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CREATEYOUR OWNADVENTURE

Corning • PresCott • nodaway • Carbon

Adams Community Economic Development Corporation710 Davis Avenue, Corning, IA 50841

641-322-5229 • acedc@frontiernet.netexploreadamsCountyiowa.com

the project paid for in part by the iowa tourism office.

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[ a d a M s C o M M U n i t y ]

WELCOME! Plunge into fun! Rev up your vacation. Make new memories. Create YOUR adventure in Adams County, Iowa today!

Local traditions and history etch a colorful backdrop along your journey. Wonderful surprises await you. Check out the recreation, dining & shopping today among the historic downtown district, culture and nature.

Use this companion guide to plan your next getaway. Looking for a family trip, a girls’ getaway or a weekend jaunt? Adams County is the place where you can still enjoy simple pleasures. Take in the picturesque setting of Southwest Iowa, learn about past farming practices, play a round of golf, cheer on racing cars on the fastest half-mile dirt track in the region, fish on a quiet bank or watch the Iowa sunset over the Lake Icaria while sipping a glass of local wine.

Make plans to visit any time of the year. If you’re looking for a special event with activities planned, you may want to check out the Adams County Fair in mid-July.

Our summer community celebration takes place the last weekend in July with BBQ contest, dance, artists, inflatables, 1/5/10K walk/run, great food and games.

In September/October our annual homecoming is a fun-packed weekend with activities for the whole family.

Let us customize an itinerary to fit your schedule and budget. Call (641)322-5229.

Create your adventure today.

ExploreAdamsCountyIowa.com

#BestBBQ at Lazy Days. Friday night all you can eat wings and street dance was a blast. Then back for 5K, pancake breakfast and lunch. #summerfun. Kids had a blast with all the activities! – Sarah from Maryville, MO

✓HistoriC CoMMerCial distriCt/great aMeriCan Main street

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[ P l a n n i n g g e t a w a y s ]

In Adams County there’s a special getaway for every kind of visitor. As a prime destination for families, groups, girls’ getaways and guys’ escapes, Adams County delivers memorable experiences in history, recreation, dining, shopping and more.

Grand TImeS wITh GrandKIdSTeach the grandchildren about Iowa’s history when you spend a day in Adams County. You can span the generations with a visit to the Johnny Carson Birthplace or step back in time with a tour of the French Icarian Village or Kline Museum. Maybe make rope or churn butter. A tasty donut stop at Sweet Desires or Casey’s is a yummy start before heading to Leather’s Playscape. Take in a movie at the Corning American Theatre or explore the House of History. Schedule a photo with the grandkids at Extreme Images, then let Graphic Ideas use it to create a special vacation t-shirt memento. Cool off with frosty malts from Hy-Vee Pharmacy or serve up a healthy meal at Subway and eat it at Memorial Rock Park as you check out the Adams County Freedom Rock – part of the Freedom Rock Iowa tour. Add some high-speed action to your day with racing at the Adams County Speedway. (Kids 12 and under enjoy free admission.)

FAMILYPreserve the Iowa Farm. Stop at the Leathers Playscape to work off some of their energy. Families love the taste and charm of the old fashioned soda fountain at Hy-Vee Pharmacy. Expand your horizons with an arts or crafts class or tour at the Corning Center for the Fine Arts. Dine at an Iowa classic, Breadeaux Pizza, which keeps the kids entertained with a moving train inside. Put on the sunscreen and splash around at the Aquatic Center. Pick up a fresh-baked treat from Sweet Desires Bakery. Fish, swim or rent a boat from Bobbers Down Marina at scenic Lake Icaria and let the kids enjoy a goodie or two from the lake’s concessions. Round out the perfect family getaway with dinner at the happy hollow Country Club, Kay’s Kafe or Three C’s Diner and then a movie at Corning American Theatre. Or perhaps head back to the farm for some family time playing games in their renovated barn and game center.

#FamilyFun Had a blast at the Aquatic Center. Made butter at the Icarian Village. Rented a pontoon boat at Lake Icaria. Loved the popcorn at the Corning American Theatre. And so much more to see. We will be back! – Tiffany from Omaha

✓getaways

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[ g e t a w a y s ]

GIRLS’ DAY AWAY You and the girls deserve a getaway, so start with pastries from Sweet Desires bakery. Browse the unique gift shops on our Great American Main Street like Lone Arranger, Hy-Vee Pharmacy, Randomness, Again Boutique and Fudge Town Interiors. Fuel up with a healthy bite from Subway and then fall into total pampering with manicures and pedicures at Hair designers, Bella Vita Salon or Studio 406. Flash that beautiful pedicure as you find harmony with a relaxing massage at Karen’s massage Oasis. You’ll always find unique jewelry, gifts and artwork when you shop at Corning Center for the Fine Arts and the Fickle Frog. (Psst! They have an espresso bar for the perfect afternoon pick-me-up!) You might want to work out the kinks with a one-day pass at Alegent Creighton Health Wellness Center and then visit the hospital gift shop. Capture this perfect day with a girlfriend group photo at Extreme Images by Ashley. Have dinner at the Happy Hollow Country Club and then unwind and toast to another fantastic getaway with great friends at the Corning Winery.

GUYS’ OUT-OF-TOWn GETAWAYIt’s all about automobiles, great food and amped up nASCAR when the weekend brings you to adams County. Kick start the day with a hearty breakfast at Kay’s Kafe or a frosted pastry at Sweet Desires. Get some golf in as you catch up with the guys during a round of nine-holes on the Happy Hollow Golf Course. no matter your pace, lunch in Corning could be pizza from Godfather’s or Casey’s. Maybe you prefer down-home fare from local eateries like Kay’s Kafe or Boz’s Kitchen. When it’s time to get back to nature, the amenities of Lake Icaria await. Boating, fishing and hiking let you enjoy the serenity of this Southwest Iowa treasure. Take a 10 minute drive to Prescott to admire the farm machinery, steamers, cars and other antiques on display at the Kline museum. Round out a great guys’ day with revving motors and the sweet smell of burning rubber with Saturday night nASCAR racing at the Adams County Speedway. You can either eat at the Speedway or pick up some tasty BBQ at Three C’s Diner before you go. Rain out? no worries. Catch a movie at the Corning American Theatre.

rOmanTIC reKIndlInGRenew and rekindle among the simple charm of Adams County, Iowa, a place where the pace slows just enough to catch a smile, hold hands at the theatre, picnic at Lake Icaria, dine with white linens at Happy Hollow Country Club, take in a show or dance the night away at the restored Corning Opera House and experience a Southwest Iowa sunset on the deck at the Floating Vine.

My husband had a great time in Adams County with his friends fishing at Lake Icaria. Loved looking at the antique & classic cars at the Kline Museum and R&S Collectibles. He couldn’t believe they had a no-wait tee time at the golf course. I looked at the website and was intrigued by the Girls Day Away . . . maybe he’ll be watching the kids next time! – Lois from West Des Moines

✓getaways

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[ t H e o U t d o o r s ]

[1] laKe BInder2152 Corning-Carl Road - Corning 641-322-4230

This lake offers a respite from fast-paced living and is a fisherman’s paradise because of the no-wake limit for boats. It’s a great place for a run or walk and only a half-mile northeast of Corning, so it is close to shopping and the theater for a rainy day.

Complete with 75 campsites and several sheltered picnic areas, Lake Binder is a quiet hideaway for families, campers and the serious fisherman.

[2] laKe ICarIa1699 Lake Icaria Road (park office) 641-322-4793 lakeicaria.com

lake Icaria is 1,940-acres packed for fun with a 650-acre lake that provides unlimited opportunities for water sports enthusiasts. Rent a boat or launch your own from the lake’s Bobbers down marina. water skiers will enjoy a 1.25-mile ski zone.

lake Icaria has excellent year-round fishing holes and a 300-foot sand beach for swimmers with volleyball courts nearby. Choose from 130 camper sites, 25 walk-in tent sites or 14 cabins that are available to rent. also rent a pontoon or paddle boat from Bobbers Down Marina.

amenities include five shelters, playgrounds, restrooms, freshwater access and grills. With six miles of walking and hiking trails plus geocache sites, Lake Icaria is the perfect weekend destination. Concessions and bathhouse are open during the summer months. The public can reserve cabins and shelters by calling the park office.

#BestFishing Tried our hand at both lakes! Caught our limit. Great steaks on the grill. Kids loved the beach and playgrounds. #LakeIcaria is the best. – Fans from Okoboji

✓ laKes

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[ t H e o U t d o o r s ]

[3] ParKS/OuTdOOrSCarnac Skate Park – Grab your skateboard! will your first trick be a Bigspin or Shove It? Whatever moves you have, you might want to bring along your swimsuit since the park is located behind the Corning Aquatic Center and provides hours of fun for youth. We encourage you to skate safe.

Leathers Playground – Become a princess or storm the castle! A child’s fantasy playground with towers and great hiding places. Located at Corning Elementary and designed by Robert Leathers and Associates with the help of local children, the playground offers a castle-like experience. A toddler playground, outdoor exercise area and basketball court are also adjacent.

McClelland Tennis Courts - Grab a partner or a group and head to the Corning Elementary complex to volley or for a match on any of the four courts.

Corning Play Park, Corning Central Park, nodaway City Park, Prescott City Park and Prescott School Playground each offer a great place to play, picnic and enjoy summer fun.

[4] FreedOm rOCK/memOrIal rOCK ParK thefreedomrock.com

Stand at attention and honor veterans for their service as you visit the adams County Freedom rock. ray (Bubba) Sorensen painted the rock late July 2013, and the park was dedicated on may 26, 2014. The south image honors all arms of service and gives a special shout out to the “Red Bull;” the 34th Infantry Division of the Army national Guard, many from Adams County. The east image pays tribute to all the fallen, represented by images of the first adams County servicemen who died: John Thuman in WWII, Billy Cooper in Korea; and ron Bunting in Vietnam. The north side shows the eagle holding a banner in his beak. The west side has a draped flag honoring our nation. This rock is part of the Freedom Rock Tour.

#FreedomRock was amazing. Our family grabbed some malts at Three C’s Diner and went to Memorial Rock Park to sit and enjoy them while admiring the Rock. We were mesmerized by the detail and vivid colors. Then a group of about 20 on motorcycles drove up and in visiting learned they were all veterans themselves. Way cool addition to the community. – Jim from Ohio

✓ FreedoM roCK/MeMorial roCK ParK

✓ParKs/oUtdoors

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[ t H e o U t d o o r s ]

[5] ADAMS COMMUnITY AQUATIC CEnTER 1400 John Avenue - Corning 641-322-3055

Come make a splash from Memorial Day weekend to mid-August.

Slide into fun or swim some laps! This 6,000-square-foot heated pool has zero-depth entry for safe access, a diving board, three slides, great water play features, shaded loungers, 25-yard lanes for lap swimming and concessions. Join us for water aerobic classes, pool parties and swimming lessons for all ages.

The community invites you to bring family and friends and enjoy this first-class facility. It’s a great way to spend a sun-filled, hot Iowa summer day!

[6] HAPPY HOLLOW COUnTRY CLUB 2068 Valley Road - Corning 641-322-4333

Swing into action through the challenging greens at the Happy Hollow Country Club’s nine-hole golf course. Playing this scenic course is not only affordable, moving through this course gives golfers the perfect balance of difficulty. no tee times needed. Plan a foursome to play in the many tournaments offered throughout the summer.

Finish the day with wonderful dining on Wednesday through Saturday evenings. Happy Hollow offers a full bar and a sizeable party room for special events, reunions or business events.

The kids and I had a blast swimming, sliding and playing keep away while the hubby golfed a couple of rounds at the golf course. Then we all met up for supper at Happy Hollow. Love getting away from the city and Corning is just the right distance. What a great day! – Crystal from Kansas City

✓AQUATIC CENTER

✓HaPPy Hollow

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[ a t t r a C t i o n s ]

[7] JOHnnY CARSOn BIRTHPLACE500 13th Street - Corning641-322-5229 Summer Saturdays from 11 am - 2 pmjohnnycarsonbirthplace.org

Come see the birthplace of TV Land’s and Entertainment weekly’s #1 TV icon, Johnny Carson. The home is restored to refl ect the mid-1920’s era when Johnny and his family lived in the house. Tour this charming Iowa home and watch his interview with his Corning babysitter. It is laugh out loud funny!.

[8] ADAMS COUnTY HOUSE OF HISTORY1000 Benton Avenue - Corning641-322-3704 or 641-344-8088Call to schedule an appointment (prefer 48 hour notice)

Whether you’re a history buff, antique picker, or appreciate the charm and character of centuries old buildings, you’ll love exploring the House of History.explore a trunk that traveled with the mayfl ower in 1620. Browse uniforms, medals and artifacts from the Spanish-American War and items from former Iowa Governor Daniel Turner’s tenure.Enter rooms that take you back to another simpler time with tours and sights of an 1890’s kitchen, a barber shop with medical items, advertising memorabilia, tools and farming equipment. Listed on the national Register of Historic Places, the House of History was once the site of the county jail and the sheriff’s quarters from 1877 to 1955. Step into the jail cell located in the building’s basement. Just make sure no one locks you in!

#JohnnyCarson Can’t believe he was actually born in the house! We all laughed at his phone call to his babysitter. The kids enjoyed being ‘locked up’ in the jail cell at the House of History. I can’t imagine trying to pack that trunk that brought a family to the new world. – Rose from St. Paul, Mn

✓ JoHnny Carson birtHPlaCe

✓HoUse oF History

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[ a t t r a C t i o n s ]

[9] CORnInG CEnTER FOR THE FInE ARTS706 Davis Avenue - Corning641-322-4736corningfi nearts.com

art in the heart of Corning. You’ll fi nd unique artwork. You can sign up for a class. Find a present for a loved one or maybe yourself.

Each second Saturday you can meet a different artist or group of artists or perhaps experience a traveling art show. a reception is held from 1-5 p.m. Come view the artwork and visit with the artist while enjoying music, refreshments with wine and other drinks.

CCFA’s Artist-in-residency program offers three-month or longer sessions for emerging and established artists who seek time and space to complete projects or explore new works. Visitors can interact with the artists and their work throughout the day. The gallery also features studio displays of local and regional artists.

The last Saturday of July is the En Plein Air Festival and part of the community’s summer festival. Great family fun.

[10] CORnInG OPERA HOUSE Cultural Center800 Davis Avenue - Corning641-322-5229corningoperahouse.com

Watch a play. Solve a murder. Enjoy a concert. Dance the night away. Find out what’s currently on stage by checking their website or sign up for their email list. This recently restored 1902 Opera house is on the national register of Historic Places.

The Opera House echoes its previous glory with its original raked stage, tin ceiling and wooden balcony rail. From live theater, music, comedy and other entertainment, the Corning Opera House is alive with an array of cultural experiences.

This historic space is available to rent for weddings, family gatherings, class reunions and other social gatherings.

✓Center For Fine arts

✓oPera HoUse

Stayed in Corning for a week. So much to see. Purchased a wonderful painting from the Art Center. Great band at the Opera House. Even got the hubby to dance with me during a couple of songs. They’ve restored it beautifully. What a treasure! – Katrina from St. Joseph, mO

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[ a t t r a C t i o n s ]

[11] KlIne muSeum112 Sixth Avenue - Prescott 641-335-2445 or 641-335-2549 Sundays 1-4 p.m. (Memorial Day-Labor Day or by appointment)

You can explore and admire the extensive collection of one man’s life journey. Clarence Kline of Prescott spent a lifetime collecting memorabilia. His extensive collection is on display at the Kline museum and features a wide variety of farm machinery. The prize of the collection is the fully restored 1911 Carter automobile, (one of only 500 ever manufactured).

[12] R&S COLLECTIBLES510 Davis Avenue - Corning 641-322-4777 rscollectibless.com

are you a 50’s fan? maybe the 60’s got your engines running. Or perhaps you’re more of a classic? Whatever your fancy, you will cherish time spent at R&S Collectibles. View an array of cars, check out the collectibles and as you wander through, bring your nickel for a cold Coke out of the antique machine. Maybe you even dream of owning one of these cars someday.

Met a friend from KC for lunch. Enjoyed looking at the antique cars, trucks and other vehicles at both the Kline Museum and R&S Collectibles. Picked up some great BBQ from Three C’s for the drive home. Drove past a lake with people out boating. Will have to check out the website more. – Matt from Ames

✓Kline MUseUM

✓r&s ColleCtibles

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[ a t t r a C t i o n s ]

[13] CORnInG WInERY & VInEYARDS2300 State Highway 148 - Corning 641-322-3193 corningwinery.com

Taste award-winning wine varieties on the Floating Vine in its tasting room; it’s a comfortable, casual setting that is the perfect way to round out a day of sight-seeing, at the Corning Winery. Conveniently located at the intersection of Hwy 34 and 148, the Corning winery’s red and white varieties will please any palate.

Celebrate a birthday, host a shower or just sit back with friends and slow your pace as you uncork a bottle on their relaxing deck overlooking the pond and vineyard. This unique space is the perfect destination for small gatherings and private tastings.

Take a tour of the winery to discover how the award-winning wines are crafted and learn wine-growing tips for cultivating the perfect grapes.

[14] CORnInG AMERICAn THEATRE 704 Davis Avenue – Corning 641-418-8006 corningamericantheater.com

Come enjoy the digital theater in this hometown setting. Sit back in your rocker chair, snack on your Orville Redenbacher popcorn (to butter or not to butter – what a decision!), sip on your ice cold drink or snack your way through a box of your favorite candy as you watch the latest movie. The surround sound will envelop you. Open Wednesdays through Sundays. Check the website for shows and show times. Handicap seating is available.

#DateNight In town visiting family who offered to babysit. Enjoyed an early supper at the Country Club. Had drinks together on the deck of the floating winery, then held hands at the movies. A GREAT NIGHT in Corning. – Joe & Sue from Sioux City

✓Corning winery & Vineyards

✓CORNING AMERICAN THEATRE

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[ a t t r a C t i o n s ]

[15] FREnCH ICARIAn VILLAGE710 Davis Avenue - Corning 641-322-4717 icaria.net

Make a piece of rope. Churn butter from cream. Learn about the utopian movement that swept through France in the late 1840’s. These French Icarian immigrants, who sought to establish an egalitarian community, settled in Adams County Iowa and became the longest-lived, non-religious communal society in the United States.

Experience this Icarian way of life at the living history museum. Featuring a communal dining hall and Icarian schoolhouse, groups and individuals can enjoy a hands-on experience with picnic or dining packages.

The half-day student experience packages treats youth to lessons in history, math and reading, as well as various hands-on experiences based on the work, play and life of Icarian children.

[16] ADAMS COUnTY SPEEDWAY1200 John Street - Corning (Saturdays, April - September) Race Day – 641-322-4181 Race Director – 641-418-1957 acspeedway.com

Rev it up each Saturday night at Corning’s nASCAR Whelen All-American Series racing. The Adams County Speedway invites you to experience the excitement every Saturday night, April through September.

The history of Adams County racing on the half-mile dirt track began over 80 years ago. what started as a horse-racing venue eventually and slowly evolved from derby to harness racing to hot rods. In the mid-1980’s, naSCar-sanctioned racing began.

Today you can enjoy five classes of racing: hobby stocks, late models, street stocks, modifieds and B-mods. with muSCO lighting, AMB transponder scoring system, VIP observation decks and weekly radio coverage, you’ll enjoy one of the finest and fastest racing experiences in Iowa.

✓ FrenCH iCarian Village

✓adaMs CoUnt y sPeedway

#HistoryBuff Both my parents went to country school & I love history. Husband is a NASCAR fanatic. So we planned a weekend where we could enjoy both. Made appointments to tour the Icarian Village, JC Birthplace, Opera House & House of History. Then I went to the movies while he spent the night at the Adams County Speedway. It was a great weekend. – Julia from Maryland

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[ t o U r a d a M s C o U n t y ]

SOUTHWEST IOWA TOURS888-623-4232 travelsouthwestiowa.com

Let us help design a wonderful day trip or weekend tour for you. See a few examples below, visit our website or give us a call to create a tour that meets all your needs.

SIP AnD SAVORTaste your way through southwest Iowa! Paint and sip wine with friends. Try an eclectic restaurant. Experience unique microbrews. This is a touring experience for the senses! Southwest Iowa’s wineries, breweries, coffeehouses, restaurants and unique eateries satisfy the sipping and savoring adventure you’re in search of.

THAT’S EnTERTAInMEnTLooking for a great concert, play, show or dance? Check out the schedules of the performing arts venues in Southwest Iowa. Group rates or special tours are available at most sites. You can download the brochure listing websites and contact information, or call us to design a tour to create a whirlwind adventure with several shows and behind-the-stage tours.

EMBRACE HISTORYDig into history and touch a piece of the past as you travel back in time. Work your way across Southwest Iowa, enjoying museums and historic places in each county. Learn about local history, universal musicians and a TV icon. A lesson is only a short drive as you time travel across Southwest Iowa. Call for tour ideas today or just stop in at one of our many museums.

✓siP and saVor

✓ tHat’s entertainMent

✓eMbraCe History

Love these tour ideas in a downloadable brochure so I can take them with me. We were headed from Omaha to Ottumwa a couple of weeks ago and stopped at the Classic Café for a morning snack, visited the Johnny Carson Birthplace and had lunch at Upper Crust Culinary Creations before moving on. Will probably plan some day trips until we’ve visited each one! So much fun. – Grace & Joe from Omaha

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[ F o o d & d r i n K ]

CheCK OuT COrnInGA. Boz’s Kitchen - 613 davis ave. 641-322-3244

B. Breadeaux Pizza - 716 davis ave. 641-322-4747

C. Casey’s Carry Out - 600 Quincy St. 641-322-3031

D. Corning Winery - hwy 34 & 148 641-322-3193

E. Happy Hollow Country Club - Wed - Sat 2068 Valley road 641-322-4333

F. Hy-Vee Deli - 10th Street & Quincy 641-322-3010

G. Hy-Vee Pharmacy - 625 davis ave. 641-322-3454

H. JO’s/Kay’s Kafe - 606-608 davis ave. 641-322-9200

I. Prescott Outpost - 109 6th St., Prescott 641-335-2207

J. Subway - 617 davis ave. 641-322-3222

K. Sweet Desire’s Bakery - 711 davis ave. 641-322-4033

L. The Fickle Frog - 718 davis ave. 641-322-3266

M. The Hog Lot - 1657 railroad St, Brooks 641-322-4001

N. The Pub - 804 davis ave. 641-322-9313

O. Three C’s Diner - 300 9th St. 641-322-4182

P. UFMC Mart/Godfather’s Pizza - 408 6th St. 641-322-3488

Q. Westside Spirits - 801 hull St. 641-322-3159

CREATE YOUR ADVEnTURE In ADAMS COUnTY!

Just so you don’t miss out on anything, use this handy worksheet to plan your visit to Adams County.Trip dates: _______________________________________

n Adams County House of History #8 page 14

n Adams County Speedway #16 page 22

n Aquatic Center #5 page 12

n Corning American Theatre #14 page 20

n Corning Center for the Fine Arts #9 page 16

n Corning Opera House #10 page 16

n Corning Winery & Vineyard #13 page 20

n Family page 4

n Freedom rock/memorial rock Park #4 page 10

n French Icarian Village #15 page 22

n Girls’ Day Away page 6

n Grand Times with Grandkids page 4

n Guys Out-of-Town Getaway page 6

n Happy Hollow Country Club #6 page 12

n historical district/Great american main Street page 2

n Johnny Carson Birthplace #7 page 14

n Kline museum #11 page 18

n Lake Binder #1 page 8

n Lake Icaria #2 page 8

n Parks #3 page 10

n R&S Collectibles #12 page 18

n Romantic Rekindling page 6

n Southwest Iowa Tours page 24

Visit exploreadamsCountyiowa.com