Attractions* Kalona Historical Village and Mennonite Museum and ArchivesHighway 22 East, Kalona, Iowa. Tel: (319)-656-2519. The purpose of the village is to preserve the historic record its buildings represent. The village includes 13 restored period buildings, replete with antique furnishings, agricultural equipment, and railroad memorabilia. Among the several village houses are a typical 1890s one-room country store, a one-room schoolhouse, an 1850s post office, and a buggy shop. The Mennonite Museum and Archives displays articles which help preserve the history and lifestyles of the Mennonite and Amish culture. The recently refurbished museum is open year round; reservations required. * Downtown Wellman Heritage Museum and Smith Creek School Museum Wellman, Iowa. Tel: (319) 646-2324. * West Chester Heritage Museum East edge of West Chester, Iowa. * Jonathan Clark Conger / Washington County Historical Museum Highway 92 East, Washington, Iowa. Tel: (319) 653-3125. The house dates back to 1847-68 and is filled with unique items, including a button factory exhibit. Open Sundays, June through August, 1-5 pm. * Alexander Young Log Cabin Sunset Park, Washington, Iowa. Built in 1840, the cabin is fully restored. Open Sundays, June through August, 2-5 pm. * Elm Grove Cemetery This cemetery is the grave of and memorial to Timothy Brown, American Revolutionary War veteran. * Walnut School South of Washington, off Highway 1. A restored one-room schoolhouse preserved at its original state. * Grace Hill Moravian Church Grace Hill, Iowa. This is the only Moravian church west of the Mississippi. * The Kalona Quilt and Textile Museum 415 B Avenue, Kalona, Iowa. Tel: (319) 656-2240. This museum houses a private collection of antique quilts and textiles. Source: Kalona Cooperative Telephone Co. History* The Kalona Historical Village is the heart of the
Kalona country experience. It began in 1969 with the relocation of the Rock
Island depot to its present site on the grounds. Since then, an entire era has
been restored, including the Snyder Log House with its rope bed, spinning wheel
and cast-iron stove; Grandpa house, the Amish means of providing for their
elderly when they retire; the Wahl House, home of Glen and Fern Wahl; Kempftown
Store, an Amish country store; Richmond Post Office; Straw College, a one-room
schoolhouse, so-called because bales of hay were placed outside to keep in the
heat during the winter; and Grout Church, which was the home of South Sharon
Methodist congregation and is still available for use. * The Village is open Monday through Saturday. Summer
hours, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; winter hours, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Admission charged. Wahl Museum, monument to the businesses, crafts,
tools and artistry that made Kalona. Quilt and Textile Museum, located in the Visitor's
Center, highlight Kalona's trademark
craft, and especially the 30 historic quilts from 1840 to 1950 put together by
noted collector Marilyn Woodin. The Iowa Mennonite Museum and Archives, repository of
Mennonite records, past and present. The Reif Family Mineral and Rock display, crystals
and gems from the region. Also contains the "Holy City," a striking and most
literal interpretation of Revelations 21-22. |
ParksLake Darling State ParkWest of Brighton, Iowa on Highway 78. Tel: (319) 694-2327. Camping, fishing, small boating, and wildlife. Youth camp for larger groups. County Parks There are fourteen parks in Washington County, including:
West of Ainsworth on Highway 92. Small lake, fishing, camping, and hiking in native prairie and pine.
Northwest of Wellman. Marsh and lowlands
Direct links to Skunk River.
Northwest of Brighton. Thick timber, mini-waterfall, hiking, horse trails and wildlife.
North of Noble. Native timber, steep cliffs, scenic vistas.
Southeast of Washington. Archery range, hiking, and camping.
West of Washington. Shooting range.
Grace Hill.
The English River, Crooked Creek, and the Skunk River.
Washington to Keota via the Kewash rail bed. Hiking, biking, nature watching, cross country skiing.
South of Washington, country road W47. Large group meeting and camping facilities plus recreational area in timbered setting.
1 Orchard Circle, Washington, Iowa. Tel: (319) 653-2277. |
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