August 14th, 2008
A few miles outside of Muscatine, Iowa, is the Pine Creek Grist Mill, a unique attraction that allows visitors to see the inner-workings of a historic flour mill. The beautifully restored mill is over 150 years old and thought to be the oldest working mill between the Mississippi River and the Rocky Mountains.
Though it’s open to the public five days a week during the summer, you’ll get the most out of your visit by stopping on a Sunday afternoon. In addition to two scheduled mill demonstrations, the Melpine School – a restored one-room school house – is open for visitors between 1 and 4. The mill’s website has been revamped since we last visited and now features a video plus a bevy of information about the history (and future) of the revamped mill.
Brian McMillin |
Eastern Iowa, Sites |
December 6th, 2007
Last winter, Amanda and I made a short stop in Audubon, Iowa, to see Albert, the world’s largest bull. There’s a certain charm to the storied 40-year-old statue, which is housed within a well-kept community park. The paint job was pristine, with a pleasing brown and white color scheme and glowing blue eyes.
Located just a few miles north of Interstate 80 on Highway 71, it’s a quirky, fun stop that makes for a great photo backdrop for the kids or entire family. In addition, if you’re looking to stretch your legs, it beats any highway rest stop and is guaranteed to be an enjoyable break from the monotony of driving.
Brian McMillin |
Central Iowa, Sites |
July 30th, 2007
Ocheyedan Mound used to be known as the highest point in Iowa – that is, until a 1971 geodetic survey determined that distiction actually went to a farm north of Sibley, Iowa.
I had to check this mound out on my way to Minneapolis earlier this month. The parking lot was easy to access, but climbing the mound itself was made difficult due to a poorly-mowed path. Rising 170 feet above the surrounding plain, the mound offered a nice view and is worth checking out if you’re nearby.
Brian McMillin |
Sites, Western Iowa |
June 27th, 2007
Last weekend, Amanda and I stopped by Hawkeye Point, which has the distinction of being the highest point in the state of Iowa. The 1670-foot peak is on private property, but it is easy to access, just a short walk from the road. The official landmark is at the end of a feeding trough and is marked with a wooden cutout in the shape of Iowa.
There’s a metal box encouraging visitors to register, where we wrote our names and bought two of the souvenir keychains, which go for a mere $1 each. Located just north of Sibley, Iowa, Hawkeye Point provided a break from driving and nice view of northwest Iowa farmland.
Brian McMillin |
Sites, Western Iowa |
