The Granger House was built back in the 1840's and is now a project of the Marion Historical Museum. This is the only restored middle-class family home in the area. Once built, the home was occupied by a single family for nearly 100 years and still holds many of its original furnishings. There is an 1879 brick carriage house on the grounds that is the only one of its design in the Midwest. The museum offers tours, presentations, social events and other activities throughout the year.
Located on Southwest 3rd Street, the Ankeny Area Historical Society consists of a historical house and barn housing numerous displays that document the history of Ankeny. The society's exhibits feature quilts, dollhouse miniatures, signage, photos and other historical artifacts. The Ankeny Area Historical Society is always looking for more glimpses into the past, so contact them if you have anything of historical value to contribute. Open houses are held the first Sunday of each month from 2pm to 4pm, or by appointment.
The Old Capitol Building stands at the center of the University of Iowa's campus, and today is a U.S. Historical Landmark and a museum. It is the central building of the Pentacrest, a set of five historic buildings on the campus. The Old Capitol Building was the main seat of Iowa state government from 1840 until 1846, when Iowa officially became a state rather than a territory. Today, the building is a free museum dedicated to educating the community with a focus on the importance of the humanities. The museum features various offices and legislative chambers, all maintained to appear as they did in the mid-19th century. Rotating special exhibits are on display, and the museum hosts events and community initiatives. Space at the museum can be rented for private events as well.
Revisit an important era in America's history at the Jordan House in West Des Moines. This stately home, built in the 1850s by James C. Jordan, served as one of the main Iowa stops on the Underground Railroad. The property is on the National Register of Historic Places.
Parking and public transportation to Jordan House
Take Interstate Highway 35 south to the Mills Civic Parkway exit. Follow Mills Civic east to Fuller Road. Continue east on Fuller Road to Jordan House. Parking is available on site. Due to the home's secluded location, there are no local transit routes that stop within walking distance of the property.
Best times to go to Jordan House
Several special events are held at the house and on its grounds throughout the year. Time your visit to coincide with a holiday tour or a summer arts activity.
Admission to Jordan House
Expect to pay just a few dollars for children and adults, with toddlers admitted free. Tours are usually held twice each Friday, and twice on the first Sunday of the month.
Must see/do at Jordan House
The site contains an extensive display of artifacts from the home's association with the Underground Railroad. Learn about local railroad history, too, as Jordan was instrumental in bringing a line to the area and the formation of Valley Junction, which was later renamed West Des Moines. The home's Italianate Gothic style includes many ornate elements and several porches. The carefully restored Bennett School is adjacent to Jordan House. The building, constructed in the 1920s, is open with advance notice and is available to rent for special events.
Other places to visit near Jordan House
Enjoy the trails at Brown's Woods Park. Head over to the lake at Raccoon River Park. Living History Farms in nearby Urbandale offers a hands-on look at Iowa's agricultural past.
Insider tip for visitors to Jordan House
Family lore says that the ghost of one of Jordan's daughters haunts the house. The child died in the 1890s after she fell while sliding down the staircase banister.
Author's bio: Melanie Lageschulte is a freelance writer and editor. She is an Iowa native and has lived in Des Moines for 15 years.
Academy-award winning actor John Wayne, aka Marion Morrison, was born in a four room house in Winterset Iowa in May 1907. The house has been open for public tour since the 1980s. An adjacent museum opened in May 2015 that explores John Wayne's life as an actor, a family man and an American figure.
Best and worst time to go to the John Wayne Birthplace Museum
John Wayne's birthday is May 26, so the museum is particularly festive, but crowded on that day. All of Winterset and Madison County are quite crowded the second weekend in October each year for the Covered Bridge Festival.
Must see/do at the John Wayne Birthplace Museum
Watch a movie at the mini-theater and sit in seats that once filled Grauman's Chinese Theater in Hollywood.
Pose for a picture with the Duke with a saddle flung over your shoulder.
Check out the dent in the last vehicle owned by John Wayne.
Admission to the John Wayne Birthplace Museum
The admission price ranges from $10 - $15 and includes a guide tour of the birthplace home. Discounts are available for senior citizens and children under 12. Admission is free to members of the John Wayne Birthplace Society. The museum is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's Day and Easter.
Parking and public transportation to the John Wayne Birthplace Museum
No public transportation is available in Winterset, Iowa, so private vehicles or motor coach tours are the best resources for accessing the museum. Parking is free throughout Winterset and is plentiful on the side streets around the museum. Handicapped parking is available on the north side of the complex.
Food at the John Wayne Birthplace Museum
There is no food service at the John Wayne Birthplace Museum, but several restaurants are within two or three blocks of the birthplace, including the Northside Cafe that was featured in the movie "The Bridges of Madison County." Individuals can eat for about $10 each enjoying roast beef sandwiches, chicken fried steak and homemade pies.
Insider tip for visitors to the John Wayne Birthplace Museum
Executive Director Brian Downes was a personal friend of John Wayne. He can be found most days in the museum. He is congenial and available to talk with visitors about his conversations with the Duke and how many of the artifacts were acquired by the museum in Winterset.
Author's bio: Based in the Kansas City area, Diana Lambdin Meyer covers the Midwest and the world. Follow her travels at www.mojotraveler.com.
