Things to Do in Onawa, Iowa
Known for its striking scenery the West Central section of Iowa is home to the Loess Hills and the "Big Muddy", also known as the "Missouri River."
Tucked away within that region is the quintessential town on Onawa. Onawa is listed in the "Guinness Book of World Records" as having the widest Main Street in the United States. It is also the birthplace of one of America's favorite ice cream treats, the "Eskimo Pie."
Birthplace of the "Eskimo Pie"
In 1921 Onawa resident Christian Kent Nelson was both the owner of the city's candy shop and an educator. A Danish immigrant by descent, Nelson enjoyed talking to the area's children during the course of his normal work.
It was actually an event that occurred in his candy shop that provided the germination of Nelson's next business idea. The incident in question involved a pint-size patron who went through much consternation to decide between purchasing a chocolate bar or an ice cream cone.
Nelson's solution to the young man's dilemma was to combine the chocolate bar and the ice cream, and as such the "Eskimo Pie" was born.
Nelson went on to perfect the novelty ice cream's formula and it quickly became one of America's most beloved ice cream treats. Much to the delight of adults and children alike, the "Eskimo Pie" is still being sold in grocery store across the country to this very day.
Lewis and Clark State Park
The "Lewis and Clark State Park" is a 30 acre State Park that features the 250 acre "Blue Lake", 112 campsites, bountiful opportunities for outdoor adventure and a full-sized replica of Lewis and Clark's expedition keelboat.
The 55 foot long wooden keel boat replica, christened as "Best Friends" is the only one of its kind in the United States today.
Each year in June the park management host a "Lewis and Clark 1804 Expedition Festival" that draws large crowds from across the state. The keel boat is just one of the highlights of the festival. It also features lectures and early pioneer demonstrations by historians in period dress, down-home live bluegrass music and historical productions.
As of 2010 the "Lewis and Clark State Park" is open May through October from 8:00 am until 6:00 pm and admission is free.
Lewis and Clark State Park
21914 Park Loop
Onawa, IA 51040
712-423-2829
Monona County Historical Museum
The "Monona County Historical Museum" is an eclectic collection of artifacts garnered during Onawa's development beginning with the Lewis and Clark Expedition up until present day.
Some of the museum's special exhibits include pioneer artifacts, antique farm equipment, Barbed Wire Collection, Eskimo Pie Display and the "World's largest known display of hand carved chains.
Created by Onawa artisan Elmer F. Marting, the distinctive wooden chains fill up a 20 x 20 foot room. Marting carved each chain out of 16 foot long boards and included hand hewn sculptures of animals and other images into the chain links themselves. They are a truly remarkable piece of American folk art that travelers will be hard pressed to find anywhere else in this country.
As of 2010 admission to the "Monona County Museum" is free, though donations are warmly appreciated. The museum receives no government funding and as such the staff use the donations collected to help maintain both the building and the collections.
The museum is open from Memorial Day weekend until Labor Day weekend on Saturdays and Sundays from 1:00 pm until 4:30 pm. Other visiting hours are available by appointment only.
Monona County Historical Museum
47 12th Street
Onawa, IA 51040
717-433-1661
Monona County Arboretum
Replete with flora and fauna the "Monona County Arboretum" is a superbly serene place to take a deep breath and re-center oneself. It features over 300 examples of 75 different species of plant life along with a Conservation Center, pond, butterfly exhibit and indoor display.
As of 2010 the "Monona County Arboretum" is open seasonally, Monday through Friday from 7:30 am until 4:00 pm.
Monona County Arboretum
318 Iowa Avenue
Onawa, IA 51040
712-433-2400
Additional Information
Those would-be visitors to Onawa, Iowa should also consider visiting the city's other notable attractions such as the "Kiwanis Museum Complex." Information on the "Kiwanis Museum Complex" and Onawa in general can be found on the region's tourism website.
Published by Killeen Gonzalez
Mrs. Killeen Gonzalez has over 25 years experience in marketing, PR, advertising, sales, promotions and special events planning. She spent many years working in the hospitality, travel and tourism industry... View profile
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