harrison county historical village & iowa welcome center

Something different along the way. Offered many different products from local candies and soups to kitchenware, children's toys (Some were very nice & if we would have had space could have bought a bunch that I loved), healthcare items and even jewelry. Candles smelled amazing!They offered free coffee & a nice outdoor seating area.

My grandson had written a report for school on the Loess Hills. I had grown up in Council Bluffs and did not know anything about the geology of the hills. We decided to take a road trip and see some of the attractions in the Council Bluffs area. Several places were closed since we went on a Monday which was a little disappointing until we found the Harrison Co. Historical Village. It is a wonderful museum with Indian Artifacts, historical buildings, beautiful view and a short film about the hills and the historic Lincoln Highway or Highway 30. The museum and film are free of charge. Was just another surprise on our day of adventure.

What a wonderful, unexpected find outside the town of Missouri Valley IA! While driving from Lincoln NE back to Illinois, I decided to take Lincoln Highway (US 30) across Iowa. When I came across the Welcome Center, I stopped in to see if they had a free Lincoln Highway map. No map, but they did have a nice brochure. It was so worth the stop to talk with the fine folks manning the Welcome Center. The exhibits in the various buildings were fun and interesting. Many are old collections and original paintings from the previous owner of the property. He ran an orchard and his original farm stand is now one of the exhibit buildings. Wish I could have stayed longer to see the short films the center has produced and walk the short trail through the restored prairie up on the hill overlooking the center. For Lincoln Hwy buffs, they have several original Hwy posts, one in the original spot the Boy Scouts planted when the Hwy actually ran behind the Welcome center years ago. They also are well stocked with Lincoln Hwy memorabilia for purchase.

I have passed by this place many times over the years but never stopped in. I actually had a bit of time to kill one afternoon and took advantage of the opportunity to stop at the welcome center. I was glad that I did stop and sorry that it took me so long to get here. This place is packed with information and goodies. Old farm implements and tools, an old home and store that are filled with period correct items. Plus lots of information about the general area, Info about Iowa and a docent to help you with anything that you might need. Walk up to the top of the hill and take your camera. You will be treated to some lovely views of the Loess Hills and miles and miles of corn!

It's actually located a few minutes drive east of Missouri Valley, but well worth the drive. Paved walkways to several historic buildings well stocked with interesting pieces of life back in the day.

Though the sign on the interstate is deceiving at the very least (it was not just off the interstate) we are very happy that we adventured off course to this great welcome center. As travelers we are always looking for great souvenirs and this place had a great selection to choose from. The museum itself is very interesting and well put together. The old town was fun to run through and the overlook was very nice. The whole place was what all rest areas should be like. The volunteer/staff person was very friendly and even gave us free samples of the cherry juice they were peddling. If you are cruising down the Lincoln Highway in the near future, stop here for your break.

This county historical museum has a wide variety of displays from antique farm implements to dental equipment. There are three old buildings that have been installed at the site including a log cabin, a one-room school house and a general store. The displays are informative and the staff are very friendly and helpful. There are also two 10-minute videos on the loess hills and the Lincoln highway.