History / Heritage

Snake Alley

Located between Washington & Columbia Sts, Burlington, www.snakealley.com

Test your driving, walking or bicycling skills on what Ripley's Believe It or Not calls the "Crookedest Street in the World." Perhaps Burlington's most famous landmark, Snake Alley consists of five half-curves and two quarter-curves and drops 58 feet over a distance of 275 feet. The street is reminiscent of vineyard paths in France and Germany.

 

Des Moines County Heritage Center

501 N Fourth St, Burlington 319-752-7449, www.dmchs.org

Open May-September 10 AM - 5 PM Tuesday thru Saturday, noon - 5 PM Sunday, closed Monday. October - April open noon - 5 PM Wednesday thru Sunday, closed Monday and Tuesday. Visit the Heritage Center and browse the galleries to discover the history and creative spirit that exemplify Des Moines County. Step back in time in the 19th Century Gallery which includes the "Roads, Rails, and River" exhibit, Flint River diorama, furniture manufacturing, and an operating newspaper hand press. Honor the men and women of Des Moines County who have served their country in the Military Gallery, and look at how the installation of the Iowa Army Ammunition Plant and technological innovations changed life in the county in the 20th Century Gallery. Keep the kids entertained for hours learning about pioneer life in the Catfish Corners Children's Area. Relive the glamour and talents of local musicians in the Bart Howard Room.

Phelps House Museum

512 Columbia St, Burlington 319-753-5880, www.dmchs.org

Open May - October on weekends from 1 to 4 PM
Located at the top of Snake Alley, this elegant Victorian house was built in 1851 with an expansion doubling its size in 1870. The nine rooms on display feature furnishings dating back to 1774. Don't miss the "Medical Memories" display, in honor of the years this historic building housed Burlington's first Protestant hospital.

 

Hawkeye Log Cabin, Crapo Park

2900 S Main St, Burlington

Open May - September on weekends from 1 to 4 PM
This cabin is located in Crapo Park on the bluff where Lt. Zebulon Pike raised the first American flag on what would become Iowa soil. This unique museum recalls the settlement era with pioneer furniture and tools.

 

 

Port of Burlington Welcome Center

400 N Front St, Burlington 319-752-8731, www.greaterburlington.com

Open all year 9 AM - 4:30 PM. The beautiful Mississippi River provides a scenic backdrop for this historic building. Dedicated in 1928 as the Burlington Municipal Docks, the building enabled barges to be loaded with coal by means of an overhead conveyor. The Port of Burlington is now the home to a State of Iowa Welcome Center. Information on statewide attractions, souvenirs and a video of local attractions combine with historic displays to make this an ideal starting point for visitors. Self-guided audio tours of North and South Hill areas are available.