View our Online Travel Guide
Transcription
View our Online Travel Guide
PELLA KNOXVILLE PLEASANTVILLE LAKE RED ROCK (IOWA) 2015 WHERE THE LOCALS GO www.redrockarea.com INSIDE 15 MUST-EATS in the Red Rock Area Visit HOLLAND without leaving the U.S. Make a date with ROMANCE Where LEGENDS are made... Live like a LOCAL at the lake Seasonal Celebrations 300+ Places to Eat, Shop & Play! Restaurants 14 A SPECIAL THANKS Thank you to our Friends who made contributions to help fund this publication: Publication Highlights 18 Events John & Kay Jensen Fly Creek Farms Lake Red Rock 22 Thank you to our Advertisers for your support in promoting the Red Rock Area (See pages 39-44): AmericInn Hotel & Suites Baymont Inn & Suites Bos Landen Golf Course Central College Jaarsma Bakery Knoxville Raceway/Marion Co. Fair Marion County Conservation Board Marion County Veterans Affairs 33 Things to See & Do Lodging 26 Pella Corporation Tassel Ridge Winery Town Crier, Ltd. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Vermeer Corporation Thank you to Studio92 for sprint car racing photos. 2 redrockarea.com 2015 Red Rock Area Visitor Guide Visitor Services VISITOR SERVICES STATE & REGIONAL INFORMATION DISTANCE FROM... Iowa Tourism Office www.traveliowa.com 800.345.IOWA Des Moines, IA Quad Cities, IA Omaha, NE Kansas City, MO Minneapolis, MN Chicago, IL 45 miles 149 miles 165 miles 212 miles 281 miles 320 miles Central Iowa Tourism Office www.iowatourism.com | 800.285.5842 LOCAL INFORMATION CENTERS Knoxville Chamber of Commerce www.winwithknoxville.com | 641.828.7555 217 South 2nd Street | Knoxville Marion County Development Commission www.redrockarea.com | 641.828.2257 214 East Main Street | Knoxville Pella Visitors Center www.pella.org | 641.628.2626 818 Washington Street | Pella Red Rock Visitor Center www.lakeredrock.org | 641.828.7522 1105 North HWY T-15 | Knoxville Lake Red Rock Camping Information Iowa Dept. of Natural Resources www.iowadnr.gov | 641.842.6008 Marion County Conservation Board www.mycountyparks.com | 641.828.2213 US Army Corps of Engineers www.lakeredrock.org | 641.828.7522 www.recreation.gov | 877.444.6777 2015 Red Rock Area Visitor Guide HOW TO GET HERE The Des Moines International Airport is the closest commercial airport to the Red Rock Area, located 45 minutes away. Major highway routes into the Red Rock Area include 4-lane highways 163 and 5. Off of Interstate 80, take the highway 14 exit south. To find out about road construction and road closings due to snow, go to www.511ia.org or call 800.288.1047. CLIMATE The Red Rock area experiences four distinct seasons. In the spring and fall, layers of clothing are a good idea since temperature changes from daytime highs to evening lows can be over twenty degrees in difference. The warmest month on average is July. The area averages 26 days above 90 degrees in the summer. The area receives an average of 33 inches of precipitation each year with May and June having the most days of precipitation, so pack your umbrella if you are coming for Tulip Time. In winter, the area averages 28 inches of snow with most snow falling in January. Elevation is 863 feet. redrockarea.com 3 What’s Happening? 4 3) GRAND THEATER IN KNOXVILLE After a fire in 1922 that devastated the south side of the square, the Grand Theater was built. A group of Knoxville citizens have been working to revive the theater and it is expected to re-open in early 2015. The theater will be utilized for film series, presentations, special events and community functions. To find out more about the project, go to www.grandtheaterknoxville.org. 5 4) HYDROELECTRIC FACILITY A Hydroelectric Facility is under construction at the Red Rock dam. Visitors should check lakeredrock.org or redrockarea.com for potential road closures. This facility is being constructed by Missouri River Energy Services. To keep updated on the project, go to redrockhydroproject.com. 6 5) KNOXVILLE PERFORMING ARTS CENTER 2 WHAT’S NEW 1) CORDOVA SHELTER A new picnic shelter (capacity 400) has been completed at Cordova Park. This new large shelter is great for reunions, weddings and corporate gatherings. 2) PELLA STORES OPEN LATE From April to December, several retail stores in downtown Pella will be open late on Thursday nights until 7 p.m., Friday nights until 8 p.m. and Saturday nights until 6 p.m. This makes a great girlfriend shopping weekend trip with an overnight at one of the local hotels or B & B’s. Go to pella.org for more information. 4 redrockarea.com The Knoxville Performing Arts Center is the new auditorium at 1811 W Madison, Knoxville, Iowa which seats 700. 6) PELLA SPORTS PARK Phase 1 construction of the Pella Sports Park is planned to be completed in 2015. This facility will add 6 new ball fields and several multipurpose fields on Pella’s east side. To find out more, go to pellasportspark.org. 7) KNOXVILLE STREET SCAPE During 2015 the north side of the Knoxville square will be under construction as part of a multiyear downtown street scape project. The block effected during 2015 will be Main Street between South 2nd Street and South 3rd Street. 2015 Red Rock Area Visitor Guide What’s Happening? FARMERS’ MARKETS 1 KNOXVILLE Tuesdays, from 2:30-6 p.m Saturdays, from 8 a.m.-Noon Downtown square | 641.943.2223 PLEASANTVILLE Wednesdays, from 4-7 p.m. 905 W. Pleasant Street | 515.848.3316 PELLA Thursdays, from 3-6 p.m. Saturdays, from 9-11 a.m. 603 Broadway Street | 641.628.2626 3 7 BEST OF RED ROCK Results from the 2014 Best of the Red Rock Area can be found on page 10. The contest highlights the best in shopping, dining, entertainment and activities within the area. Visitors are encouraged to vote at redrockarea.com for the 2015 contest. ONLINE redrockarea.com 2015 Red Rock Area Visitor Guide Visit us online at www.redrockarea.com. You will find this guide in an online flip version, as well as additional information for our dining and lodging properties. You can join us on Facebook at VisitRedRockArea. redrockarea.com 5 Visit Holland without leaving the U.S. Just 45 minutes from metro Des Moines in central Iowa is the Dutch town of Pella. Dubbed “a touch of Holland” Pella offers way more than a pinch of the European flavors, culture and architecture of Holland…it screams Dutch at every corner. It is a great way to leave your passport behind and enjoy Europe without leaving the US. Best known for their May Tulip Time Festival, the town is brimming with Dutch culture year around. No matter what season you plan to visit, you will find of course tulips everywhere in spring, beautiful blooming gardens in summer months, the rich colors of fall in leaves around town and in winter a town all lit up for Sinterklaas. 6 redrockarea.com Pella’s history began back in 1847 when Dominie Scholte led a group of Dutch immigrants to found Pella. Most of the town can trace their family roots back to Dutch ancestors. Great pride is taken around town in residences and businesses where the Dutch traditions for tidiness, frugality and hard work are quite visible. To experience Pella’s beginnings, the Vermeer Mill & Pella Historical Village (p. 37) and the Scholte House Museum (p. 37) are fascinating spots to linger for several well-spent hours. You will learn about Pella's history as the early settlers began their new life in Iowa, and you will also understand the Netherlands 2015 Red Rock Area Visitor Guide Visit Holland without leaving the U.S. which the Pella settlers left. The miniature Dutch village display on the 2nd floor of the Pella Historical Village interpretive center, is a must stop when touring the mill. This miniature village display depicts all seasons and different regions of the Netherlands in unbelievable detail right down to the type of hats worn at the church. The Vermeer Mill is open for tours inside and is a real working windmill. Anyone who is a somewhat mechanically minded will enjoy seeing how the pieces all work together to grind wheat. After visiting the mill and interpretive center, continue your tour outside to the historical village. The village includes several buildings with antiques from the past including some authentic Dutch costumes and musical instruments. It is a self-guided tour, so you can spend as much or as little time as you would like. They even have a building showing the wooden shoes being made. The Scholte House is just a few blocks from the Vermeer Mill & Historical Village on the north side of the downtown square. This is a grand 28-room house of Pella’s founder, Dominie Scholte. Scholte was a great visionary of his day, while his elegant wife, Mareah, found life on the prairie to be challenging. Their stories put very interesting light on the events of their days. On Franklin Street, make sure to take time to hear and watch the Klokkenspel (p. 36). This 147-bell computer driven carillon includes eight four-foot mechanical figurines. MondayFriday, the Klokkenspel plays at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m., 5 p.m. and 9 p.m. On Saturday and Sundays, it plays at the top of each hour from 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Visit the downtown area for great shopping especially for unique gifts and Dutch specialty items such as Dutch lace. Pella is a favorite “Girlfriend Getaway” for many in the area. The combination of unique shopping and fun dining experiences make it a great local to gather with friends. In the downtown area, you can find Jaarsma Bakery (p. 15) who has the 4th generation operating the business and just a few storefronts to the east you will find Vander Ploeg Bakery (p.15). Both bakeries offer several types of Dutch fair including the famous “Dutch Letter.” 2015 Red Rock Area Visitor Guide Also, on the downtown square is a Dutch meat market, Int’Veld’s Meat Market (p. 15). They make Dutch bologna as well as beef sticks, summer sausage and many other meat specialties. Dutch bologna comes in a ring and offers a peppery taste that is quite different from a summer sausage. Food isn’t the only experience in downtown Pella, the true Dutch feel is created by the entire town’s Dutch architectural influences. The details on downtown storefronts are applied to roof lines and several buildings are adorn with Hindeloopen style embellishments. So, as you are strolling through downtown be sure to look up and enjoy the great architecture. To find out what is going on in town while you are visiting, stop at the information windmill located at the intersection of Main Street and Franklin Street in downtown Pella or visit the Pella Welcome Center which is located at 818 Washington Street. While at the information windmill downtown, make sure to snap a shot with your friends or family with the “big” yellow wooden shoes which can be found just outside the information windmill. This makes a great photo for your Christmas card and is especially cute when kids put their tiny feet inside the big shoes. PELLA TULIP TIME FESTIVAL, MAY 7-9 For complete schedule information go to www.pellatuliptime.com. Event Highlights: Wednesday @ 7 p.m. Thurs.-Sat. @ 1 p.m. Thurs.-Sat. @ 2:30 p.m. Thurs.-Sat. @ 7 p.m. Thurs.-Sat. @ 8:30 p.m. Klompen Classic 5K Grandstand Show Afternoon Parade Grandstand Show Lighted Evening Parade redrockarea.com 7 Where Legends are Made WHERE LEGENDS ARE MADE It is always exciting to meet a true legend whether it be a rock star, politician or athlete. There are certain lessons that can be learned from hearing their stories. In Knoxville, which is located just 40 minutes from the Des Moines metro is the National Sprint Car Hall of Fame & Museum (p. 37). The museum was opened in 1991 and located just off the Knoxville Raceway’s (p. 36) second turn. The museum showcases a rotating exhibit of sprint cars from various eras displaying the evolution of open wheel racing. The National Sprint Car Hall of Fame presented by Pella Rolscreen Foundation, is located on the 8 redrockarea.com museum’s 2nd floor and designed to honor outstanding achievers. Here you can learn about legends in all aspects of the sprint car racing industry drivers, owners, mechanics, officials and media members who all have been part of the open wheel racing sport. Take some time to also view videos in the theater. The National Sprint Car Hall of Fame & Museum archives houses one of the largest collections of vintage racing photographs, books, newspapers and film. If you want a legendary view of a race at the Knoxville Raceway, contact either the Knoxville Raceway or the National Sprint Car Hall of Fame 2015 Red Rock Area Visitor Guide Where Legends are Made & Museum to see living legends as they race each week during the racing season. Both entities have expansions being planned that with heighten the experience of sprint car racing in Knoxville. The museum’s Expand the Dream campaign will construct a new 3-story climate controlled staging and storage facility. At the raceway, plans are underway to build a new structure which will include enhanced facilities for viewing the races and visitor services. If you are a first timer coming to Knoxville for Nationals, check out the visitor information at www. knoxvilleraceway.com. This handy resources will give you event basics, plus rules, key terms, logistics information and everything else you need to know to make your first visit to Nationals legendary. The greatest half-mile dirt track in the world will offer all the racing action each night and leave plenty of time to explore the area during the day. Many race fans enjoy spending time at Lake Red Rock, the Dutch town of Pella or visiting the Iowa State Fair during nationals. For weekly races at the Knoxville Raceway, parking is available starting at 3 p.m. Grandstand gates, concessions and merchandize stands open at 6 p.m. To get the best deal, consider purchasing a season ticket package. For up-to-date information on rainouts or other issues affecting the race schedule, text “Knoxville” to 84483. In the event of a race delay or cancellation, you will receive a text message. Seat cushions are permitted for weekly races and Nationals events, however seat backs are not necessary since the Grandstand benches have backs. If you have kids that enjoy coming to the races during regular weekly races, there is a family seating section (where alcohol is not permitted). And if you have kids interested in racing, check out the Junior Fan Club at the Knoxville Raceway website. Many families who come during the Nationals enjoy also taking in all the garage sales around the area for some great bargains. 2015 Red Rock Area Visitor Guide 55TH ANNUAL KNOXVILLE NATIONALS, AUGUST 12-15 For complete schedule information go to www.knoxvilleraceway.com. Event Highlights: Wed.-Sat. @ 6 p.m. Saturday @ 10 a.m. Saturday Knoxville Nationals Racing Nationals Parade Knoxville Nationals Auction Other legends in the area include Dixie Cornell Gebhardt (p. 35) who was the creator of the Iowa Flag and a resident of Knoxville. There is a memorial on the southeast courthouse lawn as well as her portrait inside on the first floor rotunda. Just up the road in Pleasantville, you will find in the downtown area a mural that honors sprint car driver Earl Wagner (p. 35). Over in Pella, you can visit the boyhood home of western lawman, Wyatt Earp, (p. 37) at the Pella Historical Village. Make a day of it and put together a foursome for a round of golf at one of the area courses such as Pine Knolls Country Club (p. 35) in Knoxville or Bos Landen Golf Resort (p. 35) in Pella. Or if you want to “play out” your fantasy of being a legendary sprint car driver bring your family or a group of friends to Slideways (p. 38) located just north of Knoxville on Highway 14 to drive their sprint car looking go-karts. If you need of a great idea for a bachelor party or guys night out, Slideways is a fantastic destination to bring the group to do some racing and then perhaps go to Peace Tree Brewing Company (p. 15) after to sample some of their world gold medal winning Blonde Fatale. redrockarea.com 9 Best of the Red Rock Area Best of the Red Rock Area TOP 10 EVENTS TOP 10 ACTIVITIES TOP 10 BEST PLACES FOR FOOD & DRINKS TOP 10 RETAIL SHOPS 4TH OF JULY IN PELLA (JULY) BIKE NITE (SUMMER) KNOXVILLE SPRINT CAR NATIONALS (AUG) LAKE RED ROCK BALLOON FEST (JULY) LIVING WINDOWS (NOV) PELLA TOUR OF HOMES (DEC) RVTV (FALL) THURSDAY NIGHTS IN PELLA (SUMMER) TULIP TIME FESTIVAL (MAY) WEEKLY SPRINT CAR RACES (SUMMER) CHECKERBOARD RESTAURANT GEORGE’S PIZZA & STEAKHOUSE IN’T VELD’S MEAT MARKET JAARSMA BAKERY KALDERA RESTAURANT & LOUNGE MANGO TREE MONARCH’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE PEACE TREE BREWING COMPANY RED RIBBON SMOKEY ROW OF PELLA 10 redrockarea.com ATTENDING UNION STREET PLAYERS SHOWS BIKING THE VOLKSWEG TRAIL BOATING AT LAKE RED ROCK CHEERING ON THE CENTRAL DUTCH CLIMBING THE CORDOVA TOWER MOVIES AT THE PELLA CINEMA PERFORMANCES AT THE OPERA HOUSE RACING AT THE KNOXVILLE RACEWAY RACING SLIDEWAYS GO-KARTS TOURING THE VERMEER MILL BEST OF THYMES BOAT’S HOME FURNISHINGS BRICK & MORTAR EMBELLISH MAIN STREET MARKET SILVER LINING SIMPLE TREASURES THE SANCTUARY THISTLES WORK OF OUR HANDS 2015 Red Rock Area Visitor Guide Best of the Red Rock Area BEST COFFEE Smokey Row of Pella BEST WEDDING RECEPTION PLACE Pella Opera House BEST THRIFT STORE Bibles for Missions Thrift Center BEST BREAKFAST Windmill Café BEST PLACE TO GO ON A DATE Peace Tree Brewing Company BEST SALAD Kaldera Restaurant & Lounge BEST LOCAL PERFORMING GROUP Union Street Players BEST APPETIZER Checkerboard Restaurant BEST HISTORICAL/CULTURE EXPERIENCE Pella Historical Village & Vermeer Mill BEST ANTIQUE SHOP Simple Treasures (tie) Funky Junque (tie) BEST CLOTHING, JEWELRY OR ACCESSORIES SHOP emBellish BEST PIZZA George’s Pizza & Steakhouse BEST HOTEL Royal Amsterdam Hotel BEST ETHNIC FOOD Casa Grande BEST B & B OR CABIN The Cheesemaker’s Inn BEST STEAK Monarchs Restaurant & Lounge BEST CAMPGROUND Howell Station Recreation Area BEST GIFT SHOP Silver Lining BEST PLACE TO PURCHASE LOCALLY MADE ITEMS Jaarsma Bakery BEST BURGER Culver’s BEST PARK Marion County Park BEST RETAIL CURB APPEAL Boat’s Home Furnishings BEST SWEET TREAT Jaarsma Bakery BEST PLACE TO ENTERTAIN KIDS Pella Aquatics Center BEST TENDERLOIN Northcote Locker BEST PLACE FOR CONFERENCES Central College BEST BUFFET Pizza Ranch BEST GOLF COURSE Bos Landen Golf Club BEST LOCAL SOURCE FOR NEWS KNIA-KRLS BEST PLACE TO WORK > 50 EMPLOYEES Vermeer Corporation < 50 EMPLOYEES Marion County Bank BEST CATERER Central College BEST PLACE TO WORKOUT Anytime Fitness of Pella BEST FAMILY RESTAURANT Checkerboard Restaurant BEST PHOTO OPPORTUNITY Cordova Observation Tower BEST OUTDOOR EATING LOCATION Reed’s Kone Korner BEST SPA SERVICES FOR MANI/PEDI Pella Nail Salon BEST PUB OR BAR Peace Tree Brewing Company BEST PLACE TO SHOP AFTER 5 P.M. Silver Lining BEST HISTORIC OR RURAL ROAD ROUTE FOR AUTO/BIKE RIDE G-28 on the north shore of Lake Red Rock BEST HAPPY HOUR Applebee’s BEST LIVE ENTERTAINMENT Pella Opera House 2015 Red Rock Area Visitor Guide BEST PLACE FOR A RUN Volksweg Trail BEST SHOP FOR FRESH MEATS In’t Veld’s Meat Market BEST SERVICE BUSINESS Raceway Tire & Exhaust BEST REAL ESTATE AGENCY Home Realty BEST BANK Marion County Bank BEST NEW COMMUNITY PROJECT Pella Sports Park BEST HOSPITALITY In’t Veld Meat Market BEST BUSINESS SUPPORTER OF COMMUNITY PROJECTS Vermeer Corporation redrockarea.com 11 15 15 Must-Eats in the Red Rock Area MUST-EATS IN THE RED ROCK AREA Most Iowans would agree that happiness is mom’s home cooked meals. These meals featured locally grown beef, pork and poultry as well as vegetables from the garden. Desserts come packed with butter and topped with real whipping cream. These childhood memories can be found in foods all around the Red Rock Area in central Iowa. Here are some favorites you will want to try on your next visit: Marion County, you can find their products at D & S Grocery (Melcher-Dallas), Hometown Meats & Deli (Knoxville), Hy-Vee (Knoxville & Pella), Int’Veld Meat Market (Pella), Katy-Did’s General Store (Bussey), Pleasantville Grocery (Pleasantville), Ulrich’s Meat Market (Pella), Dairy Shoppe (Pleasantville), Downtown Diner (Knoxville), Mr. C’s Steakhouse (Knoxville) and The Fox Pub & Grille (Knoxville). 4) ONION RINGS Winner of the best appetizer in the Red Rock area, the Checkerboard Restaurant (p. 14) onion rings are a must order item. These onion rings are made with fresh onions and fried to mouthwatering perfection. These are the thin stringy type onion rings that come in a nice sized heaping plateful. The Checkerboard Restaurant is located in downtown Pleasantville. And while you are there, also check out their homemade pizza and Ron’s Wild West dinners which include steaks hand-cut fresh after ordering and crispy breaded chicken. 5) HOMEMADE PIE 1) DUTCH LETTER Baked from old world recipes these treats feature almond filling surrounded by a flaky pastry exterior. They can be found at Jaarsma Bakery (p. 15) and Vander Ploeg Bakery (p. 15) on the south side of Pella’s square. In addition, check out the many other fresh Dutch treats that will tempt your taste buds. 2) BLONDE FATALE BEER Peace Tree Brewing Company’s (p. 15) Blonde Fatale received a gold medal at the 2014 World Beer Cup in the Belgian-Style Blonde Ale or Pale Ale category. The brewery began in 2009 and is located on Main Street in Knoxville. The names of 12 redrockarea.com their beers have connections to the places in their past in the community and state. Their menu of handcrafted, full-flavored beers change seasonally. 3) HAND-BREADED TENDERLOINS Located on the south side of the square in MelcherDallas, Northcote Locker & Wholesale Meats (p. 15) is known around the region for their hand bread tenderloins. A tenderloin is a pork tenderloin which is pounded flat, breaded and deep fried. It is similar to the German schnitzel. Northcote started in 1972 and serves wholesale meats to hotels, restaurants and other entities in the region. Around Who doesn’t love homemade pie? A great stop to satisfy your sweet tooth is Red Ribbon Bakery (p. 14, 15) located on the west side of the Knoxville square. They have daily dessert specials featuring different pies, cobblers, cheesecakes and other desserts. Some of the favorites include banana cream pie, snickers pie and warm apple crisp. They also have other sweet treats, fresh sandwiches and soups on their lunch menu. 6) LOCAL WINES The wine industry is booming in Iowa. Within the Red Rock Area, you can enjoy Grape Escape Winery (p. 15) near Pleasantville which features Wine-In Movies on select Friday and Saturday nights from June to September. The Nearwood Winery (p. 15) tasting room in downtown Knoxville hosts special events. Nearwood Winery received a 2014 bronze medal for their Ten Speed Sweet at the recent Mid-American Wine Competition. Just east of Pella on Highway 2015 Red Rock Area Visitor Guide 15 Must-Eats in the Red Rock Area 163, the Tassel Ridge Winery (p. 15) offers tours, tasting and several special events. They also received honors at the 2014 Mid-American Wine Competition including a silver medal for their Iowa La Crescent and a bronze medal for their White Blossom. 7) LOCALLY-ROASTED COFFEE The Smokey Row Coffee House (p. 14) started in Pleasantville, Iowa and now has locations also in Pella, Oskaloosa and Des Moines. They roast their own line of coffee which includes favorites such as Crème Brulee, Dutch Chocolate Almond, Peace Fair Trade Organic Blend and Brazil Yellow Bourbon just to name a few. You can try it out at one of the coffee shops and take some home for a great gift or souvenir for that coffee lover in your life. The Pella Coffee Company is another local company that air-roasts direct-trade organic coffee and offers flavored coffees, instant cappuccinos and hot chocolate. To find them, visit their website at www.pellacoffeecompany.com. 8) SWEET CORN Starting in mid-July, signs start popping up in town and around the countryside selling sweet corn by the dozen. This is some of the sweetest best corn you will ever taste and an Iowa treat you won’t want to miss. The season extends into early August. Fresh sweet corn can be used is salads and salsas, but many prefer to eat it right from the cob. Ask a local and they will be able to direct you to the closest stand in the area. 9) SAGANAKI Although Pella is a Dutch town, Kaldera Restaurant & Lounge (p. 15) features menu items from the Greek heritage which includes the appetizer called Saganaki. Cheese is melted in a small flying pan until it is bubbling then it is flambéed at the table (sometimes with a shout of “opa”) and the flames are extinguished with a squeeze of lemon juice. It is a fun experience and goes great with many of the other Greek inspired items on the menu. The menu also include Italian and American cuisine in addition to the Greek items. 2015 Red Rock Area Visitor Guide 10) WINDMILL FLOUR The Vermeer Mill located at the Pella Historical Village (p. 37) is an actually working windmill. Wheat is ground into flour which can be purchased at the Pella Historical Village gift shop. This flour does not have preservatives, but makes great whole wheat items. In addition, Jaarsma Bakery (p. 15) makes bread using the flour. This is a great souvenir gift to purchase for that foodie on your list. 11) DUTCH BOLOGNA One of the Dutch treats in Pella is a ring bologna which is made in a tube with salami type meat curled into a horse shoe shape. The meat is then smoked and cured. The Dutch bologna can be sliced and eaten cold as a snack…or warmed as part of a heart hot meal. The In’t Veld Meat Market, (p.15) is located on the east side of the Pella square and makes these tasty treats. Check out many of their other meat products including Int’Veld Meat Market’s Iowa State Fair 1st place winning Summer Sausage. 12) CHEESES Around the Red Rock Area, you will find three distinctive cheese companies. In rural Knoxville, is Reichert’s Dairy Air, www.reichertdairyair.com, which produces farmstead cheese from LaMancha dairy goat’s milk. The cheese is made in small batches, by hand, on a daily basis to ensure freshness and quality. At the 2013 American Dairy Goat Cheese Competition honors were given as follows: 1st placeChevre, 1st place & reserve best of show-Bobiola di mia Nonna, 3rd place-Basil Feta and 1st place & Best of Show-Robiolina di Reba. Reichert Dairy Air cheeses can be purchased at Coffee Connection in downtown Knoxville. Just 10 miles east of Pella is located Frisian Farms, www.frisianfarms.com, which produces farmstead cow’s milk Gouda cheese in the Dutch style. Their products can be purchased at Int’ Velds Meat Market in Pella. Maytag Dairy Farms, www.maytagdairyfarms.com, is famous for their blue cheese which they have been making since 1941. Their operations are located in Newton, but the famous blue cheese can be purchased in most of the grocery stores and meat markets within the Red Rock Area. 13) MULLING SPICES For centuries, people have sipped hot, spiced wines and other drinks in winter months. Bisschopswijn, www.bisschopswijn.com, the Dutch name for this type of drink, is part of the seasonal festivities in the Netherlands. The Dutch enjoyed this drink while waiting for the arrival of Sinterklaas and when browsing through Christmas markets during the holiday season. Bisschopswijn is different from other mulled wines because it uses oranges instead of lemons in the spice mix. These spices can also be used in recipies and spiced ciders or other fruit juices. During the holidays you will find their booth at local craft shows and online at any time of year. 14) FARM CRAWL Mark your calendar for Sunday, October 4, 2015 to experience Farm Crawl. This is a one-day event which features seven family farms in southwest Marion County and northern Lucas County. All farms are within an easy drive of each other. You will experience farm tours, visit animals, meet the farmers, see demonstrations, sample the goodies and purchase some of the great locally grown & produced products. The event is free, but the farms request no pets. To find out more, go to www.farmcrawl.com. 15) CHOCOLATE A family tradition has turned into a sweet business at Van Veen Chocolates. They closed their store, but you can still find them on-line at www.vanveenchocolates.com. If you are planning a wedding or reunion in the Red Rock Area, they offer a flowing tower of chocolate that is always a hit. Their other specialties include peanut brittle, handwrapped caramels, pecan stukjes and turtle eggs. redrockarea.com 13 RESTAURANTS Restaurants ASIAN CUISINE BARBEQUE DENG’S GARDEN 221 E. Main Street, Knoxville 641.842.2525 | RIB SHACK 1102 North Lincoln Street, Knoxville 641.828.8788 | LUCKY BUFFET 114 S 2nd Street, Knoxville 641.842.3538 | COFFEE & TEA ORIENTAL EXPRESS 706 Main Street, Pella 641.620.1199 | PANDA GARDEN 807 E. 1st Street, Pella 641.620.8833 | YAMATO STEAK HOUSE OF JAPAN 1590 Washington Street, Pella 641.620.9988 | BREAKFAST LUNCH DINNER MEETING ROOM CATERING ALCOHOL SERVED OUTDOOR SEATING WIFI 14 redrockarea.com COFFEE CONNECTION 213 East Main Street, Knoxville 641.828.8141 | THE PERK OF PELLA 1011 ½ Washington Street, Pella 641.628.8222 APPLEBEE’S 1600 Washington Street, Pella 641.620.8646 | www.applebees.com | SMOKEY ROW COFFEE CO. 639 Franklin Street, Pella 641.621.0008 | www.smokeyrow.com 111 East Monroe Street, Pleasantville 515.848.5959 | www.smokeyrow.com ( Pleasantville only) EXCIT-A-BOWL RESTAURANT 204 SE 9th Street, Pella 641.621.1134 | TULIP TEA ROOM & GIFTS 918 Main Street, Pella 641.620.9036 | FROSTY’S PUB ‘N GRUB 107 North Jefferson Street, Pleasantville 515.481.9053 | www.facebook.com/frostyspubngrub DINER BAR & GRILL DINING KEY THE BREW COFFEE HOUSE 626 Franklin Street, Pella 641.621.0068 | www.brewcoffeehouse.com MONARCHS RESTAURANT & LOUNGE 705 East 1st Street, Pella 641.628.1633 | www.royalamsterdam.com SPORTS PAGE GRILL 1111 West 16th Street, Pella 641.620.1149 | www.thesportspagegrill.com THE FOX 116 North 2nd Street, Knoxville 641.842.5221 | CHECKERBOARD RESTAURANT 108 East Monroe Street, Pleasantville 515.848.3742 | www.checkerboardrestaurant. com DOWNTOWN DINER 119 West Main Street, Knoxville 641.828.2050 | MR. C’ STEAKHOUSE HWY 14 North, Knoxville 641.828.8909 | PELLA FAMILY RESTAURANT 313 Oskaloosa Street, Pella 641.620.1420 | PELLA GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB 600 Elm Street, Pella 641.628.4564 | www.pellagolfandcountryclub.com WINDMILL CAFÉ 709 Franklin Street, Pella 641.621.1800 | TASO’S 124 South 2nd Street, Knoxville 641.842.4500 | FAST CASUAL CENTRAL MARKET 812 University Street, Pella 641.628.7491 | www.central.edu/diningservices | Ad page 42. D & S DELI 104 SE A Street, Melcher 641.947.3111 | HOMETOWN MEATS & DELI 111 East Robinson Street, Knoxville 641.842.5622 | OPA’S DELI AT IN’T VELD’S 820 Main Street, Pella 641.628.3440 | www.intvelds.com | RANDOM CAFE AND BAKERY 621 Franklin Street, Pella 641.620.1474 | RED RIBBON 112 South 2nd Street, Knoxville 641.842.2575 | www.rrbakery.com | FAST FOOD ARBY’S 903 W. 16th Street, Pella 641.628.1713 | www.drmarbys.com CULVER’S 1520 Washington Street, Pella 641.620.1557 | www.culvers.com | 2015 Red Rock Area Visitor Guide DAIRY QUEEN GRILL & CHILL-OJ 1204 South Lincoln Street, Knoxville 641.828.7317 | www.dairyqueen.com DAIRY QUEEN 408 Oskaloosa Street, Pella 641.628.2301 | www.dairyqueen.com | HARDEE’S 1102 W. Pleasant Street, Knoxville 641.842.2346 | www.hardees.com | HY-VEE DELI 809 W. Rock Island Street, Knoxville 641.842.4717 | www.hy-vee.com 118 SE 9th Street | Pella 641.628.1590 | www.hy-vee.com JIMMY JOHN’S 608 Oskaloosa Street, Pella 641.204.0025 | www.jimmyjohns.com KFC/TACO BELL 1321 South Lincoln Street, Knoxville 641.842.5719 | www.kfc.com www.tacobell.com | MCDONALD’S 1406 South Lincoln Street, Knoxville 641.828.8444 | www.mcdonalds.com 309 East Oskaloosa Street, Pella 641.628.8004 | www.mcdonalds.com SUBWAY 1106 South Lincoln Street, Knoxville 641.842.2333 | www.subway.com 412 East Oskaloosa Street, Pella 641.628.3054 | www.subway.com 714 Liberty Street, Pella 641.628.8923 | www.subway.com TACO JOHN’S 911 West 16th Street, Pella 641.628.8818 | www.tacojohns.com | 2015 Red Rock Area Visitor Guide GREEK & ITALIAN BIANCHI BOYS PIZZA AND PASTA 701 North Lincoln Street, Knoxville 641.828.8085 | www.bianchiboys.com BREADEAUX PIZZA 803 East 1st Street, Pella 641.628.2809 | www.breadeauxpizza.com GEORGE’S PIZZA & STEAKHOUSE 626 Franklin Street, Pella 641.628.2802 | HAPPY JOE’S 718 Broadway Street, Pella 641.628.4600 | www.happyjoes.com KALDERA RESTAURANT & LOUNGE 1205 Washington Street, Pella 641.628.3339 | PAPA MURPHY’S TAKE & BAKE PIZZA 410 East Oskaloosa Street, Pella 641.628.7272 | www.papamurphys.com PIZZA HUT Highway 14 North, Knoxville 641.842.5000 | www.pizzahut.com PIZZA RANCH 508 Main Street, Pella 641.628.8844 | www.pizzaranch.com MEXICAN CASA GRANDE 110 East Main Street, Knoxville 641.842.3800 | EL CHARRO 514 Main Street, Pella 641.628.2307 | SPECIALTY FOODS Restaurants BAKERIES & SWEET TREATS DAIRY SHOPPE 407 South Business Hwy 5, Pleasantville 515.848.5220 DE SCOOP 600 Main Street, Pella | 641.621.0887 JAARSMA BAKERY 727 Franklin Street, Pella | Ad page 42. 641.628.2940 | www.jaarsmabakery.com THE MANGO TREE 720 Main Street, Pella | 641.204.0042 THE PERK CUP 113 East Main Street, Knoxville | 641.842.5152 RED RIBBON 112 South 2nd Street, Knoxville 641.842.2575 | www.rrbakery.com | REED’S KONE KORNER 405 West Pleasant Street, Knoxville 641.842.5441 VANDER PLOEG BAKERY 711 Franklin Street, Pella 641.628.2293 | www.pellabakery.com GROCERY STORES D & S GROCERY 104 SE A Street, Melcher-Dallas | 641.947.3111 FAREWAY 1308 S Lincoln Street, Knoxville 641.842.5141 | www.fareway.com 2010 Washington Street, Pella 641.628.9995 | www.fareway.com HY-VEE 809 W. Rock Island Street, Knoxville 641.842.4717 | www.hy-vee.com 118 SE 9th Street, Pella 641.628.1590 | www.hy-vee.com KATY-DID'S GENERAL STORE 419 Merrill Street, Bussey 641.994.5423 | PLEASANTVILLE GROCERY 104 West Monroe Street, Pleasantville 515.848.5611 WAL-MART SUPERCENTER 814 W. Bell Avenue, Knoxville 641.828.7584 | www.walmart.com 1650 Washington Street | Pella 641.628.9881 | www.walmart.com MEAT MARKETS HOMETOWN MEATS & DELI 111 East Robinson Street, Knoxville 641.842.5622 | IN’T VELD MEAT MARKET 820 Main Street, Pella 641.628.3440 | www.intvelds.com | NORTHCOTE LOCKER & WHOLESALE MEATS 114 SE A Street, Melcher-Dallas 641.947.2011 | www.northcotemeats.com WINE & BEER GRAPE ESCAPE VINEYARD & WINERY 1185 40th Place, Pleasantville 515.848.3094 | www.grapeescapeiowa.com HY-VEE WINE & SPIRITS 813 North Lincoln Street, Knoxville 641.828.6222 512 East Oskaloosa Street, Pella 641.628.2004 NEARWOOD WINERY 210 East Robinson Street, Knoxville 641.891.2469 | PEACE TREE BREWING COMPANY 107 West Main Street, Knoxville 641.842.2739 | www.peacetreebrewing.com ROUND WINDOW LIQUOR 703 West Pleasant Street, Knoxville 641.842.7292 TASSEL RIDGE WINERY 1681 220th Street, Leighton | Ad page 43. 641.672.9463 | www.tasselridge.com redrockarea.com 15 Make a Date with Romance Make a Date with Romance Romance can be found by just getting away together with the one you love. But having beautiful surrounds, things to do and great food adds to the entire experience. When anniversaries, birthdays and Valentine’s Day roll around, you now have a new destination to visit — the Red Rock Area. Each couple has their own style, so here are some ideas that might help with your planning: WOODS LOVERS: If your special loved one and you enjoy nature, pack your gear for a weekend adventure in one of the largest public land areas in Iowa. Launch your kayak or canoe from the Elk Rock boat ramp (p. 23) to explore the Red Rock Water Trail (p. 39). Go through the “sea cave” on your way to an evening stay at Hickory Ridge (p. 25). Hickory Ridge is a primitive campsite, so no modern amenities just the stars for your enjoyment. Cook a meal by the campfire and enjoy the sounds of nature as you snuggle roasting s’mores. If primitive isn’t your thing, book a cabin at Cordova Park (p. 27) or Horn’s Ferry Hideaway (p. 27) to enjoy all the modern amenities while still enjoying nature. In the afternoon, couples also enjoy relaxing at one of the beaches at Lake Red Rock or bringing your boat to water ski. Both cabin locations are close to hiking trails, so you might want to pack a picnic basket for a hike or enjoy a cozy dinner inside the cabin. After dinner, climb to the top of the Cordova Observation Tower (p. 35) to watch the sunset. SPORTS LOVERS: For those couples who enjoy working out together and living an active lifestyle, plan a getaway around one of our fall events 16 redrockarea.com such as the Tour de Rock fall bike ride or the Dirty Wooden Shoe Cyclecross Race in September. We have tons of gravel roads if you enjoy getting out to see the Iowa countryside and enjoy the newest trend of gravel road riding. If summer works better in your schedule, the Lake Red Rock Balloon Fest 5k/10k run in July at Lake Red Rock combines a great run with several other activities such as the morning & evening hot air balloon lift. Throughout the recreation season, you both can enjoy playing a round of disc golf at Roberts Creek Park (p. 25) and running the Volksweg Trail from Roberts Creek to North Overlook. The Slideways Karting Center (p. 38) can rev up some fun racing around the track for a great evening activity. In winter months, enjoy some bowling at Pella ExcitA-Bowl (p. 38) or Fairlane Bowl (p. 38). There are some great recreational facilities at the Knoxville Recreation Center (p. 38) and Pella Recreation Center (p. 38) that can keep your work out in shape while away from home. If you plan to add golf to your schedule, you can stay at the Holiday Inn Express (p. 26) at Bos Landen (p. 35) which is practically on the course. If you are in Knoxville, Pine Knolls Country Club (p. 35) is a great course. HISTORY LOVERS: Do you have roots in the Red Rock Area? Area city libraries and the Marion County Recorder’s office on the 2nd floor of the Marion County Courthouse (p. 36) are good places to start your genealogy search. Spend some time traveling the rural roads to trace historical landmarks for old roads, schools, churches, towns and other points of interest. Pick up the brochure completed by the Marion County History Buffs at one of the local visitors’ centers or email ruralhistorybuffs@ yahoo.com to get a map of the landmark locations. There are several markers along the “Crooked Road” which runs between Knoxville and Melcher-Dallas. A museum not to miss on your visit is the Marion County Historical Village & Museum (p. 37) near Marion County Park on the west side of Knoxville. Contact the museum ahead of your visit to check their hours. While at the Marion County Historical Village & Museum be sure to drive into Marion County Park and visit the 1891 Marysville Covered Bridge (p. 36). This is a great photo opportunity for your Christmas card. For your evening meal, plan to visit Checkerboard Restaurant (p. 14) in Pleasantville. The food is great and the entire restaurant is decorated with antiques. Book a night at one of the area B & B’s to enjoy a cozy home feel and historic charm. DUTCH LOVERS: Give her all the charm of Europe in a Dutch Romantic weekend in Pella. Book your stay at the Cheesemaker’s Inn (p. 26). Plan time to stroll the streets enjoying the Dutch architecture, food and specialty shops. The Scholte House (p. 37) story includes the tales of Dominie & Mareah Scholte as they came from Holland to settle in Pella. GETTING HITCHED: Thinking of where to pop the question can be stressful. That very important question has been asked atop the Cordova Observation Tower (p. 35) at sunset. There have been guys on their knees at the Knoxville Raceway (p. 36), or my favorite the draw bridge on the Molengracht (p. 36) canal in Pella. The Red Rock Area also provides those beautiful gardens or private nature trails in the woods also. Area florists can make you a great bouquet for the occasion. So if you are looking for a location, check out our venues for even more ideas. If you dream of an outdoor wedding, contact Cordova Park (p. 23) to rent their new picnic shelter. This shelter has the capacity to handle up to 400 guests. Cordova Park is located just east of Highway 14 on county road G-28. Another great option at Lake Red Rock is the Fifield Recreation Area (p. 23). Pella Rental has tents which you can use at Fifield Recreation Area. Both of these areas offer a great view of the setting sun for an evening wedding reception. Contact us through our website at www.redrockarea.com and we can send your specific request to all our facilities which can handle receptions of 50 or more people. 2015 Red Rock Area Visitor Guide KNOXVILLE COBBLESTONE HOTEL & SUITES 641.828.6100 | www.staycobblestone.com CROSSROADS HALL 641.891.6666 | www.crossroadshall.com DYER HUDSON HALL 641.842.5431 | www.knoxvilleraceway.com THE FOX 641.842.5221 NATIONAL SPRINT CAR HALL OF FAME & MUSEUM 641.842.6176 | www.sprintcarhof.com PINE KNOLLS COUNTRY CLUB 641.842.3730 | www.pineknollscountryclub.com SPRING VALLEY BED & BREAKFAST 641.828.9021 | www.springvalleybb.com MELCHER-DALLAS COMMUNITY CENTER 641.947.5043 PELLA AMERICINN & SUITES 641.621.1421 | www.americinn.com BOS LANDEN GOLF CLUB | Ad page 41. 641.204.0165 | www.boslanden.com CENTRAL COLLEGE | Ad page 42. 641.628.7679 | www.central.edu/eventplanners CHEESEMAKER’S INN 641.628.1448 | www.cheesemakersinn.com COUNTRY INN & SUITES 641.620.1111 www.countryinns.com/hotels/iapella HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS AT BOS LANDEN 641.628.4853 | www.hiexpress.com/pellaia PELLA COMMUNITY CENTERJOAN KUYPER FARVER AUDITORIUM 641.628.4571 | www.cityofpella.com PELLA GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB 641.628.4564 www.pellagolfandcountryclub.com PELLA HISTORICAL VILLAGE 641.628.2409 | www.pellatuliptime.com PELLA MEMORIAL BUILDING 641.628.9880 PELLA OPERA HOUSE 641.628.8625 | www.pellaoperahouse.com PLEASANTVILLE MEMORIAL HALL 515.250.5153 101 North Jefferson Street | Pleasantville ROYAL AMSTERDAM - MONARCH’S 641.620.8400 | www.royalamsterdam.com (rehearsals and meetings only) WEDDING & CONFERENCE SERVICES WEDDING & CONFERENCE VENUES Make a Date with Romance VERMEER GLOBAL PAVILION | Ad page 43. 641.621.7319 | www.vermeer.com ATTIRE FRANKLIN STREET CLOTHING 641.628.3301 | www.franklinstclothing.com Pella PHOTO AND/OR VIDEO Knoxville STORYBOOK PHOTOS 641.828.7874 CITY FLORAL & GIFTS 641.947.4044 | Melcher-Dallas STUDIO 92 PHOTOGRAPHY 641.820.0000 | www.studio92photography.com CAKES TREASURED PORTRAITS 641.828.8120 | www.treasuredportraits.com HY-VEE 641.842.4717 | Knoxville 641.628.1590 | Pella www.hy-vee.com PLEASANT STREET CAKES 641.891.8611 | www.pleasantstreetcakes.com Knoxville RED RIBBON 641.842.2575 | www.redribbon.com Knoxville FLOWERS CANDI’S FLOWERS 641.828.7720 | www.candisflowers.com Knoxville CITY FLORAL & GIFTS 641.947.4044 | Melcher-Dallas THISTLE’S 641.628.9360 | www.thistlesflowershop.com Pella Pella DE FOTOGRAAF 641.628.4855 DESIGNER IMAGES PHOTOGRAPHY 641.628.9129 www.designerimagesphotography.com DIGITAL GALLERIA DESIGNS 641.628.2408 | www.digitalgalleriadesigns.com IN THE NOW PHOTO 515.975.1797 | www.inthenow.photo OFF THE SQUARE PORTRAIT STUDIO 641.628.1426 www.offthesquareportraitstudio.com VANDER BEEK PHOTOGRAPHY 641.628.8660 | www.danvanderbeek.com TRANSPORTATION PELLA TAXI SERVICE 641.620.8294 | Pella RED ROCK LIMO 641.891.5585 | Knoxville TENT/OTHER PELLA RENTAL & SALES 641.628.2848 | Pella Contact the local chamber of commerce for church and park venue information. See pages 14-15 for catering information. 2015 Red Rock Area Visitor Guide redrockarea.com 17 Seasonal Celebrations SEASONAL CELEBRATIONS Who doesn’t like to celebrate? It gives us a reason to gather with family or friends, eat some great food and take a break from the everyday routine of work. The Red Rock Area has several seasonal celebrations in addition to the two main events: Pella Tulip Time Festival and Knoxville Sprint Car Nationals. For many people, Tulip Time and Nationals are bucket list type events, but there are some other less known events that should also be on your bucket list… SPRING: Racing season opens, morel mushrooms spring up in the forests around Lake Red Rock and crappie fishing is king at Roberts Creek. It is a great time to visit and experience the wonders of spring. And if the weather turns cloudy for one of those spring showers, head indoors to one of the theater events. You can also find some very interesting special meals at Tassel Ridge Winery and weekend special events at Peace Tree Brewing Company. SUMMER: Each year when the Lake Red Rock Balloon Fest rolls around, visitors enjoy watching hot air balloons travel over Iowa’s largest lake. The best spot to view the event is either on a boat near the dam area or at North Overlook Beach. The Night Glow on Saturday night is a great way to see the balloons up close and it shows off their beautiful colors. The event also includes activities for kids on the beach and a 5k/10k run/walk along the trail. 18 redrockarea.com FALL: One of the most unique events in the area is Farm Crawl. Several local farms in the southwest portion of the county open their doors to visitors for a one day event. The farms are located on gravel roads, but the experience is well worth the dust. The farms are in close proximity to each other, so your miles on gravel are not long. At the farms, you will find food to sample, items for purchase and tons of activities. You can find that perfect pumpkin to carve and learn about raising heirloom tomatoes all in one day. You get to talk directly with the farmers who care for the land. It is a great opportunity for kids who may live in town to see how their food is raised. WINTER: November and December are times when people yearn for the Norman Rockwell setting to “get you in the spirit.” Knoxville has a lighted windows event where different groups decorate and occupy store windows in the downtown area to depict holiday scenes, there is also a lighted parade. In Pella, the quaint downtown has expanded retail hours during the holidays with a special retail holiday open house, which is called de Kerstdagen. In early December, the Pella Tour of Homes is an event which includes several local homes decorated by community members for the holiday season. Not only do you get to tour the home, but the event includes a tea and tons of ideas for holiday decorating. 2015 Red Rock Area Visitor Guide Seasonal Celebrations SELECT FESTIVALS & EVENTS March 12 One Night of Queen at the Pella Opera House March 28 Branson on the Road at the Pella Opera House April 3-5 International Reel Wheel Film Festival May 7-9 Pella Tulip Time Festival May 23 & 24 Civil War Days at Marion County Historical Village May 30 26th Annual NSCHFM Induction Banquet May-Sept. Knoxville Bike Nites (1st Friday of each month) June-July Thursday Evenings: Thursday Nights in Pella June 5 & 6 Pleasantville Pig Out Summer Solstice at June 20 Nearwood Winery July 4 4th of July in Pleasantville July 10-12 Lake Red Rock Balloon Fest July 10-16 Marion County Fair August 12-15 Knoxville Sprint Car Nationals September 12 Pella Cycling Club Tour de Rock October 3 Knoxville Late Model Nationals October 4 Farm Crawl November 19 Knoxville Living Windows & Lighted Parade November 27 24th Annual Dettmann Turkey Trot December 3-5 53rd Annual Christmas Tour of Homes in Pella For a complete listing of all area tourism events, go to www.redrockarea.com. 2015 Red Rock Area Visitor Guide redrockarea.com 19 Live Like a Local at the Lake LIVE LIKE A LOCAL AT IOWA’S LARGEST LAKE PLAYSCAPE Your kids will enjoy the new playscape located near North Overlook (p. 23) in the Dam District, this area provides a great break for those little ones that need to burn off some energy. Included at the playscape for kids to explore is an eagle’s nest, sand pit, balancing course and living willow tunnel. crappies birding playscape campfire CRAPPIES Each spring you start to see a flurry of activity at Roberts Creek (p. 23), located just north of G-28 between Cordova Park and Fifield Recreation Area. This activity is focused on one thing, some of the best crappie fishing you will find. Crappies are great fun for fishermen of all skills and the equipment needed is inexpensive. The Roberts Creek area has both black and white crappies with sizes around 9 to 13 inches. Crappies can also be caught during the summer, fall and winter as well as during the spring spawning period. Fishing on Lake Red Rock include good supplies of channel catfish, largemouth bass, bluegill, white bass and crappies. 20 redrockarea.com BIRDING Spring and fall are good times for ducks and other waterfowl which during peak times can number over 100,000. During March to early May, thousands of gulls move quickly through the area and Pelicans also return in March with peak season in September. Winter months are great for Bald Eagles. To spot your favorite feathered friend, go to the Swan Overlook, Pinchey bottoms, South Elk Rock, Horns Ferry Bridge (p. 36), Cordova Park (p. 23) or Whitebreast Recreation Area (p. 23). Last year the Lake Red Rock Area was even visited by a Ross’s Gull which are usually only seen in Alaska. Lake Red Rock is listed as an important birding area by the Iowa Audubon Society and as a Globally Significant Bird Area by the American Bird Conservancy. To find out more go to iowabirds.org. CAMPFIRE The US Army Corps of Engineers provides a complete schedule of several different campfire programs of interest to people from young to old. Some of the popular programs include: Let’s Go Muddin’!, Let’s Go Paddling, Crawly Creatures, Geocaching, Sounds of Nature and Iowa’s Furry Friends. To check the schedule during your visit, go to lakeredrock.org or call 641.828.7522. 2015 Red Rock Area Visitor Guide Live Like a Local at the Lake TOWER If you are a photographer looking for a view or a fitness buff looking for a challenge, plan some time to visit the Cordova Observation Tower (p. 35) at Cordova Park in the Bridge District. The tower is the tallest observation tower in a public park in the Midwest. There are 170 steps to the top, but the climb has landings every couple of steps which makes the climb quite doable for most people. A favorite time to visit is during sunrise hours or sunset hours. Migratory birds also make the experience quite memorable during spring and fall migration. The record for fitness buffs climbing one way up the tower is 27 seconds. Many fitness folks like to climb the tower and then run the nearby Karr Nature Trail for a great workout. SHELTER New at Cordova Park is a shelter house that can accommodate large groups up to 400. This shelter has great access to the Karr Nature Trail and Cordova Observation Tower. Cordova Park is located in the Bridge District on the north side of the lake just east of Highway 14. The shelter can be used for wedding receptions, family reunions, corporate retreats, church services and school reunions. GEAR-UP Take the kids (or yourself) outside to explore nature. If you don’t have gear, stop by the Red Rock Visitor Center (p. 36), to borrow gear free of charge. The gear includes pond study adventure kits, Birdwatching exploration packs, bug packs, life jackets, GPS units for geocaching, disc golf sets and volleyball equipment for the nets at North Overlook Beach. tower paddle shelter hydro snowshoe PADDLE The 36-mile loop of the Red Rock Water Trail (p. 39) is designated as a national water trail by the National Park Service. It is one of only 14 around the US to achieve this designation. Paddling along the trail, you can see rocky cliffs and bluffs, a variety of birds and wildlife, a “sea” cave and beautiful wooded nature areas. There are 8 different points to access the trail around Lake Red Rock and one of the favorite areas is Elk Rock State Park (p. 23). 2015 Red Rock Area Visitor Guide HUNTING There are designated areas at Lake Red Rock which are open for hunting. Be sure to check with park rangers (641.828.7522 or 641.259.2095) to clearly understand where hunters are able to hunt. At Roberts Creek you can enjoy the Archery Range (p. 38), and to find out more about events at the Archery Range contact 641.627.5507 or email sedwards@ co.marion.ia.us. You can also enjoy “hunting” morel mushrooms during the spring at Lake Red Rock. redrockarea.com 21 Lake Red Rock LAKE RED ROCK MAP KEY Paved Trail Nature Trail Equestrian Trail Reservable Shelter Non-reservable Shelter Camping Beach Boat Ramp 22 redrockarea.com 2015 Red Rock Area Visitor Guide Lake Red Rock PARKS AT LAKE RED ROCK US ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS 641.628.8690 | 641.828.7522 www.lakeredrock.org [email protected] FIFIELD 1672 HWY G-28, Otley IOWA DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES 641.842.6008 | www.iowadnr.gov ELK ROCK 811 146th Avenue, Knoxville MARION COUNTY CONSERVATION BOARD 641.828.2213 | www.mycountyparks.com MARINA COVE/RED ROCK MARINA 1768 HWY G-28, Pella CORDOVA PARK 1378 HWY G-28, Otley 641.627.5935 | [email protected] WALLASHUCK 890 190th Ave, Pella ROBERTS CREEK PARK 1617 Fillmore Drive, Otley 641.627.5507 | [email protected] Ro ad IVANS RECREATION AREA 1125 198th Place, Knoxville Clo se d (Closed) BEACHES HOWELL STATION 1081 198th Place, Pella NORTH OVERLOOK 1007Hwy T-15, Pella SOUTH OVERLOOK 1105 HWY T-15, Knoxville SOUTH TAILWATER 1104 HWY T-15, Knoxville WHITEBREAST 971 HWY S-71, Knoxville 2015 Red Rock Area Visitor Guide NORTH OVERLOOK BEACH www.lakeredrock.org | 641.828.7522 or 641.628.8690 1007 Highway T-15, Pella Open April 23-September 28 $ WHITEBREAST BEACH www.lakeredrock.org | 641.828.7522 971 Highway S-71, Knoxville Open April 23-September 28 $ BOAT RAMPS Trail Closed HOWELL STATION Located on the river below the dam RENTALS RED ROCK MARINA Closed at elevation 780’ or over IOWA BIKE & FITNESS 641.628.1373 | 814 Main Street, Pella 4 hrs @ $15, 24 hrs @ $20 $ ROBERTS CREEK EAST Open during high water. ROBERTS CREEK WEST Closed when Lake Red Rock is at elevation 775’ or over CORDOVA Closed at elevation 766’ or over SOUTH OVERLOOK Closed at elevation 760’ or over ELK ROCK WEST Closed at elevation 780’ or over WALLASHUCK Closed at elevations less than 765’ ELK ROCK EAST (near Ranger Residence) Closed at elevation 760’ or over WHITEBREAST Closed at elevation 777’ or over BIKES BOATS RED ROCK MARINA www.boatredrock.com | [email protected] 641.627.5743 | 515.782.4545 1768 Hwy G-28, Pella Pontoon rentals $ CANOES MARION COUNTY CONSERVATION BOARD [email protected] | 641.627.5935 $ redrockarea.com 23 Camping MARION COUNTY Ivan’s Recreation Area Wallashuck Recreation Area Reservable Sites Non-Reservable Sites CAMPGROUNDS * 50 Amp Sites Marion County Park (Knoxville) Elk Rock State Park Modern Campground Elk Rock State Park Equestrian Campground 24 redrockarea.com North Overlook Recreation Area 2015 Red Rock Area Visitor Guide Federal 2015 SEASON SENIOR DISCOUNT ACCEPT MAJOR CREDIT CARDS DUMP STATION VOLKSWEG TRAIL ACCESS PETS ALLOWED BOAT RAMP BEACH SHOWERS GROUP RESERVATIONS INDIVIDUAL RESERVATIONS RATE PER NIGHT* CAMPGROUND INFORMATION SITES WITH ELECTRICITY TOTAL # SITES Robert’s Creek West Type of Camping Camping Hickory Ridge www.lakeredrock.org Jersey Drive, Knoxville 641.828.7522 or 641.628.8690 Email: [email protected] 8 0 Free 4/9 - 10/26 $18 4/16 - 10/19 $16 4/23 - 9/28 Howell Station Recreation Area Federal www.lakeredrock.org 1081 198th Place, Pella 641.828.7522 or 877.444.6777 Reservations: www.recreation.gov Email: [email protected] Ivan’s Recreation Area www.lakeredrock.org 1125 198th Place, Knoxville 641.828.7522 or 641.628.8690 Email: [email protected] 21 21 North Overlook Recreation Area www.lakeredrock.org 1007 Highway T-15, Pella 641.828.7522 or 877.444.6777 Reservations: www.recreation.gov Email: [email protected] Federal Robert’s Creek East $10-18 4/23 - 9/28 $18 4/23 - 9/28 Wallashuck Recreation Area www.lakeredrock.org 890 190th Ave., Pella 641.828.7522 or 877.444.6777 Reservations: www.recreation.gov Email: [email protected] Federal Whitebreast Recreation Area $18 State County 4/23 - 9/28 Whitebreast Youth Camp Area www.lakeredrock.org Inwood Drive, Knoxville 641.828.7522 Note: Open area for primitive camping for Youth Groups Only Email: [email protected] 4/23 - 9/28 Elk Rock State Park County Howell Station Recreation Area www.lakeredrock.org 971 Highway S-71, Knoxville 641.828.7522 or 877.444.6777 Reservations: www.recreation.gov Email: [email protected] 811 146th Ave., Knoxville 641.842.6008 877.IAPARKS Note: Equestrian Camping Available. 62 Equestrian wash station. 100’ x 200’ riding area. Horse stalls & hitching rails. Reservations: www.iowastateparks.reserveamerica.com PEAK SEASON: $16 electric $11 non-electric equestrian $19 electric equestrian $14 non-electric equestrian OFF SEASON: $11 electric $6 non-electric $14 electric equestrian $9 non-electric equestrian Marion County Park 306 Willetts Drive, Knoxville 641.828.2214 Reservations: www.mycountyparks.com Email: [email protected] 128 128 $14-20 135 $12-20 Roberts Creek Park 1617 Fillmore Drive, Otley 641.627.5507 Reservations: www.mycountyparks.com Email: [email protected] 140 Private Knoxville Raceway Campgrounds www.knoxvilleraceway.com North Lincoln, Knoxville 641.842.5431 RV’s Full Facility Campgrounds www.vandonsler.com 1714 N. Lincoln, Knoxville 641.842.3055 Email: [email protected] Camper Rental: Red Rock RV Rental | www.redrockrv.com | 712.830.6097 Van Ko Camper Rentals | www.vankocampers.com | 641.780.3696 SOUTH DISTRICT AT LAKE RED ROCK 2015 Red Rock Area Visitor Guide BRIDGE DISTRICT AT LAKE RED ROCK NORTH DISTRICT AT LAKE RED ROCK DAM DISTRICT AT LAKE RED ROCK redrockarea.com 25 Lodging HOTELS 26 redrockarea.com BED & BREAKFASTS COBBLESTONE HOTEL & SUITES 1212 Eric Dr., Knoxville 641.828.6100 | 888.693.8262 www.staycobblestone.com [email protected] 36 rooms, hot breakfast, whirlpool suites, indoor pool, conference room, on-site convenience store. | COUNTRY INN & SUITES 315 Roosevelt Road, Pella 641.620.1111 | 800.456.4000 www.countryinns.com 69 rooms, indoor pool, meeting rooms and breakfast included. THE CLOVER LEAF 314 Washington Street, Pella 641.204.1496 www.cloverleafbandb.net 4 rooms, full breakfast included. 1892 restored home furnished with antiques, located 3 blocks from downtown Pella. RED CARPET MOTEL 1702 N. Lincoln Street, Knoxville 641.842.3191 redcarpetmotelia.com 41 rooms, 1 room featuring a whirlpool and breakfast included. DUTCH MILL INN 205 Oskaloosa Street, Pella 641.628.1060 | 800.647.6684 www.dutchmillinn.com 24 rooms and breakfast included. THE CHEESEMAKER’S INN 420 Idaho Drive, Pella 641.628.1448 www.cheesemakersinn.com [email protected] 4 rooms, meeting rooms and breakfast included. | SUPER 8 MOTEL 2205 N. Lincoln Street, Knoxville 641.828.8808 | 800.800.8000 [email protected] www.super8.com 42 rooms and breakfast included. HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS at the Bos Landen Golf Resort 2508 Bos Landen Drive, Pella 641.628.4853 | 800.916.7888 www.hiexpress.com/pellaia 87 rooms, indoor pool, meeting rooms and breakfast included. THE DWELLING PLACE 935 Main Street, Pella 641.660.4962 www.dwellingplacepella.com [email protected] 3 bedrooms, full breakfast included. AMERICINN HOTEL & SUITES 910 W. 16th Street, Pella 641.621.1421 | 800.634.3444 58 rooms, indoor pool, meeting rooms and breakfast included. Ad page 42. ROYAL AMSTERDAM 705 E. 1st Street, Pella 641.620.8400 | 877.954.8400 www.royalamsterdam.com [email protected] 38 rooms, meeting rooms, restaurant on-site and breakfast included. SPRING VALLEY 1567 Rutledge Street, Knoxville 641.828.9021 | springvalleybb.com [email protected] 3 rooms in B&B and 2 cabins. Breakfast included. Meeting room, game room, camping, ponds and farm tours available. | BAYMONT INN & SUITES 2104 Washington Street, Pella 641.628.0085 | 877.229.6668 www.baymontinnpella.com 59 rooms, indoor pool, meeting rooms and breakfast included. Ad page 42. SUPER 8 MOTEL 105 E. Oskaloosa Street, Pella 641.628.8181 | 800.800.8000 www.super8.com [email protected] Pet friendly. 40 rooms and breakfast included. THE PARSONAGE B&B 510 Broadway Street, Pella 641.628.2675 | www.facebook.com/ theparsonageinpella 2 rooms and breakfast included. Located in a Pella historic neighborhood, close to downtown, bike trails, and Central College. | 2015 Red Rock Area Visitor Guide Lodging CABINS GUEST HOUSES CORDOVA PARK CABINS Lake Red Rock 1378 Highway G-28, Otley 641.627.5935 www.mycountyparks.com [email protected] 7 modern cabins. Ad page 40. PELLA HOME AWAY 515.250.5447 www.homeaway.com/ vacation-rental/p3165628 [email protected] 5 rooms | HORN’S FERRY HIDEAWAY 1136 198th Place, Knoxville 641.780.9440 www.hornsferrryhideaway.com [email protected] 2 modern cabins. RED ROCK LODGING 990 146th Avenue, Knoxville 641.891.1146 www.redrocklodging.com [email protected] 2 bedrooms with queen size beds, 1 with queen size bunk bed. | SPRING VALLEY 1567 Rutledge Street, Knoxville 641.828.9021 | springvalleybb.com [email protected] 3 rooms in B&B and 2 cabins. Breakfast included. Meeting room, game room, camping, ponds and farm tours available. | SPRINGDALE CROSSING 1595 30th Avenue, Pleasantville 641.891.9999 | 515.848.3518 www.springdalecrossing.com [email protected] Sleeps up to 6 adults plus room for 4-6 additional adults in the loft. 50s to 60s era Sinclair gas station setting. Meeting room. GUEST HOUSING KNOXVILLE NATIONALS www.winwithknoxville.com | 641.828.7555 309 E. Main Street, Knoxville Stay at a private home during Nationals or find a place to park your camper. WIFI KEY 2015 Red Rock Area Visitor Guide redrockarea.com 27 Red Rock Area Made RED ROCK AREA MADE Destinations are shaped by the people who live and work in the area. The values of the people are reflected in the businesses and communities they create. The Red Rock Area has been shaped by entrepreneurs for the past hundred plus years. The region remains not only a favorite destination to visit while vacationing, but also a premier location for new residents to find meaningful employment and safe communities. Marion County is home to 12,722 households and a population of 33,252 residents. The county ranks in the top 13 percent of US counties for median household income and has an average unemployment rate for 2013 of 4.5% percent. And here, home ownership is more than a dream with over 70% of housing being owner occupied. With 24% of residents holding a bachelor’s degree or higher, the workers in the region are skilled and productive. Energy costs, state/local taxes and office rent all rate lower in cost for businesses than the national average. These factors are part of the reason companies like Microsoft, Facebook and others have located facilities in nearby Greater Des Moines. This region provides the mix of low cost, nationwide access, talented workforce and positive business climate that make successful ventures happen. The area is also aligned with several regional economic development clusters including the Greater Des Moines Partnership, Opportunity2, Central Iowa Tourism Region and the Cultivation Corridor. To learn more, go to: marioncountyiowa.com. 28 redrockarea.com 2015 Red Rock Area Visitor Guide Red Rock Area Made MANUFACTURING There are 43 manufacturing firms within Marion County that employ 6,326 people.This ranks the county 55th of all 3,141 counties in the US for having the highest percentage of jobs in manufacturing. Vermeer Corporation, Pella Corporation, Precision Pulley & Idler, Heritage Lace, Weiler Corporation and LDJ Manufacturing are just a couple of the many manufacturing companies that were started by local entrepreneurs. In addition, the area is home to internationally known companies such as 3M, Hormel and Lely. Companies within the area make hundreds of different products such as trusses, windows, doors, pulleys, robotic milking machines and fuel trailers which make their way to markets in the US and around the globe. To find out more about area manufacturing companies, job opportunities and products made in the area, visit: AMERICAN WOOD FIBERS www.Awf.com Animal bedding PRECISION PULLEY & IDLER www.ppipella.com Idlers, pulleys and bearings. CASCADE www.cascade-mfg-co.com Wood and cold-formed steel trusses RING-O-MATIC www.Ring-o-matic.com Pit cleaning equipment, vacuum tanks and jet vacs. CHEM-TECH www.neogen.com Animal and pest control products HERITAGE LACE www.Heritagelace.com lace curtains and home décor items HORMEL FOODS www.hormelfoods.com Pepperoni LDJ MANUFACTURING www.Ldj-products.com Fuel trailers PELLA CORPORATION www.Pella.com Windows and doors. 2015 Red Rock Area Visitor Guide 3M www.solutions.3m.com Tapes, adhesives and fastening systems. VAN GORP CORPORATION www.vangorp.biz Conveyor pulleys and assemblies. VERMEER CORPORATION www.Vermeer.com Round balers, trenchers, stump cutters, directional drills, brush chippers and more. WEILER www.weilerproducts.com Equipment for the paving market. HEALTH & EDUCATION After manufacturing, the next largest sectors in the region are Health care and Education. The Red Rock Area is home to the Pella Regional Medical Center, Knoxville Area Hospital & Clinics and several care facilities which include memory care, assisted living, independent care, catered living and skilled care. Located within Marion County are 5 public school districts, 1 private school district and Central College. Central College is a four year liberal arts college located in Pella. 2015 will mark the opening of a new Career Academy in Pella which is being implemented in partnership with the Des Moines Area Community College. www.Central.edu www.dmacc.edu www.pellahealth.org www.knoxvillehospital.org EMPLOYMENT If you are interested in making Marion County your permanent address, check out some of these site for new resident information and employment listings: www.iowajobs.org www.op2iowa.com www.pella.org www.positivelypella.org www.seizedesmoines.com www.winwithknoxville.com redrockarea.com 29 Our Towns KNOXVILLE PLEASANTVILLE BUSSEY ORGANIZATIONS ORGANIZATIONS ORGANIZATIONS CITY OF KNOXVILLE www.knoxvilleia.gov 641.828.0550 CITY OF PLEASANTVILLE www.discoverpleasantville.com 515.848.3316 CITY OF BUSSEY [email protected] 641.944.5532 KNOXVILLE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Commercial business development www.winwithknoxville.com 641.828.7555 PLEASANTVILLE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE www.pleasantvillechamber.org 515.848.3903 BUSSEY COMMUNITY LIBRARY www.bussey.lib.ia.us 641.944.5994 WEBB SHADLE MEMORIAL LIBRARY 515-848-5617 [email protected] TWIN CEDAR COMMUNITY SCHOOLS www.twincedars.k12.ia.us 641.944.5241 WWW.WINWITHKNOXVILLE.COM KNOXVILLE PUBLIC LIBRARY www.knoxville.lib.ia.us 641.828.0585 KNOXVILLE COMMUNITY SCHOOLS www.knoxville.k12.ia.us 641.842.6552 30 redrockarea.com WWW.PLEASANTVILLECHAMBER.ORG PLEASANTVILLE COMMUNITY SCHOOLS www.pleasantville.k12.ia.us 515-848-0555 2015 Red Rock Area Visitor Guide Our Towns MARION COUNTY ORGANIZATIONS MARION COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS Co.marion.ia.us | 641.828.2231 MARION COUNTY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION Economic Development Info: www.marioncountyiowa.com Tourism Info: www.redrockarea.com | 641.828.2257 MELCHER-DALLAS PELLA ORGANIZATIONS ORGANIZATIONS CITY OF MELCHER-DALLAS [email protected] www.melcherdallasiowa.com 641.947.6501 CITY OF PELLA www.cityofpella.com 641.628.4173 PELLA PUBLIC LIBRARY www.cityofpella.com/library 641.628.4268 PELLA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE PELLA AREA DEVELOPMENT CORP. Retail and industrial business development www.pella.org 641.628.2626 PELLA COMMUNITY SCHOOLS www.pellaschools.org 641.628.1111 WWW.MELCHERDALLASIOWA.COM MELCHER-DALLAS PUBLIC LIBRARY www.melcher-dallas.lib.ia.us 641.947.6700 MELCHER-DALLAS COMMUNITY SCHOOLS www.melcher-dallas.k12.ia.us 641.947.2321 WWW.PELLA.ORG PELLA CVB & PELLA VISITORS CENTER 818 Washington St. www.visitpella.org 888.746.3882 or 641.628.2626 POSITIVELY PELLA New Resident Services www.positivelypella.com, www.pella.org 641.628.2626 2015 Red Rock Area Visitor Guide PELLA CHRISTIAN SCHOOLS www.pellachristian.net (K-8) 641.628.2414 www.pceagles.org (9-12) 641.628.4440 CENTRAL COLLEGE www.central.edu 641.628.9000 877.462.3687 redrockarea.com 31 The Rustic Road Route THE RUSTIC ROAD ROUTE There is nothing quite like traveling a country road at harvest time. The colors of the trees pop at each turn while the silhouette of the combine in the field and geese flying overhead paint the sky against the rich autumn sunset. The aroma of the first fires of the hearth and the crunch of leaves below your feet are unmistakable signs that harvest time is here in the heartland of Iowa. Rural life is in tune with the rhythm of the seasons. 32 redrockarea.com 2015 Red Rock Area Visitor Guide See & Do DAY ONE: DAY TWO: Start your trip in Pleasantville where you can visit an old fashioned grocery store, enjoy a cup of coffee at Smokey Row Coffee House (p. 14), and then walk over to see the Earl Wagner mural (p. 35). If you are in Pleasantville around for lunch or dinner, make sure to stop at Checkerboard Restaurant (p. 14). Their onion rings were voted the best appetizer in the county and they also have antiques. The Cora Shadle Park, located on the west side of Pleasantville is where the Chimney Swift Tower (p. 35), is located. This unique structure tells about Iowa’s bird lady, the late Gladys Black. Next, travel south on S-45 for 10.5 miles to MelcherDallas. Once there, visit the Melcher-Dallas Coal Mining Museum (p. 37), and mural which depicts the old depot. Make sure to contact the museum prior to visiting to make an appointment so they will be open during your visit. This portion of the county once produced thousands of pounds of coal and the museum tells the story of this portion of history. The downtown square features a coal car which is a great photo opportunity. Here you will also find another great country grocery store, D & S Grocery (p. 15), located on the south side of the square and while there make sure to purchase some of the Northcote (p. 15), tenderloins or stop by the deli to order one already cooked! They were voted the best tenderloin in the Red Rock Area. The D & S Deli makes a great lunch stop. IOWA’S BIRD LADY After your fun in Pleasantville, travel to the country to visit the Grape Escape Vineyard & Winery (p. 15), located 3.5 miles south of Pleasantville. Check out their website for weekend events and sample their wines for a great way to unwind. Spend the evening at the Spring Valley B & B (p. 27) or the Springdale Crossing Guest House (p. 27). 2015 Red Rock Area Visitor Guide COAL MINING HISTORY COVERED BRIDGE: From Melcher-Dallas travel east 14 miles on G-76, where you will see signs for the North Cedar Creek Hammond Covered Bridge (p. 36).This bridge is located off the pavement on a gravel road, but it is a great trip back to the 1870’s with its 60-foot single span which stands as a quiet reminder of the old Iowa countryside. This is a great spot for a photo. From there, travel to the town of Bussey via Highway 5 and G-71 to see their mural which depicts local towns folk and area businesses. While in Bussey, stop at Katy-Did’s General Store (p. 15) for a great small town grocery store or travel over to Wilson’s Corner for some ice cream. COUNTRY SIGNS: On your journey through the country, you will find signs for old roads, schools and mines which have been placed by the Rural History Buffs of Marion County. Stop by one of the local welcome centers to pick-up a brochure that shows the signs locations or email [email protected] to have one sent to you. redrockarea.com 33 See & Do SEE & DO ANTIQUES BRICK & MORTAR www.brickandmortarfurniture.com 641.629.6962 202 Main Street, Pella CHECKERBOARD RESTAURANT & ANTIQUES 515.848.3742 108 E Monroe St, Pleasantville FUNKY JUNQUE RESTORE www.funkyjunquepella.com | 641.628.4800 619 Franklin Street, Pella HOUSE NEXT DOOR ANTIQUES 641.628.3461 1312 Washington Street, Pella SIMPLE TREASURES 641.628.2662 710 W 1st St, Pella THIS THAT AND THE OTHER 641.842.4200 101 South 3rd Street, Knoxville WINDMILL MALL ANTIQUES & COLLECTIBLES 641.628.1095 637 Franklin St, Pella ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT ART 101 www.art101knoxville.com | 641.842.5100 109 S 4th St, Knoxville Art 101 features the work of local artists, including pottery, photography, metal work and more. DOUWSTRA AUDITORIUM — CENTRAL COLLEGE | Ad page 42. www.central.edu | 641.628.9000 | 641.628.5236 Central College Campus, Pella Douwstra is the largest auditorium on campus and seats over 600 people. | $ THE GRAND THEATRE www.grandtheatreknoxville.org | 641.828.7555 212 East Robinson Street, Knoxville JOAN KUYPER FARVER ART GALLERY www.cityofpella.com | 641.628.4571 712 Union Street, Pella Free admission. Changing exhibits of various artists throughout the year. Open Monday-Friday 7:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. | JOAN KUYPER FARVER AUDITORIUM www.cityofpella.com | [email protected] 641.628.4571 712 Union Street, Pella This 329-seat auditorium hosts musical performances, theatre productions and public meetings. | $ (For performances) KNOXVILLE AREA COMMUNITY THEATRE 641.891.2868 P.O. Box 396, Knoxville KNOXVILLE PERFORMING ARTS CENTER www.knoxville.k12.ia.us | 641.842.2176 1811 West Madison St., Knoxville High School This new theater seats approximately 700 people. KRUIDENIER CENTER THEATRE — CENTRAL COLLEGE | Ad page 42. www.departments.central.edu/ theatre | 641.628.5335 Central College Campus, Pella Central students perform and direct many plays each year in Central’s two black box theatres. MILLS GALLERY — CENTRAL COLLEGE www.central.edu/finearts | 641.628.5334 Central College Campus, Pella | Ad page 42. The Mills Gallery offers both student and professional artists’ exhibitions free of charge to the college, community and travelers. Open: Mon.-Fri. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. | $ MELCHER-DALLAS COMMUNITY CENTER 641.947.5043 112 N. Main Street, Melcher The theatre seats approximately 325 people. Country music jam 2nd Thursday of each month. | $ PELLA CINEMA 641.621.0329 Located on the Molengracht, Pella Tri-plex movie theater with stadium-style seating. | $ UNION STREET PLAYERS www.unionstreetplayers.com FARMS COYOTE RUN FARM www.coyote-run-farm.com | 515.689.8216 1841 20th Place, Lacona Open by appointment only. GRAPE ESCAPE VINEYARD & WINERY www.grapeescapeiowa.com | 515.848.3094 1185 40th Place, Pleasantville HEART OF IOWA WINE TRAIL www.heartofiowawinetrail.com Regional wine tour. NEARWOOD WINERY 210 East Robinson Street | 641.891.9330 Knoxville PIERCE’S PUMPKIN PATCH [email protected] | 641.344.2052 2491 Highway 14, Chariton Open in October. TASSEL RIDGE WINERY www.tasselridge.com | 641.672.9463 1681 220th Street, Leighton | Ad page 43. PELLA COMMUNITY CENTER www.cityofpella.com | [email protected] 641.628.4571 712 Union Street, Pella Numerous class offerings. Arts’ events for students Pre-K through senior citizens. Please call for class schedule. Open year-round. PELLA OPERA HOUSE www.pellaoperahouse.org | 641.628.8625 [email protected] 611 Franklin Street, Pella Built in 1900, this historic treasure was completely renovated in 1990. The Pella Opera House theatre has seating for 324 and features a Barton theatre organ. Open Monday-Saturday. | $ 34 redrockarea.com 2015 Red Rock Area Visitor Guide See & Do GOLF BOS LANDEN GOLF CLUB www.boslanden.com | 641.204.0165 2411 Bos Landen Drive, Pella | Ad page 41. The wooded 18-hole public course also has golf packages available. Course length: 5,155-6,932. Par: 72. Driving range, cart/ club rentals and club house. | $ PELLA GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB www.pellagolfandcountryclub.com 641.628.4564 600 Elm Street, Pella This is a pleasant 9-hole course. Par: 36. Club/cart rentals available. Open April-November depending on daylight hours. | $ PINE KNOLLS COUNTRY CLUB www.pineknollscountryclub.com | 641.842.3730 1202 South Attica Road, Knoxville This lovely semi-private 9-hole golf course is located in southeast Knoxville. Open 7 days a week, March-October. | $ PLEASANTVILLE GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB www.pleasantvillegcc.com | 515.848.5716 957 Highway 5, Pleasantville Semi private 9 hole golf course. Course also has outdoor swimming pool and Bar & Grill. Located just 25 miles southeast of the Des Moines Metro area. Open Summer 7 a.m.-9 p.m. (Closed after 12 p.m. on Wednesdays for league); Fall & Spring 8 a.m.-5 p.m. | $ EARL WAGNER “THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES” MURAL 515.848.5463 110 East Monroe, Pleasantville Tribute to Earl Wagner, Pleasantville’s very own sprint car driving legend. Features eight cars and many other significant career achievements and historical memorabilia. LANDMARKS AMSTERDAM SCHOOL www.pellatuliptime.com | 641.628.2409 1010 198th Place, Pella Built in 1880 as a one-room schoolhouse, the Amsterdam school provides a glimpse into the past. Open by appointment year-round. | BESSIE SPAUR BUTTERFLY GARDEN [email protected] 1002 S. Lincoln St., Knoxville BLUE STAR MEMORIAL MARKER Butterflies are attracted to the area because of the plantings. Garden area with picnic table & gazebo. Open all year, outdoors. | BIRDING AT LAKE RED ROCK Spring and fall are good times for ducks and other waterfowl which during peak times can reach over 100,000 in the area. During March to early May, thousands of gulls move quickly thru the area. Pelicans return to the area in March and peak season where large flocks gather occurs in September. Late fall and winter months are good for Bald Eagles. Good areas for viewing include the Swan Overlook, Pinchey Bottoms, South Elk Rock, Horns Ferry Bridge, Cordova Park and Whitebreast. BIRTHPLACE OF THE IOWA FLAG www.winwithknoxville.com | 641.828.7555 217 S. 2nd Street, Knoxville Drive by the home of Dixie Cornell Gebhardt, designer of the Iowa flag. 2015 Red Rock Area Visitor Guide DUTCH STOREFRONTS & ARCHITECTURE www.pella.org | 641.628.2626 Downtown, Pella The storefronts in Pella resemble traditional Dutch architecture. ENGLISH CREEK RACE TRACK www.englishcreekspeedway.com | 641.842.5454 10 miles south of Knoxville on G-76. Iowa’s premier Outlaw Dirt Kart Race Track. | $ BUSSEY MURAL Downtown Bussey Mural depicting local businesses and leaders. CARLSON-KUYPER FIELD STATION — CENTRAL COLLEGE www.central.edu | 641.628.9000 812 University, Pella The Field Station hosts several environmental events each year. Open by appointment. CENTRAL COLLEGE www.central.edu | 641.628.9000 812 University, Pella | Ad page 42. Central College, founded in 1853, is a private four-year liberal arts college affiliated with the Reformed Church in America. CORDOVA TOWER www.redrockarea.com | 641.627.5935 1378 Highway G28, Otley | Ad page 40. This tower is the tallest observation tower in a public park in the Midwest. The observation deck measures 106 feet tall with 170 steps to the top. It also has the longest continuous fiberglass staircase in the world. Open all year, outdoors 7 a.m. - 8 p.m. GLADYS BLACK BALD EAGLE REFUGE 515.281.4815 Below the Red Rock Dam (south side), 198th Place This 38-acre refuge is prime habitat for bald eagles as well as neo-tropical migrants and other wildlife. Open April-November, outdoors (Refuge is closed to all public access and use December 1-March 31). GLADYS BLACK MEMORIAL GARDEN AND CHIMNEY SWIFT TOWER www.gladysblackeagle.org | 515.848.3316 Cora Shadle Park, Pleasantville This beautiful, little garden with a 20-foot chimney swift tower and shelter as a focal point serves as a reminder of Gladys Black, the bird lady of Iowa and noted conservationist. Open all year, outdoors. | redrockarea.com 35 See & Do MARYSVILLE COVERED BRIDGE [email protected] | 641.828.2213 Marion County Park, 306 Willets Drive, Knoxville The 1891 bridge features criss-crossed planks on the sides. In the late 1960’s, the bridge was cut in half. The north 40 feet of the bridge can be seen at the Marion County Park and the south 40 feet is in the Wilcox Reclamation area. Open all year, outdoors 6 a.m.-10:30 p.m. | MELCHER-DALLAS COAL MINING MUSEUM MURAL 641.947.5651 101 NE Center, Melcher The mural was created to honor MelcherDallas’s coal mining heritage. The mural is located on the north of the Coal Mining & Heritage Museum building. HORN’S FERRY BRIDGE 641.828.2213 198th Place, near the Howell Station Recreation Area The 1881 Horn’s Ferry Bridge was Marion County’s first river crossing and Wagon Bridge over the Des Moines River. The bridge is an excellent location to watch bald eagles soar over the river and observe other wildlife. Open all year, outdoors. | THE MOLENGRACHT www.molengracht.com | 641.628.2246 Half block southeast of square, Pella The Molengracht, which means “mill canal,” is a complex of 5 buildings that combines 21st century entrepreneurial spirit with Old World charm. Open year-round. KLOKKENSPEL www.pella.org | 641.628.2626 Half block east of square on Franklin Street, Pella Eight four-foot mechanical figures perform at regular intervals to the music of a 147-bell computer driven carillon. Klokkenspel plays Monday-Friday at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m., 5 p.m. and 9 p.m.; Saturday & Sunday at the top of each hour from 11 a.m.-9 p.m. KNOXVILLE RACEWAY www.knoxvilleraceway.com | 641.842.5431 1000 N. Lincoln Street, Knoxville | Ad page 44. This fabulous 25,000 seat, half-mile track is the home of the legendary Knoxville Nationals each August and weekly races from April-October. The track also has 52 luxury suites. Two classes of sprint cars (360s and 410s) race to the checkered flag each week during April-October. Starting time for races is 6:45 p.m. | $ 36 redrockarea.com NORTH CEDAR CREEK HAMMOND COVERED BRIDGE www.redrockarea.com South of Attica, 170th Place just south of G-76 The 19th century Hammond covered bridge has a 60-foot single span. It stands as a quiet reminder of the old Iowa countryside. Open year-round, outdoors. | MARION COUNTY COURTHOUSE www.redrockarea.com | 641.828.2231 214 E. Main Street, Knoxville The 1896 Richardson Romanesque style courthouse houses many offices of county government. Open Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. PELLA VISITORS CENTER www.visitpella.com 888.746.3882 | 641.628.2626 818 Washington Street, Pella RED ROCK DAM www.lakeredrock.org | 641.828.7522 1105 North HWY T-15 The Red Rock Dam was built to reduce flood damage along the Des Moines River. Group tours available by appointment. RED ROCK LINE Dragoons first explored this area in 1835. These soldiers patrolled the Red Rock Line from 1842 to 1845. This line extended north and south through much of Iowa and was named after the town of Red Rock which was located on the shores of the Des Moines River in Marion County. After 1845, settlers were allowed west of the Red Rock Line. RED ROCK VISITOR CENTER www.lakeredrock.org | 641.828.7522 1105 Highway T-15, Knoxville | Ad page 41. In addition to the exhibits, the center provides a great view of the lake, and the center’s staff and volunteers are available to provide lake information. Red Rock was the first permanent river town in Marion County and received its name from the red sandstone, which is nearby. Nov, Dec, Jan & Feb: Open by Appointment March-April: Sat & Sun Noon-4 p.m. May: Mon-Fri Noon-4 p.m.; Sat & Sun 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Memorial Day-Labor Day: Everyday 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m. September: Sat & Sun Noon-4 p.m. | RURAL HISTORY BUFFS OF MARION COUNTY [email protected] PO Box 401, Knoxville This group of local history buffs has two projects currently. The first project is a brochure that identifies the towns now under Lake Red Rock. The second project identifies with signs historical landmarks such as rural schools, roads and coal mines. TULIP TOREN www.pella.org | 641.628.2626 Downtown square, Pella The Tulip Toren was built in 1968 and measures 65 feet tall. Open year-round. WINDMILL WELCOME CENTER www.visitpella.com | 641.628.2626 SE Corner of Pella’s Downtown Square 2015 Red Rock Area Visitor Guide See & Do MUSEUMS COAL RIDGE CHURCH & MUSEUM S-71 near Whitebreast Recreation Area This stately white church is all that remains of Marion County’s first mining community, Coal Ridge. HARVEY MUSEUM 641.949.6600 402 West Street, PO Box 105, Harvey The museum contains displays of the school and the town’s history. Open by appointment. MARION COUNTY HISTORICAL VILLAGE & MUSEUM 641.842.4895 306 Willets Drive, Knoxville The village features a log cabin, Pleasant Ridge School, country store, stagecoach inn, valley chapel, machine annex and depot. Open Memorial Day - Labor Day, Saturday & Sunday 1-5 p.m. | $ MELCHER-DALLAS COAL MINING & HERITAGE MUSEUM [email protected] | 641.947.5651 101 NE Center, PO Box 412, Melcher The museum, which is located in the former Miners’ Hall, includes a reconstructed coalmine, mining tools, blacksmith’s shop, local history memorabilia and Rock Island Railroad items. 2015 Red Rock Area Visitor Guide NATIONAL SPRINT CAR HALL OF FAME & MUSEUM www.sprintcarhof.com | 641.842.6176 or toll free at 800.874.4488 One Sprint Capital Place, Knoxville This is the world’s only museum dedicated to preserving the history of big car, sprint car and super modified racing. Tour the 1st Floor Donald Lamberti National Sprint Car Museum. On the 2nd Floor enjoy the theater, library and research center, and the National Sprint Car Hall of Fame presented by the Pella Rolscreen Foundation year-round. Open April-September: Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-6 p.m., Saturday & Sunday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. (Except race days, open until the races are over). October-March: Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-6 p.m., Saturday & Sunday Noon- 5 p.m. | $ PELLA DEPOT MUSEUM www.pella.com | 888.84.PELLA 102 Main Street, Pella | Ad page 41. Located adjacent to Pella Corporation Headquarters. The current structure, built in 1908, replaced the original depot constructed shortly after the Civil War. Exhibits include early railroad artifacts and information about Pella Corporation from its founding in 1925, until today. Open Monday-Saturday 8 a.m.-5 p.m., and 8 a.m.-8 p.m. during Tulip Time. | PELLA HISTORICAL VILLAGE & VERMEER MILL www.pellatuliptime.com | 641.620.9463 507 Franklin Street, Pella The Historical Village is a step back in time. The boyhood home of Wyatt Earp, blacksmith shop, general store, Heritage Hall and more are filled with artifacts from a bygone era. Don’t miss the miniature Dutch Village built at a scale of 1/24. The Windmill is the tallest in the United States. Open March-December, MondaySaturday 9 a.m.-5 p.m. (last tour begins at 4 p.m.); Summer Holidays 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Open by appointment in January and February. | $ SCHOLTE HOUSE MUSEUM & GARDENS www.scholtehouse.com | 641.628.3684 728 Washington Street, Pella The Scholte House, built in 1847, displays the life of Pella’s founder; the 22 rooms are carefully laid out for self guided tours. Open March-December, Monday-Saturday 1-4 p.m. or by appointment. | $ VERMEER CORPORATION MUSEUM www.vermeer.com | 641.621.7319 2110 Vermeer Road E, Pella | Ad page 43. The Vermeer Museum chronicles the history of Vermeer Corporation and the development of its industrial construction, environmental and agricultural product lines, as well as the community. The museum is located in the Vermeer Global Pavilion, a 75,000 square foot, world-class training facility. Open Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-4 p.m., by advanced appointment only on Friday & Saturday. RECREATION ANYTIME FITNESS www.anytimefitness.com | 641.628.FITT (3488) 819 Broadway Street, Pella We offer a welcoming, clean environment for everyone. You can rely on our 24/7 availability and superior service to get results. Open 24 hours, “Drop-ins” during staffed hours only. | $ ANYTIME FITNESS www.anytimefitness.com 204 North Roche Street, Knoxville 641.842.2447 Come enjoy our welcoming atmosphere and 24/7 availability. Open 24 hours, “Drop-ins” during staffed hours only. | $ BENSINK FARMS HUNTING PRESERVE www.bensinkfarms.com | 641.891.3026 798 HWY G-40, Pleasantville Open September 1-March 31, 8 a.m.-sunset. | $ CENTRAL COLLEGE — A.N. KUYPER ATHLETICS COMPLEX AND RON SCHIPPER FITNESS CENTER | Ad page 42. www.central.edu/athletics/ facilities | 641.628.5131 Central College Campus, Pella The Ron Schipper Fitness Center features a 7200 square foot strength and conditioning area and a 1200 square foot multipurpose room for exercise classes. | $ CROSSFIT PELLA www.crossfitpella.com 641.780.9230 | 641.780.7366 1400 Fifield Road, Pella redrockarea.com 37 See & Do CURVES www.curves.com | 641.842.2237 101 W. Main Street, Knoxville Women’s fitness and weightloss facility. Open Monday-Thursday 6 a.m.Noon and 3:30-7 p.m., Friday 6 a.m.-Noon and 3:30-6 p.m. | $ PELLA SPORTS PARK www.pellasportspark.org Located on the eastside of Pella just off Business 163. PELLA RECREATION CENTER www.pellarec.com | 641.628.4622 308 SE 9th Street, Pella Fitness Center with racquetball and gym. Work Systems Rehab and Fitness is a complete and fulfilling exercise facility for individuals and families. Open Monday-Thursday 5 a.m.-9:30 p.m., Friday 5 a.m.-9 p.m., Saturday 7 a.m.-9 p.m., Sunday 1-6 p.m. | $ FAIRLANE BOWL [email protected] | 641.828.7173 1607 N. Lincoln Street, Knoxville Bowling entertainment for all ages. Call for seasonal hours of operation. | $ HUNTING AREAS AT LAKE RED ROCK www.lakeredrock.org Lake Red Rock US Army Corps of Engineers 641.828.7522 or 641.628.8690 Iowa Dept. of Natural Resources, Wildlife Unit, 641.259.2095 Certain areas of land at Lake Red Rock are open for hunting. There are areas that are closed to hunting also. Please check with Park Offices for more information. KNOXVILLE RECREATION CENTER www.knoxvilleia.gov | 641.828.0580 800 South Park Lane, Knoxville Fitness facility that includes a gymnasium, racquetball court, strength training room, cardio room, studio cycling, indoor pool, sauna, whirlpool and fitness classes. Open Monday-Friday 5 a.m.-9 p.m., Saturday 7 a.m.-7p.m. & Sunday 1-5 p.m. | $ KNOXVILLE SKATE & BMX PARK www.knoxvilleia.gov | 641.828.0550 1812 W. Madison Street, Knoxville One of the largest outdoor skate parks in Iowa. PELLA COMMUNITY SERVICES www.cityofpella.com | 641.628.4571 712 Union Street, Pella Gym and recreational classes. | $ KNX FITNESS & TRAINING www.knxelitefitnes.com | 641.891.5985 203 E. Main Street, Knoxville | $ PELLA EXCIT-A-BOWL [email protected] | 641.628.3010 204 SE 9th Street, Pella 14-lane bowling alley with cosmic bowling available. | $ 38 redrockarea.com SLIDEWAYS GO-KART TRACK www.slidewayskartingcenter.com | 641.828.6337 1230 Highway 14, Knoxville Test your skills racing around the Slideways track in Go-Karts that resemble sprint cars. | $ PELLA RECREATION CENTER FIELD HOUSE www.pellarec.com | 641.628.4622 405 Truman Road, Pella PELLA AQUATICS CENTER www.cityofpella.com [email protected] | 641.628.1882 602 E. 8th Street, Pella Indoor and outdoor facilities. Indoor pool is a 6-lane, 25-meter facility. The Aquatic Center is outdoors with various features and slides. Indoor pool open year round. Outdoor pool open Memorial Day-mid August. | $ MARION COUNTY SPORTSMEN'S CLUB mcsportsman.com | [email protected] 1702 Old Highway 92, Knoxville SKATE PIT 641.842.6741 | Rentals: 641.828.7812 1000 N. Lincoln Street, Knoxville Roller skating rink open Fridays, 7 p.m.9 p.m., October- May. Available to rent for parties and special events. | $ ROBERTS CREEK ARCHERY RANGE www.redrockarea.com [email protected] 641.627.5507 1617 Fillmore Drive, Otley | Ad page 40. ROBERTS CREEK DISC GOLF COURSE www.redrockarea.com | [email protected] 641.627.5507 1617 Fillmore Drive, Otley | Ad page 40. New 9-hole disc golf course. Fun for the whole family. Open April-October, 6 a.m.-10:30 p.m PELLA SOCCER COMPLEX www.cityofpella.com | 641.628.4571 907 218th Street, Pella 6 soccer fields. Open April-June and August-October. 2015 Red Rock Area Visitor Guide See & Do ELK ROCK EQUESTRIAN TRAIL www.lakeredrock.org | 641.828.7522 One of only a handful of equestrian trails in Iowa, the Elk Rock Equestrian Trail provides several scenic views of Lake Red Rock along a 13-mile route. There are also facilities for equestrian camping, hitching rails, 100 x 200 ft. riding arena and horse stalls. KARR NATURE TRAIL www.lakeredrock.org | 641.828.7522 This one-mile trail was named after a small early village which was located within the confines of Cordova County Park. A portion of the trail is designated as a self-guided interpretive trail with 24 points of interest. TRAILS DRAGOON TRAIL www.lakeredrock.org | 641.828.7522 The Dragoon Trail is a 200-mile scenic driving road route along the Des Moines, Boone and Racoon Rivers. This trail marks the route used by Dragoons who were lightly armed cavalry soldiers who first explored this area. A marker on highway 14, three miles north of Knoxville marks their trail. EAGLE LAIR LOOP www.lakeredrock.org | 641.828.7522 This 0.6-mile earthern path below Red Rock Dam was named after the many bald eagles that feed and rest below the dam. The path connects directly to the Volksweg paved trail, and is located near Ivan's Campground. MAKOKE TRAIL www.lakeredrock.org | 641.828.7522 Central Iowa offers some of the most diverse birding opportunities in the state. The birding trail was named Makoke (MAHkoh-kay) because it means bird or owl in the language of the Ioway tribe. At Lake Red Rock, over 300 species of birds have been recorded. Red Rock is listed as an Important Bird Area by the Iowa Audubon Society and as a Globally Significant Bird Area by the American Bird Conservancy. To find out more about the trail go to www.iowabirds.org. STU KUYPER TRAIL www.lakeredrock.org | 641.828.7522 A 1.17-mile grass/earthern path in the Whitebreast Recreation Area features a lovely view of Lake Red Rock. VOLKSWEG TRAIL www.lakeredrock.org | 641.828.7522 Volksweg is a Dutch word meaning “people’s path,” and this unique trail serves as a path connecting the picturesque city of Pella to the recreation areas of Lake Red Rock. During 2015 due to construction of the Hydroelectric Facility at the dam, the Volksweg Trail with be partially closed. The section from Roberts Creek to North Overlook and from Howell Station to Pella will be open. NORTH OVERLOOK TRAIL www.lakeredrock.org | 641.828.7522 A beautiful 1.1-mile trail, ideally suited for family and group use. A nearby picnic offers relaxation after hiking this wooded trail. RED ROCK WATER TRAIL www.lakeredrock.org | 641.828.7522 The 36-mile loop of the Red Rock Water Trail is designated as a national water trail by the National Park Service. It is one of only 14 nationally designated water trails in America. Along the trail you can see rocky cliffs and bluffs, a variety of wildlife, a sea cave and much more. JOSEPH STUBBS MEMORIAL TRAIL www.lakeredrock.org | 641.828.7522 This one-mile trail in Pleasantville winds 2015 Red Rock Area Visitor Guide through Shadle Park and the Pleasantville Sports Complex. This is a great trail for small children with a playground and pond at the park for stops. To find out more go to www. discoverpleasantville.com or call 515.848.3316. RED ROCK WATER TRAIL redrockarea.com 39 Advertisements from Our Sponsors RED ROCK AREA & MARION COUNTY BY THE NUMBERS 33,252 Population of Marion County 975,000 people within a 60 mile radius from Marion County Top 13% of counties in US for median household income 12,722 households 24% of population have a bachelor’s degree or higher education Lake Red Rock is Iowa’s largest lake at 15,250 acres at normal pool Lake Red Rock dam is 5,676 feet long and 110 feet tall 55th out of 3,141 counties in Over 60,000 Dutch letters are sold during the Pella Tulip Time Festival at area bakeries the US for highest percentage of jobs in manufacturing 40% of manufacturing companies sell to national and international markets 33% of population between ages 18-44 40 redrockarea.com For rates and reservations: Cordova Park 1378 Hwy G28 • Otley, Iowa 50214 641-627-5935 • [email protected] www.mycountyparks.com Located on the north side of Lake Red Rock! “always somethin’ new goin’ on!” GET CONNECTED Veteran’s Benefits Available Lake Red Rock is the largest contiguous public land mass in Iowa at 52,807 acres 90% of US counties have a higher poverty rate than Marion County CORDOVA PARK CABINS Largest Town: Pella, 10,344 population County Seat: Knoxville, 7,251 population Marion County Unemployment Rate: 4.0% in Sept. 2014 Marion County Commission on Veterans Affairs 214 East Main Street, Suite 1 Courthouse, Knoxville, IA 50138 641.828.2201 | [email protected] LOOKING TO RELOCATE OR START A BUSINESS? Go to www.marioncountyiowa.com to find the location you have been searching for! 2015 Red Rock Area Visitor Guide Advertisements from Our Sponsors Lake Red Rock A Natural Place to Play! “Kids Outdoors”Adventure Packs: Kids Adventure Packs Available for Free Checkout At Red Rock Visitor Center at the Red Rock Visitor Center! Animal Tracking Free Bug Investigation Check out! Snowshoes Pond Exploration Bird Watching Geocaching Disc Golf - Golf Digest One of 75 “Most Affordable Courses” in the U.S. 2411 Bos Landen Drive | Pella, Iowa 50219 (641) 204-0165 | www.boslanden.com Bird Packs A DV E R T I S I N G PELLA, Call (641) 828-7522 www.lakeredrock.org 2015 Red Rock Area Visitor Guide & PRINTING I O WA 810 East First Street 641-628-1130 www.towncrierltd.com redrockarea.com 41 Advertisements from Our Sponsors Pella, Iowa Recently renovated, non-smoking Free WiFi, premium HD channels Complimentary breakfast Pool, spa, fitness center Business center, meeting room DID YOU KNOW CENTRAL COLLEGE IS A PREMIER VENUE? www.americinn.com/hotels/ia/pella | (641) 621-1421 | 910 West 16th Street | Pella, IA 50219 Let our professional staff coordinate your special event. • weddings • meetings • reunions • camps • conferences VOTED BEST: • Wedding Reception Place • Place for Conferences • Caterer A Taste of Holland Dutch Pastries, Imported Giſts & Antiques 727 Franklin Street, Pella, IA 50219 641-628-2940 FAX 641-628-9148 Hours: M-Sat 6-6, Thurs til 8 www.jaarsmabakery.com Since 1898 www.central.edu/eventplanners • 641-628-7642 Free wifi, hot breakfast, refrigerator and more! www.baymontinnpella.com | (641) 628-0085 | 2104 Washington Street | Pella, IA 50219 42 redrockarea.com 2015 Red Rock Area Visitor Guide Advertisements from Our Sponsors Visit Tassel Ridge Winery ® and Vineyards Ride the Grapemobile through the Vineyard at Tassel Ridge and learn about grape growing (seasonal, weather permitting). Tour the winery and learn about wine making from vine to bottle. Taste award-winning wines from dry to sweet including fizzy, fruit, dessert, and iced wines. Shop for wine-related items, local cheese, chocolate, and more …. New Sharon Otley 14 63 Pella Exit 40 Lake Red Rock 163 Tassel Ridge Winery Leighton Knoxville T15 92 220th Street 92 Oskaloosa 1681 220th St • Leighton, IA 50143 641.672.WINE (9463) • www.tasselridge.com Open 7 days a week year round M–F, 9–6; Sat, 10–6; Sun, Noon–6 23 63 Cedar Eddyville Tassel Ridge Winery … Simply Extraordinary® 2015 Red Rock Area Visitor Guide redrockarea.com 43