CLEVELAND-A day and I do mean a DAY at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. It takes at least six hours to see everything.
But it was worth it. We had a fantastic time.http://rockhall.com/
They do not allow camera phones or cameras inside so this is the only picture to post.
The Cleveland Skyline. A side view of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
www.rbhayes.org/hayes/hayeshouse/
This is the Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Library and his home in Freemont Ohio.
We like to visit all the Presidential Libraries, this isn’t even on the official list but reading our brochures we
discovered we were driving right by so we stopped. Unfortunately it was not open when we arrived, so just
walked around the lovely grounds and peeked into the homes windows. Oh well next time.
Birthplace of Herbert Hoover http://http://www.nps.gov/heho/index.htm West Branch, Iowa
The future president was born in a small, two-room cottage in 1874. Today the Birthplace Cottage, along with other historic buildings
associated with his early childhood in West Branch, is the centerpiece of Herbert Hoover National Historic Site.
We enjoyed an afternoon exploring the historic buildings, his birth home, his father’s blacksmith shop, their Quaker meeting House, &
the one room schoolhouse. We then spend the rest of the day (last one’s out)in the Library. I really didn’t know much about our
31st President so found his history to be very interesting. He really had a fascinating life. Orphaned at nine, sent on a train alone
to his Uncle’s in Oregon would daunt anyone. But he went on to have an excellent education graduating with a degree
in Engineering traveling the world and amassing a fortune. He was a great Humanitarian he made a name for himself during the
ttp://www.independent.co.uk/news/presidents/herbert-hoover-1417418.html
First World War for his efficient humanitarian work evacuating US refugees and distributing food relief in Europe.
Click on the link for further info. if interested.
We have now visited all the Presidential Libraries.
IOWA- We didn’t get very far down the road when we came to the Amana Colonies a National Historic Landmark and
one of Americas longest lived communal societies. Seeking religious freedom the community of True Inspiration left Germany in 1843.
First settling in New York then moving in 1855 to Iowa developing six villages a mile or two apart across 26,000 acres. Property and
resources were shared by all . In the 1930’s this way of life changed.
Today the main street features some gift, wine & cheese, & a few specialty art stores. Of course restaurants for the many
people from the tour buses. The villages are still separated by farmland and many of the old homes are still there.
We found this fantastic COE park on the Saylorville lake just outside Des Moines. It was such a beautiful day
we wanted to enjoy a bike ride. By the time we got ready to ride a thunder shower was threatening but it was
warm so we went anyway. We didn’t get too wet. Came back put the awning up sat outside and watched the
storm roll by.
close up of the straw The Corn Palace today
The Corn Palace, Mitchell South Dakota
First Corn Palace 1892
It started as a way to showcase the crops grown in the area and to attract immigrant farmers to settle here.
Along with the Corn Palace, a festival was planned, renowned entertainers were brought to Mitchell and area crops
were exhibited to celebrate the fertility of the land. Over 100 year later the tradition continues.
This is folk art at its best.
The Badlands of South Dakota. We couldn’t pass this by. It’s a 31 mile loop road off I-90 with many overlooks and signs explaining the landscape.
Many hikes of course which we did a few of the shorter ones. The unusual rock formations keep you snapping picture after picture.
Wyoming-The Devils Tower National Monument another fantastic site not far off I-90. It’s a magnificent mass of spiral
shaped rocks extending 1600 feet above the river. We walked the mile trail around the base.
It’s not all rocks and mountains we had to see the old Mint Bar in Sheridan WY. Two
cold beers hit the spot. What wonderful burled wood.
Hard to see in the photo but the walls are lined with mounted trophy animals.
Visiting our family in Seattle is always a fun time.
