5 ways to learn more about Iowa this summer, from museums to nature walks

Heather Torpy
·3 min read

Across the state, Iowa museums, parks and nature centers offer plenty of opportunities to learn more about life in Iowa. A campus of museums in Waterloo gives visitors a glimpse inside the veterans who served in wars, science, history and more. An outdoor museum in Storm Lake looks into the connections between trees and famous people. In Clarinda, learn about all things farm equipment, complete with toy models and signs. For a more nature-themed adventure, head to Granger for exhibits about the outdoors. And in Iowa City, find out about some of the famous writers who spent time in the state.

Here, a look at five ways to learn more about Iowa this summer.

The Grout Museum District, Waterloo

Learn about life on the Iowa prairie, the sacrifices of Iowa veterans from the Civil War through the present or the science of hot air balloons while you are visiting the museums in the Grout Museum District. The complex includes the Sullivan Brothers Iowa Veterans Museum, Grout Museum of History and Science, Carl A. & Peggy J. Bluedorn Science Imaginarium, Rensselaer Russell House Museum and Snowden House.

Find it: 503 South St., Waterloo, 319-234-6357

Learn more: groutmuseumdistrict.org

More: 114 fun things to do in Iowa from family-friendly places to visit to food and music

Heartland Museum, Clarion

Visit the Agriculture Hall exhibit at the Heartland Museum to see restored tractors, more than 2,000 collectible toy models and farm implement signs and clocks. Other exhibits include The Teddy Bear Museum, Alvina’s Hat Parlor and three streetscapes — one each from the Victorian era, 1930s and 1950s.

Find it: 119 SW Ninth St., Clarion, 515-602-6000

Learn more: heartlandmuseum.org

Living Heritage Tree Museum, Storm Lake

Open year round (but the best times to visit are summer and fall), visit the open-air Living Heritage Tree Museum and learn about each tree’s connection to a famous person, place or event. There are more than 40 trees in the park including a Johnny Appleseed tree, Wright Brothers’ Walnut Tree and an Isaac Newton Apple Tree.

Find it: 315 W. Lakeshore Drive, Storm Lake, 712-732-8000

Learn more: visitstormlake.com

More: Want in on secret spots to have fun in Des Moines? We've got a newsletter for that.

Jester Park Nature Center, Granger

A kayaker floats along in Discovery Pond during the annual “Glow Wild” at the Jester Park Nature Center in Granger featuring a giant bonfire, live birds of prey, horse-drawn wagon rides, canoeing, nature hikes, S’mores, insect zoo, three musical acts, and much more.
A kayaker floats along in Discovery Pond during the annual “Glow Wild” at the Jester Park Nature Center in Granger featuring a giant bonfire, live birds of prey, horse-drawn wagon rides, canoeing, nature hikes, S’mores, insect zoo, three musical acts, and much more.

Iowa’s natural heritage is on display at the Jester Park Nature Center. Learn about the wetlands, woodlands and prairie and the connections they share. After exploring the exhibits, head outside and explore the natural playscape, go for a hike or check out the bison and elk herds.

Find it: 12130 NW 128th St., Granger, 515-323-5350

Learn more: jesterparknaturecenter.com

More: Want in on secret spots to have fun in Des Moines? We've got a newsletter for that.

Literary Walk, Iowa City

Take a walk along Iowa Avenue and be prepared to stop to read passages from authors with ties to Iowa. There are 49 authors represented in the bronze relief panels that make up the Literary Walk including Kurt Vonnegut, Bill Bryson, John Irving and Elizabeth McCracken.

More: What to know about the 2022 Iowa State Fair: concerts, tickets, dates and more

Find it: Both sides of Iowa Avenue from Clinton Street to Gilbert Street in Iowa City

Learn more: iowacityofliterature.org/lit-walk/

This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Five ways to learn more about Iowa this summer 2022