Iowa Valley Scenic Byway - Prairie Rivers of Iowa

The Iowa Valley Scenic Byway Audio Tour App Now Available

by Jeanie Hau | Jan 16, 2025

The Iowa Valley Scenic Byway Audio Tour has a long history. Created in 2018, byway travelers could call a phone line, listen to Spotify recordings, read a companion booklet, and follow the essential map to find the History, Curiosities, and Rural Stories found in the Iowa Valley.

Enter 2025, and the Audio Tour “App” is ready to direct travelers from their car to the locations at the 40 stops in the 18 plus communities. We are still using the same provider, however Oncell (seen on the brochure) is now Stqry.

To access the App, your phone or tablet only needs a browser as this tour is not yet available on Apple or Google platforms. Simply type in this address in your search engine: http://iowavalleyscenicbyway.stqry.app and open the site. Then use the share icon to save the site to your home screen. Now you can open the site by clicking on the logo icon that is now on your home screen.

When you enter the tour, you begin on the map with the tour stops numbered. Enter into a tour stop and explore the photo gallery, listen to and/or read the audio tour, find more information and directions! Make sure you allow the site access to your location when you are asked so that Google maps can get you there.

Some links that can be found under the “More Information” include but are not limited to the stop’s website or Facebook presence, articles written about the location, links to the town to find events, nearby activities and places to eat (still in development). You can also view historic and current photos and even videos or oral histories. A rolle bolle video can be seen on the Victor stop and a link to the Rolle Bolle booklet. The tour information is in need of an update so there will be changes and additions to the app from time to time and a new brochure will be printed this spring. If you have any additional information or changes, please let me know!! With additional funding, we do hope to have a downloadable app in the future.

Books for the byways

by Jeanie Hau | Oct 16, 2024

Hello byway readers!

The theme for the Iowa Byways newsletter last month (be sure to sign up if you haven’t already) was “Books on the Byway.” I definitely did not have room to list all of the books that I found on the topic of The Lincoln Highway! I also realized that I don’t even have a complete “list” for either the Lincoln Highway Heritage Byway or the Iowa Valley Scenic Byway. We were also given the option to list where to buy books on the byways or where to enjoy reading books while on the byways. With approximately 43+ communities on the Lincoln Highway in Iowa, that would be a task for our tiny newsletter and even this tiny blog!

What I will do is tell you about some of the newer books that are on my reading list. I will give you the local bookstores that I found and let you find your own favorite café or park to read in!

Check out our Lincoln Highway Activity Guide, our Lincoln Highway Recreation and Camping Guide, and our Iowa Valley Resources Map for ideas of places to enjoy a byway book.

Iowa Valley Scenic Byway Map and Resource Guide

The best recently published book about the Lincoln Highway is After Ike: On the Trail of the Century-Old Journey that Changed America. Author, Michael Owens provides a narrative for the First Transcontinental Convoy of 1919, as he crosses the same route in modern times (2022). Everyone should grab this book and read it before the documentary comes out in 2025. I have seen an early viewing of the documentary at the Lincoln Highway Association’s Annual Conference. The documentary does a wonderful job of portraying the historic highway and includes a favorite cast of characters from the Lincoln Highway Association.

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The book that I am most excited about reading is Eric Steven Zimmer’s Red Earth Nation: A History of the Meskwaki Settlement (2024). Located in Tama County, Iowa, the Sac & Fox Tribe of the Mississippi in Iowa, is known as the Meskwaki Nation, or the “People of the Red Earth.” The Meskwaki Nation purchased an 80-acre parcel of land along the Iowa River in 1857. That parcel has grown to more than 8,000 acres. Zimmer spent ten years writing this book to be certain that he got it right for the Meskwaki Nation. Through the Iowa Meskwaki Nation’s story, he explores the #Landback movement of Native nations.

Back Roads and Better Angels: A Journey into the Heart of American Democracy by Francis S. Barry (2024) focuses on a man and his wife who take the ultimate RV trip across America along the Lincoln Highway. Barry uses Abraham Lincoln and the Civil War as a guide to gain insight on Americans today amidst recent political divisions. I am hoping that this book is inspirational to a point that it can propel me through the 560 pages.

The Worldly Game: The Story of Baseball in the Amana Colonies by Monys A. Hagen edited by Peter Hoehnle

The newest book to be published about the Amana Colonies that I am looking forward to reading is The Worldly Game: The Story of Baseball in the Amana Colonies by Monys A Hagen, edited by Peter Hoehnle, published by Penfield Books (2024). When baseball was first introduced to the Colonies, the elders deemed the sport forbidden (verboten). With little else to do in their free time, the game quickly became the most popular sport of the seven Amana Colonies. Then the automobile was introduced to the colonies and the communities were suddenly introduced to the world. Baseball’s popularity dwindled.

The Iowa Baseball Museum of Norway located north of the Amana Colonies would be a great stop to get the full experience of this book.

The Lincoln Highway in Iowa: A History by Darcy Dougherty Maulsby (2023).

The Lincoln Highway in Iowa: A History is a recent book by Darcy Dougherty Maulsby (2023). I must admit that I have this book but that I haven’t read it all the way through yet. It has functioned more as a source book for me to find an interesting place or story. Which makes it a great glove compartment book for a trip on the byway.

Brian Butko has written several books on the Lincoln Highway and kept an awesome Lincoln Highway blog from 2007-2022. I recently purchased his, The Lincoln Highway ~Photos Through Time (2013). The book I (and every byway traveler) is looking forward to most by Brian is, Scouting the Lincoln Highway: Adventures on the 1928 Safety Tour in an REO Speed Wagon. And honestly, I am full of anticipation for his first novel, The Quarry, described as “a haunted historical mystery.” Will a certain historic highway be mentioned?…

The Lincoln Highway by Amor Towles German

Speaking of fiction, there is one little book that has brought much attention to the Lincoln Highway. That is a not-so-little book by Amor Towles, The Lincoln Highway (2021). And… there is a movie in the works! Towles is an expert storyteller and although I haven’t read this one yet, I am a huge fan of his style. His story twists can change the view of what a story is really about. Talking about exposure, I just found out that the book has been printed in Spanish, Swedish, Italian, German, and Chinese.

Another fiction book that I found with a setting of the Lincoln Highway is, Niland Corner, by Paul Berge (2021). Berge is an aviation writer and this quick little story is sure to put a smile on your face as the story weaves around the Niland Corner.

The last book I will talk about here is An American Songline: A Musical Journey Along the Lincoln Highway by Cecelia K Otto (2015). What a concept this book is based on! Cece traveled the Lincoln Highway (all of it) and gave concerts of vaudeville-era music in every state she passed through. The book follows her journey bringing music and history together. Oh yes, and there is a CD of the music you’ll need also!

Here are the locally owned book venues that I was able to find on the Lincoln Highway Heritage Byway . Send me the ones that I missed!

Dog-Eared Books in Ames

The Book Shoppe, Inc. in Boone

Swamp Fox Bookstore in uptown Marion

Next Page Books in Historic New Bohemia in Cedar Rapids

Next Page Books New Bohemia Cedar Rapids Iowa

Along the Iowa Valley Scenic Byway I was able to find:

Amana Heritage Society Museum is the go-to place for books on the history of the Amanas.

Bumble Books in downtown Amana is taking on the environment by specializing in Print-On-Demand books by independent authors, they also sell new and used books.

Fireside Winery, just outside of Marengo, has a novel new Storyteller book club at the winery! They order their books from Dog-Eared Books in Ames!

Let me know what books you are reading for the byways.

Let me know where you get your books on the byways.

And let me know where your favorite place to read your byway book is.

A little piece of useless information about me:

Drake Hokanson’s 1988 book was a book I picked up back in 1989,

I didn’t know then what propelled me to do so….

See you on the byways!

Add to my book lists below!

Lincoln Highway Heritage Byway: This list includes Iowa specific books but does not include other state specific books that exist. Available at Lincoln Highway Trading Post: Buy here first to support the Lincoln Highway Association. If they do not have your book check your local bookstore as they can order and ship to you if the book is still in publication. Thrift sites may have a book that is out of publication.

Scouting the Lincoln Highway: Adventures on the 1928 Safety Tour in an REO Speed Wagon by Brian Butko, Not published yet

Red Earth Nation: A History of the Meskwaki Settlement by Eric Steven Zimmer, 2024, 358 pages

Back Roads and Better Angels: A Journey into the Heart of American Democracy by Francis S. Barry, 2024

Lincoln Highway: Discover America’s Forgotten Main Street by Publications International Ltd., 2023; 144 pages

The Lincoln Highway in Iowa: A History by Darcy Dougherty Maulsby, 2023; Iowa

After Ike: On the Trail of the Century-Old Journey that Changed America, Michael S. Owen, 2022; 224 pages; available at Trading Post

Greetings from the Lincoln Highway: A Road Trip Celebration of America’s First Coast-to-Coast Highway by Brian Butko (Centennial edition w/revised text and new images 2013, 2019) (3 total editions)

Ford Model T Coast to Coast: A Slow Drive across a Fast Country by Tom Cotter, 2018; 224 pages; available at Trading Post

An American Songline; The Book: A Musical Journey Along the Lincoln Highway by Cecelia Otto, 2015; 309 pages; available at Trading Post

Across the Continent by the Lincoln Highway by Effie Price Gladding, 2015; 120 pages

The Lincoln Highway: Photos Through Time, Brian Butko, 2013; 136 pages; available at Trading Post

Lincoln Highway Companion: A Guide to America’s First Coast-To-Coast Road, by Brian Butko, 2009; 193 pages

America’s First Highway by Greg Roza, 2009; ages 9-12; 32 pages

The Lincoln Highway: Coast to Coast from Times Square to the Golden Gate by Michael Wallis and Michael S. Williamson, 2007; 304 pages

Lincoln Highway: The Road My Father Traveled by D. Lowell Nissley, 2006; 212 pages

American Road: The Story of an Epic Transcontinental Journey at the Dawn of the Motor Age by Pete Davies, 2002; 274 pages

All the Way to Lincoln Way: A Coast to Coast Bicycle Odyssey by Bill Roe, 2000; 192 pages

The Pacesetter: The Untold Story of Carl G. Fisher by Jerry M. Fisher, 1998; 440 pages

Link Across America: A Story of the Historic Lincoln Highway by Mary Elizabeth Anderson and Randall F Ray, 1997; ages 7-13; 52 pages; available at Trading Post

The Lincoln Highway: Iowa by Gregory M. Franzwa, 1995; 187 pages Iowa

The Lincoln Highway: Main Street Across America by Drake Hokanson, 1988; 256 pages

The Lincoln Highway: The Story of a Crusade That Made Transportation History by Lincoln Highway Association, reprint of 1935 edition (reprints: 1995, 2018, 2022); 396-204 pages

The Complete Official Road Guide of the Lincoln Highway, reprint of 1924 edition (5^th Edition); 566 pages; available at Trading Post

The Complete Official Road Guide of the Lincoln Highway, reprint of 1916 edition (2^nd Edition)- print on demand with a leather cover through Walmart

The Complete Official Road Guide of the Lincoln Highway, reprint of 1915 edition (1^st edition of 5 editions); 160 pages

Pan-Pacific International Exposition Miniature View Book by Robert E. Reid, 1915; 66 pages; available at Trading Post

Hints to Transcontinental Tourists Traveling on the Lincoln Highway by FH Trego, reprint of 1914 edition; 12 pages; available at Trading Post

Lincoln Highway: Route Road Conditions and Directions by FH Trego, reprint of 1913 edition; 32 pages; available at Trading Post

Fiction: The Lincoln Highway by Amor Towles, 2021

Fiction: Niland Corner by Paul Berge, 2021 Iowa

Iowa Valley Scenic Byway:

Red Earth Nation: A History of the Meskwaki Settlement by Eric Steven Zimmer, 2024

The Worldly Game: The Story of Baseball in the Amana Colonies by Monys A. Hagen, published by Penfield Books, 2024.

A Change and A Parting: My Story of Amana by Barbara Selzer Yambura and Eunice W. Bodine, 2022; 264 pages

A Century of Amana Life: Echoes of Elise by Jeremy H. Berger, 2020; 297 pages

Amana Colonies, Iowa, Images of America, 1932-1945 by Peter Hoehnle, 2016; 130 pages

The Inspirationists, 1714-1932 by Peter Hoehnle, 2015; 374 pages

The Amanas Yesterday by Joan Liffring-Zug Bourret, John Zug, 2013, 48 pages

German Recipes Old World Specialties and Photography from the Amana Colonies by Sue Roemig Goree and Joanne Asala, 2013; 128 pages

The Amana People: The History of a Religious Community by Peter Hoehnle, 2003; 96 pages

Village Voices, Stories from the Amana Colonies by Various Authors published by Free River Press, 1996

Ghost of the Amana Colonies by Lori Erickson, 1988; 172 pages

Amana Colonies by Joan Liffring-Zug Bourret and John Zug, 1985 (2^nd Edition)

Amana Today: A History of the Amana Colonies from 1932 to the Present by Lawrence L. Rettig, 1975; 249 pages

Historical Fiction by Melanie Dobson: Legacy of Love Series books 6 & 7: The Society, 2020; 320 pages and The Stranger, 2020; 299 pages

Historical Fiction by Judith McCoy Miller Home to Amana Series and Daughters of Amana Series, 2010-2014

From “Green Corn Dance” to “Powwow:” the Meskwaki Nation’s End of Summer Tradition

by Jeanie Hau | Aug 6, 2024

The Meskwaki Nation located in Tama County has celebrated the end of summer every year for over 100 years with the Meskwaki Annual Powwow. Family and friends travel from all over the country every year to participate in the Annual Powwow which features dancing, singing, handcrafts, food, games, and fun. Dance styles and content have evolved over the years but the reminiscing, reconnecting, and celebrating unity remains the focus of the event.

Meskwaki Powwow Facebook page

Before 1900, the Meskwaki Tribe would gather every fall during harvest to celebrate the harvest of the crop with a feast. The village was centrally located and the people would celebrate while making final preparations for the storing of the crop for the coming year. They called this celebration the “Green Corn Dance.”

Then in the early 1900s, the smallpox epidemic ran through the village and the federal government burned the village homes to eradicate the disease. The government then built the settlement houses that were spread out across the land in hopes of preventing future diseases. This caused a separation of the population and the arrival of individual crop lands and various harvest times instead of a central common harvest.

CW Wright State Historical Society Wikiup

CW Wright, State Historical Society of Iowa

Powwow Lincoln Highway 1917 Meskwaki Nation

Meskwaki Powwow Facebook Page

To fill the missing sense of celebratory community, from 1902-1912, the Meskwaki Tribe gathered at the old village site and a new event was created but without the harvest. “Field Days” had replaced the “Green Corn Dance.”

“Field Days” became popular with more and more people from outside the settlement. The Meskwaki realized that they could share their culture with the outside world and possibly provide income for the settlement during this festive event and so in 1913 the Chief appointed 15 men to plan the celebration. These men changed the event name to “Powwow” and moved it to the current Powwow Grounds.

The Meskwaki Annual Powwow is now the largest event of its kind in the nation. It has only been canceled during World War II and during the Covid-19 outbreak of 2020/2021.

Meskwaki Powwow Facebook page

All are invited and encouraged to attend the Meskwaki Annual Powwow with open minds and open hearts to learn from the Meskwaki culture during this festive event. Various games, activities, and food vendors as well as traditional foods are available to all. Powwow etiquette is an important way to show your respect and to ease your comfort in an unfamiliar cultural environment. The celebration begins on Thursday August 8 and last for four days with Grand Entry beginning at 1 pm and 7 pm daily.

Meskwaki Powwow Facebook page

Meskwaki Powwow Facebook page

The Grand Entry can now be livestreamed if you can’t make it in person. New this year is the Bible’s Fatboy Powwow Highway Ride benefiting the Meskwaki Band Florida Trip; grab your cars and bikes and meet at the Meskwaki Travel Plaza 9:30 am Aug 10^th and ride the gravel-to-grounds route. What a way to celebrate the end of summer!

The Meskwaki Powwow Grounds are along both the Lincoln Highway Heritage Byway and the Iowa Valley Scenic Byway.

Visit Prairie Rivers of Iowa for more Byway Buzz.

Iowa Valley Scenic Byway Iowa Prairie Rivers of Iowa

A Novel Way to Preserve a Historic Dining Experience

by Jeanie Hau | Feb 8, 2024

Lizzie’s Dining Car & Caboose Bar is a new dining experience based upon the historic passenger cars that frequented Marengo from 1860-1970. Located at 1041 Court Ave, Marengo, Iowa, the immersive experience Elizabeth Colony has created is that which can be compared to a movie set created in Hollywood. The transformation of blank walls in a brick and mortar building into a trip back in time on a railroad dining car is enhanced with “windows’ ‘ showing outdoor scenes that move at the speed of a locomotive. Only the smells and tastes of the home cooked food and drink give away the truth that this is not an actual passenger dining train.

Elizabeth (Lizzie) was inspired to create this dining experience from the rich history of the town in which she lives. The Mississippi & Missouri (M & M) Railroad Co extended its rail line from Iowa City to Marengo in 1860. A short 18 months later the railroad line was continued to Wilson (present day Victor) and finally Council Bluffs. The train brought thousands of passengers and freight through the Iowa Valley including presidents Truman and Eisenhower and even the Liberty Bell. The local newspaper reported in 1899 the anticipation of an Orphan Train to arrive in Marengo; several children were received in homes in Koszta, Blairstown, South Amana, and Marengo. Although Marengo received its last passenger train in 1970 and the depot was destroyed sometime in the 1980s, a portion of the original depot from Wilson (Victor) can be seen at the Iowa County Pioneer Heritage Museum.

Lizzie’s Dining Car & Caboose Bar is not a historic train car. What is preserved at Lizzie’s is the atmosphere of a historic moment. It is an immersion of the senses into a time when the world was opened up to new possibilities through train travel.

The unique atmosphere was created within two walls of a downtown storefront. As you enter the dining car, layered drapes of vintage fabric frame windows which are actually televisions. The televisions display movement through woodlands, beaches, or winter scenes. The visual creates a sensation that you are on a moving train. On each side of the aisle are small booths igniting an intimacy for quiet conversation. Boxcar Meatloaf or Atlantic Railroad seafood and a drink from the bar completes the scene.

At the end of the railroad car is the Caboose Bar. The countertop is a single piece of cut tree that adds a natural element to the traditional “L” bar configuration found on a passenger train. The illusion is complete.

Marengo is located in the heart of the Iowa Valley Scenic Byway where a rich collection of cultures, stories, activities, and historic scenic views remain today. The preservation of our stories is only limited by the creativity used in choosing how to tell them.

Information for this article was informed by articles written by Bob James for 98.1 KHAK published May 16, 2023 and Marilyn Rodger, Guest columnist for the Southeast Iowa Union published Sep. 14, 2023 and Elizabeth Colony, owner/operator of Lizzie’s. For more information on Lizzie’s Dining Car & Caboose Bar visit Facebook.

Prairie Rivers of Iowa Has Had a Busy and Productive 2023

by Penny Brown Huber | Nov 8, 2023