Fun Friday

Good Morning we have made it through another week and now it's time to go on our weekly Friday adventure.

Can you guess where we are going this week? We are going to visit the state of Iowa

1.) Field of Dreams Movie Site located in Dyersville hours of operation are 9-6 Guided Home Tours cost roughly $24 Is this Heaven? No, it’s Iowa. A place of fertile soil, traditional values and simple pleasure. And, in Dyersville, Iowa, at the century-old Lansing family farm with its quaint, and oh-so-recognizable house, baseball still ranks as a favorite pastime for all ages. What better place to carve a baseball diamond from a corn field and to make a movie about pursuing one’s dream, no matter how much effort it takes? From tours of the inside of the iconic Field of Dreams Farm House, to our retail store, to our concessions stand, there certainly is plenty to do at the place where dreams come true! Is this Heaven? We sure think so!

2.) National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium located in Dubuque Hours of operation are 9-5 Daily Tickets cost anywhere from $18-$30 depending on what you would like to do and an optional ticket to feed the stingrays held at 2:30 daily behind the scenes tickets are available for $125 and military discounts are given. Please see the website to book your tickets and view more information Part aquarium, part museum, part science center, the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium inspires stewardship by creating educational experiences where history and rivers come alive! Our 14-acre campus on the banks of the Mississippi River features two separate two-story buildings and an expansive outdoor plaza. The Museum & Aquarium is home to over 100 species of animals and thousands of historic artifacts. With so much to see and do, there's always a chance to #ExploreSomethingNew

3.)Fenelon Place Elevator Co also located in Dubuque hours of operation are 8-10pm Historic cable car. Also known as the Fourth Street Elevator, this funicular railway has been called "the world's steepest, shortest scenic railway." Great view of downtown Dubuque, the Mississippi River and 3 states. Buses should go to the bottom of the bluff. Please use 4th and Bluff Streets for GPS. Narrow streets with parking on both sides at the top of the bluff. Open 8 AM to 10 PM daily April 1 through November 30. Closed Thanksgiving. We do not accept debit or credit cards.

4.) Iowa 80 Trucking Museum located in Walcott hours of operation are 9-5pm The Iowa 80 Trucking Museum was a dream of Iowa 80 Truckstop founder Bill Moon. His love for trucks and the trucking industry laid the foundation for this museum. Over 100 vintage trucks are on display, as well as antique signs and gas pumps. The museum also features the REO Theatre where visitors can enjoy watching films about trucks and trucking. While you are here check out the truck stop and the food there is amazing.

5.) Pappajohn Sculpture Park located in Des Moines hours of operation are 6am-midnight Open to visitors since September 2009, the John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park features artwork by 22 of the world's most celebrated artists. The 4.4 Acre park, located within a major crossroads of the urban grid, creates a pedestrian friendly entranceway to downtown Des Moines. This accessible setting, coupled with the skilled landscape design and caliber of the art, makes it unlike any other sculpture park in the United States. The Pappajohns' contribution of 28 works for the park is the most significant donation of artwork ever made to the Des Moines Art Center.

6.) The Sioux City Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center hours of operation are 9-5The Sioux City Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center and the Betty Strong Encounter Center comprise an almost 20,000-square-foot, private, non-profit cultural complex, built and sustained by Missouri River Historical Development, Inc. (MRHD). The Interpretive Center opened in 2002 to commemorate the Lewis & Clark Bicentennial. It expanded in late 2007 with the opening of the adjoining Betty Strong Encounter Center to fulfill a permanent mission of "commemorating a history of encounters before, during and after the expedition. Joined by the symbolic Crossroads, these two parts create a Missouri Riverfront home for exhibits, programs and activities that explore how we live together as diverse people and how we care for our land, our great river, and other natural resources. Admission and programs are free.

7.) National Czech & Slovak Museum and Library located in Cedar Rapids hours of operation are 9:30-4pm Expanded 50,000 sq. ft. building opened in July 2012 with a world-class exhibit "Alphonse Mucha: Inspirations of Art Nouveau" featuring 230 pieces direct from Prague and London. Two other galleries feature rotating exhibitions on the culture, art and history of Czechs and Slovaks. And don't miss the two-room 1880's Czech immigrant house that was home to five generations. See the new museum store filled with European treasures and gifts. Stroll down Czech Village and also visit the exhibition, "Rising Above: the Store of a People and the Flood" located at 87 Sixteenth Ave. SW

8.) John Wayne Birthplace and Museum located in Winterset hours of operation are 10-5pm Tickets are roughly $20 Tour the modest 4-room home where John Wayne was born, and visit the John Wayne Birthplace Museum featuring the largest diversified exhibit of John Wayne artifacts in existence, including original movie posters, film wardrobe, scripts, letters, artwork and sculpture--even one of his customized automobiles. Admission includes the Museum, a visit to the Birthplace house, and a small theater with a documentary on John Wayne's life, with a special welcome by his daughter Aissa.

9.) Blank Park Zoo located in Des Moines hours of operation are 9-5pm Tickets range from $12-18 and children under 2 are free they have Wheelchairs available free of charge and strollers to rent for Single for $7 Double for $10 and electric scooter  Imagine a place where you can have a wild family adventure viewing rhinos or feeding a giraffe while also helping preserve animals for future generations. A portion of the proceeds from your visit to Blank Park Zoo is used to protect animal populations throughout the world. Blank Park Zoo is approximately 30 acres and features an indoor rainforest Discovery Center, Jamaa Kwa Africa, Australia Adventure, Kids Kingdom, Great Cats Complex, a Sea Lion and Seal pool and more.

10.) Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum located in West Branch hours of operation are 9-5 This library-museum commemorates the 31st President of the U.S. and the first born west of the Mississippi River. Exhibits track Hoover's life and political career. The large temporary gallery has changing exhibits that relate to American history. The Museum sits on the grounds of the Hoover National historic site where visitors can tour Hoover's birthplace cottage, blacksmith shop, Quaker meeting house, the local school and Hoover's gravesite.

11.) Vesterheim located in Decorah Vesterheim, the National Norwegian-American Museum and Folk Art School, welcomes people of all ages and backgrounds to engage in the conversation of the American immigrant journey through the lens of the Norwegian-American experience, and to participate in the continual evolution of traditional folk art as it meets new influences. Vesterheim offers innovative and interactive exhibits, classes, and programs, both at the dynamic campus and park in scenic Decorah, Iowa, and online at vesterheim.org. While you are in town go check out Dunnings Springs Park is a hidden gem but such a beautiful place with a waterfall along with a few other things to do in town. I feel like it's a must visit if in the area. The path to the waterfall is paved for handicap accessibility

12.) Brucemore located in Cedar Rapids hours of operation are 8-4:30pm Brucemore is a living landmark that charts the history of Cedar Rapids. The 26-acre, park-like estate invites exploration of its history, gardens, grounds, and 21-room mansion. Each season, nature's changing beauty entices visitors to the estate offering new experiences. Concerts, theater, festivals, garden walks, holiday celebrations, and tours enliven the site and celebrate the heritage of the community.

13.) Effigy Mounds and National Monument located in Harpers Ferry hours of operation are 8-4:30pm 29 Of This Park's 191 Mounds Are In The Shape Of Animals.

14.) Snake Alley located in Burlington This local landmark was constructed in 1894 to help connect the residential district at the top of the bluff with the commercial district down below. Snake Alley consists of five half-curves, two quarter-curves and drops 58 feet over a distance of 275 feet. Test your driving, walking or bicycling skills on what Ripley's Believe It or Not! called “Unbelievably Crooked!" Designated as #1 in Ripley’s Believe It or Not!’s Odd Spots Across America campaign.

15.) John Deere Tractor&Engine Museum located in Waterloo hours of operation are 9-5pm We have officially reopened at the John Deere Tractor and Engine Museum. Our hours are now Tue-Sat from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. No reservation is necessary. At this time, factory tours are not being offered. We look forward to seeing you at the museum!

16.) Union Pacific Railroad Museum located in Council Bluffs Our museum has chronicled more than 150 years of American railroad history through unique artifacts and immersive interactive games. Admission is free.

17.) Amana Colonies, a National Historic Landmark, hours of operation are 9am-7pm The history of Amana Colonies, a National Historic Landmark and one of America’s longest-lived communal societies, begins in 1714 in the villages of Germany and continues today on the Iowa prairie. Today the seven villages of the Amana Colonies represent an American dream come true; a thriving community founded by religious faith and community spirit. Declared a National Historic Landmark in 1965, the Amana Colonies attract hundreds of thousands of visitors annually all of whom come to see and enjoy a place where the past is cherished and where hospitality is a way of life. Evocative of another age, the streets of the Amana Colonies with their historic brick, stone and clapboard homes, their flower and vegetable gardens, their lanterns and walkways recall Amana yesterday. But a vibrant community, celebrating both its past and its future, is here today for you to experience.

18.) National Motorcycle Museum located in Anamosa This is an awesome collection of not just motorcycles from every time period in every corner of the globe, but it's a history of the mechanical age.This is an awesome collection of not just motorcycles from every time period in every corner of the globe, but it's a history of the mechanical age.The section on the late Robert Knievel was worth the whole price of admission. The thought that someone would mangle his body repeatedly just for our viewing pleasure and the thrill of it was amazing. I was a kid back then. It strikes me a little differently now. The "Wall of Death" displays brought me back to the fairgrounds of my youth. The custom bikes were something to behold, as were the ancient ones, the ones that came first. It was as much history as anything else. Frankly, it had better history than most history museums. I had things called back to memory as well as learning new things. I will likely go back if I'm in the area . This place and places like it, are the reason we travel the USA on wheels. You can't see this from an airplane. Speaking of airplanes, they have one of those, too.

19.) The Putnam Museum and Science Center located in Davenport hours of operation are 10-5pm The Putnam is a place where people connect with history and ideas by doing, making and experiencing. Our classes and special events are a great complement to our hands-on exhibit galleries. There is always something new to discover and something for everyone at Putnam.

20.) Buffalo Bill Museum located in Le Claire hours of operation are 9-5pm More than Buffalo Bill. There is an exhibit about Dr. James Ryan who invented the black box widely used today. Also a replica of a one-room schoolhouse and the Lone Star steamer which was the last wooden hulled steamship in the US. Reasonable entry fee - $5 adults, $4 seniors. If you are fans of the TV show American Pickers you can visit their store  while you're here in Le Claire.

21.)  Sioux City Public Museum hours of operation are 10-5pm Located in the heart of downtown Sioux City, the Sioux City Public Museum features large, colorful exhibits, interactive displays, and much more. Visitors will discover the "Spirit of Sioux City" through a lively 12-minute orientation film in the ornate "corn palace theatre." A variety of hands-on experiences are available including the award-winning "Innovation I-Wall" and "The Big Dig," which replicates an active fossil dig site. Highlights of the permanent gallery are rare Native American artifacts from the area; Sioux City's first "horseless buggy," a 1901 Oldsmobile; a 1930 Kari-Keen airplane manufactured in Sioux City; and a 1918 Mack fire truck similar to ones used by the Sioux City Fire Department. The two-story Disaster and Recovery Wall features multimedia presentations of three major Sioux City catastrophes: the 1904 Pelletier Department Store fire, the 1953 Floyd River Flood, and the 1989 crash of United Airlines Flight 232. Temporary exhibits feature topics of local and regional interest.

22.) Living History Farms located in Urbandale hours of operation are 9-4pm Living History Farms is located in the western suburbs of Des Moines, Iowa in Urbandale and is conveniently located right off Interstates 35/80. It is an interactive outdoor museum which educates, entertains and connects people of all ages to Midwestern rural life experiences. 300 years of agricultural history are represented including a 1700 Ioway Indian Farm, 1850 Pioneer Farm, 1900 Horse-Powered Farm and an 1875 town. Tours are self guided and historic interpreters at each farm site are dressed in clothing from each era to explain what it would have been like to live in that time. The general touring season is May 1 through October 14th. Many special events and historic dinners take place in the off-season. Visit the website for details.

23.) The Bily Clocks Museum & Antonin Dvorak Exhibit hours of operation are 10-4pm The Bily Clocks Museum & Antonin Dvorak Exhibit has been a favorite attraction of young and old for many years. Visitors return year after year to the enchanting town of Spillville, Iowa, (located thirteen miles southwest of the town of Decorah), to marvel at the unique clocks that two brothers, Frank and Joseph Bily (bee-lee) hand-carved. The clocks depict history, art, religion and culture and are covered with hundreds of expertly carved figures. Some stand over nine feet tall. Also housed in the museum on the second floor is an exhibit in memory of the famous Czech composer, Antonin Dvorak. In the summer of 1893, he along with his family, occupied the second floor of the building. An admission fee is charged. Tours are given regularly.

24.) The Iowa Children’s Museum located in Coralville hours of operation are 10-6pm At The Iowa Children’s Museum, children can take an imaginary trip to the moon, explore the science of skateboarding, create messy masterpieces, and explore a pirate’s ship—all in one afternoon! Our learning laboratory is a unique space where kids can let their imagination soar, make mistakes, and create lasting memories. Each exhibit provides hands-on opportunities for children to learn about the world around them. Our colorful spaces are not only fun, but they’re also backed by overwhelming research that says playing is essential to a child’s development. Every time your child visits The ICM, they’re learning through the Power of Play! Membership options are available at theicm.org/memberships.

25.) Hansen's Farm Fresh Dairy located in Hudson hours of operation are 3-6pm Hansen’s Dairy is a family-owned on-farm creamery in Hudson, Iowa. The Hansen family has been farming the same land for more than 150 years. Since 2004, we have been making our own dairy products. We are truly farm to table! Hansen’s “legendairy” products include milk, cheese curds, butter, heavy cream and ice cream. We do agritourism to help our customers connect with their local food. If you're looking for something to do in Iowa, our dairy farm tour is educational and entertaining! Admission includes a trolley ride to the farm, then a walking tour to see our animals and facilities. All participants can feed a calf, milk a cow by hand, pet the kangaroos (yes, real kangaroos!) and goats, make homemade butter, sample our milk and cheese curds, and eat our premium, old-fashioned ice cream. Ages 4 and older, $15; ages 3 and younger, free. Tours begin at 3:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday, April 1-Oct. 31. Must have a reservation. Book at https://hansendairy.com/farm-tours or call.

26.) American Gothic House hours of operation are 10-5 Come to Eldon, Iowa and view the exterior of the house that inspired Grant Wood to paint American Gothic, one of the most recognized paintings in the world. Tour the adjacent American Gothic House Center which showcases Grant Wood's life and the history of the house. Props on hand encourage visitors to pose in front of the historic American Gothic House and create their own unique American Gothic portrait.

27.) Ice Cream Capital of the World Visitors Center located in Le Mars hours of operation are 9am-10pm Named the 2000 Iowa Tourism Attraction of the Year by The Iowa Division of Tourism, this visitor center includes interactive exhibits, an ice cream factory, a museum and an ice cream parlor.

28.) Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge and Prairie Learning Center located in Prairie City This is the largest prairie reconstruction project in the United States.

29.) Matchstick Marvels Museum located in Gladbrook- This place is absolutely amazing. You will have a newfound respect for the things you can do when you glue hundreds of thousands of matches together.  It's a must see in my book

30.) Star Trek Voyage Home Museum located in Riverside calling all my Star Trek lovers Where the trek begins. There is a cute city park with a play area for kids and a bronze statue of Captain Kirk and a marker Future birthplace of James t kirk. Across the street is the coolest FREE Museum called the Voyage Home. It has oodles of real props and collectibles uniforms, a transporter to play in and a bridge set.

With over 300 things to see in a state that I didn't think there would be much to do I found myself always immersed in something along the way. There are quite a few more historial noteworthy things here in the state. This is a state where you can definitely find something for everyone to do, even the most pickiest person to please. 

I hope that you have enjoyed this week's tour and come back next week for another amazing adventure. Remember to always be kind as it costs nothing and if you see someone without a smile stop and give them yours a smile is contagious.

Written by: BeautifulChaos318