Celebrate America’s 250th along the Historic Hills Scenic Byway! The Iowa Department of Transportation’s special speaking series kicks off Sunday, January 18, with various activities in Van Buren County, inviting travelers to explore the stories that shaped our nation.

  11:00 Guided tour of the Van Buren County Courthouse

  11:30 Brunch at Hotel Manning with tours of this historic hotel

  1:00 Drive through Lacey-Keosauqua State Park to the Ely Ford site and lodge

  1:30-2:30 Iowaville presentation at the lodge

  3:00 Shops and church open in Bentonsport Historic District

  4:00 Local history and Mormon Trail speakers at the Stone House

in Bentonsport

The celebration continues in Eldon on Monday, January 19, with a local history event featuring a special opportunity—and the chance to turn it into a full day of discovery.

By reservation only, an exclusive tour itinerary will showcase Eldon’s treasures beginning at 9:00 am and ending at 2:00 pm:

9:00 McHaffey Opera House,

10:00 American Gothic House interior (10-10:30 am)

10:30 American Gothic House Center museum and gift shop

Noon Catered lunch at Eldon's KD Center

1:00 Eldon Depot Museum.

Follow these instructions to register for Eldon's free private tours and lunch by January 1:

Click HERE then:

Register Now button

Fill in registration option

Add to Cart

Check out

Add information

Next

Submit Order

Lunch cost is $15.00 per person and must also be paid by January 1 by clicking HERE. Activity name: KD 250 lunch.