With a history steeped in the pearl button industry, Muscatine is the perfect home for the Muscatine History & Industry Museum. At one time home to over 45 Button factories during the late 1800’s and early 1900’s, Muscatine was then known as the “button capitol of the world” and was producing over 40% of all pearl buttons manufactured in the world. Located in historic downtown Muscatine, the Muscatine History & Industry Museum displays a variety of memorabilia from the button factories, as well as the clam-shelling industry. Visitors to the museum are shown the complete button making process, from harvesting the shells from the “Mighty Mississippi” River through processing, cutting and dying, to seeing the finished product. The facility's exhibits have been have recently been changed and others added to reflect the history and importance of additional Muscatine industries. For more information, follow this link:Muscatine History & Industry Center
A short walk away is the Musser Public Library, home to the Oscar Grossheim collection of over fifty-five thousand-glass plate negative. In 1887 at the age of 15, Oscar Grossheim – a Muscatine native – determined that he would spend his life taking pictures. As a young man in the early 1880’s, he impacted the photography industry by creating a portable camera. This camera, and Grossheim himself, would later capture the interest of George Eastman (of Eastman-Kodak) who was working to perfect his own portable camera at the time. Many of the reproduced prints are available to look at and the Library is working to create an on-line catalogue of the Grossheim collection. To view a sample of the historic photos, follow this link:Musser Public Library
Also found in the historic downtown is the Muscatine County Courthouse. Built in 1909, this beaux-arts style building continues its service as the seat for county government. A walk through this historic structure allows one to view the beautiful mural and stained glass dome. An overview of Muscatine County is available through this link:Muscatine County Info
A quick drive up Mulberry Street will bring you to the historic Musser Mansion. Built in 1908, it is home to the Muscatine Art Center and the contemporary Stanley Gallery. The Muscatine Art Center offers period decorative arts in a restored turn-of-century home, as well as a variety of exciting exhibitions. Established as a museum in 1965 by a gift of Laura Musser’s heirs, the lovingly restored mansion features many distinctive architectural details of the Edwardian period. A Japanese Garden brings a touch of the orient to this out standing home and features a Torii Gate, footbridges, stone pagodas, and a wooden house shrine. Follow this link for more information:Muscatine Art Center
Many of the popular architec tural styles of nineteenth century America are found in Muscatine. Featuring dozens of magnificent homes built as early as 1840, these historic neighborhoods offer a glimpse into the prosperity of Muscatine’s past. An annotated walking tour of historic homes overlooking the Mississippi River is available at Muscatine’s Muscatine History & Industry Museum. The descriptive tour will provide you with a look at numerous architectural structures and an in-depth history of Muscatine. Muscatine has 13 buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places dating back to the 1850’s.
Driving along the Great River Road, which follows the Mighty Mississippi, is another way to enjoy the scenic beauty. The Great River Road is the longest parkway in the world, a 5,600-mile byway stretching from Kenora, Ontario, Canada to New Orleans, Louisiana. Charles Young, a Muscatine native, devoted most of his life to the establishment of the Great River Road. In 1938, Young was the director of the
first organization that was setup to create a scenic highway. In 1955, he became a “pilot” of the Mississippi River Parkway Commission. Young’s vision included signs with a green and white pilot wheel, which can still be seen along the Great River Road (GRR). More information regarding the Great River Road is avaialable by following this link: Great River Road.
On the GRR south of downtown you will find the sandy-soiled “Island” of Muscatine. This fertile area, once an actual island, became farmland when the Mississippi River changed its course. Sample the renowned sweet corn, watermelons, cantaloupe, potatoes, and tomatoes at a variety of farmers markets. Muscatine melons, long known as the juiciest and sweetest near and far, are plentiful during the late summer months. Petting zoos, locally made crafts and other souvenir items are also a delightful part of some of these markets.
Just a few miles further is the Fairport Fish Hatchery. This state-run hatchery is a key segment of the natural beauty found along the Upper Mississippi River Valley. The Hatchery, originally donated to the federal government by the Association of Button Manufacturers, was established by Congress in 1908 as a biological station for freshwater mussel research and propagation to meet the concerns of the ever-decreasing mussel population in the Mississippi River. Today, eighteen ponds are used to hatch and rear warm-water angling favorites such as largemouth bass, bluegill, and walleye. The adult fish are kept in the ponds all year and are used for spawning purposes.
Continuing down the GRR will soon bring you to the Pine Creek Grist Mill in Wild Cat Den State Park. Built in 1848 by one of the county’s first settlers Benjamin Nye, the Mill is one of the finest examples of mid-nineteenth century mills left in the country and is on the National Register of Historic Places. It is currently being restored to its original condition as a working mill. In addition, a turn of the century schoolhouse and the original Nye family graveyard are within walking distance. Follow either of the following links for more information:Pine Creek Grist Mill or Iowa Department of Natural Resources.
Muscatine is also known for its farming heritage. From the Melon Markets on “the Island” to llama and buffalo breeding farms, agricultural tours offer unique and informative opportunities for visitors and residents alike. Each facility offers tours and gift shops to enhance your experience. |
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