villages of van buren county

This is my home area, and I return when I need to soothe my psyche. This is a county-wide effort to showcase local history, things to see and do, and just relax in a beautiful area of the U.S. Lots of river hills and scenic drives; one of the prettiest is coming into Farmington on Highway 2 from Donnellson and descending into the valley. Dutchman's Store in Cantril with its bulk herbs, spices, and half a wall of bulk candy dispensers are not to be missed--they even have good old-fashioned horehound drops for that annoying cough. Visit the Milton Creamery about a mile down the road and sample squeaky curds and award-winning Prairie Breeze and Prairie Rose cheeses--they even have boxes of crackers right there by the cheese case so you can immediately enjoy your purchase! Likewise, AJ's in Mt. Sterling is a great place to go for a pork tenderloin sandwich--you can sit outside on the deck and see all the wildlife in the marsh, if you like. There are little cafes and restaurants scattered about in the towns. The Historical Preservation Commission just completed a project, "Forgotten Towns of Van Buren County", that involved researching and then placing markers at the 37 sites that could be positively identified as former towns that have since disappeared. If you want peace and quiet and can entertain yourself with history and lovely scenery, this is a good place to visit!

The Villages of Van Buren County is a great example of small towns working together to attract visitors that would be impossible for each individually. Our first stop was in Bonaparte at the Pottery site where pottery was produced from 1865 to 1896. The new owner spent over an hour telling us to history of the place, her efforts to uncover its past, her discovery of many of the original molds, and her great enjoyment in using those molds to produce various pottery items today. The owner encou9raged us to eat at the Bonaparte retreat which is housed in the first of a number of ills that were established in the town on the Des Moines River. The restaurant was filled with antiques and pictures, as well as providing a very good, typical Iowa lunch of ham, scalloped, corn, and homemade bread. We then journeyed a few miles to Bentonsport which featured a rose garden (the roses were ordinary, but the booming althea or rose-of-Sharon trees were great. The historic Greef General Store housed a very good selection of antiques. Not to be missed is Iron & Lace, a gallery which contains iron items by the backsmith husband, and pottery with a distinctive Queen Anne's lace impression by the wife. There also is a small artisan co-op hused in the historic bank building. The drive from village to village takes you but the typical fields of corn and soy beans, but also includes passage through one of Iowa's state forests as well as multiple views of the river. It a wonderful place to spend a summer day.

Great place to go on a scenic drive during the fall. I always go the weekend of the second Saturday in October because they have so many crafters, vendors, and food. But is still a great place to visit anytime.

We loved the Amish dinner at Sunrise Bakery. The landscape and the villages are pretty, although we were disappointed in Bonaparte. It is kind of run down and nothing was open.

Keosauqua,Bentonsport,Bonaparte,Lebanon all have old buildings and gift shops,antique shop, with and old time feel. there are many historical site to take in. Keosauqua has an museum and some great restaurants that give a 1950's feel.

The Villages of Van Buren County always has something going on that's lots of fun. August has the Bike Van Buren, October has the Scenic Drive festival, there is canoeing on the Des Moines river, hiking and biking trails through the forests. Swim in the lake, fish, rent a paddle boat at Indian Lake park. Strawberry festival in June. Huge 4th of July party in Keosauqua and Bonaparte. Bentonsport has festivals in May, September and October. Wineries, history, and the scenic Des Moines River. Eat at Bonaparte's Retreat. Sleep at the Mason House Inn B&B in Bentonsport or the Bonaparte Inn in Bonaparte. Take a class with the Villages Folk School, the old time skills are taught. It is was wonderful place.....Iowa's hidden secret. Worth finding.

Something for everyone, quaint shops, great camping, hiking & fishing, no crime at all. Great place to live also! Very friendly folks...