Destination attractions things to do in iowa

Posted: 02/09/2007--25/11/2008 || Rate this Article: 3 || Views|| Sign In || Register ||Hello Guest

Planning to be in Iowa soon? Consider planning your trip around some of the exciting historical sites available in this centrally located plains state.

History vacations are increasing in popularity, since they are enriching experiences. To add some history to your next United States vacation, you dont need to go to the original colonies or traipse around Civil War battle sites. You can experience a taste of history in the Midwest, in Iowa.

The Amana Colonies:

A good start for your journey is The Amana Colonies in southeastern Iowa. The Amanas are a piece of living history and are designated a National Historic Landmark. Seven colonies make up the Amanas, which were founded by German settlers, members of the religious sect Community of the True Inspiration, who lived in a communal way until 1932. A community of artisans and farmers, the Amanas are rich with history.

The Amana Heritage museum will give you a good overview of the story of the Amana Colonies. Comprised of three buildings, the museum houses displays including a historical development of the colonies, a church exhibit, schoolhouse, toys, dolls and carpet weaving.

Other Amana museums, with artifacts dating from the early to mid 1800s include the Communal Kitchen and Cooper Shop Museum, preserved as it appeared in 1832 for community meal preparation, and the Communal Agriculture Museum with an impressive collection of antique agricultural implements.

Interested in some shopping while you are in the Amanas? Quaint stores sell hand-made old-world goods, all crafted locally. Beautiful quilts, baskets, needlework and woodwork are among the treasures youll find. And, the famous Amana Woolen Mills sell blankets and other goods, where they have always been created, despite fires, floods and other disasters.

Hungry? Local shops also sell delectable pastries, sandwiches and handmade confections for you to enjoy while you explore the rich culture of the Amanas.

All told, a total of 400 buildings comprise the national landmark status of this community.

Amish settlement in Kalona

The Amana Colonies and the Amish are often confused, due to the similarity of their names and their geographic proximity, despite their cultural differences. While both communities were settled by German immigrants, the Amish are members of the Old Order of Amish, also known as Amish Mennonites, which maintains its lifestyle in a way nearly identical to Amish of the 1800s. The Amish are recognized by the horse-drawn buggies they drive and the old-fashioned clothing they wear. Prohibited by their religion to use electricity, drive automobiles or have telephones, the Amish are a culture from the past, found in the present.

Kalona, Iowa houses the largest Amish settlement west of the Mississippi. Take a guided tour of the area to experience the architecture, customs and food of the Old Order. Some tours even include a home-cooked meal in a Mennonite home. Local shops offer demonstrations in the communitys crafting techniques and food preparation methods. Antique shops are a specialty in this lovely town; make sure to spend some time to admire local handiwork.

You may view historic quilts from the rich needlework tradition of the Mennonites at the newest museum in Kalona: the Quilt and Textile Museum. Or, visit the Wahl House Museum for a sampling of the tools, crafts and artistry that built the community in Kalona.

Western Historic Trails Center

If your historic interests are more focused on the settlers who worked their way across the country, exploring, hunting and farming, the Western Historic Trails Center in Council Bluffs, Iowa may be just up your alley.

This center is dedicated to commemorating the Lewis and Clark, Mormon, Oregon and California trails. It includes historical artifacts and modern day hiking and biking trails to the Missouri River. Learn everything there is to know about Lewis and Clarks 1804 camp along the Missouri River, as they rested on their long journey. In July, the center offers re-enactments, music and lectures on trail-related topics.

Council Bluffs was the last stop for supplies for many of the west-going trails as many pioneers made their way across the United States in the 19th century. This center has captured the rich history of this time that helped evolve the Transcontinental Railroad, the Lincoln Highway and our modern Interstate highway system.

Living History Farms

If agricultural history excites you, the place to visit is the Living History Farms in Urbandale, Iowa. This working farm offers experiences of agricultural life in five periods over a 300 year period, including a 1700 Ioway Indian Farm, the 1850 Pioneer Farmstead, the 1900 Horse-Powered Farm, and the 1875 town of Walnut Hill.

This farm offers a true understanding of how goods get to market and of the economic synergy between farmers and townspeople. Filled with hands-on activities, the farm provides visitors with work gloves and the chance to try things like churning butter, cracking corn and grooming a horse. In summer months, more than 300 different activities are offered on the farms, so there is truly something for everyone. The Walnut Hill town spotlights small businesses including a milliner, a general store a cabinetmaker, blacksmith and newspaper publisher.

Tours of different lengths and paces are available to accommodate every timeframe and interest level.

In winter months, two types of historic farm dinners are offered allowing you to immerse yourself in evening home life of either a 1900 farm or a Victorian home, complete with entertainment.

Iowas rich history is filled with hard-working pioneers, unique architecture and cultural diversity. Use these travel ideas as a starting point for your visit to Iowas fascinating past.