Iowa State Capitol
Originally constructed during the late 1800s, this building represents the very best of the early 1900s architectural designs. The steel and brick dome is coated with a thick layer of gold leaf that really makes it stand out on a bright and sunny day. The city offers free daily and guided tours of this amazing capitol building. Make sure that you don’t miss this structure when you travel to Des Moines.

Des Moines Botanical Center
One of the coolest botanical centers in the country, this awesome fourteen acre center sits adjacent to the Des Moines River and is one of the most popular of all attractions that can be found in this city. It annually sees hundreds of thousands of visitors and can be very packed during certain times of the year. Make sure that you call ahead when you are here so that you can find out the best time to visit this must-see destination. Also make sure that you set aside plenty of time to really take in all of the sights that are here; it is recommended that you set aside at least half a day.

Blank Park Zoo
The mission statement for this zoo reads as follows, “To inspire an appreciation of the natural world through conservation, education and recreation.” This is exactly how you will feel and what you will find when you visit this not-to-be-missed, world class zoo in Des Moines. Take a gander at over a hundred different species of animals and nearly 1,500 different specimens as you browse through this awesome, must-see attraction.

Walnut Woods State Park
This preserved state park is awesome. Its 260 acres of preserved land meet at the Raccoon River in West Des Moines. This park is open 365 days per year and hosts many different activities that vary by season including, but not limited to: cross country skiing, backpacking, hiking, hunting, camping, horseback riding, fishing, bird watching, waterside activities such as rafting and boating, and many more.

Jordan House
This house is the historically preserved house of the original founder of Valley Junction, James Jordan; one of the coolest, perhaps, historical mansions that you can visit when you travel to Des Moines. The gothic and Victorian architecture is literally awe-inspiring. There is a rich history attached to this mansion, which is best known for being a part of the intricate Underground Railroad that helped to free southern slaves to the north during the 1800s and the Civil War. Today it is a museum where you can enjoy a guided tour, and it is also one of the oldest houses in the state.

For more free information on Des Moines travel, and for a complete top ten list of things to see and do please visit: [http://www.Des-MoinesVacationTravelsGuidi.com]

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Jon_Lazar

Directly outside of DeMoines there is a living history farm and town. Three working farms show life in the 1700, 1800s, and early 1900s. The 1700 farm shows how the Ioway people lived and what crops they grew. Their wigwams were covered with layers of thatch, keeping the interior temperatures at a comfortable 50º F even during the coldest winter night. The 1800 farm demonstrated the pioneers who settled Iowa. They had planned to live in their log cabin houses for only a few years, but many extended their stay.

The 1900 farm showed life in the mechanized world.

The town featured a blacksmith, millinery shop, broom maker, cabinet maker (mortician), general store, school house, church, printer, lawyer, doctor, vet, apothecary and a couple of homes; one modest and the other quite elegant. Docents were at most of the shops demonstrating the different trades and life in a Midwestern village. We spent the entire day at this living history museum. This is a must see attraction. We did not go to the next county Southwest of DeMoines. The bridges of Madison County and John Wayne’s birthplace will be there at a later date.

We did call the capital to inquire about the tour times on Sunday. The capital is closed on Sundays, but open on Saturday. We hurried over to the capital, where there is ample free parking. The tours were self-guided. But docents were in the Law library and the dome. If you remember our visit to Harrisburg, PA and its capital, you might recall that the same architect was building both capitals simultaneously. The semi-naked ladies adorning the grand staircase were rejected by Harrisburg, but are in place at DeMoines. The two ladies are quite lovely, with minor differences in the two statues. The dome is quite unique. The dome itself is painted like a partly-cloudy sky. Suspended on guy wires underneath lies the emblem of the Grand Army of the Republic. It is quite an appealing view.

While I was climbing the many stairs Maggie spent her time admiring the French influenced law library with its four tiered circular wrought-iron staircases leading to the different shelves. She was engaged in a discussion with the docent, who is an theater director and actor in DeMoines. His wife is a well published playwright.

John Pelley is a Geriatric Gypsy. He is retired from the rat race of working. He is a full-time RVer, who ran away from home. He began our travels on the East Coast and, like the migrating birds, seek the warmth of the seasons He has discovered volunteering with the National Park System. He has a CD he has recorded of Native American flute music., A Day with Kokopelli. For pictures, links, and more information visit http://www.jmpelley.org.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_Pelley

Over the next 15 months, we made several long car trips to and from western Iowa to Chicago.  I remember always wanting to see the Mississippi River from the big window of our station wagon.

All these years later, the Mississippi River still holds a grip on me, but for an altogether different reason.  Now, historic river towns beckon with their architecture, scenery, and sense of place.  And so it was as we traveled west on I-80, destination eastern Iowa wine country and one of our favorite weekend destinations – Dubuque, Iowa.

Iowa Wine

Iowa has a long history of grape growing and wine making, much like other midwestern states.  The soil here is fertile and conducive to growing all sorts of crops, including grapes.  In particular, the river valleys in Iowa’s western and eastern regions are perfect for vineyards.

When Prohibition arrived in 1920, Iowa farmers turned to other pursuits and the wine industry here lay dormant until the late 1980’s.  Now, some 20 years later, the Iowa wine industry is in the midst of an exciting upswing.  Wineries number almost 60, and Iowa’s five wine trails are introducing travelers and wine lovers to some terrific wine.

Since Interstate 80 cuts directly through central Iowa, exploring any of Iowa’s wine trails is an ideal destination or scenic detour for anyone traveling cross country.

Of Presidents And Wine

Let’s start our exploration of the Eastern Iowa Wine Trail in the small town of West Branch, adjacent to I-80 and about 45 minutes west of the Quad Cities and the Mississippi River.

If West Branch sounds even vaguely familiar to you, congratulations, you’re an historian!  West Branch is the birthplace of Herbert Hoover, our 31st president, and houses the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum.

This was our first stop, and it’s highly recommended.  Far from a stuffy and dusty old museum, the Hoover Presidential Library not only chronicles Hoover’s presidency, it features fascinating exhibits pertaining to all the presidents.  In reality, it’s a learning center devoted to American history and specifically presidential history.  We’ve visited several times over the years, and each time is more fascinating than the last.

Our first winery stop is along the Herbert Hoover Highway, about 4 miles from the Presidential Library.  It’s Wallace Winery, about as scenic a setting as you’ll find.  With a century old barn and a post and beam tasting room, you’ll want to linger.  We felt the white wines starred here, especially the Traminette, made from the gewurztraminer grape – a great buy at $13.

Also be sure to try and buy the Iowa Barn White.  This friendly, easy to enjoy white table wine is a tribute to a vanishing part of our national landscape, the old wooden barn.  In fact, Wallace Winery donates a portion of profits from the sale of these wines to the Iowa Barn Foundation, a non profit organization dedicated to the preservation of historic heritage barns.

From Wallace Winery, travel north on beautiful Iowa Route 1 toward the town of Anamosa.  On the way, you’ll drive right through the antiquing town of Mt. Vernon.  Stop, stroll around, and enjoy small town Iowa hospitality.

In Anamosa, you’ll find Daly Creek Winery on north Ford Street.  Located in a former creamery building, one of the first things you’ll notice is the Iowa red cedar tasting bar.  Adjacent is Daly Creek’s 50 seat bistro, and although we didn’t eat here, the menu is inviting.

On to Daly Creek’s wines.  Being a big fan of the movie “The Shawshank Redemption”, my first pour was Penetentiary Red, a Cabernet Franc that’s full bodied and full flavored.  Remembering our college art appreciation classes, we also enjoyed Daly Creek’s white table wine, Gothic White.  This wine is named after Anamosa, Iowa’s most famous resident, painter Grant Wood, most known for his classic painting “American Gothic”.

After grabbing a few bottles to take home, we headed east from Anamosa on Iowa Route 64.  It’s about 25 minutes to Baldwin, a small village that’s home to our next winery, Tabor Home Vineyards and Winery.

We were particularly pleased to visit here, as we’ve tried Tabor Home’s wines before.  Since 1997, Tabor Home has been adding to their wine offerings and racking up wine awards.  These are true Iowa wines, with most bottlings created from grapes grown in Tabor Home’s vineyard.

Introducing Dubuque

From Tabor Home, it’s a short 40 mile drive north on Iowa 51 to our overnight destination, historic Dubuque, nestled along the Mississippi River at the confluence of Iowa, Illinois, and Wisconsin.

Dubuque is a perfect long weekend destination that can be combined with its Illinois historic counterpart, Galena, just 20 miles away.  Dubuque has been described as a river town, a history town, and a college town.  Of course, it’s all three!

Dubuque:  The Particulars

In Dubuque, everything starts with the river.  Along the banks of the Mississippi, you’ll find a nationally noted aquarium, a 19th century restored brewery building, a redeveloped riverwalk, nightlife, boat rides, and entertainment options.  Just blocks away, there’s the historic downtown district with unique shops and live jazz at night.  Further west, it’s the college district, with its own style and vibe.

Dubuque is Iowa’s oldest city, celebrating 175 years in 2008, and it has long been a vibrant river city. Dubuque is particularly distinctive because of its steep hills and river bluffs – geographic features that many people don’t expect to find in Iowa. With 62,000 residents, it’s large enough to be diverse and small enough for easy navigation.

There are a number of “must sees” in Dubuque.  A good place to start is the Mississippi River Aquarium.  Here you’ll enjoy dynamic exhibits, including an up close and personal visit with a few river creatures like catfish and alligators.  Plan to spend a few hours.  At $10.50 per adult admission, this is one of the best bargains in the Midwest.

From here, you can take a boat ride on the river, or stroll the riverwalk.  We did the latter on our first day, up to the renovated Dubuque Star Brewery building, now housing a new winery, Stone Cliff Winery.

When you visit, you’ll taste wines made from grapes grown in Stone Cliff’s vineyard just west of Dubuque.  Our favorites were the Cabernet Sauvignon, a silver medal winner at the Indiana State Fair wine competition, and the Riesling, a semi sweet fruity gem of a wine.  Open in the Dubuque Star facility since May 2007, Stone Cliff is the newest Dubuque attraction along the riverfront.

Enjoying More Wineries

You’ll find this area’s next winery just 15 miles west of Dubuque.  It’s Park Farm Winery and Vineyard, surrounded by Iowa’s beautiful countryside, with rolling hills, trees, and terraced fields.

Park Farm Winery and Vineyard leans heavily on Iowa grown grapes and crops, with grape varieties like LaCrosse, Niagara, Marechol Foch, and Vidal to name a few.  It’s a warm and welcoming site, with a stunning new outdoor deck added to the chateau which houses the tasting room and gift shop.  The deck itself overlooks a lush valley, and it’s a visit you won’t want to rush.

Another area winery gave us the opportunity to travel north on Iowa Route 52, more or less along the river.  Eagles Landing Vineyard and Winery is located in Marquette, Iowa, just across the river from Prairie Du Chien, Wisconsin.

Eagles Landing is not only a winery, but a bed and breakfast as well.  Located directly on the banks of the Mississippi, this is a bird watchers paradise.  The name stems from numerous bald eagles who winter in this area, perching high in the trees or swooping onto the river for a meal.

There’s a separate tasting room in downtown Marquette offering 18 varieties of Eagles Landing wine.  Try the Frog Hollow Foch, a dry red finished in oak, with grapes grown in Eagle Landing’s Iowa vineyard.  There’s some great fruit wines here too.  You can also enjoy the Iowa Pearl, a semi dry white with a nose of apricot and a nice clean, fruity finish.

After exploring downtown Marquette and neighboring Prairie Du Chien (both well worth a stop to stroll around), we headed back to Dubuque.  We should mention there is one additional winery on this wine trail – it’s Winneshick Wildberry Winery in Decorah, about 1/2 hour away from Marquette.  We heard very good things about their fruit wines, so if you’re in the area, do stop in.

This part of Iowa is a scenic, relaxing place to visit, and Dubuque is perfectly located in the middle of the Iowa Wine Trail, making it an ideal overnight stop.  If your plans call for I-80 travel, or if you live in the upper Midwest, be sure to carve out some time for the wineries of eastern Iowa.

Wine Trails USA is the internet’s only site devoted to exploring U.S. wine trails and other wine travel destinations. For the complete travelogue on this and other U.S. wine regions, you’re invited to subscribe to our free twice monthly wine trails ezine.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jim_Hofman

Boone Railroad Historical Society

The Chicago and North Western Railroad purchased the area rail line in 1968 and decided not to use some portions of it. A group of concerned citizens devoted to the preservation of the track founded the Boone Railroad Historical Society (BRHS) in 1983 and The Boone and Scenic Valley Railroad and Museum was born. The historical society purchased 11.3 miles of track and bridges to preserve the historic value and scenic beauty of this location.

Last Commercially Manufactured Steam Engine

The BRHS was responsible for the purchase of the last commercially manufactured steam engine in the world in 1989. The beloved JS8419 was built in Datong, China, and now makes its home in Boone, Iowa. It is this steam engine that creates much of the attention for the Boone and Scenic Valley Railroad and Museum (BSVRR). It is a formidable steam locomotive. Its beauty and its power are something to behold. If you are a railroad buff and love history, the sight of it chugging along will take your breath away.

A Variety of Train Rides

The historical society has largely been successful in its attempts to draw tourists to this one-of-a-kind attraction. They have designed a variety of train adventures to delight little tykes, too. Nearly every child loves trains, and with the initiation of the Dessert Train, the Picnic Train, Thomas the Tank Days, the Pumpkin Express, the Santa Express, and the Easter Bunny Express, each season brings a new reason to visit. The 1920s Excursion Train and the Dinner Train are great for adults, as well.

The very popular steam engine operates the 1920s Excursion Train, weather permitting. The seasonal and event-specific train rides are often powered by an equally formidable diesel locomotive.

Boone, Iowa

The City of Boone, Iowa, has a population of nearly 13,000, while Boone County claims just over 26,000 residents. It is centrally located in the state and near Des Moines, Iowa, which brings a plethora of attractions of its own. Boone is conveniently located close to Interstates 35 and 80, and not far from the Des Moines International Airport.

Sherry J. Irvin, staff writer for Unreel Media

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sherry_Irvin

Living In Iowa

Iowa is considered one of the best places to raise a family. Their statistics on health, safety and employment are impressive. Iowa is one of the top states for health benefits and safe communities in which to raise a family. Real estate prices are competitive, but not over the top, and most people can afford to purchase a home in Iowa that will suit their needs, whether they want a posh downtown condo in Des Moines, or several acres in the country.

Iowa also has a diverse blend of activities for every member of the family. There are cultural events, historical sites, outdoor activities and much more. Iowa provides many great opportunities for adventure and fun. Iowa is also working to have a multicultural population that will allow residents to learn about and appreciate other cultures.

The weather in Iowa is a pleasant mix of four distinct seasons, and there are things to do in every part of the year.

Working In Iowa

While Iowa has traditionally been known as a farming state that produces both corn and soybeans, Iowa also has a rapidly growing non-farm employment base. There are jobs in many fields, including scientific and manufacturing, to name a few. The unemployment rate for Iowa continues to be just less than 5%, which is better than the national average.

Iowa has excellent schools. They have many higher education choices for students to further their education.

Play In Iowa

If you simply want to visit Iowa, there is a lot for every traveler to do. Indoors or outdoors, tame or exciting, there is something in Iowa for every type of person. Iowa has a rich historical history that you can explore throughout the state. Iowa is bordered by the Mississippi River, and has locales and activities all along the shores. Iowa is also rich in camping, hiking, boating and fishing. An outdoor enthusiast would love all Iowa has to offer.

For the more sophisticated palate, there are cultural activities like theater, opera, and art galleries. There are fine dining establishments and lodging to fit every budget. So if you think Iowa might be the place for you, take the time to find out more.

http://iowahq.com Facts about Iowa from tourism to buying and selling real estate.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_Francis

The first Europeans to reach Iowa were the French explorers, Louis Joliet and Jacques Marquette in 1673. They recorded in their journals that the land was lush, green and fertile.

The United States gained control of the area from France in the 1803 Louisiana Purchase. The first official American settlement began in 1833, and statehood was achieved in 1846.

During the American Civil War (1861 to 1865), Iowa contributed greatly to the Union war effort, including more 60% of its eligible males serving (the highest proportion of any state).

Iowa was a popular destination for immigrants, and the state encouraged immigration with a booklet printed in 1869 in English, German, Dutch, Swedish and Danish. Additionally, immigrants also arrived, particularly in coal mining areas from Italy and Croatia, and beginning in the 1880s, a significant number of African-Americans moved to the state, also to work in the mining industry. The coming of the railroads, also helped to encourage immigration, and, eventually, the establishment of the beginnings of a manufacturing sector.

World War One brought a brief agricultural boom to the state, but the 1920s and 1930s were a time of hardship after the elimination of the wartime agricultural subsidies. The state did not in fact fully recover until the 1940s.

After World War Two, Iowa’s business and manufacturing sectors have continued to grow, and the state now produces a wide variety of manufactured products, as well the agricultural goods for which it is most famous.

First published at http://www.vacation2usa.com/p1_state_iowa_history.php

For more information about Iowa, please visit http://www.vacation2usa.com/p1_state_iowa.php

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sunil_Tanna

Over the next 15 months, we made several long car trips to and from western Iowa to Chicago.  I remember always wanting to see the Mississippi River from the big window of our station wagon.

All these years later, the Mississippi River still holds a grip on me, but for an altogether different reason.  Now, historic river towns beckon with their architecture, scenery, and sense of place.  And so it was as we traveled west on I-80, destination eastern Iowa wine country and one of our favorite weekend destinations – Dubuque, Iowa.

Iowa Wine

Iowa has a long history of grape growing and wine making, much like other midwestern states.  The soil here is fertile and conducive to growing all sorts of crops, including grapes.  In particular, the river valleys in Iowa’s western and eastern regions are perfect for vineyards.

When Prohibition arrived in 1920, Iowa farmers turned to other pursuits and the wine industry here lay dormant until the late 1980’s.  Now, some 20 years later, the Iowa wine industry is in the midst of an exciting upswing.  Wineries number almost 60, and Iowa’s five wine trails are introducing travelers and wine lovers to some terrific wine.

Since Interstate 80 cuts directly through central Iowa, exploring any of Iowa’s wine trails is an ideal destination or scenic detour for anyone traveling cross country.

Of Presidents And Wine

Let’s start our exploration of the Eastern Iowa Wine Trail in the small town of West Branch, adjacent to I-80 and about 45 minutes west of the Quad Cities and the Mississippi River.

If West Branch sounds even vaguely familiar to you, congratulations, you’re an historian!  West Branch is the birthplace of Herbert Hoover, our 31st president, and houses the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum.

This was our first stop, and it’s highly recommended.  Far from a stuffy and dusty old museum, the Hoover Presidential Library not only chronicles Hoover’s presidency, it features fascinating exhibits pertaining to all the presidents.  In reality, it’s a learning center devoted to American history and specifically presidential history.  We’ve visited several times over the years, and each time is more fascinating than the last.

Our first winery stop is along the Herbert Hoover Highway, about 4 miles from the Presidential Library.  It’s Wallace Winery, about as scenic a setting as you’ll find.  With a century old barn and a post and beam tasting room, you’ll want to linger.  We felt the white wines starred here, especially the Traminette, made from the gewurztraminer grape – a great buy at $13.

Also be sure to try and buy the Iowa Barn White.  This friendly, easy to enjoy white table wine is a tribute to a vanishing part of our national landscape, the old wooden barn.  In fact, Wallace Winery donates a portion of profits from the sale of these wines to the Iowa Barn Foundation, a non profit organization dedicated to the preservation of historic heritage barns.

From Wallace Winery, travel north on beautiful Iowa Route 1 toward the town of Anamosa.  On the way, you’ll drive right through the antiquing town of Mt. Vernon.  Stop, stroll around, and enjoy small town Iowa hospitality.

In Anamosa, you’ll find Daly Creek Winery on north Ford Street.  Located in a former creamery building, one of the first things you’ll notice is the Iowa red cedar tasting bar.  Adjacent is Daly Creek’s 50 seat bistro, and although we didn’t eat here, the menu is inviting.

On to Daly Creek’s wines.  Being a big fan of the movie “The Shawshank Redemption”, my first pour was Penetentiary Red, a Cabernet Franc that’s full bodied and full flavored.  Remembering our college art appreciation classes, we also enjoyed Daly Creek’s white table wine, Gothic White.  This wine is named after Anamosa, Iowa’s most famous resident, painter Grant Wood, most known for his classic painting “American Gothic”.

After grabbing a few bottles to take home, we headed east from Anamosa on Iowa Route 64.  It’s about 25 minutes to Baldwin, a small village that’s home to our next winery, Tabor Home Vineyards and Winery.

We were particularly pleased to visit here, as we’ve tried Tabor Home’s wines before.  Since 1997, Tabor Home has been adding to their wine offerings and racking up wine awards.  These are true Iowa wines, with most bottlings created from grapes grown in Tabor Home’s vineyard.

Introducing Dubuque

From Tabor Home, it’s a short 40 mile drive north on Iowa 51 to our overnight destination, historic Dubuque, nestled along the Mississippi River at the confluence of Iowa, Illinois, and Wisconsin.

Dubuque is a perfect long weekend destination that can be combined with its Illinois historic counterpart, Galena, just 20 miles away.  Dubuque has been described as a river town, a history town, and a college town.  Of course, it’s all three!

Dubuque:  The Particulars

In Dubuque, everything starts with the river.  Along the banks of the Mississippi, you’ll find a nationally noted aquarium, a 19th century restored brewery building, a redeveloped riverwalk, nightlife, boat rides, and entertainment options.  Just blocks away, there’s the historic downtown district with unique shops and live jazz at night.  Further west, it’s the college district, with its own style and vibe.

Dubuque is Iowa’s oldest city, celebrating 175 years in 2008, and it has long been a vibrant river city. Dubuque is particularly distinctive because of its steep hills and river bluffs – geographic features that many people don’t expect to find in Iowa. With 62,000 residents, it’s large enough to be diverse and small enough for easy navigation.

There are a number of “must sees” in Dubuque.  A good place to start is the Mississippi River Aquarium.  Here you’ll enjoy dynamic exhibits, including an up close and personal visit with a few river creatures like catfish and alligators.  Plan to spend a few hours.  At $10.50 per adult admission, this is one of the best bargains in the Midwest.

From here, you can take a boat ride on the river, or stroll the riverwalk.  We did the latter on our first day, up to the renovated Dubuque Star Brewery building, now housing a new winery, Stone Cliff Winery.

When you visit, you’ll taste wines made from grapes grown in Stone Cliff’s vineyard just west of Dubuque.  Our favorites were the Cabernet Sauvignon, a silver medal winner at the Indiana State Fair wine competition, and the Riesling, a semi sweet fruity gem of a wine.  Open in the Dubuque Star facility since May 2007, Stone Cliff is the newest Dubuque attraction along the riverfront.

Enjoying More Wineries

You’ll find this area’s next winery just 15 miles west of Dubuque.  It’s Park Farm Winery and Vineyard, surrounded by Iowa’s beautiful countryside, with rolling hills, trees, and terraced fields.

Park Farm Winery and Vineyard leans heavily on Iowa grown grapes and crops, with grape varieties like LaCrosse, Niagara, Marechol Foch, and Vidal to name a few.  It’s a warm and welcoming site, with a stunning new outdoor deck added to the chateau which houses the tasting room and gift shop.  The deck itself overlooks a lush valley, and it’s a visit you won’t want to rush.

Another area winery gave us the opportunity to travel north on Iowa Route 52, more or less along the river.  Eagles Landing Vineyard and Winery is located in Marquette, Iowa, just across the river from Prairie Du Chien, Wisconsin.

Eagles Landing is not only a winery, but a bed and breakfast as well.  Located directly on the banks of the Mississippi, this is a bird watchers paradise.  The name stems from numerous bald eagles who winter in this area, perching high in the trees or swooping onto the river for a meal.

There’s a separate tasting room in downtown Marquette offering 18 varieties of Eagles Landing wine.  Try the Frog Hollow Foch, a dry red finished in oak, with grapes grown in Eagle Landing’s Iowa vineyard.  There’s some great fruit wines here too.  You can also enjoy the Iowa Pearl, a semi dry white with a nose of apricot and a nice clean, fruity finish.

After exploring downtown Marquette and neighboring Prairie Du Chien (both well worth a stop to stroll around), we headed back to Dubuque.  We should mention there is one additional winery on this wine trail – it’s Winneshick Wildberry Winery in Decorah, about 1/2 hour away from Marquette.  We heard very good things about their fruit wines, so if you’re in the area, do stop in.

This part of Iowa is a scenic, relaxing place to visit, and Dubuque is perfectly located in the middle of the Iowa Wine Trail, making it an ideal overnight stop.  If your plans call for I-80 travel, or if you live in the upper Midwest, be sure to carve out some time for the wineries of eastern Iowa.

Wine Trails USA is the internet’s only site devoted to exploring U.S. wine trails and other wine travel destinations. For the complete travelogue on this and other U.S. wine regions, you’re invited to subscribe to our free twice monthly wine trails ezine.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jim_Hofman

Facts About Iowa

The many sites available for Iowa tourism have lots to offer. These tourism sites are also happy to give some facts about Iowa for tourists to note. For instance, the capitol of Iowa is Des Moines, which is located in the middle of the state and has a population of over 198,000. The state flower is the wild rose, the state tree is an oak, and chances are pretty good that in the spring and summer you may catch a glimpse of the state bird, the eastern goldfinch. Iowa is named for the Ioway Indians that used to live in that region.

What Can You Do In Iowa?

The question should not be what can you do, but what can’t you do. Iowa tourism is the quintessential travel destination in that it has something for every one. If you like to gamble, you can do it in Iowa. Iowa has some of the best cultural opportunities for tourists. Museums, art galleries, and musical and theater productions are common events in the bigger cities.

If you prefer the great outdoors, Iowa tourism is for you. You can hike, camp, fish, boat and golf on one of the state’s many excellent golf courses. There are plenty of state parks to explore to your heart’s content.

Iowa also offers tourists a rich heritage of history. There are historic sites to visit and learn about in every corner of state, especially along the mighty Mississippi.

And if you are just in the market for a good time, check out Adventureland, one of the best amusement parks around. Thrills and excitement are yours for the taking.

What Else Does Iowa Have To Offer?

Iowa has a tourist bureau that is ready and willing to help you plan your business or personal trip to their state. They can help you with family travel, pet-friendly travel, cheap and discount travel options and lots of information for the business traveler, too. They can give you information on everything from lodging to dining to area airports.

So if you have never thought of Iowa as a great travel destination, think again. Check out Iowa, and you will be pleasantly surprised. It’s no wonder that Iowa tourism continues to grow.

http://iowahq.com Facts about Iowa from tourism to buying and selling real estate.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_Francis