*Get ready for a wonderful summer of traveling and finding some of Iowa’s most historic and agriculturally rich sites. We are proud to have an amazing partnership with Silos & Smokestacks National Heritage Area. The views expressed in this blog post are of our own. Now, let’s Gallivant!
You know we love to travel and we’ve been doing it in one of my favorite ways possible. Hitting the blacktops in search of historical landmarks, roadside Americana, museums and great food makes for an amazing road trip, and you can tie that all together when you’re exploring the Silos & Smokestacks National Heritage Area. Buchanan County, Iowa is an area that’s loaded with these memorable sites, and I suggest mixing it with some of the county’s best annual events!
This incredible structure is located on the outskirts of Independence. A city that’s been bustling with history since the 1800s and Heartland Acres is keeping so much of it alive. Inside this center is a wealth of exhibits from Buchanan County and beyond. An inspiring design of woodwork mixed with the antiques and memories of yesteryear with each step you take. Pieces of Iowa that will flood your brain with your own recollection of how times were when you were younger and before you were born. I love the acoustics this building creates as you walk on the wooden floors and the sounds of folks enjoying this towering center. From the horse and buggy days to one of the most impressive automobile collections you’ll find in the Midwest. Prince would love this little red corvette! Keep the top down when you’re at Heartland Acres! These beauties are babied to look this spectacular and you’ll be wanting to cruise out of this place in one. I’m imagining Herbert Hoover waving at crowds in one of these with his top hat in hand. Or maybe a pizza delivery driver with the coolest company car ever. It could happen!The volunteers are the heartbeat at Heartland Acres and Agribition Center. Leanne was the perfect tour guide and can tell you the story behind every object. She made the entire experience so enjoyable and her energetic attitude made me want to make a return trip. And I did just that! You can’t have an ag-themed museum without John Deere making an appearance! Assembled in Waterloo, Iowa, put to good work for decades and enjoying its shiny retirement in Independence.You know the kids will love this place, too! Interactive and interpretive exhibits will keep the whole family entertained.
A short distance from Independence is one of Iowa’s most peaceful homes. A beautiful drive to a beautiful park that’s home to a beautiful Frank Lloyd Wright designed house on the Wapsipinicon River.
The Walter House will be one of the most tranquil sites you’ll find with Silos & Smokestacks. Peace amongst the Buchanan County timber and nearby river flowing by intertwines with the sounds of wildlife and Eastern Iowa breezes.Inside is just how Mr. and Mrs. Walter kept it. At times you’ll feel their spirits still there inside the dream home only F.L. Wright could imagine and design. You’re encouraged to relax on some of the furniture while you take in the Walter House, so stay awhile. The Walters are happy to have you.The master bedroom with a view. Waking up to this scene would be an amazing way to start each day.When I sat at this table I felt like Mrs. Walter was about to serve tea. The style and design of the Walter House is timeless from the interior to the exterior and I didn’t want to leave. Make this home your must-see destination when you’re touring Silos & Smokestacks.
The City of Jesup host’s an annual community event that honors ag and farmers everywhere! This town comes alive every summer and can’t wait to host the visitors in Buchanan County!
One of the best tenderloins you can get in Iowa and it’s made by the local Boy Scouts of America troop! They have a loyal following that can’t wait to sink their teeth into this classic bite of Iowa. And don’t pass on their smoked brisket because this troop and their parents know how to cook! These dude’s know how to cook too! Look at the size of that juicy hot dog!If you love Edgewood Meats then you’ll love the sizzle coming from Farmers Day in Jesup! These brats are juicy as well and oh-so flavorful. One of Iowa’s most well known lockers helping make a tasty annual event even tastier!
One of Buchanan County’s jewels when it comes to the great outdoors. Fontana Park provides a wonderful escape with natural wonders all around you. The thick timber has miles of trails and theirs plenty of fish for everyone in the river. Setup camp here this summer!
The interpretive center sits proudly atop of the Fontana hills and awaits you and you whole family. Get ready to be educated when you get here! You’ll learn just about everything there is to know about the wildlife and surrounding environment of this area inside this center. Fill up your knowledge of this local wilderness and get back outside and enjoy every acre of it! I got my Fontana stamp when I was here! That picturesque scene is ready for more Gallivanters like you with everyone discovering a piece of Iowa that’ll supply everybody with scenic memories inside the Silos & Smokestacks National Heritage Area!
Peak county fair season is on the horizon! Buchanan’s fairgrounds are located in Independence and it’s one of the most popular of its kind in NE-Iowa. Always booking popular entertainment, plenty of colorful carnival rides, delicious food and so much more. This event always brings in the crowds and the locals know how to have a great time and put on a show!
The warm July nights can be cooled down with an ice cold beer in Independence. It’s no secret that this is one of the most popular features of the fair. Especially right before you file in for the concerts!County fair fare! The food at any of these events can be the best part of our summers. The Buchanan County Fair has plenty of delicious options to choose from so don’t leave hungry! Mmmmmm….Naaaaaaachoooooosssssss……My personal favorite culinary pastime, at county fairs, is a perfectly charbroiled pork burger prepared by the local producers. Always a mouthwatering option!
Stay Tuned for More…..
That was just some of the Buchanan County Silos & Smokestacks sites we’ve covered in this blog post, and you’re going to get a sample of more. These communities were a pleasure to visit and there’s going to be plenty more Gallivants in the future for this wonderful county. Like the Silos & Smokestacks National Heritage Area Facebook page to keep updated on many more sites on the landscape of your future travels. You’re entire carload is going to have some memorable road trips!
What a perfectly timed pic of the Wapsipinicon Mill in Independence! You’ll want to check in on The Iowa Gallivant because you’re going to see what’s inside. Or just get over there and see it for yourself because we hope to meet up with you. Keep gallivanting!
