Author Archives: Tyler Warhurst

Spotlight AR: Delta Cultural Center

Wednesday, August 14, 2013

Delta Cultural Center music exhibitExplore the rich blues music history of the Arkansas Delta at the Delta Cultural Center, located in historic downtown Helena, AK. Comprised of two locations, the Depot and the Visitors Center, guests can learn Delta history through the museum’s exhibits, programs, events and tours. Visit the Depot’s “A Heritage of Determination” exhibit to learn about Delta history from the time of its earliest inhabitants through the great Mississippi River floods. Then walk a block north to the Visitors Center and see the “Delta Sounds” music exhibit.

Contact: 
Delta Cultural Center
141 Cherry St.
Helena, AR 72342
(870) 338-4350
[email protected]

Agritourism options along the Great River Road

Wednesday, July 31, 2013

Blue Sky Vineyard, Makada

Credit: Blue Sky Vineyard

Agritourism encourages travelers to learn about a region by exploring its diverse agricultural landscape. And the Great River Road offers an abundance of agriculture for you to see. Along the Mississippi, you’ll find orchards, cheese factories, gardens, nurseries, tree farms, farmers markets, museums and more. Make sure to pencil in a stop at one of these farm-related attractions when you visit the Great River Road.

Spotlight MO: St. Louis Gateway Arch

Wednesday, July 17, 2013

St. Louis Arch at nightStanding as the nation’s tallest monument, the 630-foot-tall Gateway Arch is one of the most impressive highlights along the Great River Road. A commemoration to Thomas Jefferson and St. Louis’ role in westward U.S. expansion, this attraction holds significance beyond its incredible structure. All visitors have free access to the arch entrance and can take the “Journey to the Top” for $10.  From the top of the arch, you’ll see up to 30 miles into the distance, including breathtaking views of downtown St. Louis and the Mississippi River. For an even richer experience, take a riverboat cruise on a replica 19th-century paddle-wheel boat or visit the historic Old Courthouse.

Contact: 
Gateway Arch
707 North 1st St., MS 143 (mailing)
200 Washington Ave. (physical)
St. Louis, MO 63102
(877) 982-1410
[email protected]

Spotlight Illinois: Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site

Wednesday, June 19, 2013

Cahokia Mounds Collinsville

Credit: Porter Binks

Witness remains of the most sophisticated prehistoric native civilization north of Mexico by visiting the Cahokia Mounds Historic Site. The mystery of this ancient metropolis, which was inhabited from about A.D. 700 to 1400 when the site was abandoned, remains unsolved. 800 acres of the original 2,200-acre site is open for the public to explore, in addition to a World-Class Interpretive Center. Take a guided tour or traverse the mounds yourself.

Contact: 
Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site
30 Ramey Steret
Collinsville, IL 62234
(618) 346-5160
[email protected]

 

Spotlight Iowa: Pikes Peak State Park

Wednesday, June 05, 2013

The picturesque Pikes Peak State Park in Iowa is a nature-lover’s dream. You can camp, picnic at one of its 77 sites, bike or hike 11.5 miles of trails. Along the trails, you’ll witness Decorah limestone formations, fossil remains and gorgeous wooded bluffs and valleys, including the refreshing Bridal Veil Falls. Peek over the park’s 500-foot bluff and you’ll see the union of the Wisconsin and Mississippi Rivers.

Contact:
Pikes Peak State Park
32264 Pikes Peak Road
McGregor, IA 52157
(563) 873-2341
[email protected]

Spotlight Wisconsin: Stonefield Historic Site

Wednesday, May 22, 2013

Discover the agricultural history of Stonefield, a community that helped make Wisconsin become “America’s Dairyland.” The 2000-acre Stonefield estate was originally home to Wisconsin’s First Governor, Nelson Dewey, until it burned down in 1873. Eventually reconstructed and passed among a string of different owners, the land was bought by the state in 1936 and transformed into a village that celebrates Wisconsin’s rich agricultural history. More than 30 buildings, antique farm equipment and Stonefield’s State Farm Museum make up this historic site.

Contact:
Stonefield Historic Site
PO Box 125
12195 Hwy VV
Cassville, WI 53806
(608) 725-5210
[email protected]

Spotlight Minnesota: Historic Fort Snelling

Wednesday, May 08, 2013

Historic Fort SnellingLocated in Saint Paul, Minn., Historic Fort Snelling is a National Historic Landmark dedicated to Minnesota history. A visit to this reconstructed 1820s military outpost will teach you a history lesson about Minnesota’s military from the pre-Civil War era through World War II. You’ll also learn about the fur trade, Native American history and the U.S.-Dakota War of 1862. Explore this historical place starting May 25, when Fort Snelling opens for the season.

Contact:
Fort Snelling
200 Tower Ave.
Saint Paul, MN 55111
(612) 726-1171
[email protected]