At the Figge Art Museum, with its expansive views of Davenport’s Mississippi riverfront, art fans will find an outstanding collection of Haitian art, given new prominence two years after the region’s devastating earthquake. The Figge’s other current exhibits feature a WPA artist, and children’s book illustrations.
The Union Pacific Railroad Museum in Council Bluffs celebrates 150 years of the Union Pacific Railroad in 2012. One collection of note is the Abraham Lincoln Collection, encompassing artifacts from the 16th president’s life and death. The nearby historic home of Civil War general Grenville Dodge, a railroad builder, is open for tours.
For the past 50 years, the life and accomplishments of Herbert Hoover have been documented and celebrated at the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library, Museum, and Historic Site in West Branch, Hoover’s birthplace and boyhood home. Temporary exhibits relating to American history are always on display – currently you can learn about the 100th anniversary of the Girl Scouts of America. Lou Henry Hoover, wife of the president, served as president of the national organization twice.
Have you resolved to be more active in 2012? Get outside and get moving at one of Iowa’s ski areas, parks, or multi-use trails. Seek solitude on a snowshoe trail through the woods. Warm up with a group of friends at fun winter festival. Planned or spontaneous, a day in the Iowa outdoors will invigorate you.
Seven Oaks Recreation, near Boone in Central Iowa, offers winter activities for all ages and abilities, including skiing, snowboarding and snow tubing. With 11 runs, even beginners can learn quickly. The Lodge at Seven Oaks provides an indoor view of the slopes while you enjoy food and drink.
Sleepy Hollow, Des Moines' only ski resort, offers skiing and snowboarding, along with multiple lanes for tubing. It’s a great urban escape for the whole family, and a top choice for group outings.
From Sundown Mountain Resort’s two lodges, skiers can pause to take in quite a view - 100 square miles of scenery. With one of the highest lifts in the midwest, Sundown Mountain has long been a destination for winter adventurers from three states.
No special equipment is needed to wander Iowa’s trails and hiking paths. Most of Iowa’s state parks have multi-use trails that are available for cross-country skiing when there’s snow, or hiking when there isn’t. For example, Brushy Creek State Recreation Area near Fort Dodge in north central Iowa offers 50 miles of trails! Pikes Peak near McGregor offers three miles of ski trails and many more miles of hiking trails, with spectacular views of the Mississippi River valley.
The Iowa Natural Heritage foundation’s comprehensive guide to Iowa’s trails can point you in the right direction for longer trails. Iowa’s county park system is extensive, offering all types of outdoor recreation in all corners of the state.
Plan the perfect winter getaway at Honey Creek Resort State Park on Rathbun Lake in southern Iowa. Choose an upscale cottage, or stay in the main lodge – special packages are always available. Families will love the indoor waterpark, while couples and friends will appreciate the fine dining and the opportunity to schedule spa services. Miles of trails wind through the woods along the lake.
Here’s one resolution that’s easy to keep –explore more of Iowa’s destinations and attractions with family and friends this year. Your first step is to visit http://www.traveliowa.com/ for a look at everything Iowa has to offer. Flip through the pages of our digital Travel Guide or order your own free copy.
Kathy Bowermaster, Iowa Tourism Office
It will be a weekend of winter fun at Hitchcock Nature Center in Honey Creek on January 21-22.
First, strap on some snowshoes and trek through the beautiful Loess Hills during a guided snowshoe hike on Saturday, January 21. Hikes will take place at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Pre-registration and pre-payment is required by Friday, January 13, as space is limited. These workshops are designed for participants 12 years of age and older.
Cost is $5 per person and includes a guided hike, refreshments and the use of snowshoes. Call 712.242.1197 to pre-register for either session. Please meet at the Loess Hills Lodge. Weather permitting.
Bring the little ones on Sunday, January 22, at 1:30 p.m. to learn all about nature in the winter during the KinderNature program "Animals in Winter." Children will find out how their favorite animals keep warm in the rugged winter weather. Outdoor time if weather permits.
KinderNature Preschool Programs are designed for children ages 3-5 years old accompanied by an adult. These unique programs are full of hands-on learning and outdoor activities that encourage curious minds to explore and engage with the natural world. Each program explores a new and unique nature theme, and includes stories, crafts and outdoor exploration. Programs are held each month and last an hour. Cost: $4 per child. Weather permitting.
Information supplied by Erin Kenney, Pottawattamie County Conservation
