Cedar Rapids Museum of Art

Well, its done. Travel Iowa '09 is behind us. And there was no better way to end it than with a visit to a great city - Cedar Rapids.

We all remember one year ago when this great city was innundated by the floods of 2008. And while the recovery continues - make no mistake, Cedar Rapids is back, and it is coming back better than before.

And that is why we wanted to end our tour here at the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art.

Last year, the water flooded the basement. But they worked hard, and had the museum open within a matter of weeks.

The museum houses the worlds largest collection of works by Cedar Rapids native Grant Wood. I have always been a big admirer of his work, and it was great to see so many unique and interesting pieces from his collection.

We then looked at the gallery of pieces from the National Czech and Slovak Museum. One of the greatest tragedies of the flood was the loss of this museum, but thanks to the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art, they have been able to preserve and restore many items, artifacts and paintings which are on exhibit there until the Czech and Slovak Musuem can be reopened.

We ended by taking a quick tour of the rest of their collection, which is outstanding. Paintings, historical artifacts, sculpture and so much more can be found here.

It really is one of the best art centers in the country, and its right here in Cedar Rapids.

If you haven't been, I encourage you to make the visit.

Well, the tour is done, and we are on our way back to Des Moines.

Though our travels are done, and summer may be coming to an end, there is still plenty of time to see Iowa. I hope we may have given you some new ideas on where to go and what to do. But there is so much to do that the possibilities are endless. So get out there, and travel Iowa.

We will see you down the road,

Patty

Manchester Trout Hatchery

On our trip, we have done many things - except go fishing. Well, its better late than never.

I was very excited when I saw we were going to get the poles out today at the State Trout Hatchery in Manchester.

Located in a tree-lined valley south of town, I was instantly struck by the natural beauty. The air was crisp, the trees were tall and swaying in the breeze, and the stream was running crystal clear.
We started the visit by looking at the hatchery itself, and the runs they have that are teaming with hundres - if not thousands - of trout.

I decided to be adventerous and stick my hand in. I ended up catching a small trout, but put it back because I wanted to catch a BIG one the old fashioned way.

So, we went to the stream and tried our luck with rod and reel. Joining me was Lottery Director Terry Rich and Deputy DNR Director Pat Bode. We saw a lot of fish, but unfortunately, luck was not on our side. The stream was running fast, and the fish would not bite. Oh well!

Iowa has many great places to catch fish, and I was glad we were able to get some fishing in before the end of our tour. If you haven't been to the Manchester Hatchery , you must make the trip. It is so much fun.

Well, a certain downtrodden mood has befallen the Travel Iowa Gang. That can only mean one thing - the end of the tour is near. We are en route to our last event - the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art.

See you down the road,

Patty

Heartland Acres Agribition Center

The tour keeps on moving, this time to Independence and the Heartland Acres Agribition Center.

I was here four years ago for the ground breaking as Secretary of Agriculture, and made a brief visit last year for a speech, but this is the first time I have gotten to really see the center.

It is an amazing place that tells the story of not only Independence, but all of rural Iowa.

We started the tour with a walk through the Hall of Time that documents rural life from the time of our early settlers until today. As someone who has spent most of their life in rural Iowa, it was just fascinating.

Next we saw an outstanding collection of perfectly restored cars from the Model T to the '57 Chevy all the way to a DeLorean. They were beautiful, and were so well preserved they looked like works of art. If you are a car fan, it is worth the trip just to see that.

Then it was over to the machine shed and the collection of old threshers, tractors, and farm implements. Finally, we saw a well preserved one room schoolhouse.

They also have farm animals - including a chicken who refuses to stay in her pen and wanders around the grounds greeting the guests.

The Agribition Center really has something for everyone, and is a real boost to Independence.

Its right off Highway 20, so its easy to get to. If you are in the area, make sure to stop.

We are on our way to Manchester and a little fishing at the DNR Trout Hatchery.

See you down the road,

Patty

Postively Oelwein

After a nice drive from Waverly, we arrived in Oelwein for a tour of the work this community is doing to grow and expand.

The work began in 2005 with a $750,000 grant from the State's Community Attractions and Tourism fund. These dollars were used to improve the streetscape in the community, which has made the downtown more inviting to citizens and tourists.

And just as these state dollars were intended, new investment is coming into downtown. We took a quick walk along main street, and I saw several projects - completed and underway - that are helping to revitalize downtown. While on the tour, we stopped in a new art gallery that is owned by a local art guild and features local art. It is good that I left my wallet in the car because there were a few things that caught my eye.

We ended the tour at the new library, which was funded as part of the streetscape project. It is a great addition to the community. Currently, they are hosting an exhibit from NASA called "Visions of the Universe" - one of only 40 libraries to host this exhibit. I checked it out while I was there, and met some of the many kids that have come to see it.

I also met Ron and Ann Garceau. Today, they unveiled a painting at the library of their grandson, Seth Garceau, who is one of Iowa's brave soldiers that died in Iraq. I took a few minutes with the family to admire the memorial they have put together in Seth's honor. It was both touching and moving, and I was honored to be here to see it and the pride that Seth's family has for his service.

Oelwein is really proud of its heritage, and is working hard to keep their community strong. I was glad to see the work they are doing, and if you are in the area, check it out as well.

With Oelwein in the rearview mirror, its off to Independence.

See you down the road,

Patty

Tendrils Rooftop Garden

Our last day of the trip started with a visit to Waverly and the Tendrils Rooftop Garden.

During a recent expansion of the Waverly Health Center, the community came together with an interesting idea - build a relaxing green place for patients. That project grew into the Tendrils Rooftop Garden.

Let me tell you, it is a beautiful spot.

Situated on the fourth floor of the hospital, it is the highest point in town and you can see for miles around. The garden is filled with beautiful flowers, plants, and water features that create a relaxing environment for patients and visitors.

It was a gorgeous morning, and all I wanted to do was sit on the patio and enjoy the relaxing atmosphere with a cup of coffee.

Unfortunately, the staff started giving me the sign and I had to keep on moving.

But if you live in or are traveling through the Waverly area and need a place to relax for a while, grab a book and head over to the Tendrils Rooftop Garden. It is great.

The Great Green Beast keeps on moving. Next stop: Oelwein.

See you down the road,

Patty

Little Brown Church

We ended our second to last day of the tour at one of Iowa's best known attractions - the Little Brown Church in the Vale.

Built in 1860, it was actually built after the Hymn that made it famous was written. Nestled in the a thicket of trees right outside of Nashua, it still has an active congregation that has worked hard to preserve its heritage.

Little Brown Church has become a favorite of couples planning to be married. In fact, I remember coming here as a child for my aunt and uncle's wedding. In all, the church has hosted nearly 73,000 weddings to date.

The Little Brown Church is a quiet, peaceful place to reflect upon the beauty all around us, no matter what your spiritual background.

If in northeast Iowa, it is worth a stop.

Now, we are heading to the ISU Research Farm here in Nashua to dedicate the Norman Borlaug Learning Center. After that, we head to Cedar Falls for some rest before beginning our final day of the tour tomorrow.

See you down the road,

Patty

Riceville - Wapsi Great Western Line Trail

We just left Riceville, and I am still impressed by our visit to this northern Iowa community. We have been to over 60 cities now, and without a doubt, Riceville gets the prize for the best welcome.

We pulled into town to be greeted by both a police and fire escort. They wound us through the town to see all the great economic development that is taking place in the community.

Then we pulled up to the trailhead of the Wapsi Great Western Trail to be greeted by about 50 people - including the high school marching band. That defntely was a first - a marching band has never greeted me before.

After a nice visit at the center, we took a tour on the trail. Given the short time, I couldn't get out on a bike. Instead, we headed out in a couple of golf carts, and saw some of the great work this community has done. We stopped at a prairie restoration project that was beautiful, with many natural flowers in bloom.

Next, we went a little farther down the trail and saw the butterfly garden that overlooks Lake Manning. It is a peaceful place, and one that I didn't want to leave.

Finally, we returned to the trailhead, where the community has turned an old church into a community center. They presented me with all sorts of gifts, that I will display when I return to the Capitol.

One thing is for certain - Riceville is a small town with a big heart. They take pride in their community, and it shows. I was glad that we included it on our tour, and I hope all Iowans have a chance to check it out sometime. And if you do, bring your bike and head down the Wapsi Great Western Trail.

We are now en route to our last event of the day - the Little Brown Church of Nashua.

See you down the road,

Patty