Shopping: Most shops open daily: 10am to 5pm, April - Oct. and weekends only in Nov. and first half of Dec.
The Greef General Store is where you can find antiques and crafts. (319) 592-3579 www.greefstore.com Closed Mondays. Open 10 to 5 Tues - Sunday
Iron & Lace features Queen Anne's Lace pottery and hand-forged artistic ironwork by our own artists-in-residence, Bill and Betty Printy. (319) 592-3222 Open Saturdays only, or by appointment. www.ironandlace.com
Bentonsport Quilt Company has fabric and quilting supplies and quilts for sale. Ask about sewing classes. www.bentonsportsquilts.com
Indian Artifact Museum: Home to an extensive collection of Native American Indian artifacts including an impressive display of arrowheads. Amazing woodworking too! (open by chance or appointment) (319) 592-3579
Old Presbyterian Church Building: Visit this historic building on the hill north of the village. Open daily 10am to 5pm, May - Nov. The building is available to rent for weddings, programs, services, etc. Call Betty Printy at 319-592-3222 for more information.
Historic Bridge: Built in 1882 for horse and buggy traffic, this bridge is the oldest and longest original iron truss bridge still in use across the Des Moines River. Open to foot and bicycle traffic. (Photo by Steve Stimmel)
Rose Garden: Set within the rock walls of the old Mill foundations, this garden is complete with walkways, benches, water garden, and a variety of perennial plants. A great place for a picnic or wedding, or just sit and read in the peace and quiet.
The Stone House: What used to be called the Mormon House, is now restored and has a name change. (due to the grant we received to restore the building, it can't be affiliated with any certain religion.) The building has A/C and heating, a kitchen, and two bathrooms. It seats 80 people comfortably. The building can be rented for Wedding Receptions, meals, gatherings, meetings, classes, etc. Call Betty Printy at 319-592-3222 to reserve the building.
Things to do:
Have a picnic in the park. * Hike the Nature Trail north of town. * Take the Self-Guided Walking Tour of Bentonsport. * Hunt, fish, and watch the eagles during the winter season. * Enjoy the sunrise and sunset on the river. (Photo by Steve Stimmel)
*Take a class with the Villages Folk School - www.villagesfolkschool.com Many different arts and crafts taught in various areas throughout the county. In Bentonsport, Bill teaches blacksmithing, Betty teaches pottery and weaving, and bread making. Paint a picture, learn beekeeping, paint a barn quilt square, learn to crochet or knit or how to recane a chair.
Or...Things to do, places to go, people to see!
Shop for crafts and antiques. Tour the Historic Bonaparte Pottery Archeological Site.
1. Bonaparte's Retreat in the old grist mill (319) 592-3339 Open daily for lunch from 11am to 1pm. Open every day except Sundays for supper from 5pm to 8pm. (Open Sundays for lunch, 11 - 1, but not open Sunday evenings.)
2. Jet Stop - convenience store with gas, pop, sandwiches, pizza, eat in or take out. (319) 592-3281
3. Sunrise Bakery - An Amish bakery with an assortment of delicious baked goods.Tuesday - Saturday 8am to 6pm
Hiking, fishing, swimming at Lacey-Keosauqua State Park and Lake Sugema
Swimming pool, golf course, tennis courts at Riverview Country Club (319) 293-3200
1. Riverbend Pizza - pizza, steak, salad, sandwiches (319) 293-9900
2. Great Day Cafe - (319) 293-3581 Breakfast and lunch Mon - Sat. 6am to 2pm.
3. Misty's Malt Shop- Hamburgers, BBQ sandwiches, ice cream OPEN SUNDAYS
4. First Street Grill - pizza, steak, salad, sandwiches, pasta, OPEN SUNDAYS
Dutchman's Store: bulk food items, fabric, shoes & boots, homemade items, fresh produce and other grocery items. (Run by Mennonites for the Amish. Not open Sundays.) www.dutchmansstore.com Open Mon - Sat. 8am to 5pm
Walk the lovely Waubonsie Park trails.
Milton Creamery : www.miltoncreamery.com Delicious cheeses and cheese curds, made on premises. Traditional Amish dairy farmers produce milk used at Milton Creamery. The cheese makers craft each batch before hand-packing, pressing and aging to perfection. Open Mon - Sat. 202 East Hwy 2, Milton (641) 656-4094
Shimek State Forest is the largest of Iowa's three state forests with 9,000 acres. Four large ponds are stocked with fish. Electric trolling motors allowed. Public hunting in season. Winter sports and equestrian trails. Indian Lake Park is located SW of Farmington on Hwy. 81. The park is 177 acres, including a 44-acre lake with great fishing. There is a 2-mile multi-purpose trail around the lake. Boat rentals and swimming available. Farmington's Strawberry Festival is the 2nd weekend in June. Crafts, flea market items, and lots of free ice cream with strawberry topping!
Bridge Cafe - Open Daily (319) 878-4000 Featured Our Iowa Magazine's Directory of Iowa's Best Ma & Pa Restaurants! Famous for homemade pies, entree menu, specialty nights and Sunday noon buffet.