Odd attractions
On February 28, 2009 Sac County Iowa once again went for the Guinness World Record for the largest popcorn ball ever made. Nearly 13 hours after we began, we did it! The ball is: 5000 pounds, 7 feet 4 and one half inches tall, 28.8 feet in diameter. For more information, go to www.saccountyiowa.com.
Out-of-the-ordinary spots to visit in Iowa
By Maggie Mills
For some Iowans, traveling out of state may seem like the best way to tour exceptional landmarks and visit remarkable places. Not so, say the advocates for the following 12 attractions in Iowa. Read on to learn a bit more about the sites and sounds that make Iowa a state that is anything but ordinary.
1. The Future Birthplace of Captain Kirk – Riverside, Iowa
The self-proclaimed future birthplace of fictional character James T. Kirk of Star Trek, Riverside also hosts “Trek Fest” each June to celebrate all things “Trek.”
2. Snake Alley – Burlington, Iowa
Constructed in 1894 as an experimental street design, Snake Alley has since been called the “Crookedest Street in the World.” And while the winding Lombard Street in San Francisco claims the same fame, we like to think Burlington is where the “Crookedest” title belongs.
3. Hobo Museum – Britt, Iowa
Britt, Iowa is home to the only museum in the world dedicated to the hobo way of life. The museum features photographs, videos, and artifacts and also hosts the annual Hobo Convention.
4. The “Castle” Town – Ida Grove, Iowa
A local business owner in Ida Grove is responsible for the many building in Ida Grove that have castle designs. While the architecture of the town provides a unique attraction, most of the buildings in the style are privately owned, so few tours are limited.
5. Buddy Holly Crash Site – Clear Lake, Iowa
For fans of Buddy Holly and rock and roll, the musician’s death in a plane crash marked “the day the music died.” Pay tribute at the crash site just north of Clear Lake, and check out the Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake, the venue of Holly’s final performance.
6. Fenelon Place Elevator – Dubuque, Iowa
Check out the world’s shortest, steepest railway and enjoy the view of the Mississippi River and three states when you reach the top.
7. American Gothic House – Eldon, Iowa
Take home a Grant Wood keepsake from the house that provided the background for American Gothic. (Costumes and pitchforks are available for you to strike your own pose.)
www.wapellocounty.org/americangothic
8. Danish Windmill Museum – Elk Horn, Iowa
Check out the only working Danish windmill in the United States and visit with the locals of Elk Horn (a town that boasts one of the most concentrated populations of Danes in the country). www.danishwindmill.com
9. Axe Murder House and Museum – Villisca, Iowa
Test your bravery at an allegedly haunted museum dedicated to infamous (and still unsolved cases of) axe murders that occurred in 1912.
10. The Black Angel – Iowa City, Iowa
The Black Angel in Iowa City has been watching over Oakland Cemetery since 1912 when it was originally erected in gold. Since then, rumors about the statue’s mysterious change in color have swirled. Legend also has it that kissing the statue is fatal.
11. Bridges of Madison County – Winterset, Iowa
Built in the late 19th century and popularized by the best-selling novel and film, only six of the original 19 covered bridges remain today. While you’re in Winterset, you can also stop by the birthplace of movie legend John Wayne.
12. Trainland USA – Colfax, Iowa
Trainland USA is an operating toy train museum that features Lionel O trains and accessories and depicts the development of railroad transportation across the country. The museum contains 4,000 feet of track and illustrates national landmarks throughout the trains’ routes.
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