO ROAM our Northwest Iowa Tours, Loops & Trails all year round. Build your own adventure: First float on the Little Sioux River, paddling the Trumpeter Trail, and scope out the birds along the way. Stop to cast a line into one of the many area lakes and rivers and take a break to smell the wild prairie flowers. Go wild with the wildlife — roll out your sleeping bag in one of our campgrounds. Or relax and warm your heart in one of our cozy cabins. Treat yourself to the amazing hospitality of the Hannah Marie Inn and delve into the rich history of northwest Iowa. Bike our trails all summer long and set your sights on the emerging fall colors — or plan ahead to soothe your spirit on skis and snowshoes! Don’t miss a chance to paint an image with the arts — stay awhile and enjoy all of the sights and activities northwest Iowa has to offer! For additional information, or for a schedule of upcoming events and celebrations, contact us at www.spenceriowachamber.org, or call 712.262.3304. Southwest Iowa Trails Area Southwest Iowa has something for everyone! Start near Lewis and tour the Historic Hitchcock House, a station on the Underground Railroad and recently designated a National Historic Landmark. Travel eight miles on Highway 48 to stop at the Rush Ford Collection. In Griswold see the recently refurbished Cass County Historical Museum, and then just cross the street to Trail Dolls and Treasures! Go back in time at the Rush IH Farm Display, featuring antiques and antique farm equipment. Bierbaum Tractor Museum will interest the men and women alike, as will Baiers Deer Collection and Eshelman’s tractors in nearby Lyman and Elliott. Griswold restaurants are only too happy to serve up a delicious meal to top off your adventures! To obtain additional information or a schedule of events, contact us at www.hitchcockhouse.org, www.casscountymuseumiowa.com, or call us at 712.784.3391. central trails Great Western Trail The Great Western Trail, running for 17 miles, connects quintessential rural Iowa landscapes with the burgeoning urban areas of Des Moines. A trip along the Great Western Trail is a journey through history. Built on a converted railbed, the trail follows the same path that travelers took through Iowa in the early 1900s. Trail users can also learn about Iowa’s natural history, witnessing prairie and wetland remnants along the railroad bed. Length: 17 miles Surface: Asphalt on converted railbed Cinder Path Scenic Cinder Path, Iowa’s first rail trail, winds its way through 13 miles of the Chariton River Valley in south central Iowa. Established between Chariton and Humeston, the trail is heavily lined with native Iowa timber and is also home to wildflowers, prairie areas, and wildlife. A covered bridge, 16 wooden bridges, and a 20-foot lookout tower add to this charming trail. Because the trail surface can be rough, all-terrain bike tires are recommended. Length: 14 miles Surface: Cinder, crushed limestone Raccoon River Valley Trail The Raccoon River Valley Trail offers 56 scenic miles that wind through the Raccoon River Greenbelt. RRVT’s prairie remnants and bottomland timber areas are reminiscent of early Iowa when the railroad was constructed here. Trees line much of the asphalt trail, creating a tunnel or canopy effect. Other areas have patches of native prairie wildflowers and grasses, creating a patchwork of habitat for a variety of wildlife. Length: 56 miles Surface: Asphalt; Concrete 4 miles south of Jefferson Summerset Trail The Summerset Trail ties together a variety of natural settings as it travels through three public recreation areas. Built on a converted railbed, this trail gives visitors a glimpse of a number of central Iowa’s rural towns and natural settings. Stretching almost 12 miles, the Summerset Trail passes through rolling hills, river bottom wetlands, and remnant prairies. Its gentle grade and paved surfaces provide nature lovers and recreational enthusiasts with a number of activities, including biking, hiking, bird watching, nature photography, jogging, and cross-country skiing. Length: 11 miles Surface: Asphalt on converted railbed Three Rivers Trail The Three Rivers Trail offers miles of marshes, river valleys, and open prairie. The trail crosses the Boone River and the east and west forks of the Des Moines River in northern Iowa. This unique corridor travels through both space and time, following a former stagecoach route between Bradgate and Rutland. All of its 36 railway bridges remain intact and are incorporated into the trail route. Length: 44 miles Surface: Crushed limestone on converted railbed Neal Smith Trail The Neal Smith Trail connects to the John “Pat” Dorrian Trail to the south, creating a safe and scenic route from Des Moines’ downtown to Saylorville Lake and Big Creek. The trail, sometimes dominated by its lake view, traverses a range of landscapes, including bottomland, shaded forest, oak uplands, and prairie. Observant visitors will see deer, muskrat, beaver, and other wildlife. Rolling valleys with rustling cottonwoods are sprinkled with picnic areas and beaches. Length: 26 miles Surface: Asphalt Chichaqua Valley Trail Part of a proposed 110-mile trail loop, the Chichaqua Valley Trail crosses the forested banks and timbered bluffs of the Skunk River. Departing from the Bondurant trailhead, CVT passes through young woods that form a protective arch. Trail users then cross a long wooden bridge over the Skunk River, where the trail gradually becomes more open. Kids and adults will enjoy exploring a restored caboose at the Baxter trailhead. Length: 20 miles Surface: Asphalt on converted railbed Heart of Iowa Nature Trail This trail offers expansive views plus significant prairie remnants east of Slater, a pioneer cemetery and historical museum in Maxwell, heavily wooded tracts near Cambridge and Maxwell, and two wetland areas west of Cambridge. Between Collins and Rhodes, trail users cross the Holy Bridge, which is 212 feet long and 60 feet tall. This unique massive concrete arch bridge was built in 1912 to accommodate a railroad over Clear Creek. A double track allows room for horses. Length: 32 miles Surface: Crushed limestone For more information about Iowa Natural Heritage Trails, please visit “Iowa By Trail” www.inhf.org/iowatrails/index.htm. central destinations Barn Quilts of Grundy County Quilt blocks on barns? What an unusual idea. Designed to highlight the rural, agricultural heritage of Grundy County as well as the important folk art of quilting, the Grundy County barn quilt loop features over 40 large quilt blocks that have been painted onto the sides of barns and other farm buildings. As you travel through the countryside, follow the 64-mile loop through the towns of Wellsburg, Reinbeck, Conrad, Beaman, Grundy Center, Morrison, and Dike. Don’t forget to stop in along your way to visit all of the unique and wonderful specialty shops, restaurants, and museums. Bring yourself, or a bus full; we will be glad to welcome you! 705 F Avenue, Grundy Center, IA. Visit www.grundycountyia.com or call 319.825.3606 for more information. Charles City Area From Old Masters at the Mooney Art Collection to vintage Hart-Parr tractors at the Floyd County Historical Museum, Charles City celebrates its heritage. Begin by hiking or biking the five-mile recreational trail built on the former Charley Western Railroad. Next take a walking tour of historic homes, visit the girlhood home of Carrie Chapman Catt, or cross the Cedar River on a 1906 suspension bridge listed on the National Historic Register. The Art Deco-style Charles Theatre offers nightly shows. Visit the Arts Center housed in the old Carnegie Library; check out public art sculptures along the river. www.charlescitychamber.com Dows Historic District Come visit the Historic District — just 2 miles off I-35 at mile marker 159. Follow the signs that lead you into Dows and to the famed Historic District. Visit the restored train depot, which is also an Iowa Welcome Center. Wander across the street to visit the Blacksmith Museum in the home of the Ingebret Evans family. It is a unique two-story home dating from the 1800s. Stop by the Vernon #5 Country Schoolhouse and sit on the reading bench — or the dunce stool! Make your last stop the Dows Mercantile — shop for treasures, antiques, and gifts and enjoy a great dish of ice cream! For additional information or schedules of events, please contact us at 515.852.3595. Floyd County Museum The Museum is proud of its large tractor addition that celebrates Charles City’s heritage of “Founders of the Tractor Industry.” The exhibit includes vintage Hart-Parr and Oliver tractors, product memorabilia, lawn and garden tractors, vintage Oliver motorboats and motors, and Hart-Parr washing machines. There is a one-of-a-kind complete turn-of-the-century drugstore to enjoy, as well as exhibits on log cabin life and rural, county, and city schools. Open all year round, hours are: Mon–Fri 9–4:30 p.m., Sat–Sun 1–4 p.m. 500 Gilbert Street, Charles City, IA For additional information and listings of events, call 515.228.1099 Forest City: Winnebago/Hancock County Line trails The trails include a 10-mile “loop” for walkers or bicycle riders from Bear Creek Golf Course, past Mount Valley Vineyard & Winery, to Pilot Knob State Park. Take time out to enjoy the Pilot Knob State Park paths and visit the second-highest point in Iowa! There are 14 miles of hiking trails for those who prefer to walk through this 700-acre park. Two picnic shelters are available on a reservation basis, as well as picnic tables and fire grills that are plentiful and located in pleasant shaded areas — for when it’s time to take a break from the trails. If you prefer not to visit the park, just continue on to the trail along Hwy 9, which will bring enthusiasts back to Bear Creek Golf Course or on to an additional 2.5 miles of trails. The additional trail winds along the Winnebago River through Pammel Park and leads to the edges of Bear Creek Golf Course, Winnebago Industries Activity Complex, and Heritage Park of North Iowa. For additional information, contact the Forest City Area Chamber of Commerce, 145 East K St, Forest City, IA. Visit www.forestcityia.com, or call 866.585.2092. Garden & Galley Bed & Breakfast Located in Indianola, in the heart of wine country, the Garden & Galley B&B is a getaway you will not want to miss! Sip a glass of native wine while relaxing in one of the Inn’s four themed guest rooms, or take a glass along while strolling and exploring the rolling nine-acre grounds. This 1950s Frank Lloyd Wright-style home has views that will take your breath away! Come enjoy the opera, the yearly Balloon Festival, and much, much more. We specialize in women’s getaway weekends, and gift certificates are available. 1321 S. Jefferson Way, Indianola, IA. 515.961.7749 Grinnell Area Attractions Celebrate art, architecture, and recreation in Grinnell, Jewel of the Prairie. Start at Louis Sullivan’s “jewel box” bank, then sample our distinctive shops. Enjoy lunch at Comeback Cafe and take a walking tour of the community architecture and the Grinnell College campus. Following a dinner of locally grown food at Cafe Phoenix, relax at Carriage House Bed & Breakfast. Next morning, ride our bike trails, picnic at Ahrens Park, and explore the award-winning exhibitions at the Faulconer Gallery. Catch one of our festivals or the Thursday Farmer’s Market and summer music in Central Park. For more information, contact 1.800.700.1723. The Hemken Collection Sixty-five antique and collectible cars, many of them convertibles from the 1940s, are on display at the Hemken Collection Museum in Williams, Iowa. Of special interest are cars no longer manufactured, some of which include Packard, Studebaker, Hudson, Nash, and a rare Playboy vehicle. Housed in a 1901 historic Main Street building, the collection offers, in addition to special interest autos, automobile and service station memorabilia, models, toys, bicycles, and items of local history. Collector Daryl Hemken stressed “conservation rather than restoration,” so all of the vehicles are basically unrestored. The oldest item in the collection is a 1914 Model T Roadster. 202 Main Street, Williams, IA. For additional information please contact us at ddhemken@ncn.net or call 515.689.1047. Iowa Bed & Breakfast Innkeepers Association “Hit the Trails” to Bed & Breakfast hospitality! Look for a member B&B in the Central Iowa Trails area of your choice and wander . . . relax . . . sit back and enjoy the scenery from a front porch swing . . . ride a bicycle into town . . . hike a trail and return to a quiet soak in a tub. Make your get-away plans today! Contact us for a Free 2008 Directory of Iowa Bed & Breakfasts at 800.88-INNS (4667). John Ernest Vinyard & Winery The Kopsa family vineyard & winery is nestled in the hills of central Iowa above the beautiful Iowa River Valley and is also located along the historic Lincoln Highway. JEV produces wonderful grape and fruit wines. Guests can take a tour of the wine-making facility, sample wines, browse the gift shop, and enjoy outdoor entertainment every weekend, May–September. Bus tours available by appointment, banquet room available for rent. Visit JEV in August and September for the annual Grape Picking festival. Volunteer grape pickers are able to register to help pick grapes, receive a t-shirt, enjoy a light lunch, and sample the wines. Hours are Tues–Sun, 11 a.m.–6 p.m., with extended hours in the summer. 3291 N Avenue, Tama, IA. For additional information, or for a calendar of events, visit www.johnernestvineyard.com or call 641.484.8800. Kellogg Historical Society The Historical Society encompasses an eight-building complex started in 1980 and now comprises over 200,000 square feet of display area. The complex includes a main building with mural on front, a factory/bank museum, a vintage country church and schoolhouse, an agricultural building, machine shed and blacksmith shop, and a fully renovated locker building. Popular displays include a 1940s–1950s apartment; the Victorian room and hat shop; our large collections of dinner pails, pitchers, and nativity sets; an iron lung; and our genealogy library. 218 High Street, Kellogg, IA. Call 641.526.3430 for additional information and a schedule of upcoming events. Living History Farms Living History Farms tells the story of 300 years of Iowa history. Explore hands-on exhibits at three working farms, including a 1700 Ioway Indian Farm, 1850 Pioneer Farm, and 1900 Farm. Explore modern agriculture at the Wallace Exhibit Center. Also included in the self-guided tour is the 1875 town of Walnut Hill with a general store, blacksmith, drugstore, print shop, and much more. Visit the Flynn Mansion and Barn, original to the site. Open daily May 1–Sept 1, and Wed–Sun from September 3–October 19. Visit our website at www.lhf.org or call 515.278.5286 for more information and schedules of special events and activities. Madison County Bridges The home of the famed “Bridges of Madison County” is an idyllic destination. Just 15 minutes from both Interstates 35 and 80, Winterset offers quaint shops around the historic downtown square and a 1876 courthouse. Venture to the six scenic covered bridges to explore and picnic, and be sure to join us for our annual Covered Bridge Festival in October! Make a stop at the birthplace of John Wayne and learn more about the life of the iconic movie star. There is so much to see and do in Madison County! For more information, contact or email chamber@madisoncounty.com or contact Madison County Chamber of Commerce at 800.298.6119. Be sure to visit our website at www.madisoncounty.com for event information. Mamie Doud Eisenhower Birthplace History lives at the Museums of the Boone County Historical Society. Visit the birthplace of Boone’s First Lady, Mamie Doud Eisenhower, who was born in Boone on November 14, 1896. Her birthplace has been carefully restored to its Victorian elegance. A library, exhibit area, and gift shop are located on the house’s lower level. A carriage house on the premises contain a 1949 Chrysler Windsor and Mamie’s 1962 Plymouth Valiant. Also experience a walk through Boone County’s recent past decade-by-decade in the 20th Century exhibit at the Boone County Historical Center. For information call 515.432.1907 or visit www.boonecountyhistory.org. Matchstick Marvels Tourist Center Craftsman Patrick Acton turns an ordinary wooden matchstick into incredible works of art. The Matchstick Marvels display is wood art at its best. Millions of matchsticks have been glued together into models of the USS Iowa, the U.S. Capitol, Terrace Hill, the Crooked House, and many more. Fifteen of Acton’s large and small intricate models are on display. More of his creations are on display at Ripley’s Believe It or Not museums all over the world! Visit our unique Matchstick Marvels exhibit at 319 2nd Street, Gladbrook, IA. Open April 1 through March 31, seven days a week from 1 until 5 p.m. Visit www.matchstickmarvels.com for more information regarding the exhibit, or contact us at 641.473.2410. Octagon Center for the Arts Sign up for a class, join in a workshop, or wander the fantastic gallery exhibits in Ames this summer at the Octagon Center for the Arts! Over 20,000 people choose this as an outing on an annual basis, and for good reason. The 5th Street and Douglas location is perfect for adding a great Downtown meal or some shopping to your day, and the constant additions to the galleries make every visit a new experience! Check out the Octagon Shop, which showcases the work of many local and regional artists. Make a special note to attend the Octagon Arts Festival on the fourth Sunday in September each year. For additional information, for a schedule of upcoming events, or to register for a class, visit www.octagonarts.org or contact us at 515.232.5331. Ottumwa Area / American Gothic House Come tour Wapello County. where you can view the house in Eldon that inspired the famous painting American Gothic or take in a show at the Bridge View Center Theatre in Ottumwa! Enjoy nature’s beauty at the many Wapello County Conservation Board sites, including Pioneer Ridge Nature Center and Garrison Rock, and visit the gravesite of our county’s namesake, Chief Wapello. Stay with us at the AmericInn or Hotel Ottumwa, with its 2nd Street Cafe and Tom Tom Tap. Check out downtown Ottumwa, a Main Street Iowa Community, for your dining, recreation, shopping, and sleeping needs! For more information, contact the Ottumwa Area Convention & Visitors Bureau at www.ottumwaiowa.com/cvb or call 641.682.3465. Salisbury House & Gardens Come explore this 42-room mansion tucked away in the midst of tree-lined Des Moines streets. Modeled after the King’s House in Salisbury, England, this American castle is nestled on a ten-acre estate in virgin woodland in the heart of Iowa’s capital city. Regular hours for tours are March 1–December 31, Tuesday–Friday at 1 and 2:30 p.m. Sunday tours also at 1 and 2:30 p.m. 4025 Tonawanda Drive, Des Moines, IA For additional information and schedules of special events, please visit www.salisburyhouse.org or contact us at 515.274.1777. Story County Trail Visit Story County for a unique and inviting adventure! Innkeepers Daphne and Jaime Reyes welcome you to MonteBello Bed & Breakfast Inn, just south of Ames at 3535 530th Avenue. This romantic “prairie hacienda” is decorated with authentic Mexican folklore designs. Enjoy a Mexican vacation right here in the state. Local artist and instructor Jo Myers-Walker will welcome you to her exuberant art studio, The Left Bank Studio, in the 19th-century Union National Bank building at 125 Main Street in Gilbert, just three miles north of Ames. Scenes from Gilbert’s history adorn this delightful “playhouse” containing Jo’s colorful art works. Enjoy some refreshments and create your own piece of art to take with you. Keep going to take in Dick and Letha at DeMoss Pumpkin Farm, one mile west of Gilbert on County Road E-23 (170th Street). Enjoy a farm tour, hayrack rides, farm-fresh fruits and vegetables, homemade breads, preserves, pies, and — of course — pumpkins. Seasonal hours. Winemaker Matt Nissen uses innovative and organic growing practices to raise classic French and hybrid varieties of grapes at Prairie Moon Winery & Vineyard, 3801 W. 190th Street in Ames. Elegant tasting room with works by local artists, plus a fully restored antique bar. Tours available. For additional information, contact the above attractions at MonteBello Bed & Breakfast Inn www.montebellobandbinn.com 515.296.2181 The Left Bank Studio www.theleftbankstudio.com 515.233.1405 DeMoss Pumpkin Farm Email ldemoss@iastate.edu 515.232.7930 Prairie Moon Winery & Vineyard www.prairiemoonwinery.com 515.232.2747 eastern trails Heritage Trail Deep rugged woodlands, sheer limestone bluffs, vibrant wetlands, and primitive prairies are just a few of the great reasons that thousands of visitors enjoy the 26-mile Heritage Trail each year. Named for its rich cultural and natural heritage, the trail also offers farmland scenery nestled between old mining and mill town remnants as it follows the former Chicago Northwestern railbed from Dyersville to Dubuque. Dubuque also features the Floodwall Trail, starting at 16th Street. Length: 26 miles Surface: Crushed limestone on converted railbed RiverWay – Quad Cities The Quad Cities’ scenic trail route along the Mississippi River includes 65 miles of riverside parks, trails, and overlooks between the river bluffs. RiverWay’s meandering riverfront trails invite you to enjoy America’s most famous river by walking or biking, and the Channel Cat Water Taxi provides a scenic and convenient way to cross the river. Bicycles are welcome aboard the water taxi. Length: 65 miles Surface: Paved Cedar Valley Nature Trail This linear park follows a route through the Cedar River bottomlands, along forested riverbanks, and across open fields, where stands of trees are punctuated with sweeping vistas. CVNT is an excellent place to observe deer, woodchucks, wild turkeys, songbirds, and wildflowers. Historical landmarks, large and small communities, archaeological sites, and two restored railroad depots also add to the character of the trail. Length: 52 miles Surface: Crushed limestone (south end) and asphalt (north end) on converted railbed Prairie Farmer Recreation Trail This 20-mile trail, named for a radio show once broadcast in the Midwest, follows the abandoned Milwaukee Railroad line that ran from Calmar to Cresco. Much of the scenery surrounding the trail includes native prairies that have remained undisturbed throughout the years. Many of these prairies contain rare native plant species. Along with native flowers you may have the chance to view native wildlife as well. Length: 20 miles Surface: Crushed limestone on converted railbed Kewash Trail Kewash Trail traverses rich woodland areas and native prairie openings, providing a scenic tour of Iowa’s southern valleys. From Keota to West Chester, the trail corridor contains some reconstructed prairie areas, displaying some native species, such as silver sage, rattlesnake master, gentian, and blazing star. The West Chester to Washington segment is recognized for its beautiful woodlands, unique bridges, and diverse wildlife. Length: 13.8 miles Surface: Crushed limestone on converted railbed; Asphalt in Washington For more information about Iowa Natural Heritage Trails, please visit “Iowa By Trail” www.inhf.org/iowatrails/index.htm. eastern destinations Antique Car Museum of Iowa Conveniently located off of I-80 Exit #242 in Coralville, the Antique Car Museum of Iowa showcases over 70 automobiles dating from 1899 to the present. The museum is also home to a replica Skelly gas station as well as a model train display operated by the Hawkeye Railroad Club. Open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sundays noon to 5 p.m. Large groups welcome and private tours are available. For more information email amy@acmoi.com or call 319.354.3310. Brucemore Located on a 26-acre parklike estate that boasts a Queen Anne style mansion, Brucemore is Iowa’s only National Trust Historic site. Take a tour of the mansion, stroll the fabulous gardens, pack a picnic, or attend Outdoor Theatre. Brucemore is a historic site and so much more. As a community cultural center, Brucemore is alive all year round with concerts, festivals, performances, and activities. For more information and schedules of events, visit www.brucemore.org or call 319.362.7375. Burlington Area Convention and Visitors Bureau Escape to Downtown Burlington! Step out the front door of one of five Bed & Breakfast hotels in downtown Burlington and be greeted by breathtaking views of the Mississippi River. Activities galore are only steps away from your weekend retreat. Activities include a music festival, art fair, a bike criterium, and a variety of cultural events. Boutiques, art galleries, and a wide selection of fine dining are just around the corner. Take a stroll on the trail through Riverview Park or for the more adventurous, take a drive down Snake Alley, “the crookedest street in the world.” The Burlington Bed & Breakfast Association invites you to escape to downtown Burlington. For more information visit www.growburlington.com or contact the Greater Burlington Convention & Visitors Bureau at 800.827.4837. Calkins’ Square Step back in time at Calkins’ Square, home of Dr. Martin Calkins, a country doctor and Wyoming’s first mayor, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The earliest part of the house was built in 1858. The doctor’s office and a monument built as a memorial to the soldiers of Wyoming who served in the Civil War are also located on the square. The doctor’s office along with the home still contain the original items used by Dr. Calkins and his family. For more information visit the web site at http://showcase.netins.net/web/calkinssquare or contact the City of Wyoming at 563.488.3970 (Weekends 319.480.0132). Cedar Trails Partnership Waterloo and Cedar Falls is THE destination for trails in Iowa! With 80+ miles of smooth recreational trails configured in loops that extend through parks, alongside rivers and streams, past hotels and attractions, and into both downtowns, you can choose your adventure. Join us anytime or come celebrate the 13th annual Cedar Trails Festival August 7–10, 2008. Special rides and events include a Tour de Valley Ride, a Poker Ride, the new Bridge to Bridge Ride, and the famous Candlelit Night Ride that begins with music provided by Bob Dorr and The Blue Band. Other special events include a Dog Walk, Bicycle Safety Rodeo, Eco-Triathlon, and more! Visit www.cedartrailspartnership.org for a complete schedule or call 800.728.8431 or 800.845.1955 for a map and other information. Delaware County Historical Museum This nine-building complex, formerly the site of Lenox College, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The museum includes numerous exhibits. A Civil War monument will vie for your attention amid several college buildings containing memorabilia; turn-of-the-century architecture houses farm machinery halls, a vintage one-room school, a restored train depot with a caboose, and a fully restored Reformed Presbyterian Church. Drugstore and natural history displays complement the picnic-friendly landscaped campus. The project is a part of Iowa Scenic Byways trail — Delaware Crossing, so come explore today! Hours: June–Sept, Tues–Sun, 1–4 p.m. or by appointment. College Square on Highway 38, Hopkinton, IA. For additional information, please contact us at www.delcoiowahistory.org or call 563.926.2639. First Fridays Art Walk Fairfield 1st Friday Art Walk, an Iowa Tourism Event of the Year, is a fusion of all types of art and entertainment! Over 500 artists are featured, along with a mind-boggling array of food and entertainment options. This event is held the first Friday of every month on the Fairfield Square. Special dates include May 2–3, when we celebrate the Youth Arts Festival. This event features exhibits and performances by area students. Junkyard Symphony brings its percussion and comedy show to promote environmental health — One man’s junk is Junkyard Symphony’s terrific treasure. June 6–7, All Things Italian transforms the square into an Italian “Piazza” Street Festival featuring music, Madonarri sidewalk art, food, and art with an Italian flair. Visit www.FairfieldArtWalk.com for monthly themes and additional detailed information, or call 641.472.2828. Frontier Motel The Frontier Motel is located in Marquette, Iowa, on the banks of the Mississippi River. Nestled in the beautiful bluffs of northeast Iowa, The Frontier Motel is located in the center of a vacation paradise. The Effigy Mounds National Monument and Pikes Peak State Park are only a short distance away, and the famous Isle of Capri Riverboat Casino and Marina are within walking distance. A fisherman’s dreams will come true with seven stocked trout streams nearby and the mighty Mississippi River at the front door! We offer spacious, clean and comfortable, exceptionally well-kept rooms with all of the latest amenities, including wireless internet, and a large heated outdoor swimming pool.101 S. 1st Street, Marquette, IA 52158. For reservations or information, call 888.681.0144. Heartland Acres “Agribition” Center and the Buchanan County Trail Your trail through scenic Buchanan County begins at the Heartland Acres “Agribition” Center in Independence, Iowa. Here you will receive a hands-on interpretation of the progression of agriculture in the Heartland. View interactive exhibits, antique cars and farm machinery, live animals, and a one-room schoolhouse. Hours: Monday-Saturday 9–5 p.m., Sunday Noon–5 p.m. Next, take a self-guided trip through the Old Order Amish Community situated between Independence and Hazelton. Add in a tour of the Buchanan County Barn Quilt Sites. For a slice of nature, complete your day with a stop at Fontana Park and Interpretive Center. www.heartlandacresusa.com or 319.332.0123. Fontana Interpretive – 319.636.2617 Iowa Bed & Breakfast Innkeepers Association “Hit the Trails” to Bed & Breakfast hospitality! Look for a member B&B in the Eastern Trails area of your choice and wander . . . relax . . . sit back and enjoy the scenery from a front porch swing . . . ride a bicycle into town . . . hike a trail and return to a quiet soak in a tub. Make your getaway plans today! Contact us for a FREE 2008 Directory of Iowa Bed & Breakfasts at 800.88-INNS (4667). MUuscatine Area Trail Visit the historic Muscatine area for a day or weekend you will not soon forget! Take in the Muscatine Art Center’s exhibits or a class. Visit the Muscatine History & Industry Center to view the fantastic history and collections of buttons — an industry that helped to build this eastern Iowa community. Wander through Wildcat Den State Park and visit the Pine Creek Grist Mill along the way. All the area attractions appreciate donations, but most of all your interest. For additional information and schedules of events, contact: Muscatine Art Center 1314 Mulberry Avenue, Muscatine, IA. Call 563.263.8282. Hours: Tues–Fri, 10 a.m.to 5 p.m., Thurs 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Sat–Sun 1 to 5 p.m. Muscatine History & Industry Center 117 W Second Street, Muscatine, IA 563.263.1052 Hours: Tues–Sat 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Pine Creek Grist Mill/ Wildcat Den State Park Pinecreekgristmill.com Hours: June–mid-September Wed–Sun 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. Muscatine County Visitor Information Meetmuscatine.com or call 800.25.PEARL Silos & Smokestacks National Heritage Area Silos & Smokestacks National Heritage Area is one of 37 federally designated heritage areas in the nation and is an Affiliated Area of the National Park Service. The Heritage Area covers 37 counties in the northeast quadrant of Iowa. Interstate 80 borders it on the south and Interstate 35 borders it on the west. From dairy farms and museums to vineyards and tractor assembly tours, the story of American agriculture comes to life at more than 100 sites and attractions within the Heritage Area. To learn more about Silos & Smokestacks National Heritage Area, please visit us at www.silosandsmokestacks.org. UNI Gallery of Art The University of Northern Iowa (UNI) Gallery of Art is an educational complement to the UNI Department of Art and a cultural resource for the UNI and Cedar Valley communities. The most outstanding and challenging work, innovative artists, and exciting speakers in the art world are presented in nine rotating exhibits throughout the academic year, showcasing a wide range of exciting and diverse contemporary artwork. All exhibitions, lectures, opening receptions, and published materials are free and open to the public. Current and past programming may be accessed through our website at www.uni.edu/artdept/gallery/ or by calling 319.273.6134 or 319.273.2077. UNI Museums Make your way to Cedar Falls and the UNI Museums to experience natural history exhibits featuring items from shells to mastodon bones, African mammals to Peruvian textiles. Changing exhibits highlight a variety of cultural and international themes. This summer, experience Earth from Space, a traveling exhibition from the Smithsonian Institution, on display through June 28, and gaze upon exquisite African masks and sculptures in Visions of Africa, on exhibit July 21–Dec 20. Discover. Learn. Be inspired . . . with the UNI Museums. For additional information, or for a schedule of events, visit www.uni.edu/museum or call 319.273.2188. Villages of Van Buren Named as a destination in 1,000 Places to See in the U.S. & Canada Before You Die. You’ll find no stoplights and no fast-food restaurants in our 12 villages, but you will find plenty of fun things to do! Make your plans to stay in the newly renovated Bonaparte Inn B&B located in Bonaparte. Or you may prefer historic Hotel Manning B&B or the adjacent modern motel in Keosauqua. The Pittsburg General Store, with antiques and collectibles, is west of Keosauqua and home to Robert Norman, Iowa’s only art conservator specializing in oil paintings. Yoder’s Indian Creek Furniture, south of Lebanon, is a “must see” — beautiful hand-crafted furniture, gazebos, and more. Iron & Lace in Bentonsport welcomes visitors with demonstrations of blacksmithing and beautiful Queen Anne’s lace pottery. Family camping may be enjoyed at Waubonsie Trail Park Campground, located in Cantril, off Highway 2 on West North Street. In Keosauqua, the Village Super Center is the place to go for a bargain shopping extravaganza with extreme savings on all types of merchandise! Your visit wouldn’t be complete without a stop in Hel-Mart in Farmington; be sure to visit the Doll House and Train Room and then relax in the lounge. Come enjoy all this and more in the Villages of Van Buren! For additional information or schedules of events, contact us at www.villagesofvanburen.com or call us at 800.868.7822. READ MORE IN THIS ISSUE OF THE IOWAN subscribe now
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