The Iowan

2009 Iowa Heritage Tourism Guide
sponsored by the Iowa Gaming Association

Explore. Learn. Savor. Discover. Reconnect.

Each year The Iowan offers readers the “Iowa Heritage Tourism Guide,” a special pull-out section exploring fascinating historical sites across the state. Early Iowans came from around the world, and their cultural traditions are still celebrated today. Each location in our guide has a unique connection to Iowa’s past — and the people who helped shape the state into the wondrous place it is today.

We invite you to use our guide to plan your summer excursions. Journey across our vast and resplendent landscape; learn where we came from and what made us who we are today. Discover Iowa’s heritage — and envision our future.

Planning a Trip?
Visit Iowa’s regional tourism websites:
Central Iowa Tourism
www.iowatourism.com
Western Iowa Tourism
www.traveliowa.org
Eastern Iowa Tourism
www.easterniowatourism.org
For statewide tourism information visit
www.traveliowa.com
Looking for information on Iowa’s state parks, fishing and other
outdoor recreation? Visit www.iowadnr.com

Call Before You Go:
Hours and exhibits may have been changed since press time, please call ahead.

Get the Guide:
The complete printed guide includes a numbered map. Pick it up at any of the participating locations in the list below, or download the PDF: CLICK HERE

Where to Stay:
IOWA BED & BREAKFAST INNKEEPERS ASSOCIATION
After touring Iowa’s historic sites, relax at one of our B&Bs. All inns
are inspected. Call for a FREE directory.
Phone: 712-580-4242 or (toll-free in Iowa only) 800-888-INNS (4667)
Web: www.iabedandbreakfast.com

What to Do:
Visit these locations to explore, learn, savor, discover,
and reconnect with Iowa's rich Heritage.

ADAIR COUNTY HISTORICAL COMPLEX
Established 1966. Museum, country schoolhouse, historic chapel, depot, Governor 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.
Phone: 641-743-2232

ADEL
The French chateau-style four-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 8.
Phone: 515-993-5472
Web: partners.adeliowa.org

BARN QUILTS OF GRUNDY COUNTY
Tour “Iowa’s Original Barn Quilt Project” in Grundy County. Learn about the rural and agricultural heritage of the area by viewing over 55 quilt blocks painted on farm buildings. Call or visit the website for tour information.
Phone: 319-825-3606
Web: www.grundycountyia.com

BELLE PLAINE HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Visit Historic Belle Plaine, now being restored to its earlier splendor. See the largest sculpted brick mural in Iowa, depicting area history (to be dedicated in early November); the Lincoln Highway; Chicago Northwestern Railway artifacts; and a replica of the Jumbo Well.
Web: www.belleplaineareamuseum.org

BELMOND PRAIRIE HOMESTEAD
A working antique farm that includes many activities for the whole family. Prairie Homestead Antique Power & Country Craft Show, Aug. 14–16, 2009, featuring John Deere tractors and equipment, plus gas engines. The site also includes a one-room schoolhouse and an Art Center Museum.
Open Sunday afternoons.
1179 Taylor Avenue, Belmond.
Phone: 641-444-4635

BONAPARTE INN
The Bonaparte Inn is a beautifully restored building overlooking the Des Moines River. Amenities include a full breakfast buffet, complimentary appetizers, large- and small-group function space, catering, and full liquor service.
802 First Street, Bonaparte.
Phone: 319-592-3823 or 800-319-3234
Web: www.bonaparteinn.com

BOONE & SCENIC VALLEY RAILROAD
Enjoy train rides through the
scenic Des Moines River Valley. Cross a 156-foot-high bridge.
Open daily Memorial Day
weekend through October.
Phone: 800-626-0319
Web: www.scenic-valleyrr.com

BRADFORD PIONEER VILLAGE MUSEUM
Highway 346, east of Nashua, Iowa,
next to the famous Little Brown Church. Tours available. Admission charged. Open May 1–Oct. 31.
Phone: 641-435-2567
Web: www.chickasawtrails.com

CEDAR ROCK (THE WALTER HOUSE) BY FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT
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 a.m. Groups of six or more should preregister. 2611 Quasqueton Diagonal Blvd., Independence.
Phone: 319-934-3572 (office)

CEDAR VALLEY TRAILS FESTIVAL
Waterloo and Cedar Falls are THE destination for trails in Iowa! Join us for the 14th annual Cedar Trails Festival August 6-9. Special rides, events, live music, lots of family-friendly activities — even a Dog Walk! For maps and other information call 800-845-1955. Call for a complete schedule of events.
Phone: 800-728-8431
Web: www.cedarvalleytrailspartnership.org

CLEAR LAKE
“Take your break in Clear Lake!” Call or visit the website for a FREE Visitor’s Guide.
Phone: 800-285-5338
Web: www.clearlakeiowa.com

THE DANISH IMMIGRANT MUSEUM
Share the stories and experiences of Danish immigrants. Family History & Genealogy Center on Main St.; Bedstemor’s House on College St.; Find unique items in the Museum Shop. Open all year.
2212 Washington St., Elk Horn.
Phone: 800-759-9192
Web: www.danishmuseum.org

1848 AUTHENTIC DANISH WINDMILL
Visit Elk Horn and experience Old World traditions. Climb to the top of the working 60-foot windmill built in Denmark. Enjoy the new Viking Hjem depicting the life of a Viking smithy in 900 A.D. Large Danish import shop and welcome center.
Phone: 800-451-7960
Web: www.danishwindmill.com

DELAWARE COUNTY HISTORICAL MUSEUM
A nine-building complex, formerly Lenox College (on the National Register of Historic Places), with numerous exhibits. Located on Delaware Crossing Scenic Byway (Hwy 38), Hopkinton.
Phone: 563-926-2639
Web: www.delcoiowahistory.org

DES MOINES COUNTY HERITAGE CENTER
A new and exciting county history museum in an elegant, historic building. Summer hours: Tue-Sat, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sun, noon to 5 p.m.; winter hours: Wed-Sun, noon to 5 p.m.
501 No. 4th St., Burlington.
Phone: 319-752-7449
Web: www.dmchs.org

GERMAN AMERICAN HERITAGE CENTER
The German American Heritage Center was among the earliest of German hotels in Scott County, a mecca for immigrants. Today the Center is a museum offering programs, tours, an interactive exhibit, and two restored hotel rooms.
712 W. 2nd St., Davenport
Phone: 563-322-8844
Web: www.gahc.org

HARRISON COUNTY HISTORICAL VILLAGE
Original log cabin and schoolhouse, plus additional display buildings. Located on the Loess Hills National Scenic Byway and the historic Lincoln Highway. 2931 Monroe Ave., near Missouri Valley.
Phone: 712-642-2114
Web: www.HarrisonCountyParks.org/welcome

HEARTLAND ACRES AGRIBITION CENTER
Experience agriculture’s past, present, and future. Hands-on activities, farm animals, classic car museum, antique implements, restored tractors, and more await you.
Located in Independence.
Phone: 319-332-0123
Web: www.heartlandacresusa.com

HERBERT HOOVER PRESIDENTIAL MUSEUM
Visitors are able to experience the life and times of Herbert Hoover and enjoy the new temporary exhibit, Iowa A–Z. Open daily 9-5.
I-80 at exit 254, West Branch
Phone: 319-643-5301
Web: www.hoover.archives.gov

HERITAGE PARK OF NORTH IOWA
A 91-acre site dedicated to the preservation of America’s rural heritage. 2009 annual events include June 6, Pre-WWII Swap Meet; July 19, Heritage Festival with Civil War Activities; August 8, Tractor Ride; September 18-20, Antique Tractor Consignment Sale, Steam Threshing & Old Iron Swap Days. Fun for the whole family!
Hwy 69 & County Road B-14, Forest City
Phone: 641-585-4332
Web: www.heritageparkofnorthiowa.com

THE HIGGINS MUSEUM
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.
1507 Sanborn Ave., Okoboji
Phone: 712-332-5859

HUMBOLDT COUNTY MUSEUM
We invite you to visit our museum, where you may relive the past by touring the Mill Farm House, Willow School, Red Barn, Log Cabin, Hardy Church, and Clancy Building, Dakota City.
Phone: 515-332-5280

IOWA HALL OF PRIDE
Hands-on exhibits tell the stories of Iowa’s communities and their heroes. Featured Iowans include Shawn Johnson, Dan Gable, Simon Estes, and many more. All Iowa kids admitted FREE. 330 Park Street, downtown Des Moines.
Phone: 515-280-8969
Web: www.iowahallofpride.com

KALONA HISTORICAL VILLAGE
There’s something for everyone at the Kalona Historical Village in Kalona, the largest Amish community west of the Mississippi. Fifteen historical buildings, including three museums — a nationally known Quilt Museum, the largest public display of spool cabinets in the United States, a gem and mineral collection, and much more! Open Mon–Sat 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Phone: 319-656-3232
Countryside tours with meal – Phone: 319-656-2519

CARL & MARY KOEHLER HISTORY CENTER
Visit the History Center in Cedar Rapids, where the past is present! Permanent exhibit tells the story of Linn County, featuring displays on archaeology, Native Americans, farming, immigration, local industries, and people.
615 First Ave. S.E., Cedar Rapids
Phone: 319-362-1501
Web: www.historycenter.org

LIVING HISTORY FARMS
Travel through time without leaving Iowa! 1700 “Ioway” Native American farm, 1850 pioneer farm, 1900 horse-powered farm, and Walnut Hill — an 1875 town with boardwalks. 2009 general season runs May 1 to October 15.
11121 Hickman Rd., Urbandale. Exit #125 off I-35/80
Phone: 515-278-5286
Web: www.LHF.org

MARSHALLTOWN
Make Marshalltown your heritage tourism destination. Marvel at the architecture by enjoying our historic walking tour. Visit our historic Main Street and county courthouse. Learn about Marshall County at our wonderful museum.
Phone: 800-697-3155
Web: www.VisitMarshalltown.com

MESKWAKI ANNUAL POWWOW
The Meskwaki Nation, Iowa’s only recognized Native American tribe, proudly presents the 95th annual powwow, Aug. 6–9. Witness this colorful event as you experience Meskwaki hospitality at its finest. Traditional dances and games, history, food, native arts and crafts, a historical preservation exhibit, plus a Meskwaki Replica Village. 4 miles west of Tama on E-49 on Battleground Rd., Meskwaki Settlement.
Phone: 641-484-4678
Web: www.meskwaki.org

HISTORIC MOUNT VERNON
Visit Historic Mount Vernon; take a day and stroll through the nine antiques shops. Annual 4th of July Lincoln Highway Antique Show, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Phone: 319-210-9935
Web: www.visitmvl.com

MUSEUM OF RELIGIOUS ARTS
20,000-sq.-ft. building (built in 2001) displaying Judeo-Christian religious art and artifacts, Akiane’s Art (child prodigy), King of Kings, nine scenes of life-size wax figures portraying Christ’s life, Holocaust Memorial, seasonal outdoor exhibits, and more. Located in Logan.
Phone: 712-644-3888
Web: www.mrarts.org

NATIONAL CZECH & SLOVAK MUSEUM
The National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library has an interim location in Lindale Mall in Cedar Rapids that includes exhibition space and a museum store. Treasures from the museum’s National Collection will open June 20 at the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art.
Phone: 319-362-8500
Web: www.NCSML.org

NATIONAL HOBO CONVENTION
109th year! August 6–9, 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.
Phone: 641-843-4433
Web: www.brittiowa.com

NELSON PIONEER FARM
Nelson Farm is dedicated to the preservation of the pioneer farmers. There are 18 buildings to tour, with a white mule cemetery. Open May through October. Bus tours are welcome by appointment.
2211 Nelson Lane, Oskaloosa
Email: nelsonpioneerfarm@pcsia.net
Web: nelsonpioneer.org

NEWTON
World-class auto racing, community festivals, art, sculpture, golf, shopping, museums, and many more attractions! Newton — We Saved a Place For YOU!
Phone: 641-792-0299
Web: www.visitnewton.com

ONAWA
Welcome to Onawa, home of the widest Main Street in the U.S.! Join us as we celebrate our Sesquicentennial August 6-9! Bring your bicycles and ride along with us for Onabike XVII, August 22.
Phone: 712-423-1801
Web: www.onawa.com

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.
Phone: 712-707-4510
Email: chamberwindmill@frontiernet.net

HISTORIC PELLA
Visit the Pella Historical Village, Vermeer Windmill, Molengracht Canal, Klokkenspel, and Scholte House.
Enjoy Dutch treats like pastries and Pella bologna. Browse our gift shops for unique Dutch items. “Pella’s Heritage — Always an Experience!”
Phone: 641-620-9463
Web: www.pellatuliptime.org

PERRY
CRAVE CULTURE? Visit Perry! Explore the arts and history through a campus tour of Hotel Pattee, Carnegie Library Museum, Soumas Court & Reconfiguration Arches.
Phone: 515-465-4601
Web: www.perryia.org

PHELPS HOUSE MUSEUM
Phelps House Museum, sitting majestically at the top of Snake Alley, contains treasures from 120 years of family history. Open weekends 1:30-4 p.m., May–Oct.
521 Columbia St., Burlington
Phone: 319-753-5880
Web: www.dmchs.org

PLYMOUTH COUNTY HISTORICAL MUSEUM
One of Iowa’s largest local heritage museums. Five floors of exhibits, plus Civil War-era cabin. Open Tue–Sun 1-5. Religious Heritage Room features 117-year-old painting of Christ. NEW! Loess Hills Wildlife Exhibit.
335 First Ave. SW, Le Mars
Phone: 712-546-7002

PUTNAM MUSEUM AND IMAX THEATRE
What do a 3,000-year-old mummy, an immersive Mississippi River exhibit, and a six-story IMAX screen have in common? They’re just some of the amazing things you’ll discover at the Putnam!
1717 West 12th Street, Davenport.
Phone: 563-324-1933
Web: www.putnam.org

RED OAK HERITAGE HILL TOUR
A self-guided walking or driving route that winds by historical structures in a variety of styles constructed between 1870 and 1916.
Phone: 712-623-4821
Web: www.redoakiowa.com

SALISBURY HOUSE & GARDENS
Salisbury House & Gardens – Yours to Discover! Shakespeare on the Lawn, July 23-26; Gatsby Gala, September 11; Salisbury Auto Classic, September 13.
Phone: 515-274-1777
Web: www.salisburyhouse.org

SILOS AND SMOKESTACKS NATIONAL HERITAGE AREA
Silos and Smokestacks National Heritage Area brings the story of American agriculture to life at more than 100 sites and attractions in a 37-county region.
Phone: 319-234-4567
Web: www.silosandsmokestacks.org

STORY CITY
Ride our 1913 Antique Carousel, visit the Story Theatre/Grand Opera House, museums, and one-room schoolhouse. Enjoy shopping and dining in our beautiful community!
Phone: 515-733-4214
Email: chamber@storycity.net
Web: www.storycity.net

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 for Wednesdays and Sundays. Swedesburg is in Henry County, 10 miles north of Mt. Pleasant on Hwy 218/27.
Phone: 319-254-2317
Email: Swedish@lisco.com

UNION PACIFIC RAILROAD MUSEUM
Special exhibit on Abraham Lincoln and his ties to Iowa, Council Bluffs, and the Union Pacific Railroad; runs through 2009. 200 Pearl St., Council Bluffs.
Phone: 712-329-8307
Web: www.uprrmuseum.org

UNIVERSITY OF IOWA MUSEUM OF ART
Art on display at the Figge Art Museum in Davenport and The Iowa Memorial Union on the University of Iowa campus in Iowa City! Call or visit the website for hours, directions, and information.
Phone: 319-335-1727
Web: www.uofiowa.edu

UNIVERSITY OF NORTHERN IOWA MUSEUMS
Discover. Learn. Be inspired . . . with UNI Museums. Explore nature and culture at the University Museum or visit our one-room schoolhouse.
3219 Hudson Road, Cedar Falls.
Phone: 319-273-2188
Web: www.uni.edu/museum

WHITEROCK CONSERVANCY
Adventure Awaits You! A 4,300-acre protected area with over 30 miles of trails offering hiking, biking, fishing, canoeing, and more. Relax in a multitude of settings designed to accommodate everyone.
Located in Coon Rapids.
Phone: 712-684-2964
Web: www.whiterockconservancy.org

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