Harrison County Iowa Welcome Center

04/23/2025

Our featured artifact this week is from our Blacksmith Shop. This large metal cleaver was used to butcher buffalo. A mature buffalo can weigh between 700 to 1200 pounds and can yield between 250-300 pounds of meat. Pioneers used buffalo for more than just meat, their hides were used for clothing, blankets and tents, and the bones for crafting tools and weapons. They even used buffalo chips to fuel their campfires. Did you know buffalo meat is approximately 69% higher in iron than beef? If you want to see a buffalo up close take a trip to Botna Bend Park in Hancock, IA. See you next week!

04/23/2025

Discover Iowa’s unique and natural landmarks on the Loess Hills National Scenic Byway.

04/23/2025

For all our HONEY enthusiasts, WE have raw and regular honey and honey sticks back in stock.!! Locally sourced!!

04/21/2025

Mother's Day is Sunday May 11th!! Do you still need a gift for your mom or grandma? Do you need a special gift for your child to give to their momma? WE have so many cute things for all the deserving mothers out there!! Come shop local and we would be glad to help you find the perfect gift!!!

04/17/2025

Kris, one of our employees is participating in this program through the leadership program. We hope you can donate to this great cause!!

04/16/2025

This week we have a Souvenir cup from Pisgah, Iowa. Made by A. H. Heisey & Co, known for their glassware and souvenir items. Custard glass is an opaque glass that came in two shades, Ivory and Ivorina verde. An interesting fact is both colors glow when held under a black light. This cup features the 1200 cut block pattern that was manufactured in 1896. Heisey & Co was known for creating high quality souvenir glassware when other companies simply purchased items and decorated them. Hope everyone has a wonderful Easter Holiday, and we will see you next week.

04/15/2025

Few days left before Easter!! We have super cute books for all ages. Even adults!! Cotton candy containers are half price making them $2.50 and they come in 6 different flavors!

04/15/2025

04/14/2025

Our historical village is open. Have you been through our amazing museum and seen all the artifacts? The log cabin is over 100 years old!! The schoolhouse is from Harrison County. WE have something of interest for every age!!! WE are open 7 days a week. Monday-Saturday we are open 9-5 and Sundays 12-5. There is so much history here!! You will leave amazed by everything we have to offer!!

04/10/2025

Cotton candy is 50% off! We have 6 different varieties, perfect for the Easter basket!! We have some adorable little kittens too!!

04/10/2025

The museum buildings will be closed tomorrow, so that we can take down a tree. The Welcome Center will be open regular hours.

04/09/2025

Do you still need something unique for your Easter basket? WE have adorable finger puppets, books, stuffed animals, and more. WE are open every day 9-5 and Sundays 12-5. WE would love to help you find the perfect gift!!!

04/09/2025

Our item this week is a World War I helmet. World War I was the first war that soldiers wore metal helmets. This shallow-dome steel helmet was modeled after the British Mk helmet designed by John L Brodie. Many units customized their helmets with their unit insignia painted on the front crown. This helmet has a red cross painted on it which would have signified the soldier was a medic. This helmet was worn by Robert Jackson of Modale, IA. Mr. Jackson served in Luxemburg Germany during the war. Have a great week!

04/09/2025

Cookbooks make great gifts!! The Welcome Center has over a dozen different cookbooks. Would you like to try some depression era recipes, or learn how to cook with venison? WE even have a great mini cookbook on recipes using wine!! It just so happens we have dozens of different wines you could use with the cookbook!! We have something for everyone!!

04/04/2025

Did you know that the Welcome Center has 2 walking trails? We have one that is paved and nearly a half mile and another trail that is limestone that is a third of a mile. The limestone trail will work your glutes as it has stairs and a slight incline. The paved trail has different animal tracks, can you name them all? We are pet friendly, dogs must be on a leash at all times and please clean up after them. If you like to walk, they are both great trails and nice and peaceful!!

04/03/2025

Come see us, we will be sharing information about the upcoming farmers market, exciting vendor information, and handing out recipes, growing season magnets, and brochures!!

We are two weeks away from our annual Public Health Fair!

Come and visit with us and all of our vendors on Saturday, April 5th, 2025 from 10am-2pm in Missouri Valley at the Fairgrounds in the 4H Building!

Tons to see and do, Air Methods will land their Helicopter at the park, Emergency vehicles to explore, free Watson Steam Train tickets to those who visit the event inside! FREE lunch!

04/02/2025

Our item of the week is to share that the museum is officially open for the 2025 season!!! And to remind everyone we do have a second floor to the main building with some great displays and a large variety of items so be sure to check it out when you visit. There is no cost to tour but we do accept donations. Our hours for the WC and the museum are 9 - 5 pm Monday thru Saturday and noon - 5 pm on Sunday. We look forward to seeing you!

04/01/2025

The dates have been set for the Welcome Center's Farmers Market!! The market will be held every Thursday from May 15 to October 16, from 3:30 to 6:30. If you would like to be a part of our farmers market or have any questions please email [email protected].