My cousin really wanted to come here and I didn't even know what it was. We drove here from St…read more Louis to come see this attraction. I came in blind, not knowing what it was. It was super impressed. It literally kept going on and on and on. so many fun interesting things. We stopped and got a hotdog at the cafeteria, which was nice because we were getting a little hungry and thirsty on this long walk. I would recommend bringing dollar bills so you can buy coins and put them into the different coin operated machines that they have. They have a lot of those around the entire facility and it's one of the only interactive options. Obviously everything looked really cool. I think that the only thing that would make it better would be to have a more interactive aspect to some of the parts, but I'm not sure how they would do that and I don't think they're gonna change anything. It's still well worth a visit.

This place is immense! We walked over 3 miles to see all the collections amazed by former owner…read moreAlex Jordan. It can be overwhelming if you have sensory issues, so keep that in mind. Lots of lights and lots sounds, not to mention the number of things to look at. Plan for walking up and down hills and walkways/stairs. Some areas are too narrow for mobility aids and might be a tight fit if you are plus sized, like I am. That said, it was worth every step to see it all. The automated music machines, infinity room, and the carousels were my favorite parts. I'm sure there's plenty I didn't notice, so I would return to take in more of it. Be prepared for irregular temperatures throughout the experience, as you move between indoors and outdoors and gated locations versus not. There are many restrooms along the way, as well as a cafe halfway through where you can rest and recharge. We didn't stop there, but it smelled great as we walked through. Get your tokens at the front desk to save a little money. You'll need them for the automated music machines. I bought 15, but I could have used 5-10 more. Luckily, you still get to watch and listen when others use their tokens.

We drove 5 hours from Illinois to come to this museum and aquariam…read more It was worth the time and costs. A ticket gains you admission for the day and the next day also. The museum exhibits were very interesting. The signage explained each exhibit very well. We purchased tickets for the 45 minute 4D film about the story of a mother whale and her baby whale's journey from Austraila to the Antartic. Spoiler Alert: The 4D effect was getting sprayed from above 5 or 6 times during the film. We are going to return tomorrow for day 2 of our admission.

We came on a Wednesday and explored before check in to our hotel. We got lucky and it was not…read morecrowded. Got to see the otter (we only saw one bu better than none!) and only a few exhibits were under construction/rehabilitation. I would recommend seeking out the hidden spots like the cave, mini movies, and the tower through out the expansive site. So many animals to encounter, tactile spaces for kids to touch and the newest ice dinosaur exhibit was epic for my son. All for one price and yes, it did take us two days to get through it all. Facilities are clean, many places to sit inside and outside were plenty of benches and shade in the outdoor areas.

Amazing time, quant, peaceful & informative(: The Roman…read moreEmpire exhibit was super unexpected & exciting in my opinion w/the coin collection & history of empresses. Honestly really good exhibits. Love the landscape of Iowa w/amazing security around the facility & front desk

I'll go ahead and give them five stars because it was free the day/time I went, and they don't…read moreforce you to exit thru the gift shop. Otherwise it's a bit small but since I don't know what they charge even I won't judge them for that. What they did have was generally pretty impressive, the Grant Wood collection was surprisingly beautiful. The Roman section had some great historic items as well. There's as a large focus on local Iowa artists, and a lot of landscape works at the moment at least. Plenty of free parking in the area on weekdays, I saw a garage too but don't know the situation. Staff is friendly and helpful. Definitely worth checking out. Building is old and pretty cool.

This museum has long been on my bucket list My friend referred to it as Valhalla and for a…read morehandweaver it certainly is. The Norwegian immigrants brought with them a rich textile, painting and woodworking tradition and you can clearly see this in not only the artifacts but also the current folk art school. It's certainly a place to return again and again. Considering how close it is to travel here we will be back.

What a fantastic, unique museum! The place was quite empty as we explored on a Saturday afternoon,…read morewhich is a shame, as it is loaded with treasures and insights. I loved everything about this place. The artwork is amazing, the furniture gorgeous. Everywhere you look, there's information about the Norwegian-American experience, all presented in an accessible, fascinating way.

I never found the nature center but it was my fault I took the wrong road but this is the most…read morenature I've ever been in in Iowa truly remote feeling. I would say the trail I found was filled with bugs, itchy plants and trails that seem to fade and pick up again.

From the owner: Wickiup Hill Learning Center is a nature center featuring hands on exhibits for kids, educational…read moreprogramming, field trips, history, and live animal displays. the outdoor area (751 acres) includes Wickiup Wandering Woods, an outdoor nature playscape. Enjoy 6 miles of interpretive trails within our woodlands, prairie, wetlands, and more!

There simply is not a better place in the LaCrosse area for art shows, art work, concerts,…read moreworkshops, etc. This place truly is a community partner supporting the arts. A must stop-in!!!

From the owner: Visual Arts: 3 galleries featuring regional artists; new exhibitions approximately every 6 weeks…read more Performing Arts: Concerts and theater performances throughout the year. Film: International film screenings monthly, Sept-May. Education: Art, music, and theater classes.

Beautifully cared for grounds with great view of the river. The Dutch history of Fulton is evident.read more

Fulton is not a big town. But it has the cutest fully operational windmill that they brought over…read morefrom the Netherlands. They even make their own flour - in several different varieties - which can be purchased in the gift shop. You can walk inside and tour the windmill. In the lower level they have some wooden shoes you can try on as well. When you walk up to the top, you have a beautiful view of the river. Entrance to the windmill is free, but they do accept donations. There were even some nice gentleman that told us all about the windmill. Across the street from the windmill there is a gift shop in the Windmill Cultural Center. I didn't buy any flour since I was traveling but I did buy the cutest blue and white ceramic windmill magnet (I collect magnets).

This was a total hidden gem. We stumbled upon this lovely museum because our roadside app told us…read moreabout some wood carvings of the 3 Stooges on the corner. I spotted "Laura Ingalls Wilder" on the church sign next to Mo and dragged hubby over. This church is now a museum. Almanzo Wilder and his family moved to Spring Valley from New York. Laura and Almanzo lived here in 1890 and attended this church which the Wilder family helped finance. Very interesting collection of photos and momentos from this time. Admission also includes either a one or 2 hour tour. We had only 20 minutes and the young guide did a great job hitting all the key items. We also rushed through the local history section which was also very unique. Don't miss the white wolf, 1950s perm machine or the medical kit from the "Lady Doctor" who was certified to practice medicine in 1838!

This is one of the best historical museums in Minnesota if not the nation and compares favorably…read morewith the best museums I've visited around the world. It covers the history of Spring Valley and its environs from before 5,000 BC to the present, focusing on the Wilder family and the history of this area during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Frankly, I could simply not believe depth and breath of the exhibits here when I recently visited for the first time. I learned many interesting, why-did-I-not-know-this facts. The Wilder family, for example, made a sizeable contribution for the construction of the Methodist church in which the museum is located. Almonzo Wilder, who married Laura Ingalls, had a childhood friend named Richard Sears, who went on to found Sears with his partner, Alvah Roebuck. And, it really surprised me to learn that Dr. Henry Plummer, the Mayo brothers' right hand man, graduated from Spring Valley High School. There is much, much more. If you want to learn about Minnesota, visit this place and skip the State Fair this year.

We called ahead of time for more information about the center, I got a call back within a week. The…read moredirector was very friendly, great personality, accommodating, and eager to answer any and all questions. She got us a scheduled tour set up for the next day for a large group with a flexible arrival time on a day that they are usually closed so we very much appreciated that. The Carnegie Cultural Center was full of wonder and fascination as you see all the detail put into all the different models and displays. We loved our experience and will be returning again multiple times

From the owner: Focus on local Chickasaw County history. Wonderful platform for showcasing talented artists. Model…read moreand miniatures galore. If you love circus history--you will love us!

Everyone that has been to the Shitty Barn loves it and now I know why. Bring your favorite picnic…read morefood, grab a beer, place your folding chair in a line to the entrance in order of arrival, (simple and organized), then enjoy an intimate show with 80-100 others. Proof of vaccine or negative test required and masks on indoors. We saw the Ratboys and Wild Pink which were Excellent!! A true gem of a venue. Thank you to the owner for keeping this establishment open, supporting live music, and making folks in the area very happy. Just go.

The Shitty Barn is everything BUT a shitty barn! It's truly a magical venue for live music. Arrive…read moreearly to get a good seat, although there really isn't a bad seat in the barn. I recommend bringing a lawn chair to sit on. They do have a few stadium style seats on the right side but it's recommend to have your own. There is one thing I want to say, please be respectful and bring a small chair, there is limited seating and it's flat. I've been a few times and there is always someone with an obnoxiously oversized chair that makes it hard for people behind them to see. Before the show you can get delicious farm fresh food from Enos Farm. I look forward to their tacos every show! You can also enjoy a cold beer, or wine, but make sure to bring cash as its cash only and no ATM on site. We always have a great time and are loo forward to going back each year!