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1885 East Pottawattamie County Courthouse 
203 North Elm Street
Avoca, IA 51521
Phone: 712.343.2477
Constructed in 1885 and listed on the Register of National Historic Places, the courtroom features a 200-year old bench and canopy from an old English Castle. It is proclaimed "The Most Beautiful Courtroom in the State." Tours available by appointment.
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Farmall-Land USA Museum
2101 N. LaVista Heights Road 
(I-80 Interchange, Exit 40)
Avoca, IA 51521
Phone: 712.307.6806 or 712.343.6354
Including many rare and unusual models, this 17,000 sq. ft.
museum features an incredible collection of more than 100 IH tractors. New to 2009, an additional 9,360 sq. ft. has just been added which houses another 50 tractors, thresing machine & fire truck. And ladies don't miss the beautiful doll collection in the "Tractor Widows Lounge". Open April - October - Tuesdays through Fridays 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.; Saturdays 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.; Sundays 12:00-5:00 p.m.; and by appointment; closed on Mondays. Admission is $8 for adults, $5 for students, and $3 for children 5-12, under 5 free.
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Octagon House 
Avoca, IA 51521
Phone: 712.343.2477 (Avoca Historical Society)
Located in Graceland Cemetery, the Octagon Building was built around 1875 and was used by mourners in inclement weather. It is listed as a National Historic Site.
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Sweet Vale of Avoca Museum
504 N. Elm Street 
Avoca, IA 51521
Phone: 712.343.2477 (Avoca Historical Society)
Open Memorial Day - Labor Day. 1:00 - 4:00 daily
A heritage museum filled with rich history of the town of Avoca and area residents. The museum's display includes more than 75 mounted heads and animals from all over the world. Of special interest are the musk ox and arctic wolf. Unique 1899-2005 Danish plates are also on display. Open Memorial Day to Labor Day from 1:00-4:00 p.m. daily.
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Broadway Street
Carson, IA 51525
Phone: 712.484.3636 (City Administration)
Scoop the loop on Carson's main drag! This is the only boulevard-style street in rural Pottawattamie County.
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Prairie Fired Pottery
13063 - 432nd Street
Carson, IA 51525
Phone: 712.486.2324
Visit potter Paul Koch's studio and showroom located just outside of the City of Carson. Paul's work includes functional and decorative pieces as well as masks and totem poles. His studio is nestled in a beautiful valley with a creek running past and surrounded by 400 acres of conservation land. To learn more about the artist and his works, visit the pottery on the web at www.prairiefiredpottery.com. To visit the studio, please call ahead for an appointment and directions.
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Whispering Hills Vineyard &Winery
43538 Cottonwood Road 
Carson, IA 51525
Phone: 712.484.3744
Whispering Hills' tasting room is located in a renovated 100+-year old barn, which includes a patio overlooking the surrounding farmland. The winery has several different wines to choose from, including the very popular Edelweiss and LaCrosse white wine varieties and St. Croix, DeChaunac and Concord red varieties. For more information and tasting room hours, please call or visit the Whispering Hills Vineyards on the web at www.whisperinghillsvineyards.com.
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Shoreline Golf Club 
210 Locust Street
Carter Lake, IA 51510
Phone: 712.347.5173
Shoreline's 18-hole, par 72 championship golf course is situated on the scenic shores of Carter Lake. Enjoy the natural beauty of the golf course and a spectacular view of the downtown Omaha skyline.
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Blue Water Mini Golf
2929 Mayberry Lane
Carter Lake, IA 51510
Phone: 712.347.5553
This new championship-style course is located in a park-like setting. Party and group rates are available for up to 100 people. Open Mon-Thurs. 10 a.m. - 9:30 p.m., Fri-Sat. 8 a.m. - 10 p.m. Closed Sunday.
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Crescent |
Loess Hills Vineyard & Winery
19350 Leisure Avenue 
Crescent, IA 51526
Phone: 712.545.9089
Loess Hills Winery is nestled in the beautiful Loess Hills. Sample some of the Midwest's finest wine while enjoying breathtaking views of the scenic Loess Hills of western Iowa. The winery is open Wednesdays and Thursdays from 12:00-8:00 p.m.; Fridays and Saturdays from 12:00-9:00 p.m.; Sundays 12:00-6:00 p.m.; and by appointment. Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. Visit Loess Hills Vineyard and Winery on the web at www.loesshillsvineyardandwinery.com.
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Mt. Crescent Ski Area 
17034 Snow Hill Lane
Crescent, IA 51526
Phone: 712.545.3850
New owners for the 08/09 Season. Great skiing and snowboarding! Double and quad chair lifts and a complete ski school program offered. Equipment rentals, snow-making equipment and ski lodge with lounge and restaurants. Visit Mt. Crescent Ski on the web at www.skicrescent.com.
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Hancock |
Botna Bend Park 
42926 Mahogany Road
Hancock, IA 51536-0157
Phone: 712.741.5464
Botna Bend is located on the West Nishnabotna River and offers camping, fishing, picnic area, hiking trails, playground and canoe and kayak rentals. Visitors can also view American Bison and Elk herds that reside in the park's pastures. For more information, visit the Pottawattamie County Conservation website at www.pottcoconservation.com.
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Honey Creek |
Hitchcock Nature Center
27792 Ski Hill Loop
Honey Creek, IA 51542
Phone: 712.545.3283
Located on the Loess Hills National Scenic Byway, this park and wildlife preserve offer scenic views of over 1,000 acres of Loess Hills Bluffs and native prairie. Recreation includes hiking trails, accessible boardwalk trail, wildlife viewing/hunting blind, lodge, tent and modern camp sites and a hawk observation tower. The Center is open during daylight hours every day of the year. For more information, visit the Pottawattamie County Conservation website at www.pottcoconservation.com.
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Macedonia |
Mormon Trail Original Settlement Site
Macedonia, IA 51549
A 10,000 lb. red granite boulder commemorates the site of Olde Macedonia where the Mormons approached the West Nishnabotna River crossing on June 12, 1846.
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Santa's Children Christmas Village
520 Breezley Street 
Macedonia, IA 51549
Phone: 712.486.2599
Unique gift shop filled with Christmas collectibles. Proceeds benefit the Santa's Children non-profit organization, which helps children with life-threatening illnesses and children in crisis. Open Monday through Saturday 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. and Sundays 12:00-5:00 p.m.
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Stempel Bird Collection 
311 Main Street
Macedonia, IA 51549
Phone: 712.486.2323
The collection features more than 300 mounted birds, including many rare species and some over 100 years old. Tours are available by appointment.
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McClelland |
SCOLA 
21557 - 270th Street
McClelland, IA 51548
Phone: 712.566.2202
SCOLA is a non-profit educational organization that receives and re-transmits television programming from around the world in native languages. Tours of the facilities with an orientation to the SCOLA programming are available by appointment. For more information, visit SCOLA's website at www.scola.org.
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Minden |
Breezy Hills Vineyard & Winery 
31735 Tamarack Road
Minden, IA 51553
Phone: 712.485.2083
Scenic views and fruit wines are the specialty of this winery. The vineyard is planted on the western slopes and hilltops of the Loess Hills. Summer hours are Tuesday through Friday 11:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.; Saturday 10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. and Sunday 1:00-5:00 p.m.; closed all Mondays. Winter and Spring hours are Saturday 10:00-5:00 p.m. and Sunday 1:00-5:00 p.m. Visit Breezy Hills Vineyard & Winery on the web at www.breezyhills.com.
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Arrowhead Park 
29357 - 310th Street
Neola, IA 51559
Phone: 712.485.2295
This 147-acre park surrounds a 17-acre lake and offers modern camping; cabin rentals; picnicking; nature, snowmobiling and horseback riding trails; ice skating; playground; shelter rentals; sand volleyball and basketball courts; ice fishing; fishing docks; and paddle boat and canoe rentals. For more information, visit the Pottawattamie County Conservation website, www.pottawattamiecoconservation.com.
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Penny's Visions Art Gallery
Paintings & Bronze Sculpture by Two Iowa Artists
510 Front Street
Neola, IA 51559
Phone: 712.485.2618
For over 20 years, artists Russ and Penny Christensen have been creating bronze sculptures and paintings. The Neola studio features the artists' work.
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Historic St. Patrick's Church 
310 Avon Street
Neola, IA 51559
Phone: 712.485.2433
The steeple of this church rises dramatically over the town making it a landmark in Neola.
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Big Grove Country Inn Bed and Breakfast
18807 - 450th Street 
Oakland, IA 51560
Phone: 712.482.6840 or Mobile 402.659.7040
While visitors certainly enjoy the comforts of this country inn bed and breakfast, owner Penny Wright also gives tours of this historic property featuring an 1850s log cabin - the heart of the house, an 1878 one-room century country schoolhouse and an 1890s country wedding chapel. A 4 unit hotel has been added with common living room/kitchen. 4 bedrooms, 2 with whirlpools. For more information, visit the Inn's website at www.biggrove.com.
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Nishna Heritage Museum
117 N. Main Street
Oakland, IA 51560
Phone: 712.482.6802
The museum shows many of the historical phases and aspects of life in southwest Iowa, beginning with prehistoric animals. Several displays, including collections of dolls, tools, clothing from the Victorian era, household items and more. Don't miss the old-time ice wagon, traveling coach or the quilted map of Iowa created in 1900. Open April through November - Monday through Friday from 11:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m., Sunday 12:00-3:00 p.m. and by appointment. For more information, visit the museum's website at www.nishnaheritagemuseum.com.
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Carstens 1880 Memorial Farmstead 
32409 - 380th Street
Shelby, IA 51570
Phone: 712.554.2638 (afternoons) or 712.544.2341 (evenings and weekends)
This 1880s farmstead is a living history exhibit showcasing how farming practices have evolved from hand labor to horse machinery to tractors that gives visitors a look at the things that have formed our rural heritage. The Farmstead's motto is "Preserving and Celebrating Iowa's Farm History." Unique season activities and demonstrations make history and the rural spirit come alive! Tours available by appointment. For more information, visit the Farmstead on the web.
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World's Largest Corn Stalk 
Steel Sculpture - An Agricultural Symbol
Interstate 80, Exit 34
Shelby, IA 51570
Phone: 712.544.2404 (City Hall)
Located in Pottawattamie County, this 1976 steel sculpture symbolizes the importance of agriculture and honors the men and women who have, and are working to produce food for the world. Sculptor Cliff Carlson of Wesley, Iowa, designed the "world's largest corn stalk" to represent the major commodities produced by area farmers including corn, beef and pork.
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Rock Island Old Stone Arch Nature Trail 
Trailhead - Interstate 80, Exit 34 (corn stalk sculpture marks the entrance)
Shelby, IA 51570
Phone: 712.544.2404 (City Hall)
The Stone Arch Trail is almost four miles long and is a great place for hiking, biking, nature viewing and cross-country skiing. The trail is asphalt on a converted railbed. A key feature along the trail is the Stone Arch Bridge. An 1883 report by the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railroad listed only four 30' arch culvert bridges - the Shelby bridge was one of the four - the first railroad structure built in Shelby County. Most railroad bridges in Iowa were wood or timber, but limestone for the trestle was believed to have come from a quarry in Earlham, Iowa, not far from the railroads main line in that area.
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Butterfly Farm, Inc. 
Orchard
16720 - 275th Street
Treynor, IA 51575
Phone: 712.487.3062
What's better than the grocery produce aisle? The Butterfly Farm! Children delight in discovering where fruits actually are grown. The Farm is the perfect place to learn where peaches, pears, paw paws, kiwi, persimmons and apricots originate from. Presentation available on how to get fruits growing.
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Prairie Crossing Vineyard and Winery
31506 Pioneer Trail
Treynor, IA 51575
Phone: 712.487.3812
Family-operated vineyard and winery perched atop the rolling hills of rural western Iowa. Experience the panoramic view of the vineyard and countryside while enjoying some of the best wines Iowa has to offer. Open Thursdays 1:00-5:00 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays 10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. and Sundays 1:00-5:00 p.m. For more information, visit Prairie Crossings' website at www.prairiecrossingwine.com.
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Iowa's Antique City - Walnut Welcome Center 
607 Highland Street
Walnut, IA 51577
Phone: 712.784.2100
Slip back into time at this turn-of-the-century city with brick streets, globe street lights and hitching posts. Visit over 18 antique shops open daily year around. Don't miss the Annual AMVET's Antique Show and Walk - one of the Midwest's largest antique shows with over 35,000 visitors. For more information, visit www.iowasantiquecity.com.
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Monroe #8 One-Room Country Schoolhouse 
610 Highland Street
Walnut, IA 51577
Phone: 712.784.2100 or 712.784.2244
Country schoolhouse restored to recreate the 1920s rural education system. Open Memorial Day through Labor Day - Saturdays and Sundays 1:00-4:00 p.m. and by appointment.
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Walnut Murals 
Walnut, IA 51577
Phone: 712.784.3443 (City Administration)
These award winning murals will transport you back in time. Located through the city, some have direct ties to Walnut while others show popular icons of the early 1900s. You will want to search for the hidden letters in the murals on a walking tour.
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Roberts Treats and Treasures Bakery 
230 Antique City Drive
Walnut, IA 51577
Phone: 712.784.2253
Enjoy fresh baked rolls, pastries and more!
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Walnut Creek Historical Museum
304 Antique City Drive 
Walnut, IA 51577
Phone: 712.784.2100 or 712.784.2244
The museum has many items dating back to the 1870s to 1880s when Walnut was a thriving prairie town of 1,000 people. Housed in the former Masonic Lodge, the museum includes kitchen and parlor room exhibits, furniture and clothing. Open Memorial Day through Labor Day - Saturdays and Sundays 1:00-4:00 p.m. and by appointment.
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Scenic By-Ways and Trails |
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Follow the Loess Hills National Scenic By-Way through Pottawattamie County to view the natural beauty of the rolling Loess Hills of western Iowa. For more information on the Loess Hills and By-Way, visit the Golden Hills Resource & Development's website.
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Western Iowa Wine Trail
Spend a day or a weekend exploring scenic Pottawattamie County while wine tasting along the Western Iowa Wine Trail. Visit the Western Iowa Wine Trail's website for more information including links to wineries and announcements of upcoming events.
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Nishna Botna Water Trail - Map
Take a leisurely float trip down the new Nishnabotna Water Trail!
Entry and exit points have  been constructed at Memorial Park in
Avoca, Chautauqua Park in Oakland, and Millstone Park in Carson. All entries are located in parks so needed amenities such as parking, water, and restrooms are readily available. Trail maps and brochures are printed advertising the trail and the other recreation opportunities along the way. Visit the Pottawattamie County Conservation web site for more information. |