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The Iowan's 2009 Destination Trails

Guide to Recreational Trails and Attractions in Iowa

Destinations – Central

To download a PDF of this special section CLICK HERE

Numbered trails and destinations are mapped HERE.

16 – Barn Quilts of Grundy County
“IOWA’S ORIGINAL BARN QUILT PROJECT”
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 55 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
319.825.3606
www.grundycountyia.com

17 – Boone River Recreational Trail
This 5.7-mile multipurpose trail winds along the scenic Boone River, providing visitors a view of natural prairies, farmland, timber, and an abundance of wildlife.
The north trailhead is located in Webster City’s Nokomis Park and the south end at Briggs Woods County Park. The handicap-accessible trail offers fishing jetties, resting areas, picnicking, and recreational opportunities along the entire route. It connects two golf courses, one county park, two campgrounds, three city parks, and one private park.
Interpretive signs educate users on local history as well as the plants and animals that can be found along the trail.
Length: 5.7 miles / Surface: concrete

18 – 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.
Take a walking tour of historic homes or visit the girlhood home of Carrie Chapman Catt. The Art Deco-style Charles Theatre offers nightly shows at old-time prices. Visit the Arts Center housed in the old Carnegie Library and check out public art sculptures along the river.
Hike or bike the five-mile paved recreational trail built on the former Charley Western Railroad. Summer brings Party in the Park and America’s Hometown July 4th Celebration.
www.charlescitychamber.com

19 – Clear Lake Area
From beautiful, calming sunsets to endless family activities, Clear Lake continues to attract people with its unique setting. Located in north central Iowa, the area attracts visitors to the warm sun, fun, and hospitality.
There are endless activities for your leisure time. From parks, golf, and recreational trails for hiking and biking to our award-winning activities and events, you’ll find fun for the entire family!
Facilities, activities, congeniality, and of course the lake combine to lure visitors back to Clear Lake again and again.
641.357.2159
www.clearlakeiowa.com

20 – Decatur County
Enjoy swimming, boating, skiing, fishing, and camping at Little River Recreation Area.
The Little River Scenic pathway provides two miles of paved walking/biking trail. Visit Slip Bluff and see the beautiful Savanna Oak Restoration and wildlife along nature trails that adorn the park.
New facilities accommodate campers. Equestrian lovers will have a breathtaking ride at Nine Eagles State Park. A new equestrian campground with facilities along with other camping areas is available.
A beautiful beach with modern facilities also welcomes you. Find 43 miles of canoeing, kayaking, and tubing down one of Iowa’s beautiful rivers at Grand River Water Trail.
641.446.4991
www.decaturcountydevelopment.org

21 – 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 year-round, hours are:
Mon–Fri 9–4:30 p.m. Sat–Sun 1–4 p.m.
500 Gilbert Street, Charles City
515.228.1099

22 – Forest City Area
Enjoy year-round activities — hiking, biking, camping, picnicking, hunting, fishing, canoeing, and horseback riding — at area parks, including the 700-acre Pilot Knob State park, featuring a 4-acre floating sphagnum bog known as Dead Man’s Lake.
Celebrate Iowa’s rural heritage at the 91-acre Heritage Park, cool off at the new Aquatic Center, tee off at Bear Creek Golf Course, and unwind at Mount Valley Winery. Fit in a tour of Winnebago Industries and don’t miss the Puckerbrush Festival, July 18.
Forest City Chamber of Commerce
145 East K Street, Forest City
866.585.2092
www.forestcityia.com

23 – 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
515.961.7749

24 – Grinnell Area
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.
800.700.1723.

25 – Hardin County Recreational Trails
Experience the Iowa River Greenbelt in Hardin County on Pine Lake State Park area trails. More than 10 miles of well-developed trails wind through a mix of woodland, river, and lake in the midst of rolling farmland between Steamboat Rock and Eldora.
Pine Lake State Park is 654 acres boasting two lakes, picnic areas, a self-guided nature trail, and a sand beach. Fishing, camping, and cabin rental are available.
To find out more about trail development in Hardin County or to make a tax-deductible donation, contact: P.O. Box 195, Iowa Falls, IA 50126, or email us at: hardincountyrectrails@gmail.com

26 – Heart of Iowa Wine Trail
Explore Iowa’s largest wine trial this summer! Stretching from Tama to Stuart and Leighton to Iowa Falls, the Heart of Iowa Wine Trail offers a unique central Iowa adventure.
Purchase a 2009 “passport” and collect wonderful memories as you traverse the trail, sampling some of the finest wines in the Midwest. Enjoy quiet countrysides and urban ambience as each of the fifteen wineries put its own personal stamp on your experience.
Spend some time this summer getting to know Iowa wines and the interesting people who make them great.
www.heartofiowawinetrail.com

27 – Honey Creek Resort State Park
Honey Creek Resort State Park is just a 90-minute drive south of Des Moines. This new year-round destination offers 105 guest rooms and suites, a 6,500-sq.-ft. convention center, 18-hole championship golf course, 15,000-sq.-ft. indoor water park, dining, RV Park, and a variety of exciting outdoor adventures with interpretive programs and activities. Twenty-eight guest cabins will be open in spring 2009.
The natural setting is sure to inspire both business and leisure guests with a restful lake resort that boasts deluxe amenities and accommodations and an array of indulgent inclusions.
877.677.3344
www.honeycreekresort.com

28 – John Ernest Vineyard & 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
641.484.8800
www.johnernestvineyard.com

29 – Mahaska Community Recreation Trail
The Mahaska County Recreation Trail is nearly complete, with 12 of 15 miles finished. Fully developed, the trail will loop around Oskaloosa and University Park in Mahaska County.
The trail follows an abandoned rail right-of-way that winds through woodlands, agricultural land, and parks. A variety of prairies can be found along the path. Two of the trailheads, Edmundson Park and Bobzilla Bikes, feature parking, restrooms, and water. An additional trailhead with parking exists at the Lacey Recreation Complex.
For more information, contact the Mahaska Community Recreation Foundation at 641.672.2499. A trail map can be found at www.teammahaska.org under “recreation trail” in Oskaloosa.

30 – 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 contains 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.
515.432.1907
www.boonecountyhistory.org

31 – 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.
Open April 1–November 30, 7 days a week from 1 to 5 p.m.
319 2nd Street, Gladbrook
641.473.2410
www.matchstickmarvels.com

32 – Pella Area
Pella Historical Village and the Vermeer Mill are a perfect first stop when visiting historic Pella, located 1 block east of Central Park and 2 blocks from the 13-mile Volksweg walking and biking trail.
Explore Pella’s unique Dutch history with a walking tour of an extensive museum and experience an authentic Dutch working windmill.
The Miniature Dutch Village with over 100 buildings, costumed people, and landscaping built at a scale of 1:24 are part of your museum tour. The Scholte House Museum on the north side of Central Park will add to your “Holland without a passport” day.
Open Mon-Sat 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
641.620.9463
www.pellatuliptime.com

33 – Webster City Area
Do you want to explore? Discover Webster City — Boone River country! Webster City is situated along the beautiful Boone River. Adjacent to this marvelous waterway is a 7-mile trail system that is sure to please all.
Relive history by visiting the Wilson Brewer Depot Complex. Plan a vacation for some canoeing fun at our Boone Bash River Dash June 6 or visit our exquisite 7-B Ranch for the Raspberry Festival June 27. Enjoy camping or stay in one of our lovely hotels. We also offer fantastic shopping!
800.535.8341
www.webstercity-ia.com

We want to hear about your Iowa adventures.
Send feedback and suggestions for 2010 to
pclark@pioneermagazines.com or write to:
The Iowan, ATTN: Destination Trails
218 6th Avenue, Suite 610
Des Moines, IA 50309