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I-80 and IOWA

• Council Bluffs
• Elkhorn
• Urbandale
• Des Moines
• Newton
• Amana Villages
• Coralville
• Iowa City
• West Branch
• Davenport
  (Quad Cities)

Council Bluffs

Council Bluffs Visitors' Center — This visitors' center is in the center of town - 7 North 6th Street.
  If you are eastbound and are already on I-480, where I-480 meets I-29, I-480 officially ends and becomes W. Broadway (US-6). Just continue eastbound on Broadway to N. 6th Street, turn left and they will be on your right.
  If you are on I-80, take exit 5. Turn left at the end of the off ramp if eastbound, right of westbound. The first street is Woodbury Ave. Turn left on Woodbury and follow it to where it joins US-375. Follow US-375 to 16th Avenue. Turn left, cross the tracks, go a block and cross another track. The next street is S. 6th Street. Turn right and follow S. 6th. You'll notice that the numbered avenues you are crossing count down. The Visitors' Center is just across Broadway (now you will be on North 6th Street) and on your right. You can phone them at 1-800-228-6878. Unfortunately the phone is answered by one of these 'push 1', etc, computer message systems and if you are on a cell phone it can be quite frustrating. Just push 'O' and, if you're lucky you'll get the operator who will get someone to help you. Once you get by the computer stuff, they're great. Ah, modern technology and how it can be abused.

Western Historic Trails Center — 3434 Richard Downing Avenue. Take exit 1B and go south on S. 24th Street one block to Richard Downing Avenue. Turn right (you'll see a grey stone wall with a National Park Service sign) and enjoy the 0.7 mile drive through river-bottom prairie grass.
  This official Iowa State Welcome Center has a historic bent. Council Bluffs was the springboard for the California Trail, Mormon Trail, Oregon Trail and many other trails used by the 19th Century pioneer-settlers moving westward in their prairie schooners, pulling handcarts, on horseback and even afoot. Though there are many stories of hardships, there are also many stories of incredible patience, persevering and  fortitude finalized with success.
  In the Visitors' Center, here, you can view displays depicting life during that period punctuated by many photographs. You also will have the opportunity to view a very interesting video presentation.
  A neat trail connects the Visitors' Center with a shore-side overview of the Missouri River. It is an easy, half-mile and a great break to sitting behind the wheel.

Kanesville Tabernacle and Visitor Center — This is the authentically reconstructed replica of the original Mormon log tabernacle where Brigham Young was set apart as Prophet and President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (Mormons). The original building, which stood nearby, is said to have had the seating capacity of over 1,000 people.
  The Visitors' Center can tell you how to find the many other monuments, etc., regarding the ca 1850 Mormon settlement and the great migration west to Utah. They also show some films of historical interest. Located at 222 East Broadway.
    If you are eastbound and are already on I-480, where I-480 meets I-29, I-480 officially ends and becomes W. Broadway (US-6). Just continue eastbound on Broadway Benton Street (on your left one block after N. 1st Street).
  If you are on I-80, take exit 5 (Madison Avenue) and follow Madison Ave north (toward downtown). Madison eventually joins S. 1st Street. Continue on 1st St to Broadway. Turn right on Broadway, go one block to Benton and there it is on your left.
  April through October they are open daily from 9:30a-7p. November through March hours are 10a-5p daily. For more information, phone 1-712-322-0500.

Railswest Railroad Museum — It is difficult sometime to adequately explain to folks from other parts of the world just how important railroads were to the prairies and western mountains. Until the Lincoln Highway (no pavement, just gravel or graded dirt) was completed in 1922, the primary means of transportation (including livestock and other goods and not just people) and communication were the railroads - starting with the Union Pacific. The sight of one of the later steam locomotives - making you feel like a dwarf as you look up at the monster 0 is still a thrill to many even though they have not ever ridden on a train.
  Here, in a restored 1899 Rock Island Depot, is a complete HO gauge model railroad. Outside are several steam locomotives, a restored mail car (just like in the Western movies) and a caboose.
  Admission $4 (kids 6 - 12, $2), From Memorial Day through Labor Day weekend they're open 10a-4p Tuesday - Saturday; 1-5p Sundays. Open weekends only through December from 1-5p.
  Located at 16th Avenue and South Main Street. From I-80 take exit 5. Turn left at the end of the off ramp if eastbound, right of westbound. The first street is Woodbury Ave. Turn left on Woodbury and follow it to where it joins US-375. Follow US-375 to 16th Avenue. Turn left, cross the tracks and there is the restored depot. For information, phone 1-712-323-5182.

Pottawattamie County Jail — It is hard to imagine anything very interesting about a jail - but, this one is very different, - one of three remaining jails of this design. In the center of the building is a three-story high revolving drum. Each of the three floors of the drum contain 10 jail cells - like slices of pie. The purpose was to reduce the cost of having a lot of jailers. Did it work - a matter of opinion. It eventually came to be recognized that there is a safety problem with this design. The prisoners can't get out unless their individual cells are aligned with the exit opening. A fire would be a disaster for most inmates. It is interesting and open to tourists.
  Admission $4; $2 for kids 6-12. June through August they're open 10a-4p Wednesday through Saturday, noon-4p Sundays. In May and in September they're only open weekends - noon-4p. Closed holidays and also the weekend following Labor Day. For more information, phone 1-712-323-2509.
    If you are eastbound and are already on I-480, where I-480 meets I-29, I-480 officially ends and becomes W. Broadway (US-6). Just continue eastbound on Broadway to Pearl Street. It will be the next street on your right after S. 6th Street. Turn right and you'll see the jail; and courthouse two blocks up on your right.
  If you are on I-80, take exit 5. Turn left at the end of the off ramp if eastbound, right of westbound. The first street is Woodbury Ave. Turn left on Woodbury and follow it to where it joins US-375. Follow US-375 to 16th Avenue. Turn left, cross the tracks, go a block and turn right on South Main street (just before you would cross the next track). Follow Main Street north and just after you cross another track is 9th Avenue. The third street on your left after 9th Avenue is Pearl (it leads off at a slight angle rather than as a cross street. The courthouse and jail is two more blocks on your left.

Elkhorn

Just 6.5 north of exit 54 is Elk Horn. California has its Solvang and Iowa, Elk Horn. Elk Horn is a little larger and much older but both are Danish communities, originally settled by Danes and proudly displaying their Danish heritage.

Tivoli Fest — Memorial Day weekend is their Tivoli Fest - a grandiose festive calibration featuring genuine Danish foods (especially those incredible baked goods and sweets). Entertainment includes Danish folk dancing and staged entertainment all topped off with a parade (weather permitting, of course).

Danish Windmill — As you enter town you will see a real, honest-to- goodness Dutch windmill towering over its neighbors. Originally built in Denmark around 1848, it was shipped to Elk Horn, in pieces of course, and carefully reassembled. It has been a working windmill and, now, is open to tourists. From Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day then conduct guided tours 8a-7p Monday through Saturday and 10a-7p Sundays. Off season hours are 9a-5p and noon - 5p respectively (closed Christmas and New Years Days).  Admission is only $2; $1 for kids 5-11. For more information, phone (toll-free) 1-800-451-7960.

Danish Immigrant Museum — Continue into town and turn left on Washington Street. Not quit three blocks to the west on your right is the Danish Immigrant Museum featuring tools, household items and clothing that was central part of the lives of the early Danish immigrants. Photos help create a good picture of what life was like for these hard working people.
  Open year round except major holidays: Monday through Friday 9a-5p; Saturday 10a-5p and Sunday noon-5p. Admission is $5 ($2 for kids 8-17) or $12 for the entire family. For more information, phone (toll-free) 1-800-759-9192.

Urbandale

Living History Farms — One of several fast- growing suburbs of Des Moines, Urbandale's attraction for tourists is this 600 acre, open-air agricultural museum. While Iowa is more than farming, agriculture is Iowa's number one economic strength. Here, in full size and miniature exhibits, the history of farming in the region is presented. The exhibits' timeline start with a ca 1700 Ioway Indian village and progressing through a mid-19th Century pioneer farm, a ca 1900s farm (prior to the gasoline-powered equipment), topped of with live demonstrations of modern harvesting equipment and methods.
  Demonstrations are keyed to the season; this is also a producing farm. Most of the demonstrations are scheduled for weekends and the schedule, of course, is dependent upon crop progress and weather. For more information, visit their web site at ihf.org, — or phone 1-515-278-5286.

Des Moines

A large city (200,000 population) with a small town atmosphere, Des Moines is loaded with attractions - for visitors and locals. I-80, joined with I-35,  skirts the city routing through the western and northern suburbs. I-235 plunges into the central city then angles north to join I-80 and I-35 where I-35 resumes its northward  reach. Bisected by the Des Moinses River which is joined by the Racoon River entering the city from the southwest, getting around can be frustrating at first for newcomers.

Des Moines Visitors' Center — As usual, we strongly recommend an initial stop at the Visitors' Center at 405 6th Avenue (corner of Grand Avenue in downtown Des Moines).
  If you're eastbound on I-80, drive straight through the interchange at exit 123 continuing to the central city on I-235. Then take exit 11B and turn right onto 6th avenue at the first intersection. Follow 6th Avenue south to the Visitors' Center at 405 6th Avenue, Suite 201..
  If you are westbound on I-80, exit onto I-235 at exit 138. Follow I-135 to downtown. Right after you cross the river, take exit 11C, turn left at the end of the off ramp onto 2nd Avenue and follow 2nd Avenue south to Grand Avenue (about 5 blocks depending upon where you start counting. Turn right on Grand and continue on to 6th Avenue. Turn left and the Visitors Center will be on your left at 405 6th Avenue, Suite 201. 
  They're on the Skywalk between the Polk County Convention Center and 'the Kaleidoscope'. Their phone number (toll-free) is 1-800-451-2625. If it isn't working (thanks Ma Bell) try 1-515-286-4960 (not toll-free). They also have a web site at SeeDesMoines.com.

Downtown Restaurants — Can't tell you why but there are a lot of great restaurants in downtown Des Moines. If you found a good parking spot when you stopped by the Visitor's Center, just leave the car there. There are several (various cuisines) restaurants at 7th and Locust. Also on 7th but a half block north of Grand is our favorite steak place, Mr. Filet; very reasonable prices and excellent, tender, Iowa corn-fed steaks. If you just want a great salad, try the Fresh Garden at 6th and Locust. Actually, within 2 blocks in any direction is about every kind of ethnic food you might wish to enjoy.

Shopping in Downtown Des Moines — Now a days, it seems the best shopping is at the big malls. Well the shopping in downtown Des Moines is at least as good and you probably won't have to do any more walking than you usually wind up doing in a mall. The Kaleidoscope At The Hub (where the Visitors' Center is) has between two and three dozens shops and eateries. We really enjoy Yonkers at 7th and Walnut. They even have a neat 'tea room' where you can relax, rest your feet and sip a glass of ice tea (yes, they also have coffee). Ask them at the Visitors' Center. They'll be most happy to fill you in on the 'secrets' of downtown Des Moines.

Des Moines Botanical Center — You don't have to be a gardening addict to enjoy this place. A large, geodesic dome is completely furnished with thousands of plants (lots of blossoms about any time of the year and free-flying birds. It is an especially desirable place to visit in the winter (yes, it gets COLD in Des Moines). It is open 10a-5p Monday through Thursday, Saturday and Sunday. Fridays it doesn't close until 9p. During the Christmas season they place is all decked out to fit the season and they follow the Friday schedule every day. There is an admission fee of $2 except Sundays which are FREE! Kids under 18 are just a $1 and under 6, no charge. Phone 1-515-323-8900 for more information and current schedule.
  Located at 909 East River Drive, from down town just go east on Grand Avenue, cross the bridge over the Des Moines River and turn left on East 1st Street. As you follow 1st street up the river it becomes River Drive. Continue on, under the Interstate to the Center.
  From I-235, take exit 12B and go north on Pennsylvania Avenue one block (north of the Interstate) to Buchanan Street. Turn left, go two blocks where the street makes a sharp right and becomes E. 6th Street. Continue north on 6th River Drive to the first street on your left. It is a very sharp left turn taking you back south to River Drive. 

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Hoyt Sherman Place — A late 19th Century Victorian Mansion with beautifully preserved, hand-carved wood work, exquisite brass chandeliers (kept well polished) and completely furnished with furnishings of the period (now called antiques). A theatre, added during the lively Twenties, features a simulated Rococo domed ceiling. There is a lot of artwork, especially in another new addition, the 'art wing'. There is no admission charge - yes, it's FREE! It is open only from 10a-4p daily except holidays. Warning: They are closed during the last half of August.
  From I-235 eastbound — take exit 10B and follow the exit ramp all the way to Keosauqua Way. Merge with the Keosauqua Way traffic and go two blocks to 12th Street. Bear right, go another block to Center Street and turn right, again. Follow Center Street (west) to 15th Street and turn left. Follow 15th Street south to Woodland Avenue and the Hoyt Sherman Place.
  From I-235 westbound — take exit 10B and follow the exit ramp around to Keosauqua Way. Merge with the Keosauqua Way traffic and go past Crocker Street to 12th Street. Bear right, go another block to Center Street and turn right, again. Follow Center Street (west) to 15th Street and turn left. Follow 15th Street south to Woodland Avenue and the Hoyt Sherman Place.

Science Center of Iowa — A little more sophisticated than most hands-on science center, this one even has a planetarium, laser light shows and live concerts. The main attractions for tourists with kids are the many hands-on exhibits. They put on some rather in depth exhibits which are rotated. One recent exhibit was the "Head to Toe: All about Your Body" which was a very well done educational experience informing about the functions and relationships of many of the organs of the body. Much of what they do, classes and camps, for example, are intended for local kids but visitors get all of their money's worth and them some.
  Admission for adults is $5.50; for kids 2-12 and seniors $4. The laser light show is an additional $1.50 (everybody) and the concerts (so we were told) are only an additional $5.
  They have a web site but it isn't very informative for out-of-town visitors. You can view it at sciowa.org. Or phone them at 1-515-274-4138.
  From I-235 take exit 6 and take 42nd Street southbound to Grand Avenue. Turn left and follow Grand to Greenwood Park and the Iowa Science Center.

Living History Farms — Because this live farm demonstration facility is in the suburb of Urbandale we have included the write-up under that community. see: Urbandale.

Iowa State Fair — Scheduled for each August for an 11-day stretch ending on the Sunday two weeks before Labor Day, the Iowa State Fair has been a block buster for almost 150 years. It has been in three major films and is always a great subject for amateur videos. It does get crowded (over a million people are expected to visit this year) but is is about the most fun State Fair in the country. Lots of free entertainment - good entertainment - covering about every interest. This certainly isn't another one of those pickled beets and jams kind of thing with an ugly cow contest thrown in for good measure.
  The State Fair grounds are located on East University Avenue, about 20 blocks from I-235 exit 11A. For more information, contact the Visitors' Center.

Newton

Home of Maytag — yes this is the place where F.L.Maytag first started manufacturing his invention, the mechanical washer. Adding the electric motor, though, was the rocket boost to success and Maytag has been the main ingredient of this area's economy ever since.

Jasper County Museum — You can't tour the plant but you can visit the Jasper County Museum where you can view a complete history in artifacts and photos of the progress and successes of Maytag. Also at the museum is a 37 foot wide diorama depicting Jasper County's history. You didn't know history could be so interesting. And there's lots, lots more. A good break - not just a rest but an education the kids won't get in school. (And, seniors, it will sure dredge up a lot of memories about the old days in a society that, we know, is gone forever.)

From I-80, take exit 164 and head north towards Newton. At S 12th Ave W (there's a traffic light at the intersection), turn right and then right again at the Kentucky Fried Chicken. Follow this road (W 18th St S) back toward the Interstate and it will make a couple left bends. You'll see the museum about a hundred yards ahead on your left. The address is 1700 S 15th Avenue West and their phone is 1-641-792-9118. Hours of operation from May through September are 1-5p daily. 'Students' (under 19) are only $1.

Amana Villages

At exit 225, US-151 takes you, north, to the set of 7 Amana Villages. These were settles by German émigrés some 150 years ago in their flight to escape severe religious persecution. Six of the seven villages have been inducted into the National Register of Historic Places administered by the National Park Service. Under these auspices, an excellent web site is maintained which relates not only the history of these people and their villages but a tour guide to help you maximize your time in touring the area. View their web site at Amana Colonies.
  The Amana Colonies Visitors' Bureau is at 39 38th Ave S. (suite 100) in Amana — phone (toll-free) 1-800-579-2294.

Coralville

Mormon Monuments — In the 1850s, this was the western terminus of the Mississippi and Missouri Railway and, thus, the jumping off place for the early pioneers on their way the the far West. Several parties of Mormons congregated here while they organized their handcart companies on the trek, by foot, to Great Salt Lake via the Oregon and Mormon Trails. There is a small park and monument here, dedicated to these courageous people.
  From I-80 eastbound, take exit 240 and head south on Hwy 965 (Coral Ridge Ave) to US-6. Turn left on US-6 and follow US-6 eastbound to 1st Ave (about 2.6 miles). Turn right and head south on 1st Avenue. Where it crosses the tracks the avenue has been renamed Mormon Trek Blvd. Continue south on Mormon Trek Blvd about 0.7 miles to Melrose Ave. Turn left and next to the large concrete sports arena is the memorial park.
  From I-80 westbound, take exit 242 and head south on 1st Avenue to US-6 (about 1.0 miles from the exit ramp on the south side of the Interstate).  Cross US-6 and continue south on 1st Avenue. Where it crosses the tracks the avenue has been renamed Mormon Trek Blvd. Continue south on Mormon Trek Blvd about 0.7 miles to Melrose Ave. Turn left and next to the large concrete sports arena is the Mormon Memorial Park.
  No office or phone number for the Mormon Memorial Park but you can get information from the Visitors' Bureau which you pass by (on your right) as you are driving south from exit 242. Phone 1-319-337-6592.

Iowa City

Finkbine Prairie — Here is a convenient sampling of much of what was found here in the Great Plains. Five moderately diverse plots of prairie remnants are located in the area bounded by US-6, the Iowa Interstate Railroad, Mormon Trek Blvd (1st Ave) and Hawkins Drive. If you are going (or have gone) to visit the Mormon Monuments you drive right by the west end on Mormon Trek Blvd. This area is maintained by the Sierra Club and they have provided us with an excellent description with directions on how best to enjoy the area. You can view their web site at Finkbine. If you did not intend to visit the Mormon Monuments, follow the directions given for that attraction and, when you cross US-6, turn left into the Finkbine parking lot.

Reyerson's Woods — One of the best sites in the Iowa City area to view Spring's beautiful prairie floral display is at Reyerson's Woods south of Iowa City. These 49 acres of woods, meadows and abrupt bluff have been improved with an excellent system of trails, mostly easy loops, plus a staircase to access the top of the bluff where a special, cantilevered viewing platform enables spectacular sights. Best time to visit is when the leaves are first beginning to appear on the trees in the area - usually mid to late April.
  Eastbound traffic on I-80 use exit 242 and take 1st Ave south to US-6 and turn left on US-6. Follow US-6 to the Iowa City Municipal Airport at the intersection of US-6 with IA-1 and IA-921. US-6 turns left here to cross the Iowa River but you go straight through on IA-921 driving by the airport. About 2 miles from US-6, Riverside Road (Old Hwy 218) splits off at a slight angle to the right. A parking area is just opposite this intersection at the base of the hill. (There is also a picnic shelter here.)
  Westbound traffic on I-80 use exit 246 and follow IA-1 (Dodge Street) south into Iowa City. At Burlington Street IA-1 makes a left to follow Burlington Street across the Iowa River. Just over the bridge IA-1 meets US-6. Turn left and follow US-6 south to the Iowa City Municipal Airport at the intersection of US-6 with IA-1 and IA-921. US-6 turns left here to cross the Iowa River but you go straight through on IA-921 driving by the airport. About 2 miles from US-6, Riverside Road (Old Hwy 218) splits off at a slight angle to the right. A parking area is just opposite this intersection at the base of the hill. (There is also a picnic shelter here.)
  Reyerson's Woods is maintained by the Iowa City Parks and Recreation Department. Much of the work on the trails, etc., was done by Iowa City's Mayor's Youth Employment Program. The Sierra Club has provided us with an excellent description of what we can see here along with directions on how best to enjoy the area. You can view their web site at Reyerson.
  The Parks and Recreation people can be reached at 1-319-356-5110.

West Branch

Just north of exit 254 on your left before you enter West Branch is the Herbert Hoover National Historic Site. Preserved by the National Park Service are the small cottage where he was born in 1874, a replica of the blacksmith's shop like the one his father owned and the Friends Meeting House (Quaker) where the family worshipped. Also on the grounds are the first West Branch schoolhouse, the Presidential Library and Museum and the graves of President Hoover and his wife.
  For more information, you may phone 1-319-643-2541 or visit the NPS web site at Herbert Hoover Site.

Davenport
(Quad Cities)

I-80 darts through the northern reaches of Davenport and totally misses the other three of the Quad Cities. This is great for the non-stop travelers - in a hurry to get "there' with a minimum of stops. But if you want to really enjoy your trip, you've got to do what you can't on a plane - stop and enjoy the many fun places of America.
  Unfortunately, getting around - and finding things - in Davenport can be quite a challenge for a stranger. Many streets just start, go a few blocks, then stop to continue elsewhere.

Riverfront Drive-by —  If you'd like to drive along the Mississippi (it can be beautiful (especially at sunset).
  From I-80 eastbound, take exit 290 and follow I-280 to exit 6. Exit and turn left at the end of the off-ramp. Follow US-61 (w. River Drive) to Marquette Street (about 5 miles). Turn right and go 2 blocks to Biederbecker Drive. Turn right (the only option) and follow Biederbecker along the Mississippi, under the bridge, past LeClair Park, to its end at S. Main Street. Turn left, go one block and you are back to US-61 (and, now, also US-67). Note: the visitors center is one block west (to your left) at 102 S. Harrison Street. Turn right on the US-67 and continue east to I-74. To get back to I-80 take the southbound on-ramp of I-74. At exit 13 you will encounter the I-80 interchange and can either stay on I-74 or get back on I-80 eastbound.
  From I-80 westbound, take exit 298 and follow I-74 to exit 4. Exit and turn right at the end of the off-ramp and follow US-67 to S. Harrison Street. Note: the visitors' center is on the corner here at 102 S. Harrison Street. Turn left, go one block and turn right. Follow Biederbecker Drive, past LeClair Park, under the bridge, to its end at S. Marquette Street. Turn right, go two blocks and turn left. You are now on US-61. Follow it all the way to I-280. Take the northbound on-ramp and follow I-280 back to I-80.

River Renaissance — River Renaissance - or you can telephone 1-+563-322-1706. (You can also view the River Renaissance area through several web cams on this web site.)

Quad Cities Visitors Bureau - At 102 S. Harrison Street in downtown, almost on the riverfront, this visitors' center is well prepared to assist.
  From I-80 eastbound, take exit 290 and follow I-280 to exit 6. Exit and turn left at the end of the off-ramp. Follow US-61 (w. River Drive) to S. Harrison Street and turn right. The visitors' center is down the block at the corner.
  From I-80 westbound, take exit 295A and follow US-61 all the way to town, through downtown, to the block after W. River Drive (US-61 turns right here). The visitors' center is down at the end of the next block.
  Phone (toll-free): 1-800-747-7800 ext 217.

Mississippi Valley Welcome Center — This is a great location for westbound travelers on I-80 - it is right across the Mississippi River from Illinois. For eastbound folks, you'll just find out what you missed where you've been. West or eastbound, take exit 306. At the bottom of the off-ramp turn left and follow US-67 about one block to Eagle Ridge Road. Turn left and follow Eagle Ridge to the Welcome Center (by the Super 8 Motel. Phone 1-563-322-3911, ext. 120.

East Davenport — Walk down the brick-paved streets of 1n 1850s era town, view many of the buildings - inside and out. The Village of East Davenport is a 120 acre historic district with some 500 homes plus over 50 restaurants and other shops. Old, preserved, and lived in. An excellent description of what you'll find here — including a good map - can be viewed at EastVillage.
  From I-80 take exit 298 and follow I-74 to exit 3. Turn right at the end of the off ramp and go one block on Middle Road to Locust St. Bear right on Locust (11 blocks counting the streets on your left). Turn left and proceed to E. 12th St. Turn right and you're in the Village.
  The Village is mostly residential with an informal collection of restaurants and shops. We're sure you'll enjoy it — and the shopping — and the eating.