Anything interesting to see or do in Iowa???
Sep 8th, 1999, 01:43 PM
#1
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Anything interesting to see or do in Iowa???
Spending 3days with my brother in Muscatine Iowa. Don't want to sit around and twiddle my thumbs. Is there anything to do in Iowa or close by (illinois maybe). Don't mind driving long distances. If you can offer any ideas it will be greatly appreciated. I'm desperate. Can you help? Anything!
Sep 8th, 1999, 04:26 PM
#2
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I am an Iowa native - feel free to email me direct if you have specific questions. Muscatine is in southeast Iowa - you are probably a couple of hours from the University of Iowa, and might be able to catch a football game if you are here over a weekend [altho the Hawks are pretty bad this year]. The University has some museums, and is just kind of neat college town. Near IC is West Branch and the Herbert Hoover Presidential Site. They have a nice museum, and a few historical things. Also close to IC are the Amana Colonies, which are of German heritage and sell great furniture, woolens, and dandelion wine. Springfield, IL isn't too far, with the Lincoln home, and burial site. Muscatine has an Art Center. If you drive up the scenic Great River Road along the Mississippi, you will eventually get to Dubuque - from there you can get to Dyersville and the Field of Dreams or keep going north and go up to McGregor and Effigy Mounds National Monument - it's an Indian Burial Ground. Hope this helps. Have fun
Sep 8th, 1999, 07:10 PM
#3
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Ken:
I spent more time than I care to recall (many years ago) in the vicinity you'll be in. I suspect there's been little in the way of cultural revolution since then. I'd drive...and drive....and then some more. Do you have to return to Muskie-ville at night (the nickname of the high school's athletic teams...muskies)? If not, head to Chicago....a 3 hour straight shot on I-80. If you have to be around, Cassie's suggestions pretty much cover the major options. The U of Iowa may be your best bet. The Quad Cities are close by. Casinos, some nightlife, etc. St. Louis is too far. What is it you'd find most entertaining?
I spent more time than I care to recall (many years ago) in the vicinity you'll be in. I suspect there's been little in the way of cultural revolution since then. I'd drive...and drive....and then some more. Do you have to return to Muskie-ville at night (the nickname of the high school's athletic teams...muskies)? If not, head to Chicago....a 3 hour straight shot on I-80. If you have to be around, Cassie's suggestions pretty much cover the major options. The U of Iowa may be your best bet. The Quad Cities are close by. Casinos, some nightlife, etc. St. Louis is too far. What is it you'd find most entertaining?
Sep 9th, 1999, 03:58 PM
#4
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Nearby is Nauvoo, where the Latter Day Saints had their headquarters before heading for Salt Lake City. Interesting for history buffs. If you go there, you WILL be prostletyzed, perhaps quite blatanty (been there three times).
The nearby River Cities (Davenport et al) has some nice museums, shopping, and overlooks of the Mississippi.
The nearby River Cities (Davenport et al) has some nice museums, shopping, and overlooks of the Mississippi.
Aug 21st, 2000, 06:46 AM
#8
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Muscatine has a few attractions, including a nice art museum and a museum that explains the process of turning shells into buttons (a thriving industry before plastic was invented). Iowa City is a quick drive and includes several attractions including the Devonian Fossil Gorge, several museums, and activities related to the University of Iowa. The Coral Ridge Mall, the biggest in the state, is on the western edge of Iowa City. If I were you I'd spend two of the three days taking day trips:
Day 1.) Drive to Kalona, which is directly west of Muscatine. Kalona is home to the largest population of Amish west of the Mississippi. It's a fascinating look at another people's lifestyle. Try the lunch at the Kalona sale barn and check out the fine museum in Kalona. The bakery there has the best chocolate chip cookies in the world! Then drop down to Fairfield for a quick drive through the Maharishi University, where thousands of meditators have come to live and study. You'll notice three golden domes on the campus where the meditators gather a couple times a day. There are some fine vegetarian and ethnic restaurants in Fairfield and some funky shopping, too.
Day two: I'd get on the Mississippi River Road and explore some of the river towns. To the south are two of my favorites, Keokuk and Fort Madison. Keokuk is home to a large Civil War cemetary and to several beautiful antebellum style homes. Fort Madison has more of a blue collar feel and offers several dining options. You'll also pass through Burlington, listed in the Ripley's books as having the crookedest street in the world (which you can drive down if you dare). If you are in the vicinity during the winter, be sure to check out the eagle watching on the Mississippi. I'd mention my web site (I edit a state magazine) but I've been chastised so many times that I don't want to put up with the spam again. You can e-mail if you want (or try various combinations of my web address with the www. added.)
Day 1.) Drive to Kalona, which is directly west of Muscatine. Kalona is home to the largest population of Amish west of the Mississippi. It's a fascinating look at another people's lifestyle. Try the lunch at the Kalona sale barn and check out the fine museum in Kalona. The bakery there has the best chocolate chip cookies in the world! Then drop down to Fairfield for a quick drive through the Maharishi University, where thousands of meditators have come to live and study. You'll notice three golden domes on the campus where the meditators gather a couple times a day. There are some fine vegetarian and ethnic restaurants in Fairfield and some funky shopping, too.
Day two: I'd get on the Mississippi River Road and explore some of the river towns. To the south are two of my favorites, Keokuk and Fort Madison. Keokuk is home to a large Civil War cemetary and to several beautiful antebellum style homes. Fort Madison has more of a blue collar feel and offers several dining options. You'll also pass through Burlington, listed in the Ripley's books as having the crookedest street in the world (which you can drive down if you dare). If you are in the vicinity during the winter, be sure to check out the eagle watching on the Mississippi. I'd mention my web site (I edit a state magazine) but I've been chastised so many times that I don't want to put up with the spam again. You can e-mail if you want (or try various combinations of my web address with the www. added.)
Aug 21st, 2000, 06:53 AM
#9
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Muscatine has a few attractions, including a nice art museum and a museum that explains the process of turning shells into buttons (a thriving industry before plastic was invented). Iowa City is a quick drive and includes several attractions including the Devonian Fossil Gorge, several museums, and activities related to the University of Iowa. The Coral Ridge Mall, the biggest in the state, is on the western edge of Iowa City. If I were you I'd spend two of the three days taking day trips:
Day 1.) Drive to Kalona, which is directly west of Muscatine. Kalona is home to the largest population of Amish west of the Mississippi. It's a fascinating look at another people's lifestyle. Try the lunch at the Kalona sale barn and check out the fine museum in Kalona. The bakery there has the best chocolate chip cookies in the world! Then drop down to Fairfield for a quick drive through the Maharishi University, where thousands of meditators have come to live and study. You'll notice three golden domes on the campus where the meditators gather a couple times a day. There are some fine vegetarian and ethnic restaurants in Fairfield and some funky shopping, too.
Day two: I'd get on the Mississippi River Road and explore some of the river towns. To the south are two of my favorites, Keokuk and Fort Madison. Keokuk is home to a large Civil War cemetary and to several beautiful antebellum style homes. Fort Madison has more of a blue collar feel and offers several dining options. You'll also pass through Burlington, listed in the Ripley's books as having the crookedest street in the world (which you can drive down if you dare). If you are in the vicinity during the winter, be sure to check out the eagle watching on the Mississippi. I'd mention my web site (I edit a state magazine) but I've been chastised so many times that I don't want to put up with the spam again. You can e-mail if you want (or try various combinations of my web address with the www. added.)
Day 1.) Drive to Kalona, which is directly west of Muscatine. Kalona is home to the largest population of Amish west of the Mississippi. It's a fascinating look at another people's lifestyle. Try the lunch at the Kalona sale barn and check out the fine museum in Kalona. The bakery there has the best chocolate chip cookies in the world! Then drop down to Fairfield for a quick drive through the Maharishi University, where thousands of meditators have come to live and study. You'll notice three golden domes on the campus where the meditators gather a couple times a day. There are some fine vegetarian and ethnic restaurants in Fairfield and some funky shopping, too.
Day two: I'd get on the Mississippi River Road and explore some of the river towns. To the south are two of my favorites, Keokuk and Fort Madison. Keokuk is home to a large Civil War cemetary and to several beautiful antebellum style homes. Fort Madison has more of a blue collar feel and offers several dining options. You'll also pass through Burlington, listed in the Ripley's books as having the crookedest street in the world (which you can drive down if you dare). If you are in the vicinity during the winter, be sure to check out the eagle watching on the Mississippi. I'd mention my web site (I edit a state magazine) but I've been chastised so many times that I don't want to put up with the spam again. You can e-mail if you want (or try various combinations of my web address with the www. added.)
Aug 21st, 2000, 05:48 PM
#10
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Ken,
When are you going to be in Iowa? I live in Iowa and depending on what you like to do, I can assure you that there are a host of possibilities. Many good suggestions have already been made. I would second several of them including the Art Museum on the UI campus in Iowa City. The collection is quite good. I also agree that the Herbert Hoover Presidential Site is also worth a visit. The Devonian Fossil Gorge near Lake MacBride is certainly worth a visit. The UI campus is also home to a major performing arts center -- Hancher Auditorium -- which hosts major national and international orchestras, dance troupes, national touring Broadway productions, etc.
If you're a baseball fan, the Field of Dreams (from the movie) is in Dyersville -- not close to Muscatine but within reach during your visit. In short, Iowa has a multitude of things to do and see. If you'll provide some guidance by way of time of visit and interests, I'm sure even more replies will appear to provide suggestions. Enjoy your visit.
When are you going to be in Iowa? I live in Iowa and depending on what you like to do, I can assure you that there are a host of possibilities. Many good suggestions have already been made. I would second several of them including the Art Museum on the UI campus in Iowa City. The collection is quite good. I also agree that the Herbert Hoover Presidential Site is also worth a visit. The Devonian Fossil Gorge near Lake MacBride is certainly worth a visit. The UI campus is also home to a major performing arts center -- Hancher Auditorium -- which hosts major national and international orchestras, dance troupes, national touring Broadway productions, etc.
If you're a baseball fan, the Field of Dreams (from the movie) is in Dyersville -- not close to Muscatine but within reach during your visit. In short, Iowa has a multitude of things to do and see. If you'll provide some guidance by way of time of visit and interests, I'm sure even more replies will appear to provide suggestions. Enjoy your visit.
Aug 21st, 2000, 07:12 PM
#11
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I grew up in Muscatine. You poor poor man. I would first like to offer my sincer condolences for having to spend three days three. (at least it's not 10+ years) The best thing to do in Muscatine in my opinon is to get out as much and as quickely as possible. Sure there is plenty to see for about 30 minutes. If you don't mind driving long distances go to Iowa City or Chicago. Honestly if you would like a couple of good resources on Muscatine try these two:
http://www.muscatine.com/index.html
http://www.iowaglobal.net/muscatine/index.html
Feel free to email for more info. I still have family and friends in Muscatine and can find out any info you might like.
Have a good trip!
http://www.muscatine.com/index.html
http://www.iowaglobal.net/muscatine/index.html
Feel free to email for more info. I still have family and friends in Muscatine and can find out any info you might like.
Have a good trip!
