Dallas County’s history can be seen throughout the area in the historic public buildings, cemeteries, private museums, galleries, century-old ballrooms and theaters. Arts and entertainment are plentiful with something for the young and old in everyone.
Adel Historical Museum
1129 Main St., Adel
515.993.1032
The property at 1129 Main St. was built in 1857 and served as the first two-story brick schoolhouse in Adel. The museum houses a collection of artifacts and documents representing a significant record of Adel history. The collection includes the desk and chair of George Clarke, an Adel native who served as governor of Iowa from 1913 - 1917. Clarke was the grandfather of 1939 Heisman Trophy winner Nile Kinnick, who played for the University of Iowa. The Museum also has Kinnick information on display. Museum hours: April 15 - Dec. 15, Tuesday- Saturday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Closed holidays. Open by appointment Dec. 16 - April 14.
The Brenton Arboretum
25141 260th St. , Dallas Center
515.992.4211
www.thebrentonarboretum.org
An arboretum is a place where trees and shrubs are grown for research, demonstration and educational purposes. This unique 141-acre living museum in central Iowa combines the horticultural study of trees with a commitment to natural landscape management and conservation. Our Iowa arboretum visitors study the 2,500 trees, all suitable for planting in central Iowa, surrounded by a beautiful natural setting of native prairie, wetlands, a lake, pond and streams.
Bob Feller Baseball Museum
310 Mill St., Van Meter
515.996.2806
www.bobfellermuseum.org
The exhibitions at the Bob Feller Museum can hold anyone’s attention. Among the artifacts are Feller’s uniforms, all bearing number 19; trophies he accumulated during his career of 266 wins; newspapers trumpeting his victories; historic signed baseballs and bats from Feller and a variety of major league ball players; and many photographs of Feller throughout his life and career.
Carnegie Library Museum
1123 Willis Ave., Perry
515.465.7713
The 1910 restored Carnegie Library Museum tells the story of small towns and the immigrants who settled them with exhibits, writings of local and famous authors and live interpretation.
Dexfield Park - Barrow Gang
Shootout Historical Markers
Dexfield Road at the South Raccoon River, Dexter
Doris Feller: 515.833.2717
Mary McColloch: 515.789.4490 Two historical markers commemorating the former Dexfield Park and the Barrow Gang shootout on Dexfield Road at the South Raccoon River. www.dexteriowa.org
Dexter Community House
(aka Dexter Roundhouse)
703 Dallas St., Dexter
Marilyn Boyle, 515.758.2395
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this unique round engineering feat was once home to a basketball court, and is currently a community center.
Dexter Museum
719 Marshall St., Dexter
Open: Saturday 9 a.m. - Noon May 2 - Sept. 26
Or for appointment call: 515.789.4490
515.789.4564 • 515.833.2717
www.dexteriowa.org
Exhibits document President Harry S. Truman’s visit to the National Plowing Contest held at Dexter in 1948 and the former Dexfield Park that was the site of the Bonnie and Clyde Barrow Gang shootout in 1933.
Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) Post and Military Museum
1213 Thomas St., Redfield
515.465.3577 • www.conservation.co.dallas.ia.us
Built in the 1880s, The Grand Army of the Republic Post is the only building remaining from the original town of Redfield. The GAR was created to assist widows and children of men who died during the Civil War. Veterans met here to discuss community events and honor their lost comrades. Today this completely restored structure houses a military museum on the ground floor and the refurbished Post Meeting Room on the second floor.
Iowa Veterans Cemetery
34024 Veterans Memorial Drive, Van Meter
515.996.9048
www.iowava.org/vetcemetery
The Iowa Veterans Cemetery (IVC) is the first federally-funded construction of a state-owned and operated veterans cemetery in the State of Iowa. The cemetery serves the veteran population throughout the state and around the country, as there is no state residency requirement to be interred in the cemetery. Ultimately, it will provide sufficient space for up to 80,000 burials.
Iowa Jewish Heritage Society, Caspe Heritage Gallery
33158 Ute Ave., Waukee
515.987.0899
www.jewishdesmoines.org
The history of the Jews of Iowa is beautifully displayed in the Caspe Heritage Gallery. Located in the Bucksbaum Arts Wing, the gallery is a museum, augmented by office and archival space. Its display cases include items from the Society’s permanent collection and will periodically showcase touring exhibits.
Lake Robbins Ballroom
26726 150th St., Woodward
515.438.2305
www.lakerobbins.com
Lake Robbins Ballroom was inducted into the Iowa Rock’n Roll Music Association’s Hall of Fame and is considered the best dance floor in Iowa.
Dog Park in Perry
The park is only one of eight in the state of Iowa. Bring your favorite canines and let them run freely in an safe environment. The five-plus-acre park is fenced and divided into two sections, one for smaller dogs and one for larger dogs with double gates that enable you to move in and out of the park without risk of losing your canine friend. The park features several permanent benches, a three-level water fountain for dogs, children and adults, as well as three pieces of dog-inspired playground equipment. Regulations and daily passes available at the McCreary Center on 9th and Pattee Street. Call 515-465-5621.
Perry Welcome Depot
First and Willis Avenue, Perry
515.465.4601
The former railroad depot was renovated by the Perry Area Chamber of Commerce in May of 2010 that displays railroad memorabilia from its history of the M. & St. L. rail lines that passed through Perry. It provides area residents and visitors with information about the Perry and area attractions. Inside you will find a touch-screen kiosk providing electronic information on attractions, events, recreation, dining, shopping, lodging and even trail information. The Welcome Depot is adjacent to the Raccoon River Valley Trail located on the corner of 1st and Willis Avenue.
Soumas Court
1112 Willis Avenue, Perry
515.465.2481 or 515.465.9941
Soumas Court is cradled between the Hotel Pattee and the Town/Craft Center. The court is named after George Soumas, son of Greek immigrants, W.W. II hero, a leading citizen and former mayor. A life-sized bronze sculptor of Mr. Soumas was created by Iowa artist, Chris Bennett, which serves as a focal point for this serene central parkway. Visitors entering Soumas Court pass through the gateways of New York’s grand metal sculptures created by Albert Paley, the “Reconfiguration Arches.” The 16,000-pound, silver, sculptured arches are an interpretation of Perry’s history made of farm equipment, mining tools, railroad items and metal pieces donated by local residents that recall the stories of men and women whose labors built Perry and kept it thriving.
Josh Davis Plaza
1115 Second Street, Perry
515.465.2481 or 515.465.9831
In November 2010, the green space and bocce ball court is dedicated in honor of Lance Cpl. Josh Davis, a young Marine from Perry, who lost his life serving in Afghanistan in April 2010. Bocce Ball is very similar to shuffleboard and very loosely related to bowling which commemorates the historic Perry Bowl that once stood next door to the green space. Rules and equipment can be obtained at the neighboring businesses of Breadeaux Pizza and Hotel Pattee.
Wiese Park & Disc Golf Course
1800 Pattee Street, Perry
515.465.5621
Wiese Park is adjacent to the McCreary Community Building. It features a shelter house, gazebo, playground equipment, sand volleyball court, soccer fields and a lighted two-mile recreation trail. You can also play a round of disc golf on a nine-hole course. The course is open seven days a week at no charge. Maps, scorecards and golf discs are available inside the McCreary Community Center.
Granger Homesteads
Highway 141, Granger
515.999.2210
In 1935, the Granger Homesteads became one of the first government housing projects in U.S. history. The project was intended for those who lived in company-owned coal mining camp slums in the area so that families could move away from the decrepit mining camps and nearer to wholesome churches and schools. This building project of 50 homes on 224 acres was completed in conjunction with the Roosevelt Administration, the National Recovery Act, Eleanor Roosevelt, and local priest Monsignor Ligutti. Many of the original homestead homes still exist. There is a National Historic Marker at the end of Estates Way located right off Highway 141.
Jester Park
11407 N.W. Jester Park Drive
Granger
515.323.5366 • Equestrian Center - 515.999.2818
515.999.2903 Golf Course Clubhouse
Since 1958, Jester Park with 1,834 acres has been one of central Iowa’s favorite outdoor playgrounds. No other location in central Iowa offers such a variety in outdoor recreation opportunities such as camping, hiking, snowmobiling, horseback riding, picnicking and golfing. More than 250 campsites are available along the lakeshore and among wooded hills; there are five picnic shelters within the park; there is one boat ramp; 8 miles of hiking trails; 5 miles of snowmobile trails; playgrounds and natural playscapes. And at the end of a three-mile-long park drive, you’ll be rewarded with a vision of the wildlife that were abundant in Iowa more than 200 years ago. The bison and elk herds that live in the wildlife enclosures are always a popular attraction.
High Trestle Trail
www.hightrestletrail.org
The new High Trestle Trail is built on a former railroad bed, previously owned by Union Pacific Railroad. The 25-mile long trail connects the communities of Ankeny, Sheldahl, Slater, Madrid and Woodward and runs through Polk, Story, Boone and Dallas counties. Its 13-story, half-mile long bridge over the Des Moines River is one of the largest trail bridges in the world. The original 1912 railroad trestle bridge was rebuilt in 1973 with the concrete piers that still stand. Art elements at the new bridge remind visitors of the area’s coal-mining history.
Dallas County Conservation
14581 K Ave., Perry
515.465.3577 • www.conservation.co.dallas.ia.us
The purpose of the Dallas County Conservation Board is to develop and conserve the natural, historical and cultural resources of Dallas County. Through a wide range of public programs and recreational venues, the board encourages an awareness and appreciation of the environment cultural heritage.
• Forest Park Museum and Arboretum
14581 K Ave., Perry
515.465.3577
This 17-acre complex features one of the finest small museums in the state, exhibiting natural, cultural and historical events and artifacts of central Iowa. Displays include early transportation, farm machinery, small hand tools, railroading, a blacksmith shop and much more. Tour two exhibit halls, a log cabin, one-room school house and 1880s scale house. Stroll the mowed walking trails through re-established prairie and wildflowers and enjoy more than 100 labeled species of native trees and shrubs.
• Voas Nature Area and Museum
19286 Lexington Rd., Minburn
515.465.3577
The 705-acre Voas Nature Area is a diverse habitat, featuring a 90-acre oak/hickory forest, a 125-acre restored prairie and wetland complex, 272 acre wildlife refuge and 100 acres youth hunting area. This diverse environment serves as an excellent stage for learning about the natural world. The museum is home to an exceptional collection of rare native elements, dynamic quartz specimens, rocks, fossils and minerals from across the United States and around the world. Interpretive programs offered at the Voas Nature Area include tours of the museum, bird-watching hikes, prairie programs, geology presentations and many other environmental education programs. An observation deck and restroom facilities are available at the museum.
• Kuehn Conservation Area
32828 Houston Trail, Earlham
515.465.3577
This 770-acre park includes native and re-established prairie, riparian and upland forests, unique geological formations, archaeological sites, interpretive trails and the Bear Creek Nature Center. Kuehn is a popular site for primitive camping, hiking and fishing, with hunting permitted in designated areas.
• Sportsman Park
13821 130th St., Dawson
515.465.3577
With 40 acres of oak and hickory timber overlooking the North Raccoon River, visitors to Sportsman Park enjoy fishing, hiking along the nature trails, picnicking and camping. Campers choose from primitive campsites or sites with modern electrical hook-ups. In addition to picnic tables throughout the park, three enclosed shelters may be rented for large groups, as well as two new all season cabins.
• Hanging Rock
916 Redfield St., Redfield
515.465.3577
Hanging Rock is comprised of 465 acres along the Raccoon River. Featuring a massive outcrop of sandstone, Hanging Rock is a well-known landmark. Downstream is a ford used by wagon trains heading west during the mid-1800s. Those with canoes will find a leisurely and scenic, “get away from it all” atmosphere. Fishing is a favorite activity along the lower stretch. An open shelter at Hanging Rock may be reserved for groups.
• Trindle Park
3555 Richland Circle, Van Meter
515.465.3577
Trindle Park is a 24.5-acre jewel with beautiful, sweeping views overlooking the city of Van Meter and the surrounding countryside. Two open shelters are available for group activities, with playground and restrooms nearby.
• Big Bend Wildlife Area
Two miles northwest of Redfield
515.465.3577
This 640-acre wildlife area is open to hunting, fishing, bird watching, canoeing and hiking on undeveloped trails. Adjacent to the Middle Raccoon River, this area teems with native game and many rare, protected species, including river otter, bobcat and osprey. Explore the re-established prairie and an oak-hickory forest to discover more than 322 unique and diverse plant species.