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The Iowan's 2009 Destination Trails

Guide to Recreational Trails and Attractions in Iowa

Destinations – West

To download a PDF of this special section CLICK HERE

Numbered trails and destinations are mapped HERE.

34 – Atlantic Area
Welcome to Atlantic! 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. Come visit us today!
www.AtlanticIowa.com

35 – Council Bluffs Area
Nestled among the unique Loess Hills, Hitchcock Nature Center, Honey Creek, Iowa, is a surprising treat!
A newly installed hands-on educational center will thrill the entire family. Breathtaking views from the expansive veranda, the 150-degree hawk observation tower, and 10 miles of hiking trails are must-see amenities. The Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge between Council Bluffs, Iowa, and Omaha, Nebraska, is the first in the nation to link two states.
A stunning destination, the bridge links 150 miles of biking and hiking trails.
For more information on Council Bluffs and Pottawattamie County, Iowa, call 800.228.6878 for your free 2009 Visitor Guide.

36 – Creston Area/Union County
Welcome to Creston and Union County, located in the beautiful rolling hillsides of southwest Iowa. Enjoy our many lakes, including Three Mile Lake, Twelve Mile Lake, and Green Valley State Park.
Explore our railroad past. Take time to visit us the third weekend in September and enjoy over 60 balloons as we celebrate the 32nd Annual Creston/SW Iowa Hot Air Balloon Days.
Take time to visit historic Mt. Pisgah, situated on the Mormon Trail and home to the remains of a rest camp on the Mormon trek from Nauvoo to Salt Lake City.
641.782.7022
www.unioncountyiowatourism.com

37 – Guthrie County
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.
Don’t forget to take a “Trail Break” at one of the many unique and delicious shops and restaurants that abound in the area.
641.755.2989
www.guthriecountytourism.com

38 – Southwest Iowa Area Attractions
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 (www.hitchcockhouse.org).
Travel eight miles on Highway 48 and stop at Rush Ford Collection. In Griswold see the recently refurbished Cass County Historical Museum (www.casscountymuseumiowa.com).
Cross the street to Trail Dolls and Treasures (http://traildollsia.com).
Go back in time at the Rush IH Farm Display, featuring antiques and antique farm equipment.
The men will enjoy Bierbaum Tractor Museum (rwbsab@netins.net) as well as Baiers Deer Collection and Eshelman’s Tractors in nearby Lyman and Elliot.
Griswold restaurants serve delicious meals.

39 –Spencer Area
Immerse yourself in Spencer with diverse year-round entertainment, recreational opportunities, and experiences beyond your imagination!
Stroll Spencer’s Historic Grand Avenue and Cultural District and visit the many shops. Plunge into Spencer’s Aquatic Center. Explore the city trails. See “The Gathering,” Iowa’s millennium public art project. Enjoy rounds of golf at your choice of two courses. Visit art galleries, interact with artists, and see performances at the community theatre or at the art museum. Attend the Clay County Fair; rest at a nearby bed-and-breakfast, campground, or local motel.
We invite you to “Sparkle in Spencer and Ignite Your Imagination!”
www.spencercreates.com

40 – Stanton Area
This community, founded in 1869 by Swedish immigrants, maintains its heritage by celebrating Midsommar, Santa Lucia, and other traditional festivities.
Stanton is well-known as home of the world’s largest “Swedish Coffee Pot” water tower, and recently a second tower was constructed to resemble a coffee cup and saucer. Both are painted with rosemaled designs.
The Swedish Heritage Cultural Center, built in 1885 and used as a school until 1992, is now a museum with exhibits that celebrate the town’s history and progress. The museum grounds also house a restored one-room schoolhouse.
www.StantonIowa.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