Jungle-themed McDonald's in Iowa

Lewis and Clark Monument and Scenic Overlook in Council Bluffs, Iowa

The monument, north of Big Lake Park, honors the expedition of Lewis & Clark in 1804 and their historic meeting with the Otoe and Missouria Indians.


The expansive westward view of the Missouri River valley.


Bluffs and Councils, hence the name of the city, Council Bluffs.


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Published: 08/25/2009

Bayliss Park in Council Bluffs, Iowa

Bayliss Park.


The East side engages Veterans Plaza.


The Fountain. The sculpture is titled Well Spring, created by Brower Hatcher.


This canopy, titled Oculus, was also created by Brower Hatcher.


These six black squirrels were created by Brower Hatcher as well.


Old jail.


Train museum.


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Published: 08/22/2009

Iowa State Capitol in Des Moines, Iowa

From Wikipedia:

The Iowa State Capitol is located in Des Moines at East 9th Street and Grand Avenue. The building was constructed between 1871 and 1886. It is the only five domed state capitol in the country.

Both front and back porticoes have pediments supported by six Corinthian columns each. The dome of the capitol is gilded in tissue-paper thin sheets of pure 23-karat gold, and is 275 feet (84 m) tall.


Iowa State Capitol.



Published: 08/21/2009

Blank Park Zoo in Des Moines, Iowa

From Wikipedia:

In 1963, Mr. A.H. Blank donated $150,000 ($916,000 in 2005 dollars) for the construction of a children's zoo on decommissioned Fort Des Moines property. It was originally designed around nursery rhymes and included a castle with moat, a replica of Noah's Ark, petting zoo and miniature railroad.


Australian outback.


Great Cats exhibit.


Kids' Kingdom.

In 2007, the Zoo built the new Kids' Kingdom playground. It includes 5,600 sq ft of slides, mazes, monkey bars, sand pits, fossil digs and more. The Kids' Kingdom area also includes many for "contact animals" which includes, sheep, goats, llamas, miniature donkeys, koi fish, and a Zebu.


Discovery Center.

The Discovery Center is an entirely enclosed area you encounter first when you enter the zoo and contains different types of animals and plants. The Discovery Center itself is broken down into separate sections to create a unique viewing experience.


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Published: 08/20/2009

DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge in Nebraska

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DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge, created in 1958, is located along the banks of the Missouri River in the U.S. states of Iowa and Nebraska. The 8,362-acre (33.83 km²) refuge (46% in Iowa, 54% in Nebraska) preserves an area that would had been otherwise lost to cultivation.

DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge is located 5 miles (8 km) east of Blair, Nebraska. Access to the refuge is on U.S. Route 30 between Blair and Interstate 29.


Flickr slideshow.

References:
DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge, from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge Web Site

Lake Manawa State Park in Council Bluffs, Iowa

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The park's 1,529 acres encompass a 772-acre lake. Lake Manawa was formed during a flood in 1881 when a portion of the river channel was cut off by the meandering of the Missouri River. Over the years, the resulting "oxbow" lake, became an outdoor recreation center for visitors. "Manawa" is a Native American term meaning "peace and comfort."

Lake Manawa is the main boating spot in the Omaha/Council Bluffs area. Boat motors of any size may be operated on the lake. It is also a favorite spot for anglers. Good catches of crappies, bluegills, catfish, bass and walleye are expected.

Lake Manawa is a good place for swimmers and sunbathers although some recent visitor reviews were not that great.

Lake Manawa State Park is located 2 1/2 miles south of Interstate 80 (Exit 3) at Council Bluffs, Iowa. It is located 2 1/2 miles west of Interstate 29 (Exit 47).

Places to visit in the park:
- beach
- Dream Playground wooden castle
- Kaplin monument


Photos on Flickr.

References:
Lake Manawa State Park. Iowa Department of Natural Resources.
Canvas can do miracles: Sailboaters offer free taste of liberty. Omaha Herald, 07/2007.
Lake Manawa Sailing Association
StateParks.com: Iowa.
Lake Manawa Beach: Traveler Reviews
Contact Information: 1100 South Shore Drive, Council Bluffs, IA 51501, ph. 712/366-0220, fax 712/366-0474.
Map of the park (PDF).
Lake Manawa is on Iowa’s impaired waters list, 2010.

Updated: 04/21/2010