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Howard County Museum

Howard County Historical Museum

220 7th Street West, Cresco, Howard County, Iowa, 52136, United States

The Howard County Historical Preservation & Educational Center (generally known as the Howard County Historical Museum) at the Howard County Fairgrounds has a large collection of historical items and information. Open to the public during the MIGHTY Howard County Fair and during community events, tours can be scheduled during off …

Elma Depot Museum

319 Oak Street, Elma, Iowa 50628

The pictured railroad depot in the Howard County town of Elma was constructed in 1901, after a fire destroyed the community’s original station along the Chicago and Great Western Railway. As the twentieth century progressed and railroad prominence declined, Elma saw the last passenger train stop at the depot on …

Elma Schoolhouse Heritage Museum

308 Elm Street, Elma, Iowa 50628

Relive the unique history of Elma’s public, parochial and country schools in a renovated 1912 one-room schoolhouse. Open Saturdays from June through Labor Day and by appointment at 641.393.2539 or 641.393.2679 or at Elma City Hall, 641.393.2543.

Iowa Wrestling Hall of Fame

101 2nd Ave SW, Cresco, IA 52136

Four larger-than-life wrestlers — Dan Gable, Norman Borlaug, Gary Kurdelmeier, and Harold Nichols — now stand watch on a large, just-completed mural outside the Iowa Wrestling Hall of Fame in Cresco, Iowa. The 40-foot by 17-foot mural, painted on the exterior of The Exchange Cresco, features the image of the …

Prairie’s Edge Nature Center

11562 Valley Avenue Cresco, IA, 52136

Cresco’s most recent addition to the community was the Prairie’s Edge Nature Center at Vernon Springs. The Nature Center is managed by the Howard County Conservation and Naturalist. They have a wide selection of programs from insects and trees to wildflowers. New displays with historical and current information are located …

Norman Borlaug Boyhood & Birthplace Farms

19518 200th St, Cresco, IA 52136

For over a half century, the scientific and humanitarian achievements of Dr. Norman Borlaug, recipient of over 50 honorary Doctorate Degrees, kept starvation at bay for millions of people in third world countries. Dr. Borlaug is one of only seven people in the world to be awarded the Nobel Peace …

Lidtke Mill

14959 Mill Road, Lime Springs, Howard County, Iowa 52155, United States

There are very few grist mills remaining in the United States that still houses their original equipment. Constructed in 1860 by Melvin Marsh, Lidtke Mill in Lime Springs is one of these few. Offering visitors a rare look into the past, the mill’s interior is preserved in its entirety. The …

Kellow House

324 4th Ave W, Cresco, IA 52136, USA

Built in 1880 by William Kellow, Jr., the Kellow House is a fine example of a Second Empire style home. The Historical Society acquired the home in 1969 and restored the interior but made no structural changes. William Kellow Sr., a farmer and stonemason, quarried the stone and built the …