| SUBSCRIBE | GIVE A GIFT | IOWAN STORE | ADVERTISE | CONTRIBUTORS | CONTACT | DISCOVER IOWA DIRECTORY | DESTINATION TRAILS |
|
2008 Iowa Heritage Tourism Guide Each year we bring our readers this list of interesting sites to visit and places to see while traveling the state. Each location defines a significant piece of Iowa history that continues to influence us and remind us who we are and where we come from, as individuals and as a state. Use this guide as you plan your trips throughout the state. Enjoy touring our state’s important heritage sites. ADAIR COUNTY HISTORICAL COMPLEX Established 1966. Museum, country schoolhouse, historic chapel, depot, Gov. Wilson’s home, tourist cabin, antique machinery, and Dixon Terry Memorial. Open May–Oct., 1–4:30 p.m. 2393 South Lakeview Drive (Highway 92 West), Greenfield. 641-743-2232. ADEL The French Chateau-style 4-story Dallas County courthouse is the centerpiece of Adel’s architecturally diverse downtown business district. Surrounded by brick streets, the courthouse is considered one of the finest examples of civic architecture in Iowa. Annual Sweet Corn Festival August 11, 2007. Visit www.adeliowa.org or call 515-993-5472. AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORICAL MUSEUM OF IOWA Features the voyage of African Americans from western Africa through slavery to their contributions in present-day Iowa. 55 12th Ave. SE, Cedar Rapids, 319-862-2101, www.blackiowa.org. THE HISTORIC AMANA COLONIES Seven unique villages. Artisans, specialty shops, historic sites, championship golf, recreational trails, legendary dining, heirloom furniture, wineries, and a microbrewery. 800-579-2294 for FREE Visitors Guide, www.AmanaColonies.com. BELLE PLAINE HISTORICAL SOCIETY July 7, Wallace Winkie 4-County Poker Run. Breakfast at 8 a.m. Bikes leave at 10 a.m. Aug. 25, Tractorcade leaves at 10 a.m. Sept. 7–9, Jumbo Well Days: cemetery walk, induction into Hall of Fame, all-school banquet, hot air balloon liftoff, plus much more. Visit www.belleplaineareamuseum.org. BELMOND PRAIRIE HOMESTEAD A working antique farm that includes many activities for the whole family. Antique Power & Country Craft Show, Aug. 17–19, 2007, featuring International Harvester tractors and equipment, plus gas engines and Cub Cadet. The site also includes a one-room schoolhouse and an Art Center Museum. Open weekends. 1179 Taylor Avenue, Belmond. 641-444-4635. BENTONSPORT HISTORIC DISTRICT Scenic 1840s historic village, offering pottery and blacksmithing, Indian artifact museum, scroll woodworking, crafts, artwork, antiques, cheese curds, and flavored honey. Enjoy rose gardens, campgrounds and B&Bs. See southeast Iowa’s hidden treasures! Contact Greef General Store: 319-592-3579, www.greefstore.com. BONAPARTE MAIN STREET Village of Bonaparte, Iowa. National Historic District boasts historic mills, Des Moines Riverfront, Bonaparte Pottery. Downtown After Sundown, July 28, 7–10 p.m.; Chocolate Tasting Fest, September 15; Bonaparte Pottery Tour, September 15. 319-592-3400. www.bonaparte-iowa.com. Email: mainst@bonaparte-iowa.com. BOONE & SCENIC VALLEY RAILROAD Enjoy a 1-3/4 hour (2-1/2 hour for dinner) train ride through the scenic Des Moines River Valley. Cross a 156-foot high bridge. Steam, diesel and electric train power. Open Memorial Day weekend through October, plus winter holiday train rides. 800-626-0319 or www.scenic-valleyrr.com. BRUCEMORE 2160 Linden Drive SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52403. Located on a 26-acre park-like estate that boasts a Queen Anne-style mansion. Tours, festivals, outdoor theatre, and music concerts. 319-362-7375, www.brucemore.org. HISTORIC CEDAR FALLS This Great American Main Street and downtown Iowa Cultural District offers memorable experiences. Five historic museums, oldest continuously operating hotel in Iowa, renovated theatre, restaurants, public art, trails and shopping — all within strolling distance. 800-845-1955 or www.cedarfallstourism.org. CEDAR ROCK (THE WALTER HOUSE) BY FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT 2611 Quasqueton Diagonal Blvd., Independence, IA 50644. Open May through October, Tuesday through Sunday. Tour an excellent example of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Usonian home genre. First tour departs visitor center at 11:00 a.m. Groups of 6 or more should preregister. 319-934-3572 (office). 1848 AUTHENTIC DANISH WINDMILL Visit Elk Horn, Iowa, and experience old world traditions. Climb to the top of the working 60-foot windmill. Large Danish import shop and welcome center. 800-759-9192 or www.danishwindmill.com. DELAWARE COUNTY HISTORICAL MUSEUM Nine buildings, Civil War Monument at old Lenox College Campus (on National Register) on Iowa Scenic Byway. Vintage Market, September 16, 2007. Hopkinton. 563-926-2639, www.delcoiowahistory.org. GERMAN AMERICAN HERITAGE CENTER 712 W. 2nd St., Davenport, IA 52802-1410. A regional museum depicting the German American immigration experience. Open Tuesdays through Sundays, 1–4 p.m. Gift Shop has unique German gifts — Nutcrackers, smokers, IngeGlas ornaments, cookbooks and more. Phone: 563-322-8844. Website: www.gahc.org. Email: director@gahc.org. GRANT WOOD STUDIO 810 Second Avenue SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52401. Take a guided tour of the original studio where Cedar Rapids native and internationally famous artist Grant Wood lived and worked from 1924 through 1934. Call 319-366-7503 or visit www.grantwoodstudio.org. GRINNELL Visit our world-class small town, featuring Grinnell Historic Commercial District with the National Landmark 1914 Louis Sullivan “Jewel Box” Bank. Grinnell College’s Faulconer Gallery features exhibitions of distinction year-round. 800-700-1723, www.grinnellchamber.org. HARRISON COUNTY HISTORICAL VILLAGE 2931 Monroe Ave., near Missouri Valley. 712-642-2114. www.HarrisonCountyParks.org/welcome. Original log cabin and schoolhouse, plus additional display buildings. Located on Loess Hills National Scenic Byway. HERITAGE PARK OF NORTH IOWA Hwys 69 & B-14, Forest City. Dedicated to the preservation of America’s rural heritage. 91 acres, with equipment and collections from the Holtan Farm Museum and many other North Iowa buildings. 2007 events: July 7–8, Heritage Festival; Aug. 11, Tractor Ride; Sept. 14–15, Steam Threshing Days & Old Iron Swap; Sept. 29, Frontier Day & rodeo. 641-585-4332, www.heritageparkofnorthiowa.com. THE HIGGINS MUSEUM 1507 Sanborn Ave., Okoboji. 712-332-5859. Museum is devoted to acquiring, preserving, and displaying the notes and artifacts of the National Banks. These notes often are called “America’s commemorative paper money.” Largest permanent exhibit in the U.S. Open mid-May–mid-Sept., Tues–Sun, 11–5:30. NATIONAL HOBO CONVENTION 107th year! August 9–12, 2007, in Britt. Tons of family fun! Gather with the hobos ‘round the campfire. Crown the King and Queen, eat Mulligan stew, enjoy the parade, rides, flea market, classic car show, 5K/10K Walk-Run, and more. 641-843-4433 or email: cityofbritt@mchsi.com. HOMETOWN PERRY, IOWA 1102 Willis Ave., Perry. This world-class museum experience tells the story of the contributions small towns made to America by focusing on the immigrants who settled them. A collection of meticulously restored buildings, including a Carnegie Library. 515-465-2518, www.hometownperryiowa.org. HOTEL MANNING B&B AND RIVERVIEW INN Located on the Des Moines River in downtown Keosauqua. The historic Hotel B&B has 16 antique-furnished rooms, plus a 3-bedroom suite. Serving Sunday buffet. The Riverview Inn has 19 modern rooms with TV, telephones and wireless high speed internet. Three fully-furnished log cabins available on the river. 800-728-2718, www.thehotelmanning.com. IOWA AVIATION MUSEUM – GREENFIELD AIRPORT Taildraggers to space shuttles. Vintage aircraft. Aviation memorabilia. Iowa Aviation Hall of Fame. email: aviation@iowatelecom.net, www.flyingmuseum.com. Open Monday–Saturday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; Sunday, 1–5 p.m. 641-343-7184. IOWA BED & BREAKFAST INKEEPERS ASSOCIATION Members meet IBBIA’s Quality Standards. Call for a free directory: 800-888-INNS (4667) (Iowa only) or 712-580-4242. Order the new Iowa Travel Guide & Cookbook. Gift certificates available. www.iabedandbreakfast.com. IOWA HALL OF PRIDE Hands-on exhibits tell the stories of Iowa’s communities and their heroes. All Iowa kids admitted FREE. Located at 330 Park Street, downtown Des Moines. 515-280-8969, www.iowahallofpride.com. JONES COUNTY TOURISM/HISTORIC PRESERVATION 120 East Main, Anamosa. Hale Bridge (a three-span bow string bridge) and home of “American Gothic” artist Grant Wood. Individual/group tour planning available.Phone: 800-383-0831, Email: jciatour@n-connect.net. www.jonescountytourism.com LAURA INGALLS WILDER PARK & MUSEUM 3603 236th Avenue, Burr Oak, IA. The only childhood home of this famous “Little House on the Prairie” author that remains on its original site. 563-735-5916, www.lauraingallswilder.com. LIVING HISTORY FARMS 2600 111th St., Urbandale. Travel through 300 years of agricultural history. Native American 1700 farm, pioneer 1850 farm, 1900 farm, 1875 town with boardwalks. General season runs May 1 – third Sunday in October. Exit #125 off I-35/80. 515-278-5286. www.LivingHistoryFarms.org. LUCAS COUNTY HISTORICAL MUSEUM 123 N. 17th Street, Chariton. Six buildings, authentically furnished. 1908 home (on National Register of Historic Places), country school, church, log cabin, barn, mining displays. Open afternoons only, Tuesday through Saturday, or by appointment. Call 641-774-4464. MARSHALL CENTER ONE-ROOM SCHOOLHOUSE University of Northern Iowa Campus. Step back in time and appreciate Iowa’s rich history in rural education at this authentic 1893 schoolhouse. www.uni.edu/museum, 319-273-2188. MARSHALLTOWN Make Marshalltown YOUR destination for memorable meetings, winning tournaments, and picture-perfect moments. Enjoy affordable lodging, dining, and fun for all ages! Named 2003 Iowa Tourism “Community of the Year.” 800-697-3155, www.VisitMarshalltown.com. NATIONAL CZECH & SLOVAK MUSEUM & LIBRARY In the Czech Village at 30 16th Ave. SW, Cedar Rapids. Internationally known for permanent and changing exhibits featuring exquisite folk art and costumes, fine art, history, 1880 immigrant home. Annual July dance festival. Museum store. 319-362-8500, www.NCSML.org. NEW LONDON’S DOVER HISTORICAL MUSEUM Located in a combination 1909 glove factory/Masonic temple, later a creamery. Displays include former businesses, photos, quilts, military, agriculture, “one-room school.” Genealogy, cemetery and county records. Open 1-4 Sat.-Sun., May-Nov., or by appointment. 877-468-7700, www.dovermuseum.org. ORANGE CITY Orange City is more than windmills and Dutch architecture. Unique shops and historical attractions easily fill your day. A true ethnic experience awaits you. 712-707-4510; www.orangecityiowa.com; email: octulip@orangecitycomm.net. PLYMOUTH COUNTY HISTORICAL MUSEUM 335 First Ave. SW, Le Mars, 712-546-7002. www.plymouthcountymuseum.homestead.com/museum.html. One of Iowa’s largest local heritage museums. Five floors of exhibits, plus Civil War-era cabin. Open Tues.–Sun., 1–5. Religious Heritage Room features 100-year-old painting of Christ. New! Medical History Room. REIMAN GARDENS A beautiful 14-acre public educational horticultural garden located in Ames, with a year-round indoor butterfly flight house, a 5,000-square-foot indoor conservatory with changing displays, cafe, gift shop, learning center, and many unique garden areas. reimangardens@iastate.edu, 515-294-2710. SALISBURY HOUSE & GARDENS HISTORIC HOUSE AND MUSEUM This 42-room English Tudor-style mansion, located in Des Moines, is filled with world-class art, antiques, rare books. For tour and special event information: 515-274-1777, www.salisburyhouse.org. SILOS AND SMOKESTACKS NATIONAL HERITAGE AREA From dairy farms and museums to vineyards and tractor plants, join us for an agricultural experience you won’t find anywhere else. Our sites, programs and events tell the rich story of farm life and agribusiness. 319-234-4567, www.silosandsmokestacks.org. STORY CITY Come enjoy our 1913 Antique Carousel, Story Theatre/Grand Opera House, 1800s historical furniture maker, 3 museums, 1938 Swinging Bridge, shopping, and exceptional dining, all in a beautiful community! Information: www.storycity.net, chamber@storycity.net, 515-733-4214. SWEDISH-AMERICAN MUSEUM Valkommen till Swedesburg, Iowa, a center of Swedish Heritage and home of the Swedish- American Museum. Open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., except Wednesdays and Sundays. Swedesburg is in Henry County, 10 miles north of Mt. Pleasant on Hwy 218/27. Call 319-254-2317 or email swedish@lisco.com. SWEDISH HERITAGE AND CULTURAL CENTER This professionally designed museum, nestled in the small rural town of Stanton, relates the community’s heritage to visitors through the display of artifacts, photos, papers, documents, books, and video. Three floors of historical information and displays. 712-829-2840, shcc@myfmtc.com. TERRACE HILL 2300 Grand Avenue, Des Moines. National Historic Landmark and Iowa Governor’s Residence. Public tours given Tuesdays through Saturdays from March to December (closed holidays). Special events, gift shop. 515-281-3604, www.terracehill.org. UNION PACIFIC RAILROAD MUSEUM 200 Pearl St., Council Bluffs, IA. 712-329-8307, www.up.com. Open Tuesday–Saturday, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Free admission. Explore 140 years of history, from building the first transcontinental railroad to the modern freight transportation system of today. UNIVERSITY OF NORTHERN IOWA MUSEUM 3219 Hudson Road, Cedar Falls. Explore natural history exhibits of animals, birds, and fossils, as well as human history from around the world. www.uni.edu/museum, 319-273-2188. USHERS FERRY HISTORIC VILLAGE Located in Cedar Rapids. Take a step back in time to a small Iowa town at the turn of the 20th century . . . before electricity or even indoor plumbing! Experience our “Hard Work and Simple Pleasures” tour. Call 319-286-5763 or visit www.ufhv.com. VESTERHEIM NORWEGIAN-AMERICAN MUSEUM Explore the American immigrant experience with 24,000 artifacts and 16 historic buildings that showcase the best in Norwegian folk and fine arts. In scenic Decorah. 563-382-9681, www.vesterheim.org. WESTERN HISTORIC TRAILS CENTER 4 historic trails: Lewis & Clark, Mormon Pioneer, California, Oregon. Sculpture, interactive exhibits, displays, gift shop, hiking/biking trails, geocaching, 5 National Parks Passport stamps. Council Bluffs. Call for special 10th anniversary programming. 712-366-4900, www.iowahistory.org/sites. WHITEROCK RESORT Formerly the Garst Farm Resort, Whiterock Resort is in 4,300 acres of beautiful Middle Raccoon River valley. Camping, cottages, guest rooms, canoeing, astronomy, nature hikes, miles of trails. Local heritage tours offered. Visit www.whiterockconservancy.org or call us at 712-684-2964.
|
