Iowa was brought to the minds of people worldwide in 1992, when the bestselling book, “Bridges of Madison County” written by Robert James Waller hit the shelves. This love-story was soon adapted into a movie starring Clint Eastwood and Meryl Streep. The movie was shot in Madison County, Iowa using the now famed covered bridges, local homes, stores and businesses as well as residents as extras. The people of Madison County and all of Iowa for that matter, have always held these historic covered bridges close to their hearts. In fact there has been a Covered Bridge Festival held in there honor the first full weekend in October since 1970.Other historic wonders of Iowa include the home that artist Grant Wood used as a back drop for his famous “American Gothic” painting. This is the painting of a farmer standing next to his wife/daughter holding a pitch fork. The community of Stone City, near where the “American Gothic” home is located, holds an annual Grant Wood Arts Festival in June.

Several Hopewell Burial Mounds have been saved from destruction in Iowa. This area is now listed as a National Historic Landmark and offers and education center and access to as many as seven of these mysterious mounds believed to have been built around 500 B.C. This historic site is found near the city of Wapello, Iowa.

The Herbert Hoover Presidential Library, Museum and National Historic Site is located in West Branch, Iowa and is open year-round. This Iowa treasure is filled with information about President Hoover and his time in office as well as memorabilia of his childhood and life in Iowa.

Actor John Wayne’s childhood home is in Winterset, Iowa. This historic site is also open all year. Among the many items found inside this 4-room home visitors will also see photos of the Duke and letters he received from his many friends of movie star acclaim.

Baseball fans will want to visit the town of Van Meter, Iowa. This is the birthplace and childhood home of Baseball Hall of Famer, Bob Feller of the Cleveland Indians. The Bob Feller exhibit includes his uniforms, photos, bats and many more items of interest.

These are but just a few of the many historic sites and fabulous adventures that can be found in Iowa. The Iowa Travel Board invites you to…

“Find Something in Iowa You Can’t Find At Home…Time Together!”