Sea lions, matchsticks and railroads, oh my!

What do the following have in common?
- An underwater viewing area for seals and sea lions
- A matchstick model of Notre Dame Cathedral
- The "Building America" exhibit at the Union Pacific Railroad Museum

A) They are all in Iowa
B) They are all new for 2012
C) They are all worth a trip
D) All of the above

The correct answer: D - all of the above!

The Blank Park Zoo in Des Moines invested $1.3 million in a new pool for their seals and sea lions. New guest amentities include underwater viewing of the animals, signs and interpretive displays and a new overlook into the pond. Two giant shade structures, a deeper pool and a redesigned island used for demonstrations are just a few upgrades the animals enjoy. Later this spring, watch for two young harbor seals in the pool.

Iowa's matchstick master strikes again. Iowan Pat Acton has crafted his own version of Notre Dame Cathedral (complete with lights!) out of nearly 300,000 matchsticks. The model took more than 18 months to construct. Find it on display, along with other amazing creations modeled out of matchsticks, at Matchstick Marvels museum in Gladbrook.

The "Building America" exhibit at the Union Pacific Railroad Museum in Council Bluffs will put visitors to work at the scene of the transcontinental railroad construction using video game technology. From entering a tunnel at Donner Summit to trying their hand at driving a spike, visitors see the 19th century feat of technology and engineering come to life like never before. The UP is the first museum to incorporate Kinect full-body gaming technology to create a truly immersive experience. Hundreds of artifacts, images and other railroad memorabilia are also on display.

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.

Celebrate Spring - plan your Iowa getaway today!

Spring is in the air and thoughts are turning to weekend getaways and warm-weather excursions. If the open road is calling you to an Iowa adventure this spring or summer, it’s never too early to begin planning. Order a free Iowa Travel Guide or view the digital version and get started today.

Want to get in on a special celebration? Take your pick of anniversaries and grand reopenings across the state! The National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library in Cedar Rapids, closed in 2008 due to flooding, is reopening on higher ground July 14-15 and starting a new chapter in their fascinating story. Whenever you visit, be sure to wander the Czech Village district, sample Czech specialties at the bakery or local restaurants, and visit the Kosek Building to see the exhibit “Rising Above: The Story of a People and the Flood.”

Much of Iowa’s history is tied to the railroad, and 2012 marks the 150th anniversary of the Union Pacific. The UP Railroad Museum in Council Bluffs unveils a brand-new exhibit May 12 titled “Building America.” Cutting-edge technology will immerse travelers in the experience of building the transcontinental railroad. While in town, make tracks to the RailsWest Railroad Museum to view steam engines and other vintage rolling stock along with a large operating model railroad.

The only U.S. president to hail from Iowa, Herbert Hoover, attended the opening of his presidential library and museum in 1962 and 50 years later the West Branch site remains a relevant and interesting place to delve into political history from many eras. Learn about the development of the museum complex, imagine what it might be like to dine on White House china, or draw parallels and contrasts between the 20th century president and Abraham Lincoln, whom Hoover greatly admired.

Take new inspiration from the Grotto of the Redemption as it turns 100 years old. Off the beaten path in small-town northwest Iowa, it has nevertheless welcomed pilgrims from around the world to explore precious stone and gem-encrusted formations and admire the work of many faithful hands. Festivities in West Bend June 22-24 include tours, a parade, children’s activities, and Christian concerts.

You’re sure to find your own way to celebrate on your next Iowa trip.

All aboard the Scenic Line!

When I married my husband, I inherited several pieces of ugly furniture, an array of Pink Floyd CDs, some really bad kitchen utensils, and hundreds of O-gauge scale trains and train accessories. James, you see, is a train connoisseur to the point of obsession. And as our sons - ages one and three - grow up, they’re constantly immersed in James’ passion and are already obvious train lovers. (Not that they have any choice.)

It’s no surprise, then, that our family outings often involve train-related activities. This summer we’re planning to visit the new exhibit at the Union Pacific Railroad Museum in Council Bluffs. The Watson Steam Train and Depot Museum in Missouri Valley and the Milwaukee Railroad Shops Historic District in Sioux City are on our bucket list, too. 

But our favorite railroad attraction is the Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad, mostly because it’s a short 40-minute drive from our home in Johnston. We travel to Boone several times a year to enjoy A Day Out With Thomas™, the Pumpkin Express and the Santa Express™. Recently, we took the kids for a one-hour journey on the aptly-named Easter Bunny Express. The ride took us over the 156-foot Bass Point Creek High Bridge and offered front-row seats to the beauty of springtime in Iowa. Our conductor announced the precise kind of diesel locomotive that pulled the passenger cars – endearing him to my husband. About halfway through the ride, the Easter Bunny visited our car, giving hugs and high fives to each child and leaving behind a small bag of jelly beans. My three-year-old was beyond delighted!

The Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad offers a variety of train excursions throughout the year for families and adults, including the basic Excursion Train, Valentine Dinner Train, Dinner Train, Dessert Train and much more. Even if your husband isn’t the train aficionado that mine is, I’d encourage your family to hop about the Scenic Line and experience this Iowa tradition. All aboard!

Shawna Lode, Iowa Tourism Office

Let classic and modern works of art inspire you, and history engage you, on a visit to an Iowa museum.

At the Figge Art Museum, with its expansive views of Davenport’s Mississippi riverfront, art fans will find an outstanding collection of Haitian art, given new prominence two years after the region’s devastating earthquake. The Figge’s other current exhibits feature a WPA artist, and children’s book illustrations.

The Union Pacific Railroad Museum in Council Bluffs celebrates 150 years of the Union Pacific Railroad in 2012. One collection of note is the Abraham Lincoln Collection, encompassing artifacts from the 16th president’s life and death. The nearby historic home of Civil War general Grenville Dodge, a railroad builder, is open for tours.

For the past 50 years, the life and accomplishments of Herbert Hoover have been documented and celebrated at the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library, Museum, and Historic Site in West Branch, Hoover’s birthplace and boyhood home. Temporary exhibits relating to American history are always on display – currently you can learn about the 100th anniversary of the Girl Scouts of America. Lou Henry Hoover, wife of the president, served as president of the national organization twice.

The campus of Iowa State University in Ames offers rich cultural experiences. The Brunnier Art Museum is known for a notable collection of decorative arts such as ceramics, glass, dolls, ivory, jade, and enameled metals. The Christian Petersen Art Museum is named for the resident sculptor who founded the Art on Campus collection. The Farm House is a National Historic Site. And don’t miss Reiman Gardens, a living museum of plants and flowers with a dramatic glass butterfly wing housing hundreds of free-flying butterflies.

Find all of Iowa’s art and history museums online at traveliowa.com or in the Iowa Travel Guide. Order your free copy today or browse the pages of the digital guide.

Kathy Bowermaster, Iowa Tourism Office