("Things to do, Places to go, People to see")
Bentonsport: www.bentonsport.com
Shopping: Most shops open daily: 10am to 5pm, April - Oct. and weekends only in Nov. and Dec.
The Greef General Store is where you can find antiques, crafts, and delicious homemade fudge! (319) 592-3579 www.greefstore.com
Iron & Lace features Queen Anne's Lace pottery and hand-forged artistic ironwork by our own artists-in-residence, Bill and Betty Printy. (319) 592-3222 www.ironandlace.com
Bill and Betty at work.
Things to see:
Indian Artifact Museum: Home to an extensive collection of Native American Indian artifacts including an impressive display of arrowheads (open by chance or appointment).
Old Presbyterian Church Building:
Visit this historic building on the hill north of the
village. Open daily 10am to 5pm, May - Nov. The building is
available to rent for weddings, programs, services, etc. Call the
Mason House for more information.
Historic Bridge: Built in 1882 for horse and buggy traffic, this bridge is the oldest and longest iron truss bridge still in use across the Des Moines River. Open to foot and bicycle traffic. (Photo by Steve Stimmel)
Vernon Schoolhouse:
On the south side of the river (and up the hill a little ways) stands the
handsome three story Vernon Schoolhouse. Built in 1868, it was in use
until 1960. It is now a private home and studio. (Open by chance or
appointment.)
Rose Garden: Set within the rock walls of the old Mill foundations, this garden is complete with walkways, benches, water garden, and a variety of perennial plants. A great place for a picnic or wedding, or just sit and read in the peace and quiet.
Things to do:
Have a picnic in the park. * Hike the Nature Trail north of town. * Take the Self-Guided Walking Tour of Bentonsport. * Hunt, fish, and watch the eagles during the winter season. * Enjoy the sunrise and sunset on the river. (Photo by Steve Stimmel)
Bonaparte: www.bonaparte-iowa.com
Shop for crafts and antiques at Cottonwood Corner and Midwest Memories Antiques. Tour the Historic Bonaparte Pottery Archeological Site (www.bonaparte-pottery.com)
Restaurants:
1. Bonaparte's Retreat in the old grist mill (319) 592-3339
2. Jet Stop - convenience store with gas, pop, sandwiches, pizza...
Keosauqua: www.keosauqua.com
Hiking, fishing, swimming at Lacey-Keosauqua State Park and Lake Sugema
Swimming pool, golf course, tennis courts at Riverview Country Club (319) 293-3200
Restaurants:
1. George's - pizza, tacos, sandwiches (319) 293-3999
2. Riverbend Pizza - pizza, steak, salad, sandwiches (319) 293-9900
3. Cup and Cakes - (319) 293-8200
Hawkeye Canoe Rental: rent a canoe for fun on the river (319) 293-3550
Van Buren County Fair - July
Cantril: http://cantril-iowa.com
Dutchman's Store: bulk food items, fabric, shoes & boots, homemade items, fresh produce and other grocery items. (Run by Mennonites for the Amish.)
Walk the lovely Waubonsie Park trails.
Visit the 4-story round barn at Wickfield Farm (open by appointment). Built in 1918. (319) 293-3129
Farmington: http://farmingtoniowa.com
Shimek State Forest is the largest of Iowa's three state forests with 9,000 acres. Four large ponds are stocked with fish. Electric trolling motors allowed. Public hunting in season. Winter sports and equestrian trails. Indian Lake Park is located SW of Farmington on Hwy. 81. The park is 177 acres, including a 44-acre lake with great fishing. There is a 2-mile multi-purpose trail around the lake. Boat rentals and swimming available. Farmington's Strawberry Festival is the 2nd weekend in June. Crafts, flea market items, and lots of free ice cream with strawberry sauce!
Mt. Pleasant: Don't miss the Old Threshers Reunion held annually in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa. Always 5 days ending on Labor Day. This year's dates: Aug. 29 - Sept. 2. Only 45 minutes north of Bentonsport on Hwy. 218. www.oldthreshers.org . Spend the day there, and have a pleasant nights rest here!
Nauvoo: Visit the historic town and shops. See the rebuilt Mormon Temple. Golf in Nauvoo at the Great River Road Golf Club (800-233-0060). www.golfnauvoo.com
Fort Madison: Tour the old Fort, the museums and shops.
Keokuk: See the lock and dam system in action! Experience a Civil War Reenactment in Rand Park, April TBA. Reenactments take place Saturday at 3pm and Sunday at 2:30pm. Check their Events Calendar for more fun things to do at www.leecounty.org . Spend the day there and have a pleasant nights rest here!
Local Area:
1. WHO Radio Great Iowa Tractor Ride: TBA