Lake Geode, the centerpiece of Geode State Park, covers more than 150 acres. A trail leads from the dam on the lake’s west side to a loop around Lake Geode. This lets you focus your exploration on a distinctive natural area: the lake remains the clear focal point, while the trail leads from the dam to the loop. The history of technology, historic buildings, and museum collections offer other perspectives on the region.
The Lake, Loop Trail, and Museum Visits
The HCHT Museum is open on Saturday afternoons from 1 to 4 p.m. from May through October. If you’re planning a visit, confirm the hours before you travel. At the Lewelling Quaker Museum, the explanations given during the tour are central: At each stop, docents explain historical events and describe historic artifacts. This way, you encounter the objects in the context of the events discussed on the tour.
The Richard E. Oetken Heritage Museums showcase different aspects of historic daily life. Museum A displays steam engines, tractors, and the Bussey Doll Collection. The museums also include a 1915 farmhouse with period artifacts. Together, these exhibits draw attention to machinery and agriculture as well as a doll collection; the farmhouse adds a glimpse of a building from the early 20th century.
Buildings and History
The Oakland Mills Bridge spans the Skunk River south of Oakland Mills in Oakland Mills State Park, in the western part of Henry County. Here, the relationship between the structure, river, and landscape is immediately apparent. Other historic sites can also be understood through their individual stories: The Harlan-Lincoln House was built in 1876 by U.S. Senator James Harlan. Mary Harlan married Robert, the son of Abraham Lincoln. In Mount Pleasant, the Harlan House Hotel has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1987; McClellan’s General Store in New London has been listed since 2003.
The Henry County Heritage Center is located in the former Saunders Elementary School building. The Iowa Insane Hospital was a state psychiatric hospital and represents a time when humane care and treatment for people with mental illness made progress. These topics offer a different direction for exploring history than collections of machinery, agricultural objects, and everyday items.
The History of Technology and Events
The Midwest Old Threshers Reunion features 2,000 exhibits and attractions. One specific event is the Cavalcade of Power: Every day at noon, visitors gather at the Grandstand to watch a display of the history of technology pass by. This gives you the chance to experience the history of technology both through exhibits and through this shared event.
The Henry County Fair showcases the achievements of 4-H and FFA members, as well as county residents, in an educational and entertaining exhibition. If you’d like to include the fair in your travel plans, check the event dates in advance. The market locations are: Mt. Pleasant Farmers Market: Wright Pavilion in McMillan Park; Salem Farmers Market: west side of Salem City Park. If you’re planning a market visit, it’s a good idea to check the latest dates.
Practical Information
The Mount Pleasant Municipal Airport includes a terminal building, vehicle parking, runways and taxiways, hangars, and an airline apron. The airport administration maintains and improves these facilities. If you’re choosing between nature, cultural history, and technology, the topics described offer different highlights: the lake and its loop trail, tours and museum collections, historic buildings, or events focused on technology.
Discover more destinations: Mount Pleasant, Decatur County, Lucas County, Cerro Gordo County, Sioux County, Jackson, Hamilton County, Harrison County
For the full travel overview: Iowa.
