Fort Atkinson State Preserve - 4 Things to Know Before Visiting

Fort Atkinson State Preserve, located in Winneshiek County, Iowa, is a historic and scenic destination that offers visitors a unique glimpse into the region's frontier past. The preserve encompasses the remnants of Fort Atkinson, a U.S. Army outpost established in the 1840s to protect the Winnebago Indians and facilitate trade with Native American tribes.

Nestled amidst the rolling hills and verdant landscapes of Iowa, the Pine Mills German Methodist Episcopal Church stands as a cherished landmark and a testament to the area's rich cultural heritage. This historic church served as a spiritual and social hub for the local German Methodist community, offering a place of worship, fellowship, and community gatherings.

The Bily Clocks Museum, located in Spillville, Iowa, is a unique and captivating attraction that showcases the craftsmanship and artistry of two Czech immigrant brothers, Joseph and Frank Bily. The museum is home to a remarkable collection of intricately crafted clocks, automata, and carvings created by the Bily brothers over several decades.

The Bastian site is an archaeological site associated with a village of the Oneota culture near Cherokee, Iowa, United States. The time period for this village appears to be from an intermediate era between village sites from the earlier Correctionville–Blue Earth phase and the later Orr phase. The later phase is from the late prehistoric and early historic periods, and include villages of the Siouan-speaking groups. The site was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1976.

The Porter House Museum, located in Decorah, Iowa, is a historic residence that offers visitors a glimpse into the life and times of a prominent local family during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Built in 1867 for Adelbert Field Porter, a successful attorney and businessman, the house served as a cherished family home for several generations.

The Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum, located in Decorah, Iowa, is a premier cultural institution dedicated to preserving and celebrating the heritage and contributions of Norwegian immigrants to American society. Founded in 1877, Vesterheim is one of the oldest and most comprehensive ethnic museums in the United States, showcasing a vast collection of artifacts, artworks, and cultural treasures that tell the story of Norwegian immigration and settlement in America.