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Des Moines

by traveldave

Des Moines is Iowa's capital and largest city, with about 560,000 inhabitants in its metropolitan area. It is one of the country's major centers for insurance, as well as for businesses related to agriculture. Although Des Moines is a relatively small city, it has many of the cultural amenities and attractions of larger cities.Des Moines got its start in 1843 when Captain James Allen built Fort Des Moines at the confluence of the Des Moines and Raccoon rivers. Fort Des Moines was obviously named after the Des Moines River, which came from the French name Rivière des Moines, or "River of the Monks." The fort was built to control the nearby Sauk and Meshkwaki Indians. After the American Indian threat was eliminated, the fort was abandoned in 1846. Settlers soon occupied the abandoned fort and the surrounding area. Des Moines was incorporated as a city in 1851, and was initially called Fort...

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History of Iowa

by grayfo

The first known records of Iowa were documented by two European explorers, Jacques Marquette and Louis Jolliet who travelled the Mississippi River in 1673 documenting several Indian villages on the Iowa side. The word "Iowa" comes from the American Indian tribe of the same name. Iowa was part of the Louisiana Purchase, a deal arranged between President Thomas Jefferson and Napoleon Bonaparte of France that brought a vast tract of the continent under the control of the United States. The area was closed to white settlement until the early 1830s.

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Corn

by Astrobuck

From what I understand, Iowa is Corn Capitol. Not sure what else is here, but I sure hope to go back someday to see. I truly do, because not having enough info on my pages makes me feel....well..... um.....naked.....

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Places to See That We Did Not

by deecat

Because of time restrictions, we missed a great deal that we would have loved to have seen in the Dubuque area. To help those of you who ever visit, here is a list of places to go and to see that Jill and I missed:1. Crystal Lake Cave [5 miles south on U.S. 52] It is supposed to have rare formations, a rare form of aragonite crystals, and cave flowers. Weekends only in May and in September; Daily in June, July, and August.2. Dubuque Arboretum and Botanical Gardens [3800 Arboretum Drive] Famed for their Rose Festival. A very active place with a gift shop, a botanical library, viewing decks, walking trails, and educational displays.3. The Farmers Market covers a 4-block area beginning at 13th and Iowa streets. It's been around for more than 150 years. Homemade and homegrown products, flowers, baked good, arts and crafts. 7 a.m. on Saturdays from May-November [5888-4400].4. Julien Dubuque...

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The Amana Colonies Have Much To Offer

by deecat

I would be remiss if I did not give an overview of what the Colonies have to offer:Museums:a. Amana Heritage Musem in Main Amana [316-622-3567]b. Communal Kitchen & Cooper Shop in Middle AmanaThere are guided tours to explain how the ding halls were run with several sall dining halls in each village. The house in Middle Amana is the last communal kitchen.The Cooper Shop exhibits the tools and the techniques that were involved in barrel making. [316-622-3567]c. Amana Refrigeration Factory in Middle AmanaThis is a huge factory that employs well over 2,000 people. I vividly remember Amana Appliances and never knew until visiting here that they were made in Amana Colonies. Maytag now owns Amana [ironically, maytag company was of Mennonite origins!] Sorry to tell you, but there are no factory tours available.d. Homestead Store Museum in HomesteadThis museum is located at the former general...

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Old House Enthusiasts Tour

by deecat

Unknown to Jill and I when we were making plans to visit Dubuque, Iowa, the weekend of May 18 & 20, 2007, was the date of Dubuque.Fest [music and fine art]. So, much to our surprise, we were able to participate in these festivities.From the information that we received at the Dubuque Convention & Visitors Bureau, we learned about the Old House Enthusiasts Tour. We purchased our tickets here.However, tickets may also be purchased at any of the homes during tour hours.This year's Historic Homes Tour was held Saturday, 10am to 5pm and Sunday, 10am to 5pm.We took the tour on Saturday. This was the 20th year for this annual event. Old House Enthusiasts promotes the older homes and historic buildings in Dubuque. They sponsor the tour to promote the interest in the preservation of these old structures. They donate a large portion of the tour proceeds to a community preservation project. This...

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Grand Opera House Restoration

by deecat

Dubuque's downtown, its Main Street, and its waterfront have seen drastic improvements in the last decade. What I admire most is that the reconstruction and renovation is done with care, pride, and patience.I've chosen the Grand Opera House Restoration as the perfect example.The Grand Opera House is the oldest theater in Dubuque. It was built in 1889-1890 and is of Richardsonian Architecture. Opening night in 1890 presented "Carmen", and was a big success.From the 1930s until the 1980s, movies were shown here as it was changed into a movie theater. This caused some changes in the facade. [a sad turn of events]In the early 2000s, renovation began in earnest after years of discussion and fund raising. As of today, the facade, lobby, stage, dressing rooms, sound system, rest rooms, auditorium and lighting have been renovated or replaced completely. Also, 30 windows have been replaced or...

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4 History Sites to see in Dubuque

by deecat

Although we only spent one day in Dubuque, Jill and I packed in a great deal. Here are four places that we saw but did not go in because they were closed or it's just a place to see, to read plaques about, and to photograph:1. Five Flags Center is a multipurpose structure. They use it for sports, arts, and for conventions. It is named for the five flags that have flown over Dubuque at one time or another.[France, Spain, England, French Republic Flag of Napoleon, and the American flag.The theater of The Five Flags was first called the Majestic Theater. It's also been called "Spensley Theater when it was converted into a movie house in the 1920s; it was also called RKO Orpheum.It was almost demolished during urban renewal in 1969. Concerned citizens raised enough funds to save it. Today it is home to the Dubuque Symphony Orchestra.2. Dubuque's Town Clock stands in downtown Dubuque. It's...

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Make it to the Iowa State...

by melissaK

Make it to the Iowa State Fair. The animals and food are some of Iowa's best. It is also ranked in the TOP 10 for things to do in the nation (I believe it's fourth, but I'm not sure)!IT IS THE THIRD WEEK IN AUGUST, DON'T MISS IT! My fondest memory would have to be when my dad won his first dirt track modified feature.

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Sunrise

by reon80

Possibly the only thing I ever miss when I'm away from Iowa is the clarity of the Iowa sunrise. I work overnight and have had the opportunity to see many, many Iowa sunrises; I've also seen sunrises in London, Venice....lots of places. But they're never as clear anywhere else as they are in Iowa--we just have so much open space that it makes it easy to see the sunrise in all its glory. Next time I have my camera handy, I'll try to capture one for you. But the best idea would be to see one for yourself! It's worth waking up for!

Related Iowa Favorites Tips

Top 3 Hotels in Iowa

Fairfield Inn & Suites Des Moines Airport  Des Moines

 1 Review and 36 Opinions  I have been to Des Moines several times for business over the past few years. The distance from... 

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765 Hotels in Iowa
 
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Reviews and photos of Iowa attractions posted by real travelers and locals. The best tips for Iowa sightseeing.

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Favorites: Cities in Iowa
  1. Des Moines Favorites
  2. Dubuque Favorites
  3. Cedar Rapids Favorites
  4. Iowa City Favorites
  5. Sioux City Favorites
  6. Waterloo Favorites
  7. Muscatine Favorites
  8. Kalona Favorites
  9. Pella Favorites
  10. Ames Favorites
  11. Cedar Falls Favorites
  12. Clinton Favorites
  13. Winterset Favorites
  14. Bettendorf Favorites
  15. Clear Lake Favorites
  16. Fort Dodge Favorites
  17. Bellevue Favorites
  18. Maquoketa Favorites
  19. West Bend Favorites
  20. Boone Favorites
  21. Quasqueton Favorites
  22. Spencer Favorites
  23. Tama Favorites
  24. West Liberty Favorites

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Questions and Answers

oreo82 profile photo

Q:  Hi I am thinking of visiting a friend who resides in Iowa and to visit the surrounding cities. What would be a suggested... 

bocmaxima profile photo

A: You should figure out which cities you'd like to visit first. Iowa is actually pretty well-located as far as surrounding cities, so you have some choices. My list would... 

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