Civil War history unfolds at Iowa sites

A soldier yells, a weapon fires, and the Battle of Shiloh begins. Immerse yourself in the action during Keokuk’s Civil War Re-enactment. Keokuk’s location in the far southeast corner of Iowa seems to bring it closer to major events of the Civil War, and for 25 years the community has been commemorating its Civil War history, which includes Civil War generals and one of the nation’s earliest national cemeteries. Other re-enactments are planned in Nashua, Mason City, Bonaparte, and Davis County this year.

Another personality of the Civil War era is revealed at the Council Bluffs home of General Grenville Dodge, Civil War general and railroad builder. Just a few blocks away is the Union Pacific Railroad Museum, also celebrating 150 years with a new exhibit opening May 12. Take time to see their Lincoln Collection during your visit.

Just open is a new 10,000-square-foot exhibit at the State Historical Museum of Iowa in Des Moines, titled “Iowa and the Civil War: Nothing But Victory.” See more than 300 authentic artifacts and documents, including battle flags and weaponry, and follow first-hand experiences of Iowans at war and the communities that supported them.

Stories of victory and defeat will be relived through special events and exhibits during the five-year national commemoration of the conflict so check traveliowa.com to explore more Iowa connections.

Bald Eagle Watch Events

January 7
Clinton Bald Eagle Watch
• Outdoor viewing at Lock and Dam 13, 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
• Live Bird and Nature Programs at Clinton Community College, 9:30 a.m. - 2 p.m.
• Exhibits at Clinton Community College from 9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
• Free bus service from college to the outdoor viewing area.
• For more information call 815.259.3628

January 14
Ottumwa Eagle Walk
• Outdoor viewing at Bridge View Center 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
• Contact Chamber of Commerce 641.682.3465

January 21
Dubuque Bald Eagle Watch
• Outdoor viewing, south of Lock and Dam 11 at A.Y. McDonald Park from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
• Live eagle and bird of prey programs by the University of Minnesota Raptor Center at 9:30 a.m., 12:15 p.m. and 3 p.m.
• Live bobcat and lynx program by Pella Wildlife Co.
• Indoor exhibits from 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. at the Grand River Center - Port of Dubuque
• Trolley rides from Grand River Center to outdoor viewing area
• For more information call 563.556.4372 or 563.582.0881

January 21 - 22
Keokuk Bald Eagle Days
• Indoor programs and environmental fair at the River City Mall, Keokuk
• Live eagle programs Saturday 9 a.m.-3 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
• Outdoor viewing along the riverfront
• For more information call 800.383.1219

January 28
Muscatine Bald Eagle Watch
• Outdoor viewing from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. at Illinois Boat Club
• Live eagle programs at 9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. at Pearl City Station
• For more information call 563.263.7913

February 24
Des Moines Lunch with Eagles
• Scott St. Dam, 303 Scott Ave., 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
• Outdoor viewing in downtown Des Moines
• For more information call 515.865.6564

February 26
Saylorville Bald Eagle Watch, Polk City
• Outdoor Viewing at selected sites around reservoir, start at Visitor’s Center Noon - 4 p.m.
• For more information call 515.276.4656

March 2-3
Red Rock Bald Eagle Watch, Pella
• Outdoor viewing at Howell Station 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
• Indoor programs at Pella Central College 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• For more information call 641.828.7522

March 3
Linn Grove Eagle Watch
• Registration 8:30 - 10 a.m.
• Refreshments served in the morning
• Can pre-register by sending to Wonders of Nature, 107 Weaver, Linn Grove
• Speakers from 10 a.m. to Noon
• Lunch served at 12:15 p.m., free will offering
• Outdoor viewing at selected sites, start at Nature Center, Linn Grove Main St.
• For more information call 712.296.4920

Information provided by Pat Schlarbaum, Iowa Department of Natural Resources